Why Do Weddings and Wedding Receptions Look

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ISSUE 200 NOVEMBER 2018 WWW.MOBILEBEAT.COM THIS IS HOW WE DO IT EVENTS FROM ALL OVER Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com Bose www.bose.com THIS IS HOW WE DO IT PLAYLIST

TRACK ONE...... 6 Mobile Beat Keeps on Rolling By Dan Walsh

MOBILE MATTERS...... 8 Celebrating Culture at Wedding Receptions By Matt Martindale

WEDDING BEAT...... 12 Latin Weddings for Gringo DJs By Staci Nichols

FEATURE...... 14 Reception Road Trip By Kevin Freese

PRODJFILES...... 18 ADVERTISERS DJ Whit Taylor: Spinning Around the Globe By DJ Dayna 12 Habits... www.weddingmarketingmastery. 21 PRODJFILES...... 22 - Terry Lewis book co.uk/p/12-habits DJ Spen: Building House and Spinning Joy Audio-Technica www.audio-technica.com 9 By Mike Cordeiro Bose www.bose.com 3

A DIFFERENT BEAT...... 26 DigiGames www.digigames.com 11 Traditions Across Space and Time Innovative LED www.innovativeledsales.com 7 By Stu Chisholm Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com 2 FEATURE...... 27 Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com 28 Ethnic Wedding Survival Guide PCDJ www.pcdj.com 13 By Bob Lindquist QSC www.qsc.com 5 Wedding Word Search Call/text 970-302-0747 17

Publisher Events Director Editorial Assistant / Ryan Burger Jake Feldman Writer Mobile Beat Circulation Manager Rebecca Burger Editor-in-Chief Kitty Harr Events Director Emeritus Dan Walsh Michael Buonaccorso

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4 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 QSC...... www.qsc.com TRACK ONE Mobile Beat Keeps on Rolling QUIETLY CELEBRATING A MILESTONE 200TH ISSUE By Dan Walsh

SC : Honestly, I cannot think of a single thing. Everything o... I had hoped to take a close look through has changed, some things for the good, some...not so good. S Mobile Beat’s last 100 issues and come up with a Every aspect of our gear has changed, from the frequencies bunch of fun facts to share, but, alas, life as a busy our wireless mics inhabit, to the media we play and how we purchase it. My performance isn't anything like it used to be, editor / dad of a two-year-old interfered to keep me and my guess is that most DJs would say the same of them- from getting that done in time to share in this issue. selves. From my own parochial view, I guess the biggest (However, look for more links back to some of MB’s valuable, constant of my DJ world has been my van, a '96 Ford E350 continually relevant older articles at MobileBeat.com over the box truck I bought new and was featured in your "vehicle next few months, as we dig in and start mining some of the "gold" roundup." It still has less than 80,000 miles on it, and I totally our writers have given us over the years. Or, if you feel like taking refurbished it for another decade of service! a stroll down MB’s memory lane on your own, all you have to do is head over to https://www.mobilebeat.com/digital-edition/ and DW : What do think might develop in near future for Mobile DJs? keep scrolling down.) What about further ahead in time? However, while looking back through the archives, I realized SC : Oh, I've already been lambasted by our pal, Michael that one of our most dependable and readable writers, Stu Buonaccorso on that one! Some years ago I was asked to Chisholm, has been with us for roughly the last 100 issues, having prognosticate on what the DJ world might look like in the started in issue #98, December 2005. (That’s not counting his not-too-distant future. A friend of mine who is a mover-and- shaker in the computer world told me of some new tech being developed at the IBM Watson Research Lab, where they had recently developed a polymer that could hold data at the molecular level. And, according to him, they had been able to write on each molecule twice by polarizing the laser light, doubling the possible data density! In 200 short, a small cube of this holographic material could contain nearly every sound recording ever made. long letter to the editor in issue #97, which put Stu in our cross- Yet time has not seen the introduction of any products hairs to snag as a new writing talent.) Thus, I thought it would still based on this development, which was a real world thing. (My make a nice nod to the second-hundred-milestone, to see what guess: The military is using it and keeping it under wraps for Stu has perceived to be the biggest changes in DJing since he a bit longer than expected.) Mike gleefully gutted me about started with MB. I asked him three questions and let him touch that one in his otherwise fine book, A Different Spin: The DJ on any aspect of DJing—gear, business, performance, music, etc. Story. So with that bit of back story, I think I'll stick with my own DW : What are the most striking changes you've seen in the mobile feeble powers of foresight and say that, in my humble view, DJ world over the last decade or so? the industry will continue to tighten up. DJs who stand out from the crowd, being true entertainers, will always be in SC : There are two big ones from my perspective. First, the demand. Even more modest DJ companies will emphasize industry has moved away from dedicated media players to performance, stage presence and mixing savvy to the point software/computer-based playback systems—like it or not. where few clients will even remember the days of the DJ who I tend to not, but I guess I'm in the minority on that one. On “just pressed 'play'." By contrast, it may become harder for the bright side, the software has gotten a lot more robust, the guys trying to break into the business without any real stable and intuitive since the grand old days of DJ Power training, as most of us old codgers did. and the original PCDJ. The second change is in the level of performance that Thanks, Stu, for a hundred-issues-worth of great info, well- DJs exhibit today. Industry-wide, DJs have stepped-up their expressed. And thanks to you, readers, for continuing to look game, whether by adding a photo booth or two, getting into to the post-paper-based Mobile Beat as a source of solid, useful uplighting, or taking improv classes, attending classes and information in this fast-moving, digital age. Here’s to the next seminars. It is very gratifying to see! hundred!

DW : What are the most notable things, from your perspective, that have (maybe surprisingly) stayed the same over that same time?

6 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 Innovative LED www.innovativeledsales.com MOBILE MATTERS Celebrating Culture at Wedding Receptions A LOOK AT THE ORIGINS AND MODERN APPLICATION OF NUPTIAL TRADITIONS By Matt Martindale

com). Yet as wedding plans progress, this is where one’s roots, hy do weddings and wedding receptions look heritage and ancestry—the things that are held dear—come to W the way they do? How can couples celebrate the fore. It’s that moment where two individual pasts begin to the culture or cultures they and their families are part fuse with the promise of a collective future, and an opportunity arises to honor traditions, customs, culture and heritage, opening of, as they unite together to start a new family? It’s a door to family history. helpful to step back occasionally and consider wedding Every wedding is a story of its own. traditions from a “big picture,” historical perspective. Much of it is composed from traditions that are common and expected, yet almost invisible. Yes, people marry for love, but TIMES CHANGE BUT TRADITIONS REMAIN throughout history, marriage has also served a broader purpose Many wedding traditions originated from agrarian societies to ensure the continuation of society. From the beginning of the where the bride was “given” to the groom’s family. The white human journey, ancestors bonded together. As they did, their dress meant virginity, the cake meant fertility, and bridesmaids clans, tribes and communities grew stronger. They never took dressed like the bride (originally exactly like the bride) in an effort good fortune for granted. When they married, they made inten- to confuse evil spirits or rejected suitors. The groom stood to the tional gestures of thanksgiving. They offered tribute to their gods right of the bride so that his right hand was free to grab his sword with acts like: tossing grain at the couple to symbolize a wish for and fend off kidnappers who would try to kidnap her to collect fertility, good crops and a bountiful harvest (now symbolized a hefty ransom. From the Victorian era we got bridal bouquets, by tossing rice, birdseed, etc); or having loud noises abound to whose scents (mostly herbs like thyme, etc.) where meant to hide drive away evil spirits (now done by the sound of church bells, the stench of an unclean society and also to ward off evil spirits. the cling of champagne glasses or tin cans tied to the getaway In today’s society, about 51 percent of brides still consider vehicle). While early wedding traditions grew out of the need for their weddings “traditional” (according to the WeddingReport. a feeling of protection, they continue as ways of showing honor,

