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Will your song requests make the final cut?

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Dancefloor science – Will your song requests make the final cut?

Everyone has their favorite tune or band that they listen to. But how well do they translate to the dancefloor? Think about your ipod playlist or the radio station you listen to. What do you listen to while you’re at work, in the car driving home, or in the bar on a Thursday night?

Every song has a purpose. If you’re hanging out at your dad’s bar, he might be listening to the Bob Dylan or George Thoroughgood. If you’re in the car, maybe some uptempo rock or top 40 is in order. If you’re at work, more than likely your employer tunes into the ‘safe at work’ station that has the word ‘lite’ attatched to it.

But what about the dancefloor at a wedding, school, or corporate event. Chances are, you know what to expect from each. At a wedding, there are some standards that almost always get played. Things like Love Shack, Build me up Buttercup, and the YMCA are all time tested and proven floor fillers. Why? They just work. But what if you’re not into the standards and you want to hear some Manheim Steamroller? Chances are, it’s probably not going to happen. For no other reason other than, a DJ’s purpose is to play for the masses and their job is to pack the floor and keep it full.

Now, what if you’re the bride or groom? Does being the client give you any clout? Absolutely it does. You trust your DJ to make the right decision. After all, this is what you hired them for. Your favorite song may not lend itself to dancing. So where does it fit in? During cocktail hour or dinner service. Dinner is a great opportunity to ‘LISTEN’ to some great music. By playing some of your requests that aren’t danceable during dinner, this allows your guests to share in the joy of a personalized music selection by you. There’s no law that says, ‘KENNY G must be played during dinner.” It can be just about anything you want, within reason of course. Sepultura is probably a little difficult for some folks to digest. But, you get the idea.

So don’t worry about spending days on end thumbing through all of your MP3’s and creating a 5 hour long mix for your DJ to play. Trust your DJ and help them help you take the pressure off your shoulders. Give them a few suggestions that will tell them enough about your taste in music and like a tenured sommelier, they’ll be able to pair the perfect music for every occasion throughout the evening.

It’s our job to entertain. It’s your job to enjoy your special day. It’s all about you.

DJ Aaron DeMarest

DJ Aaron DeMarest – The loveable badass..

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When I asked a fellow colleague of mine where he thought I fit into the marketplace in terms of mobile entertainers, he had this to say.
“Aaron DeMarest, you’re the loveable badass.”

Taken back by that statement and finding it quite humorous, I thought about it for a while.  He hit the nail on the head. Now before you back away with caution, let me explain what he meant…

Your impression of what a DJ is or should be may vary greatly depending on personal experience or what others have told you. What most people perceive a wedding DJ to be is the mid 40’s salt and pepper haired guy with the polished smile and a gold microphone that’s got a voice like Michael Buffer (Let’s get ready to rumble) and swaggar like the Most Interesting Man in the World. (Dos Equis)
And for the most part, based on my experience attending weddings, I’d have to agree.

But what if that’s not what you want? What if you’re looking for something different? Music trends have gotten edgier and edgier as time has gone on. The sombreros and inflatable instrument schtick that your parents enjoyed at their wedding in the 80’s and early 90’s has been laid to rest and new trends like intelligent lighting design and the dancefloor is where it’s at. .So, where does the loveable badass fit in to the equation?

When I do a wedding, it’s a highly personal experience for me and far from cookie cutter`. My Brides and Grooms are the center of my world for those 5 hours and I make sure they know it. It’s all about 2 people in love coming together as one. That’s the loveable part. I’m very passionate about what I do. I want my clients to have an experience that exceeds their expectations.

While most DJs fit the mold of the description you read about above, the badass is the big guy standing at 6’3″ tall you see wearing black & purple sporting a goatee. He’s in control and with a cool and confident smile let’s his clients know that they’re in good hands. A protector of sorts making sure that nothing stands in the way of the client and their ability to enjoy their special day.

 

Wedding Introductions

Wedding Introductions

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Wedding Introductions

One of the most important jobs we have at weddings is introducing loved ones of the bride and groom. This may seem trivial to some but, it is one of the highlights at many wedding receptions. It also sets the tone for how the rest of the reception will be carried out.

But what if you’re someone who doesn’t like to be the center of attention?  Or maybe it’s the exact opposite and you like the idea of all eyes on you. It’s ok. Your wedding is all about you. There are many different styles of wedding introductions. You can find most of them on Youtube from DJs across the country. Every DJ’s style is a little bit different and brings something special to the table depending on the tastes and preference of the bride and groom.