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Audio-Technica www.audio-technica.com MOBILE MATTERS respect and honoring one’s culture. and several Vietnamese brides changing dresses multiple times A wedding is an exciting time to honor and celebrate two throughout the night. We’ve seen hundreds of unique splashes cultures and can be pretty special if you want it to be. Why? What of culture throughout the years. is a wedding? It’s a celebration of love; a love that is shared by Coming back to the DJ’s primary focus, music and dance are two individual who have chosen to live life in tandem. That, by its obviously great ways to recognize culture, honor heritage and nature, is a description of unity. Each person comes into marriage embrace tradition in the wedding celebration with a unique culture, history, voice, past and identity. But The key to a successful multicultural celebration is that weddings that are truly multicultural bring together two broader everyone (including all vendors) needs to understand exactly cultures, featuring social, geographical and faith foundations. It what the couple has in mind for their wedding day. Again, what is an opportunity to express cultural heritage in a combined way. we say to clients is “It is critical to find out any potential boundar- Maintaining balance though, is the key. If one culture dominates ies before you have a signed contract. Not all vendors are flexible. over another, it can be a very touchy subject, not only with how Some are not willing to work on multi-cultural weddings. Others it is received that day, but can even create a potentially awkward may not have the experience or creativity to tastefully pull it off family dynamic down the road. Part of the DJ’s job is to help the well. The fact is, in order to bring your creative dreams to life, couple celebrate their love and all the things that make them and to tastefully celebrate your cultures, you need to commu- unique as a couple. They can pay homage to their heritage by nicate your wishes, and how you plan to honor (break, twist or incorporating elements that celebrate their cultures and stories fuse) those traditions. Communicating with clarity is essential for with personalized charm. the creation of your day, your way. So, have this discussion well before you book your vendors.” EXCITING POSSIBILITIES The prime goal of entertainment is fun; but that entertainment SPECIFIC STEPS doesn’t have to lack purpose. At my company, what we say to mul- Since we view weddings as a “uniquely you” celebration, my ticultural couples is “You can have a celebration that reflects you, business model forgoes the typical five-minute phone discus- your cultures, heritage, traditions and yet, is still 100 percent you!” sion or quick email reply to deliver a makeshift and hopeful price For example, food selection is an obvious way to pay tribute quote, assuming that later I can fit what I do into their dream day to a family’s roots. It can be traditional ethnic foods for the whole and collect a paycheck. Instead, I intentionally invest the time to meal, but can also be something simple, like an ethnic dessert, meet with my couples face to face so we can discuss their vision side dish, or cocktail. Celebrate culture with flowers and décor. in detail before booking. For me personally, it’s important that I Shamrocks and Belles of Ireland represent the Emerald Isle; roses hear their values and beliefs. It’s important to me that I become are the emblem of England; orchids adorn Hawaiian leis. Yellow a trusted partner devoted to the success of their event. I want to tulips symbolize of fame and perfect love—originally from Persia know what’s important to them, and why specific things matter. I and Turkey, later given the name “tulip” after being brought also want to make sure that we are a right fit. I want to make sure to Holland in the 16th century—as well as cheerful thoughts, they are completely confident in my ability to fulfill their vision, meaning “there’s sunshine in your smile.” their way. In that initial 90 minute complimentary wedding vision Use specific colors, fabric, and décor within the space you’ve and planning appointment (yep, it’s 90 minutes of awesome been given to “paint” the room that celebrates your cultures. For planning before booking), I ask a lot of questions. Two especially Japanese weddings, I’ve actually seen 1,000 brightly colored, important questions that I always ask are: folded origami cranes strung from the ceiling (called “senbazuru”); • Do you have any special family traditions, songs or hundreds of round red paper lanterns and a generous dousing of dances that you plan to do? red and gold provide a Chinese touch; and magnificently vibrant • Are you planning to do anything special to honor your and colorful drapes, swags and canopies accented by floral cultures, heritages, faith or ancestry? Anything that will motifs are standard for Indian weddings. celebrate beliefs or cultural traditions—whether it is with Small but specific cultural elements added to the celebration music, specific dances or rituals—that I need to know can tastefully pay homage to each heritage represented by bride about? and groom. Things like “pyebaek” (the traditional Korean wedding Then my suggestions will be as follows: “Planning a wedding bowing ceremony that offers a beautiful and meaningful way to that celebrates your cultures is really about having a discussion honor parents); or the Russian “gorko” (which means “bitter”) and about values and beliefs. Personalizing your wedding, celebrat- serves as a signal for the newlyweds to kiss to sweeten the bitter ing your traditions and honoring your heritage are beautiful acts drinks, as guests count aloud how many seconds the kiss lasts, of love and respect. The jewel is honoring your parents, grand- which is said to show the strength of their love for one another; parents and all those that have gone before you. “Identify those elements of your culture, heritage and faith that are most important to you. (Take time to consider your Matt Martindale has been a professional wedding date, attire, cultural interests, culinary interests, favorite DJ and MC since 1989, performing at more holidays, music styles, and traditions.) than 1,400 wedding receptions since then. “Discuss those ideas with the professionals you are Along with running his award-winning, multi-DJ company, Amoré DJ Entertainment selecting, before you hire them. (www.amoredjentertainment.com), he has “Together, decide how to integrate the traditions of your accumulated extensive entertainment experience culture, heritage and faith and celebrate through music, food, including training in audio production, sound dance, flowers, décor, drinks, colors and ritual.” engineering, lighting and design, improv comedy, Fusing two cultures is a lot of fun! It can be subtle or grand— voice over artistry, magic, and much more. you choose!

10 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 DigiGames...... www.digigames.com WEDDING BEAT Latin Weddings for Gringo DJs

By Staci Nichols

WEDDING BEAT

Johann Strauss or other slow dances. The Vibora de la Mar has been done in Latin Weddings a variety of different ways at my weddings. The most common is for the bride and groom to stand on chairs about two feet for Gringo DJs apart and put their hands together to form a bridge. The men in the crowd form a line and hold hands with perhaps the groom's By Staci Nichols dad or Best Man at the front of the line together a playlist on my blog, “34 Gringo- (i.e. the “head” of the snake). You'll play a n this day and age, anyone Friendly Spanish Dance Songs for an song like Grupo I's “A La Vibora de la Mar,” I can google a playlist or some Intercultural Mexican Wedding” that gets and the chain of men will snake quickly thousands of hits each month. through the room and end by going under wedding traditions from a certain the bride/groom bridge. The leader of the culture. But how do you know THE MUSIC snake should run (not walk) and weave if what you find is “the real Well, check out my playlist; I even provide between tables and chairs so the snake deal”? Will those songs work? you with a recipe on how to use the songs. actually moves like a snake. One variation Where to get the songs on the playlist? I've seen included a separate vibora for What you really need is a trusted the women. I've also seen the vibora hit source to provide the data. I lived in Definitely BPM Supreme. I belong to two other popular DJ pools and, hands down, the groom's chair as it passed through Mexico for 8 years, DJ’d mostly intercultur- the bridge, trying to knock him off. This al destination weddings while I was there, BPM Supreme has the biggest selection of Latin wedding music. A lot of sites tradition originated in Mexico but can be and was also the bride at my very own seen throughout Latin America. Gringo-Latin wedding. Additionally, I put have reggaeton, but, when it comes to a wedding, you'll need stuff they don't spin It's worth attending a Latin wedding in most clubs (cumbias, merengue, salsa, just for the possibility of catching of banda, and more). It's not necessary to catching a Baile del Mandilon! This is a subscribe to a Latin DJ pool to find what Mexican tradition in which the Maid of you'll need. And you will want DJ edits/ Honor or other female puts an apron on redrums of this music—trust me! the groom, gives him a broom, and often even hands him one of the other guests' TERMINOLOGY TO KNOW babies. She then hands the bride a cold Unfortunately, you will find A LOT of con- alcoholic drink...and maybe a pair of sun- troversy in the community about what glasses...but, most importantly, a whip. to call some standard wedding stuff in Yep! They walk around the dance floor in Spanish. If you are doing some Spanglish a circle a few times while the bride drinks MCing, ask clients if these terms are what and literally whips the husband's back. they were expecting...just to be sure. The husband sweeps as he walks. Often • Maid of Honor AND Bridesmaid: the crowd will cheer for him to “pick up Dama de Honor the pace” or let him know he missed a spot. Use the song “El Mandilon” by • Best Man AND Groomsman AND Banda Machos, which talks about the new Wedding Sponsor (i.e. an uncle husband's lost bachelorhood. who paid for the cake): Padrino NETWORKING THE TRADITIONS Gringos, if you are approached to handle The traditions I run into most frequently at a Latin wedding, or are looking to expand Latin weddings are: Money Dance (el Baile your base, my final tidbit is to shadow a de Billete), Vibora de la Mar (meaning Latin DJ in your area. Fernando Sixto of “Snake of the Sea”), and, my personal Sixto DJ here in San Diego has allowed me favorite, El Mandilon (meaning “the hen- to tag along to one of his events. (We met pecked husband”). at Mobile Beat Las Vegas, despite being Many cultures have Money Dances, neighbors!). I looked over his shoulder all and people who come from backgrounds night and literally wrote down every song without Money Dances have adopted he played. In exchange, Fernando has doing them as well—pretty mainstream observed me at all-English events to help today. A traditional Baile de Billete will him learn English wedding music better. be to regular waltzes like something by It's a win-win!

DJ Staci Nichols is based in San Diego and specializes in spinning “country fusion,” Latin/Spanish, and mainstream music. Her know-how has appeared in San Diego Style Weddings, Offbeat Bride, Wedding Planner Magazine, and Book More Brides. She offers consulting at WeddingBizConsultant.com or check out her DJ biz at SanDiegoDJStaci.com. IG/FB/Pinterest/Twitter: SanDiegoDJStaci

12 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 PCDJ www.pcdj.com FEATURE Reception Road Trip

By Kevin Freese

FEATURE Reception Road Trip ------A LOOK AT WEDDING CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE US AND CANADA By Kevin Freese

individual markets and know what makes s a mobile DJ in Seattle, wedding receptions in those markets A Washington, it is not unique and special. Sure, at first glance uncommon for Tim Humphrey we notice a lot that wedding receptions have in common anywhere on the map, of Ideal Entertainment to take a but learning the well-established tradi- request for “Jump On It” by Sir tions and new local trends from as many Mix-a-Lot at a wedding reception. different regions as possible can help us There’s a good chance that he’ll as DJs to broaden our skill sets, strengthen our mobility, and connect us with the also play the artist’s biggest hit, culture of our industry in a new way. With “Baby Got Back,” during the night, those goals in mind we set out on the road but as Tim points out, “People from to visit with DJs from various regions in the state of Washington are very the U.S. and Canada. proud of their local artists, so we WINDY WICHITA WEDDINGS tend to play more of their music Based in Wichita, Kansas, Bryan Foley of than what might be played in other Bryan Foley Entertainment has been a parts of the United States.” Sir Mix- full-time DJ since 1987. Prior to settling in a-Lot was born in Seattle, as was Kansas, he had worked on the East Coast in Virginia and along the Florida’s Gulf Coast. Macklemore and Jimi Hendrix—two “Given where I was located in Florida, other artists Tim is used to playing. it was very popular to have weddings Dave Matthews Band is also wildly outside,” says Bryan. “We did a lot of popular at wedding receptions beach ceremonies followed by cocktails in Seattle. Although the group is outdoors. The rest of the reception was either inside or in an open-air setting.” not originally from the area, they Bryan has noticed that outdoor ceremo- have an affinity for Seattle and are nies and cocktail hours are a new trend often seen in its neighborhoods. in Kansas. “Surprisingly, it actually feels A sense of pride in artists connected hotter here in Kansas during the summer- to the area is just one aspect that makes time than it did in Florida because of the DJing in the Seattle area unique to other sea breeze,” he notes. parts of the U.S. and Canada. With the While it may not be the cool sea region’s picturesque landscape, the breeze Bryan was accustomed to in natural scenery is a highlight of many Florida, Kansas gets plenty of wind. In fact, venues, and there’s often a portion of it’s commonplace for gusts to surge up the evening, like cocktail hour, held to 50 mph on any given day—including outdoors—at least in theory. “Plan B is wedding days. “They’re really used to it always on the table in Seattle because of here, so it doesn’t effect whether or not the weather,” says Tim. “You never know my clients have their ceremony or cocktail when rain will alter the setup of an event.” hour outside,” explains Bryan. And then there is the daylight, which After decades in the business, Bryan sometime lasts until late evening due to says that he’s enjoyed the unique aspects Seattle’s location on the globe. “We don’t of working with clients in all the places see twilight until about 9:30 at night in he’s served. Since settling in Wichita, he the summer, so many couples opt to start has had the opportunity to orchestrate a their receptions later to take advantage Grand March for his clients, which is not of the mood that comes with nighttime,” seen in Florida or many other regions of explains Tim, who appreciates the oppor- the country. The meaningful tradition of tunity to incorporate his lighting system the Grand March is full of symbolism and after the sun goes down. has ties to communities with large Polish Like Tim, mobile DJs across the U.S. and Eastern European populations. As and Canada have a strong sense of their Bryan explains it, the Grand March looks

14 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 Sure, at first glance we notice a lot that wedding receptions have in common any------where on the map, but learning the well------established traditions and new local trends from as many different regions as possible can help us as DJs to broaden our skill sets, strengthen our mobility, and connect us with the culture of our industry in a new way.