Here are a couple of examples…

The Conservative: A conservative intro would have a classic feel. Not over the top energy but more or less, a simple announcement of the bridal party with very little embellishment.

The Average Joe: A little more upbeat than the conservative but not a showstopper. Your guests will undoubtedly know you’re there but, it’s a more laid back approach to introductions.

The Grand Entrance: This is reserved for doctors, lawyers, and elected officials who’s title is very important to them. You’ll hear more of a presidential announcer quality to the voice and lots of Dr, Senator, and Esquire mixed in.

Let’s get ready to rumble!: Use your imagination. This is probably the favorite among radio DJs gone mobile. They love to be the center of attention and really put on a show for your guests.

The Comedian/Chris Berman Special: This is reserved for bridal parties and guests who have both a good sense of humor and like to take part in Cosplay to emulate their extroverted personality or favorite fantasy character. You might hear the best man introduced as Dan ‘THE MAN’ Johnson and the maid of honor, Princess Layla Jones.

THE ROCKSTAR: When you are looking for the most energetic introduction to make you feel like a rockstar, this is the one you want. You might hear something like, “You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest couple in CT. BOB & JANET!!!!!!!!!!!!”

No matter what your preferences are, there is a DJ and an intro for every personality. A seasoned pro will be able to switch from one to the other seamlessly depending on your taste.

Last week, we had the pleasure of entertaining Lauren & Chris and 200 of their closest friends and family at the Lake of Isles @ Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Here is an example of one of the many introduction styles we offer.

Wedding Disc Jockeys in CT – Lauren & Chris @ Lake of Isles – Pryme Tyme Entertainment

Quality Wedding Entertainers, award winning wedding dj

Wedding Disc Jockeys – It’s time to raise the bar.

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This is a post I have been holding off on for quite some time. But, for those of you who have met me in person, you know that I never pull any punches and I will be honest with you. So here goes…

Every day, I keep up with the latest DJ industry news, the bridal forums on weddingwire, DJ forums on facebook, and many other entertainment and wedding specific groups and publications. Sadly, alot of what I read is the same old regurgitated topics.  How do I make more money as a DJ? Why do DJs charge so much? I lost a wedding to an ipod. And last but not least, my sister’s wedding dj ruined her wedding, I’m thinking of using an ipod.

All things considered, I believe I have found the one detail that these topics have in common. SERVICE.
Why service you ask? It’s simple really. Whether you’re a DJ or a bride, service is king. When we purchase equipment or subscribe to a website like WeddingWire, we want the best service possible so that we know if need be, we’ll be taken care of. The same goes for brides and clients of all types. When you hire your DJ or wedding team, you want to make sure that everything will be on point, stress free, and enjoyable. So why are we seeing the same old ‘CHEAP’ topics coming up?

The economy has been in a downward spiral for 5 years now and companies are tightening their belts. People are getting laid off in record numbers and for some, becoming a DJ overnight to make fast cash seems like a great idea. It’s not.
These weekend warriors and overnight companies lack the experience and the business sense that goes into running a successful entertainment company and things like ‘Taking care of the customer’ and ‘Holding yourself accountable’ seem to pass by and ultimately, the client pays the price.

The same can be said for the client. If you’ve fallen on hard times or are trying to be fiscally responsible, you may be cutting costs where and when you can. That being said, you also know as a seasoned consumer, that when you invest in something, you want to make sure that you get a return on investment. That’s where the professional comes in.

So here’s my message to my colleagues and competitors:
You know that the economy is bad. Instead of banging your head against a wall and waiting for the next dollar to come through, raise the bar. You need to be on your A game and above. If you take care of the client in the down economy, when we’re on the rebound, those clients will be customers for life and will grow with your business.

To my brides & clients:
Knowing what you know now, DON’T SETTLE for the lowest bidder. They are a dime a dozen. Not all wedding Disc Jockeys are created equal. Take the time now to meet with your wedding vendors and choose the one that best suits your needs. You’ll be glad you did.

4 tips for a successful Wedding Celebration

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4 tips for a successful Wedding Celebration

Whenever I meet with a newly engaged couple, I always give them the 4 tips for a successful wedding. Most couples only do this once in their life and don’t have the experience of planning a wedding from the bride and groom’s point of view.
So here we go!