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 15 “We do a lot of garter auctions instead of “The average reception in the Detroit the traditional garter toss in the western area is six hours long. The Hustle is still a part of Iowa. I haven’t noticed that same popular dance in the area, but the most Side Trip: trend in other areas of the state, so it’s common song for it here is My Eyes Don’t ------something relatively local.” ~ Derek Zerr, Cry by Stevie Wonder.” ~ Tom Neville, MI - - - - DJs from DnA Music Entertainment, Zearing, Iowa Event DJs, Woodhaven, Michigan “Weddings in the Finger Lakes region “Wedding guests in my region tend to Various of New York offer world class views and enjoy having a few drinks and visiting some of the best wineries in the country with each other, so it’s rare that I get a real combined with a hometown feel to make dance crowd. I mainly play mood music— Places your wedding memorable. We have a lot country is a mainstay with a little classic of outdoor ceremonies in rural areas, so a rock and top 40 mixed in.” ~ Dan Stigall, generator is a must.” ~ Jerry Karns, Prestige Drop In Entertainment, Bozeman, Montana Worldwide Entertainment, Bath, New York “Autumn weddings are very popular in Connecticut. September and October are the busiest months, but I’m also seeing an increase in Holiday/Christmas themed weddings. Many couples choose this area because it’s halfway between Boston and New York City. Depending on their sports alle- giances, Sweet Caroline is big for Boston fans and New York, New York is a hit with Yankees fans.” ~ Kevin William, Powerstation Events, Cheshire, Connecticut

16 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 similar to a conga line only with much more calculated directions large population has led to a flourishing wedding market with and elaborate movements. “It usually lasts for several songs, and a number of traditional banquet halls in the area. Receptions in it’s done to Polka music,” says Bryan. “My clients chose to include the Chicago are most often six hours in length. Similar to Seattle’s - - - - it right after dinner. It was a great energy booster.” affection for local artists, Chicago has a special connection- - to - - Bryan also notes the tradition of doing the dollar dance is songs that are from films shot in the city. Think “Twist & Shout” by still alive and well in Kansas. He estimates that about 30% of his The Beatles from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. And I would bet that you clients still want to include it. “I’d also say that 99.9% of wedding hear “Shake a Tailfeather” by Ray Charles from The Blues Brothers reception meals are served buffet style here,” adds Bryan. more in the Windy City than you do anywhere else in the country. This is a stark contrast from the East Coast where dinner is In Charlotte, wedding receptions are typically buffet style, almost always served in courses—a format that changes the flow which helps move the four-hour timeline toward dancing of the evening compared to buffet style. quicker. There are also far fewer traditional banquet halls in the area. Instead, most receptions are hosted at historic estates or NORTHEASTERN AGENDA family homes, as well as upscale hotels and restaurants. While Lou Hebert is the owner of SOUNDfx Entertainment based in many areas of the Carolinas are seeing an influx of transplanted central New Jersey and serves parts of Pennsylvania and New York residents, local Carolinians are well-versed in Shag dancing to in addition to his home state. He’s been in the DJ business for 33 beach music—a genre you will still hear at receptions. “Shagging” years. “I’ve noticed that everything is set much more to a defined is a choreographed partner dance that originated in Myrtle schedule in the Northeast,” says Lou. He walks through the most Beach, South Carolina before spreading across the region. [ Click common schedule of events for receptions in his region: cocktail here to access info on Beach music, including a “top 50” song list, hour, grand entrance, special dances, toast, blessing, dinner with in MB #21, Sept. 1994. ~Ed. ] optional dancing between each course, open dancing, cake These are just a few places where you’ll find unique wedding cutting and other activities, and a final high energy closing set reception characteristics. From coast to coast, each region has for open dancing. The reception is usually five hours total. its own distinct flavor. While the DJ business is full of universal Due to the large population in the New York/New Jersey qualities—we all know the feeling of anticipation before an area, Lou says there are probably more DJs per square mile than event begins...and the thrill of a packed dance floor—but under- anywhere else in the U.S. That also means reception sites thrive standing and sharing what makes us unique based on region is in the area, so you are more likely to see traditional banquet halls also worthwhile. So, ask yourself: What’s special about wedding alongside other venues. Also because of the large population, receptions in YOUR neck of the woods? DJs in the region should have a wide range of music on hand, including selections to suit many different ethnic backgrounds. Country, deep house, Latin, Bollywood, Portuguese, and more— Lou commonly plays it all.

TALE OF TWO CANADAS Heading farther north and over the border, Ron Kronebusch of Special Moment Wedding & Event Services has offices in Ontario and farther west in Alberta. “The east coast of Canada is totally different from the west,” says Ron. “It seems as though clients in eastern Canada are mainly interested in a party vibe while clients in the west are still seeking the more traditional wedding reception.” As part of this difference, Ron has noticed that wedding receptions move much faster into open dancing in the east while the pace is slower in the west. He’s also done a number of themed weddings in the east with guests dressing up in clothes from different eras. Another trend Ron has noticed in eastern Canada is that wedding couples will host a more intimate reception dinner for their close relatives and then open the doors to extended family and friends for dancing later in the evening. “It’s something that I’ve seen two or three times in the last month,” Ron says. Although he is based in Canada, Ron has worked in a lot of places because he specializes in destination weddings. He shares that one of the most challenging events he ever played was in Texas where receptions are often only four-hours long. “I’m used to receptions that are six or seven hours in Canada,” he says.

CHICAGO TO CHARLOTTE: MY MIGRATION The four-hour wedding format is a common timeline not only in Texas but also in other parts of the South. This includes Charlotte, North Carolina where I have personally become more familiar with wedding receptions in recent years after moving to the area from Chicago. Like the metropolitan hubs of the East Coast, Chicago’s

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 17

Wedding Word Search...... Call/text 970-302-0747 PRODJFILES DJ Whit Taylor: Spinning Around the Globe

By DJ Dayna

PRODJFILES

DJ Whit Taylor: Spinning Around the Globe HER PATH LEADS TO THE EDGE OF THE DESERT... AND INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS By DJ Dayna

rom a small Indian reservation east of Columbus, Ohio to a small oil and gas-rich F country on the coast of the Persian Gulf, DJ Whit Taylor is following her passion, inspiring others, and making her beat known as an international DJ in Doha, Qatar. Over the past year and a half, DJ Whit Taylor (a.k.a. Whitney McCall) has been living and working in Doha, where she now holds a residency at the Dunes, inside the swanky Grand Hyatt, and has been named the #1 Female DJ in Qatar. She earned the title by hustling to develop a following, standing out among other DJs in the area, and creating experiences for people that they can’t get anywhere else -- making them want to keep coming back to party to her beats. “My performances are very diverse and energetic,” says DJ Whit. “And I'm an engaging DJ. I deliver unforgettable experiences and I'm really passionate about what I do.”

18 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 As a freshman at Ohio State University in 2011, DJ Whit’s enthusiasm to bring people together fused with her love of music spawned the idea of starting an entertainment company with a group of friends. “We really just liked bringing people together for a great time and giving people a platform to showcase their talent,” she explains. “So I'm like, you know what? I'm great with music. I used to play the saxophone. I'm just going to pick up DJing. So within two weeks, I had ordered some turntables and we hosted our first house party. We had like over 300-400 people. And I had only two weeks to practice; but I had it rocking! And after that party, I realized this is something I could really see myself doing for a while.” She was so hooked that she decided to drop out of college and move to New York City by herself at the age of 19, to study DJing at the infamous Scratch DJ Academy that was co-developed by Jam Master Jay of Run DMC. “I wanted to be surrounded by professionals and people that are masters of the craft as DJs and MCs. So that was the next big step for my career and that's how it all got started,” remembers DJ Whit. After a year, the challenges of living in the Big Apple made it tough to stay, so she reluctantly moved back home to Ohio. After a period of feeling like a failure and sinking into a depression, DJ Whit shifted her mindset and channeled that funk into a positive light, realizing that it was just a stepping stone and that it was time to look for another path. “Someone that I had met in New York recommended me to start DJing for cruise ships. And they connected me with someone that was in the cruise ship industry. They're like, ‘You've got the perfect music. You've got the perfect voice. You should just try this out.’ So I submitted my material, and I got selected to start DJing for Royal Caribbean.” In the spring of 2012, DJ Whit Taylor embarked on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas in Germany and began her first contract as an RCL Crew DJ. It turned out that cruise DJing wasn’t what she was looking for. So, after her first contract, which she considered a learning experience, she returned to Ohio for a short time before deciding to pack her bags once again and try relocating to Atlanta, Georgia to live with a best friend and pursue working in radio as a DJ. Even though that connection fell through, she did land a big internship at one of the top music venues which gave her the insight into live concerts and loved it. Unfortunately, she faced another “valley of life” when her living situation collapsed and she found herself broke. After moving back to Ohio again, she recalls, “Luckily, this time...I knew what it was like to start over. So I wasn't depressed, got back to Columbus, started working at local bars and on some private parties and mobile gigs.” After experiencing the travel life of being a cruise ship DJ, she admitted to missing the traveling aspect, so she got in touch with Rob Nadigel from Traveling DJs and inquired about any better opportunities within the cruise industry. “He put together my press kit and a video for me, got my demo mix, got some marketing material,” DJ Whit recounts. “And I ended up getting on with Carnival Cruise Line. That was a lot better. I went on actually as a Host DJ. I knew what I was getting myself into and I knew the areas I wanted to improve in my

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 19 PRODJFILES craft. That turned out to be a really exciting and fun opportunity. Eventually, the combination of her strong work ethic, a solid The Carnival crowd was the fun party crowd. So I had a lot of press kit, demo mix, photos/videos and the help of Rob Nadigel chances to learn and to engage the crowd. I met DJ Irie, who DJ’d of Traveling DJs, DJ Whit achieved her goal in the summer of for the Miami HEAT and runs the Carnival Spinversity, so that was 2017, when she was offered a six month contract as the resident a huge inspiration that gave me some fuel to the fire.” DJ at Rotana, a popular Middle Eastern hotel in Doha, Qatar; After six months at sea with great experience, a refueled per- she admits she had no idea where it was. “When I read that it spective and a refilled bank account, DJ Whit Taylor moved back was right next to Dubai, I looked up photos and thought this is home and started building her network and booking events, really pretty! But knowing it was in the Middle East and being an while keeping in contact with Traveling DJs. She ultimately made American and watching the news, they didn't get the best news the goal of wanting to land a residency somewhere abroad to coverage. So I quickly reached out to a couple DJ buddies that establish a home base, build a following, and make an interna- were in Dubai. I said, hey, I got an opportunity in Qatar. Is it safe? tional brand imprint. and they said it's completely fine, just really hot.” Then she turned

20 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 to her family to share the news. “My mom's all about going after contract. Food, wifi, and laundry are also free. However, moving your dreams and overcoming obstacles. So she was like, ‘If you forward, she admits that she would like to be a better negotia- feel safe and you feel like it's the right thing to do in your spirit, tor in the way that her contract is set up, so it gives her more then you should go.’ I also got confirmation from within. I felt like freedom to pursue other DJ opportunities in the Middle East. this opportunity was aligned perfectly. So I just trusted my gut “Ideally, I would like to come to Qatar for a monthly contract and and made the move.” Once she accepted the offer, she only had then be able to DJ in Dubai and other places, because everything three weeks before she would be flying over 7,000 miles to her is so close to Qatar. There's no reason why I could not have DJ new home in the Middle East, so she had to crunch in whatever residencies in other countries. I think I could take my career to she could to feel prepared. “I did some market research on where another level if I stay out here.” I'd be DJing at. So I checked out their social media links just to The last year and half in the desert metropolis has been kind of get a feel for the crowd. I joined Facebook groups and did nothing short of a life-changing experience for DJ Whit Taylor, some networking and invited people out to my first night. In fact, both personally and professionally. She makes it a point to I brought out 20 people my first night. That's when I knew I'm acknowledge gratitude every day and puts her best foot forward. going to like this place, because I already got support! I prepped “I’ve worked really hard to get here, so I just want to continue my sets, prepped my library. Mainly I just did a lot of research to give thanks so I can sustain where I'm at and continue to go on the country to make sure that I'm respecting the guidelines, forward and just appreciate my blessings. Because I believe if you and I spent more time with my family and prayed and got ready don't appreciate what you have, it could easily be taken away mentally.” from you.” After completing her first successful contract in Doha, Whit had a deep-seated desire to take things to the next level and she knew being in a club versus bar/restaurant would help DJ Dayna has been entertaining at nightclubs, social events, college and corporate her achieve that. She ended up signing with an agency and events and much more, for more than a decade. After working in event marketing, expressed to them her aspiration, which led her to her current hosting DJ battles for Astro, LA’s original DJ store, and doing a weekly show on one-year contract at the five-star Grand Hyatt. Hollywood’s 99.3 KCLA, she returned to her Ohio roots. She has built a highly successful solo operation and has also traveled as a guest DJ for Disney, Celebrity At the Hyatt, DJ Whit spins on Pioneer CDJ’s and a Pioneer and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. DJM-900NXS mixer six nights a week in the lounge called the Dunes. Because Qatar is strict with the alcohol laws, the only places that can serve alcohol are the five-star hotels. And since the Dunes isn’t limited to just hotel guests and has no cover charge, Taylor has been able to build a a few popular weekly events such as Ladies Nights on Thursdays and a Liquid Brunch for local expats. Whit notes that Qatari ladies are not allowed in the clubs. The hotel draws a diverse international crowd. The city of Doha itself is a big melting pot, so one of the highlights for DJ Whit has been the ability to learn about different cultures and play a variety of music. “I really love the diversity in Qatar. I mean, the crowds are so diverse. You've got so many different cultures. I'm able to literally play anything in my set: reggae, dance hall, pop, rock, house, hip hop, Afro beats, Turkish, Tunisian, hip hop, Arabic, and so on. I have opportunity to really diversify and play something for everybody. I look at it as an opportunity to build my library. And this will stick with me for the rest of my career.” She adds that the key lessons she has learned as a DJ/MC during her time in Doha are “Be ready for whatever. Stay prepared. You never know who will walk in. You never know what you have to play. So just stay ready.” Living in a Muslim country in the Middle East, DJ Whit has had to overcome the culture shock and adjust to a new way of life. “I realized it was going to be really challenging early on. Coming to a foreign country and I know I don't look like everybody else. So a lot of people would stare at me. And just having to deal with certain things like that was something that I was kind of irritated with. But I realized I just have to be a positive example and walk in my truth and still respect where I'm at. So that was a challenge. But now I'm happy I stayed.” She does takes advantage of her free time to go out and explore the city and she attends events to network. Most of the people speak English, so that makes it easier when communicating with locals and getting around the city. One of the benefits of her contract is that she lives at the hotel and has access to all of the amenities, which is all covered in her

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 21

12 Habits - Terry Lewis book...... www.weddingmarketingmastery.co.uk/p/12-habits PRODJFILES DJ Spen: Building House and Spinning Joy

By Mike Cordeiro

PRODJFILES

DJ Spen: Building House and Spinning Joy HOUSE MUSIC ICON TALKS HISTORY, TECH AND INSPIRATION By Mike Cordeiro

fter finishing a school dance, the last thing I want to listen in A my car is Kidz Bop or mumble rap. I want something smooth and cool. You know, something to get in my head and change up my brain waves...like house music—that cool funky underground sound pioneered in 1980s Chicago warehouse clubs and carried across the world by DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Tony Terry and singer Kym Mazzelle. It’s hard to believe that house has been around for almost forty years. Another major influence on the realm of house music has been DJ Spen (a.k.a. Sean Spencer). Although his career had a very different beginning in the neighborhoods of Baltimore where he grew up, DJ Spen learned his calling at a young age. I had the rare opportunity to interview DJ Spen about his new release “Love Sensation,” his crossover from hip hop to house and a little act known as Milli Vanilli.