Tip #1 – Eat your dinner


All too often, the bride and groom will spend most of dinner going from table to table greeting their guests and thanking them for attending their special day. Although you want your guests to know your appreciation for being a part of your wedding, they understand that this is your big day and they want you to enjoy. That being said, make sure you take time for yourself and get some nourishment. At $50-$100 a plate, you want to make sure that you get what you are paying for and be able to enjoy your reception by energizing yourself with food and drink.

Tip #2 – Have your cake and eat it too

The cutting of the wedding cake is not only ceremonious but for your enjoyment as well. The sugar boost you get right before you hit the dancefloor for the evening will leave you feeling perky and ready to party!

Tip #3 – Take off those shoes

After standing in heels for an hour at your ceremony, being posed for hundreds of pictures by your photographer, and with friends, your feet take a beating. Bring flip flops or flats for the reception. This way you will be able to relax and dance the night away comfortably. And speaking of dancing…

Tip #4 Dance like noone’s watching

This is the most important tip of all. This is your special day. It should be a fun and memorable experience. After all is said and done, most guests will not remember the cheese tray or the bows on the backs of the chairs but they will remember if they danced. And you will too! Throw caution to the wind and dance. Do your best Michael Jackson impression or play the air guitar for that band you always wanted to see growing up.

All in all, if you follow these 4 steps, you too can have a successful wedding celebration!

Have the time of your life…

 

 

 

 

Burr Homestead Wedding – Lauren & Jon

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Burr Homestead Wedding – The wedding of Lauren & Jon

Last night was a wedding for the ages. The marriage of Lauren and Jon took place at the Historic Burr Homested in Fairfield, CT. Lauren, Jon an guests were from the greater NYC area. That being said, their expectation of what a wedding DJ from CT was probably a lot different than what you’d expect. The fancy tuxedo, the golden microphone, maybe some mexican party hats and a few blow up instruments. But on this night, the music took them on a journey through the 5 boroughs. From the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the rat pack at  Radio City Music Hall, to the hip hop capitol of the world, Brooklyn, NY.

After a two and a half hour cocktail hour and Mediterranean influenced smorgasbord of delectable food, guests also enjoyed a candy bar that would even leave WIlly Wonka himself in awe. Every tasty treat from childhood from cotton candy, candied and caramel apples and even a smores station were featured.

Once the guests had their fill of champagne and sugary confections, the estate turned full swing into a house party. This wealthy, white collar town was shaken to it’s core when the music started. After a 4 hour marathon of dancing and singing, it was time to bring this party to a close. The night ended with a hug and a smile from the newlyweds and it was time to head back to the office.

Check out some video from last night’s wedding,.

Elm Court Estate Wedding – Constance & Austin

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Elm Court Estate Wedding – Constance & Austin

September 15th 2012 marks the day that Connie Chace and Austin Neudecker joined hands in matrimony.
Over 200 guests were in attendance for the vows at the Vanderbuilt Family’s ‘Elm Court Estate‘ in Lenox, MA. The newlyweds spent their 9 year courtship travelling the globe from country to country seeking out  adventure and experiencing the different cultures around the world.

The wedding was non-traditional to say the least. An hour and 15 minutes of vow exchanging, stories, and rememberances followed by another hour and a half of blessings, poetry and song. The food was eclectic and featured dishes from the places that they had visited around the world including India, Japan, Italy, Germany and others. The imported wine and beers from around the world also made an appearance for this marathon wedding reception. After a 2 hour dinner and a video narrated by the newlyweds, the dance floor was open to all to enjoy. For four straight hours into the early morning, the music room of the estate was transformed into a nightclub atmosphere complete with colorful uplighting to highlight the already beautiful architecture of the mansion. It was a heart pounding, fist pumping all out dance party that left even the most conservative of guests jumping for joy.

By 12:30 am the majority of the guests were pretty tired after the high end swaray but found one more burst of energy for the last song, “The Time (Dirty Bit) by the Black Eyed Peas” came on and the words “I’ve had the time of my life” could be heard throughout the estate. It was a wedding of epic proportion and one that noone would soon forget.

Little Italy comes to The Candlewood Inn

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Little Italy comes to The Candlewood Inn

The first of September as I remember it was a perfect day for a wedding. Vic and Crystal Vicenzi thought so too.