22 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 Mike Cordeiro : Growing up in Baltimore in the 1980s, how was DJS : (laughing) Not yet. the hip hop scene different there from NYC? Who were some of your early influences? MC : So, you’re 13, you have a track playing on the radio. Now what DJ Spen : I had a lot of the same influences as the New York do you do? guys, but from a dance perspective there was a guy named DJS : I got a little scared because I realized the AP Crew was Wayne Davis who played at a club called O’Dell’s. He would a group and I was by myself. I had to get a crew together play strange music. quick. I remember the production manager asked me what the name of my crew was. I literally looked down at my MC : [chuckle] Define “strange.” What was different about it? mixer and said, “The Numarx.” DJS : He would play stuff that was ahead of its time. Tracks that wouldn’t be popular for another year or so, like “Genius MC : Oh my God, that’s too funny! What happened after that? How of Love” and others that would set Baltimore clubs on fire. did you put a crew together? He was playing this mix of hip hop / bebop that no other DJ DJS : My one person turned into five guys. I was able to was doing. coerce four other guys I knew and we performed at all the hip hop shows that came through town. We even opened MC : Did you have access to all the music coming out of New for Heavy D. York at the time? In Rhode Island, we only had one college radio station that would play hip hop from 3:00 to 6:00 PM every day. MC : How long did Numarx stay together? Mainstream radio wouldn’t touch hip hop until like 1985. DJS : From 1982 until around 1990. One of our claims to DJS : We had family in New York, so every time we went up fame is in 1986 we recorded a track called “Girl You Know It’s I would try to get all the new music. I remember driving True” at a studio in DC. home with my parents, going through Philly on a Sunday, and listening to these two dudes killing it on AM radio. The MC : How did Milli Vanilli get a hold of that song? mixing was incredible. I thought there was no way this was live. DJS : To this day I don’t really know. It was a regional hit in the Baltimore, DC, Philly area. Next thing I know, these dudes MC : Who was it on the radio? are on TV jumping around with dread locks and singing our song. They looked nothing like we looked (laughing). DJS : Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff. That live show blew me away. MC : I was stationed in Frankfurt Germany when that song MC : Who actually inspired you to start spinning? dropped. I remember Milli Vanilli recording one of their videos DJS : That’s kind of a roundabout question. I listened to all near my base. A few Army wives were in it. One thing that always the popular guys at the time like Grandmaster Flash and stands out in my memory is how different the music was in Europe Cool Herc. There was this one group from Maryland called compared to the USA. At the time German clubs were playing KLF and Kraftwerk. The sound was more techno and progressive than the AP Crew that was doing shows and acting like they were the top 40 on American radio at the time. from New York. They were making mixes for a local radio station, WEBB, that was owned by James Brown. DJS : Well, look at it this way. America is known for making stuff, especially on an entertainment level. America created MC : Was that a popular station? disco and the whole lifestyle that went with it. Suddenly in 1979 America decided that disco was dead. That didn’t DJS : Let’s say it was one of those stations that started when happen all over the world. In Ibiza, Croatia, Australia and the sun came up and turned off when the sun went down. Japan, disco is still strong. They’ve made millions off what The thing is that was one of the few stations playing hip hop we created and they’ve made it way more glamorous than and underground music. I heard one of the AP Crew mixes we did. and I was like, ”Damn, I can do that”. MC : I get that. Most music trends start in the USA. MC : Do you remember the mix? DJS : If you look at what hip hop has become in the last DJS : Oh, yeah. They were playing a track called “Magic twenty years, it’s amazing. The underground hip hop / soul Wands” and just layering all kinds of stuff over it. I knew I sound is huge in London. could do that. So I made a mix and begged my mother to take me down to the station. The next day I was coming MC : The hip hop of today is totally different from that of the ‘80s. home from school and it was playing on the radio. We went from RUN-DMC, Fat Boys, Slick Rick and LL Cool J to the mumble stuff on the charts now. MC : Wow, how old were you? DJS : You’ve got to remember that hip hop was always more DJS : About 13. than the music. It was a lifestyle, from the clothes to the graffiti to the DJs to the girls. Hip hop has always reflected MC : What year was that? the culture of the time. DJS : Like 1982. It was my first year of high school. MC : Is the hip hop of today still true to its roots? MC : Crazy. We are the same age. Have you gotten your AARP card DJS : I think it’s been over-commercialized. I think it’s lost yet? its lifestyle. Over time, hip hop has slowly got to be about

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 23 PRODJFILES

stuff it was never intended to be about. The early guys that’s already been created. When I’m in the studio, I’m actually lived the life they rapped about. In the late ‘90s it producing and creating new sounds that haven’t been put just got dumbed-down and white-washed to reach a bigger together before. So I wouldn’t call myself a musician. What audience. Mike does is totally different.

MC : Exactly. It’s like hip hop sold out. MC : Great point. DJS : My son does some producing and I was in the studio DJS : When I’m playing a Stevie Wonder record, or Prince with him during a recording session. The guy on the mic or MSFB, guys on that record are the musicians. I’m taking sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher. I was like what is that? what they’ve created and adding my own flavor to it. My son says, “oh, they call it mumble rap”. MC : Do you think there’s too much technology now? MC : Oh, yes. I feel your pain. There are a ton of discussions on DJ DJS : Nope. forums about playing this stuff. It’s got no beat and no soul. It’s all 65-89 BPM. You can’t dance to it. MC : That was quick! So you embrace it all? DJS : Which is why I play house music. What’s interesting to DJS : I would say this. At one point I thought it was getting me is that every older generation looks at new music the too much when you see guys walk into a club with full same way. I’m sure my parents were like, “What in the world blown computers. You don’t know if he’s actually spinning is he playing?” or the computer is doing all the work. MC : I noticed that you use a Pioneer mixer and CDJ’s. Do you prefer those over turntables? MC : Does all the technology make us lazy? DJS : I started out on turntables. My first pair were Pioneer DJS : It can. Here’s what it is for me. It’s about making a con- PL4’s. Before those I had some Technics, but they were the nection with your audience and that what you are playing predecessor to the 1200’s. is moving them to the point that they are having a good time. That’s number one. What type of gear you use to do it MC : How did you get the Pioneer PL4’s? That’s a unique choice. is number two. DJS : One of my brothers worked at a department store. MC : True. Very few of my clients have ever really cared about the Remember, back in the day there were no DJ equipment gear I use. They just want to know that I’m going to rock their event. stores. Music shops only carried instruments and some DJS : I’m a firm believer in knowing the basics. You’ve got to amps. You had to buy and modify stereo equipment to DJ. know how to mix and create sets and a groove. You should also know the new technology. It can help take your game MC : Did he give you a good deal? Sometimes family can charge you more. to another level. DJS : (laughing) Yeah, he took care of me. He used to use MC : I think too many DJs get distracted by technology. They argue them also. He had this rack system with a big old amp and a on forums about speakers, lights, cables, facades...It goes on and big old 60-band graphic EQ. He would lug them around to on. do his college frat parties. DJS : Believe it or not I still produce on a Dell laptop that is about 6 years old. I use Cubase as my DAW. I should probably MC : The gear used to be so heavy. Do you prefer the newer gear upgrade it, but it works fine, so I don’t mess with it. Other over the old stuff? guys I know keep telling me to use Logic or Pro Tools. I’ve DJS : Yeah, the stuff you can do with newer gear you could never been that guy. You don’t need the latest technology never create live with the old stuff. It’s almost unimagi- to do what God put you here to do. If you’re good enough nable what you can create. They pack so much versatility you can do it with a spoon and a bucket. into gear these days. It’s like who wants to go backwards? It’s almost like being able to take what you’re thinking and MC : (laughing) You have a new track, “Love Sensation,” dropping instantly bring it to life. You couldn’t do that back in the day this month. When you’re creating new music, what do you draw on without tape and pause buttons. Now you can manipulate for inspiration? the equipment any way you want. It’s like shoot, the world DJS : Yeah, it’s a great track. I gotta say the music comes is yours! from God. I draw ideas from everything. I’ve never had to worry about where it’s going to come from. Inspiration is all MC : Big question. Do you consider yourself a DJ or a musician? around me. DJS : A DJ. MC : How did you develop your signature sound? MC : The reason I ask that is because last year when I interviewed DJS : That’s an interesting question. People tell me I have Mix Master Mike he stated that he was a musician versus being a a certain kind of sound and I guess to a degree that is true. DJ. I thought that was an interesting statement. I try not to limit myself to certain beats or rhythms. If I cut DJS : I know where he’s going with that. Looking at it from a record today and tried to remake it a year from now it his perspective I would say I’m more of a producer than a would be totally different. I always try to change it up and musician. Behind the decks, though, I’m a DJ. Here’s why: never go after the same sounds over and over again. I agree When I’m behind the CDJ’s I’m playing and mixing music that Motown had a sound, Philadelphia International had a

24 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 of what it is I do and who it is that I am; I’ve come to realize that music is my ministry and my calling. It is what I was put on the planet to do.

MC : How have you used that to find focus and direction in your career? DJS : Back in the early 2000s I did a gig over in England. Started on a Saturday night and played into a Sunday morning. A guy walks up to me at the end of my set and says, you know I really enjoyed your music. I was going through some really difficult things, but what you did tonight is going to make me go to church in the morning. I said “Okay...”

MC : Sounds like you made a difference in his life. DJS : Here’s the bottom line and some folks may not agree with me. Being a DJ, you have an effect on people’s lives with what you put out there. The fact is that once you have a platform, what you do with it is going to influence people for better or for worse.

MC : That’s a great statement. Too often I think we get in this mindset of finish one gig and on to the next. We’re not always present. What about the future? We’re both turning just turning fifty and I’m already wondering if I will still be a DJ at sixty. How about you? DJS : There’s a saying that musicians never retire. I think that singers, DJs, musicians keep going. Look at Quincy Jones. He’s almost 80—he’s still going. You could literally say Aretha Franklin died performing. There’s the thing, when you’re really passionate for what you do and you know this is your sound. The list goes on. For me, I just want my records to be purpose for being on the planet I don’t think you ever really danceable. Once you create something that people like to stop. You may pick a date and say I’m going to retire but on dance to, you tend to want to recreate that in the studio on some level you still stay in it. future records. MC : That was great. Anything else you want to say about your new MC : One of your companies is called Spiritually Sound Records. track? How does the gospel influence fit into your life? DJS : Complete labor of love. Everybody on the team from DJS : I was one of three kids. My parents were born in south production to the musicians who were great to work with. central West Virginia. My dad was the oldest of nine and my We’ve got great remixers on the project. Overall I hope it’s mom was one of thirteen. We were always going to church received well, especially since it’s a remake of an old classic. events. MC : What’s coming up on your calendar? MC : Wow, that’s a big family. DJS : Right now, I‘ll be going back to Europe for a few shows. DJS : They had a little group and one of my aunts sang. I have a call for New Year’s Eve in Australia and looks like We would go to church from 10 in the morning to 6 in the Ibiza will be happening again. evening on a Sunday, and the next week rinse and repeat... On top of that we would go to Wednesday night service and MC : Wow, that’s awesome. I always say it’s better to be busy than Saturday morning choir practice. So, from an early age the bored. gospel sound was a big influence in my life. DJS : I like that. MC : What other music styles influenced you? DJS : I have two older brothers. One was into disco and soul and my other brother was far out. He was into Hendrix, Aerosmith, Zeppelin and Funkadelic. It was this whole cul- mination of stuff, but at the core was gospel.

MC : So where would you say you’re at spiritually? Michael Cordeiro is the owner of M.C. Entertainment, a small multi-op in Rhode Island. He has been on TLC’s Four Weddings, hosted an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras DJS : Man, I am more spiritually attuned now in my life than and has opened for many celebrities. He has a degree in Entertainment and Event I’ve ever been. Once I understood the source, the real source Management from Johnson and Wales University.

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 25 A DIFFERENT BEAT Traditions Across Space and Time

By Stu Chisholm

A DIFFERENT BEAT Traditions Across Space and Time CONNECTING RECEPTIONS VIA GEOGRAPHY AND CHRONOLOGY By Stu Chisholm