Vic and Crystal Vicenzi were married on September 1st at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield during a beautiful Connecticut sunset with Candlewood Lake as their backdrop. Hues of orange and blue could be seen in the dusk sky as the sun began setting behind the mountains surrounding the lake. After this beautiful ceremony took place, the party began. Guests were treated to exquisite cuisine from the chefs at Candlewood. The music selection for the evening was reminiscent of a class of 1990 something’s prom. Artists like Bel Biv Devoe, Tony, Toni, Tone and  many other 90’s one hit wonders set the mood for this 30 something crowd.

The champagne was flowing, the singing was plentiful, and the dancing left guests looking like they had just run the Boston Marathon. Pryme Tyme Entertainment‘s funtastic photo booth also made an appearance and was a hit with guests. Mark Boisvert from mebCINEMA took video of the ceremony and festivities which will be featured in Pryme Tyme Entertainment‘s next wedding promotional video. The video should be out sometime in mid November and will be posted on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, and many other media outlets.

All in all, this wedding was a 10 out of 10.

grand oak villa wedding, kate & chris

Kate & Chris at Grand Oak Villa

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Kate & Chris at Grand Oak Villa

On August 9th, 2012 –

Kate Fasano and Chris Keller sealed the deal and began their journey as husband and wife. Pryme Tyme Entertainment was fortunate enough to be a part of the festivities. After a lovely ceremony at First Congregational Church in Watertown, the Kellers, family, friends and guests made their way down to Watertown’s wedding destination, The Grand Oak Villa. Kate had known Aaron (President of Pryme Tyme) since grade school and after finding him on facebook asked if he could be her wedding DJ for her special day.

With over 4 weddings in the Fasano family this past year, the Kellers had seen many different DJs and were anxious to see what a Pryme Tyme Entertainment wedding would be like. The newlyweds and guests enjoyed an energetic party atmosphere and danced late into the night. Pryme Tyme Entertainment’s funtastic photo booth was also in attendance and was a big hit with guests and brought out the kid in everyone.

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Keller for choosing Pryme Tyme Entertainment for their special day at the Grand Oak Villa. We wish you many happy years to come and hope to see you again soon!

Proms, Proms, Proms

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Proms, Proms, Proms!

May was a fantastic month for proms here at PTE. We kicked things off with New Fairfield at the beautiful Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury CT and rocked over 250 students. The whole night was a high energy Hollywood themed atmosphere.
Wanna see a video? Click the link below to check it out.

New Fairfield High School – Prom 2012

Next up we had an EMERGENCY PROM for Mercy High School. We loaded up 10,000 watts worth of sound system and a basic light show and headed to the Aqua Turf. All within an hour. Phew! It could not have gone better. I don’t think I saw so many smiling faces when I arrived and started playing. The energy of these kids was INSANE! They danced and sang all night long till the last song at 11:30. As Frankie Valli said, “Oh what a night” The students and faculty enjoyed themselves so much in fact, they scratched their junior prom dj the following week and asked PTE to entertain the junior class.

Check out the highlights by clicking the link below.
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL – PROM 2012 – Highlights

I assisted with a photo booth for a friend of ours and had a nice relaxing night at the Aqua Turf just a few weeks after Mercy High School’s prom and ran a photo booth. The students at Litchfield High School were some of the best kids I have had the pleasure of working with so far this year. The photo booths were JAMMING from the time the doors opened till 5 mins after the prom ended. **If you would like a photo booth for your next event, call and reserve yours with Pryme Tyme Entertainment!**

The last and final prom for the season was for Oxford High School. We headed to the Aqua Turf one last time and set up “CLUB PRYME TYME” The intelligent light show, fog, and killer sound system using our new MAXX STAXX brought the house down. Our videographer was there to capture it all on camera. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT! You would have thought we were at a concert. The dancefloor was PACKED all night long! One of my fondest memories of that evening was as people were leaving, a young man asked that I play just one more song for he and his girlfriend to dance to.  I dimmed the lights and just left a single spot in the middle of the floor on them. It was a picture perfect moment. Two hearts coming together right before my eyes. That moment will last a lifetime and I was happy to be a part of it.

A big thank you to New Fairfield High School, Mercy High School, Oxford High School, Robert and Don @ the Aqua Turf for a fabulous Prom Season! You guys are the reason why I love what I do. Keep rockin, and we’ll see you next year…