It is little wonder why this variation has died off, and, in fact, the was recently asked how various wedding traditions whole idea of a dollar dance went the way of the eight-track I differ across the U.S. This was a tough one for me, when mixing money and celebration became unpopular during because I’ve spent my entire DJ career in Southeast the Reagan years. Michigan, aside from the rare foray into Ohio, Canada Recently the dollar dance has begun to resurface. Rather than pinning bills to expensive bridal gowns, or simply handing and one memorable long drive into upstate New York. money collectors (usually the best man and maid of honor) a I was going to take a pass on the question. Yet further pitcher from the bar or bread basket, I made up special envelopes. pondering made me realize that some of those traditions On them is a “To the Bride” or “To the Groom” message, telling have actually made their way to my neck of the woods! them that they were gifted the money enclosed “For the pleasure of a dance on your Wedding Day.” A discreet logo makes this not There are also a handful of traditions that go a long way only a classy touch, but another marketing opportunity! They farther, not only geographically, but temporally as well. also fit nicely into the card box. Another Polish tradition that hasn’t gone out of style is the A WEST-COAST IMPORT unveiling of the bride, also known as “Oczepiny.” Representing A few years back, for example, a handful of my wedding couples the right of passage from young woman to married bride, the began asking to do their first dance immediately after making bride is seated facing the audience. All the single women encircle their Grand Entrance to the banquet hall, rather than after dinner. the bride as the maid of honor stands behind her, removing a When I contacted them during the follow-up, it appears that sometimes elaborate series of veils. Then a married woman, this tradition originated in the Western states and is a strategy often the bride’s mother or grandmother, places a cap called the to make a wedding reception appear more dynamic or high- “czepek” on the bride’s head as all of the married women now energy. And, frankly, it works. It also removes one of the more encircle the bride. This custom is one of the oldest, and still a awkward pauses that interrupts the flow of most receptions; the mainstay of Polish weddings. bride/father, groom/mother dances. Placing these dances in the FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH TO THE UK Not long ago I was asked to do a wedding for a couple from Traditional England. Their traditions are very similar to us Michiganiacs, with one notable variation: the toasts. Rather than toast the wedding Polish Tunes: A couple before dinner, the toasts begin when dinner is served. And yes, I said “toasts,” as they may begin with the best man and Throwback Stu maid or matron of honor, but then everyone is encouraged to come up and make their own speeches and toasts. This can go Review on throughout the meal and dessert, making the time far more Way back in MB #107, interesting. March 2007, Stu gave us Not surprisingly, this tradition also frequently happens in Canada, according to many DJs I’ve spoken with at the Canadian his take on a new CD that he had gotten, Polish DJ Show in Toronto. Further, a Canadian wedding doesn’t mimic Wedding Traditions by LNM Productions. Amazing- bar and tavern hours as those in the U.S. do. A Canadian DJ may ly, it is still available. Check it out on Amazon! ~Ed. well still be spinning at 4:00 AM or later. If I can say anything about my Canadian colleagues, they all have incredible stamina! itinerary right after dinner, where the traditional Bridal Dance Until next time, keep tradition alive...and safe spinnin’. used to be, means that you don’t have to grind the action to a stop later on to slip this one in. When you do stop, it’s for more high-energy activities, such as the bouquet and garter ceremony, etc. Naturally this has become my preferred style. Stu Chisholm had been collecting music since he was Of course, we Midwestern folks have our own traditions, about age 8 and began his DJ career in 1979. After a many of which have been lost to time, for better or worse. When stint at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, he studied the DJ arts with famous Michigan broadcaster I first began my career in 1979, I did many Polish weddings, Bill Henning, interned at Detroit's rock powerhouse, being located near Michigan’s infamous “Poletown,” also known WRIF, and later added voiceover work and club gigs at as Hamtramck. Among favorite Poletown wedding activities Detroit's best venues. He has shared his extensive DJ was the traditional “dollar dance.” Unlike the regular variety, experience through MB columns, as a seminar speaker however, the dancers would come up and pin the bills directly and through his book, The Complete Disc Jockey: A on the bride’s dress! By the end, she would look a bit like a shrub. Comprehensive Manual for the Professional DJ.

26 MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 FEATURE Ethnic Wedding Survival Guide

By Bob Lindquist

FEATURE Ethnic Wedding Survival Guide PROVEN TIPS FOR ETHNIC RECEPTION SUCCESS By Bob Lindquist

Google or YouTube. The more f I had to assemble a Top 40 you know going in, the better I list of the most memorable Thanks for the Memories, Bob your presentation will be. events from my years as a Way back in 1990, Bob Lindquist and Mike Buonaccorso set into mo- DON’T EXPECT mobile DJ, it would include tion a plan that would end up being ANYTHING TO GO AS several bookings which, at Mobile Beat Magazine. As we pass PLANNED the time, seemed beyond the the 200th issue milepost, we salute As far as the presentation, explain limits of my experience. The the founders of this DJ resource. to your client early on what you common thread would be the (Hey Bob, bet you never thought you’d still have a byline in usually do and then let them take it from there. Their modifications MB when #200 rolled around. Thanks for everything! ~DW ) strong emphasis placed on a may seem minor to you, but can particular ethnicity or culture. be very important to them. Your All across North America, there are pockets of first and second- ability to adjust to their requests will just make your life easier. For generation immigrants (mostly European) who hold tight to the tra- example, a few years back, we were performing at a Russian wedding. ditions of their past. Family-centric events (especially weddings) are Whenever this particular, tight-knit group got together, it was 1) an opportunity for these folks to revisit their roots through the music expected that they would ALL do the Chicken Dance, and 2) they and traditional dances that are uniquely theirs. would ALL wear silly hats made by one of the aunts. Of course, there In prepping for these events, it is essential that we totally under- was no mention of this in the pre-planning sessions. This meant not stand what they want and expect -- and, that THEY understand what only finding the best time to fit in the C-Dance, but we were also had we do. While this sounds pretty basic on the surface, it’s important to find Aunt Sillyhatz in a group of 300+ strangers, and coordinate that neither you nor your client make any assumptions. Many of everything so as to not interrupt the energy. We just do what we do, these clients have never hired a DJ before. They know what they and it gets done. want, but may have difficulty explaining it to you. As a result, you BE WILLING TO ABANDON YOUR “A-LIST WEDDING MIX” may find it challenging to reach that point where you feel like you feel you are all on the same page. Here are some tips that can help: We all treasure those events where we can just play our proven A-List and know the floor will be packed and the energy level high all night • Plan / script everything. long. Unfortunately, when you have an abundance of requests for • Do some research. ethnic music, you really have to rethink your mix. Regardless of the • Don’t expect ANYTHING to go as planned. number of ethnic requests the client has provided, you’ll want to try • Be willing to toss your “A-list wedding mix” to space them out best you can. And, when appropriate, sneak some of them in during cocktail hour or as background dinner music. • Don’t sweat the mix; just play what they want, when they want it. PLAY WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT IT PLAN / SCRIPT EVERYTHING While the client may not always be right, they are always the client. There are times when they just know their group better than we Regardless of how meticulously you routinely plan, expect to put in do. While they may ask you play or say something that totally some additional prep-time. There’s a good chance you’ll be given a interrupts the flow, just roll with it. At the end of the night, it’s not request list of songs that you may not be the least bit familiar with. important how flawless your music mix was -- what mattered more We’ve had clients hand us a box of CDs with various tracks circled, to your audience was how you helped them celebrate their tradi- or a list of links to YouTube videos (which are great as info but we tions and heritage. certainly won’t play at the event). When a client goes to the extremes of providing the music, they expect to hear it. Take the time to preview all the music, and make some notes that will help you fit it into the mix. Simple things, such as noting the tempo, type, and possible songs that would fit well before or after, can be a real help.

DO THE RESEARCH After a 20-year broadcast radio career, Robert Lindquist built a successful mobile DJ business, and by the late '80s he had Then there’s the matter of pronunciations. There are few things also written his first book, Spinnin', a DJ how-to. In 1990, he worse than watching a DJ humiliate him or herself by stumbling over became the founding publisher of Mobile Beat. With the names while trying to wing it through the introductions. You don’t Live2Play Network (www.L2pnet.com), aimed at the want to be that DJ. Granted, we all make mistakes, but when it’s due live sound realm, he has pioneered online publishing. Along to a lack of prep, that’s not acceptable, especially when all that’s with being a broadcaster, publisher and Internet pioneer, required is a phonetic spelling and a little rehearsing. If there are he's also a sax player, writer, gear reviewer and one of the special dances requested that you are not familiar with, just search regulars behind the board at his local church.

MOBILEBEAT.COM ▷ NOVEMBER 2018 27 Mobile Beat Las Vegas www.mobilebeatlasvegas.com