|
Sometimes, just the wedding reception isn't enough, and that party needs to rock until everyone drops!!! This past weekend, I DJ-ed a super fun after-party at Blue Hill at Stone Barnes (absolutely gorgeous spot I've worked many times, and the food is off the hook fabulous), and we all had a blast till the wee hours. The energy was high and the vibe was pure joy. Here's a little taste of the party, with a little help from Chappell Roan and Charli xcx !!! Event Planner: Angie Nevarez , Baton Event Planning and production. Sound System provided by Eli Gold Videos by Matt Plotnick 2024 was a busy year with some super fun high points in both club work and private events. From the 80s Prom Theme Gala fundraiser in RI w/Jay Leno for the Audrain Museum (see the blog post for pics), to some absolutely gorgeous weddings this past year, it's been a blast. I'm grateful for the beautiful clients that get in touch and trust me with their important events. It means the world to me. And so, I'm looking forward to 2025, more fun, more events and a chance to meet you! Please get in touch as I'm booking Spring/Summer weddings and events now. I will leave you with a view from my DJ Booth. These two fun clips are from Halloween and the year end Holiday Party at Ethyl's on the upper east side where I do a few guest spots every month, spinning a lot of fun retro (Studio 54) and pop hits. The third video is a snapshot compilation of a few cool events over the past year or so Happy New Year everyone, and all the best for 2025!!! On November 22nd, I will be spinning the after-party for the N'Kenge Foundation Inaugural Benefit Gala at The Cutting Room NYC, please join us for a fabulous night of dancing! BUY TICKETS   I'm on deck at @Ethyl's on Halloween night, Spinning the coolest vintage Disco, Soul, and Rock & Roll, and of course a few of our Halloween favs too. Ethyl's staff knows how to rock Halloween, trust me, it's gonna be fun 🖤👻💀🎃🖤  I headed back to Rhode Island to join Jay Leno, and DJ the Audrain Museum annual Gala again this year. The theme this time was 80s Prom! I have to say, this was the first time I've ever decked myself out in pink, or as the running line for the night was 'Pretty In Pink'. It was a lot of fun taking this crowd on a journey through the best 80s, and the dancing went on for hours and hours. The outfits were pretty fabulous as well, and once again, a lot of money was raised for this awesome car museum. This year, I fell in love with an old T Bird. I could SO see myself driving that baby. Just sayin' 🥰 I made a fun pop Spotify Playlist for the cocktail hour, have a listen: 80's Prom Cocktails They say every picture tells a story, so here's a few snaps from the evening. 
 With Allison Aronne, fabulous event planner who put this whole evening together!  Jay Leno & Donald Osborne  w/ John Oats (Hall and Oats)  Cocktail hour  Cocktail hour  Reception room #TBT, Little story: April 2005, I was asked by the Guggenheim to DJ an event, and I thought it was to be a cocktail party. I had previously DJ-ed a massive Gala for the Guggenheim at the Four Seasons (which was a who's who of the art and entertainment world), so I was on their radar as a trusted DJ who could rock an event for them. However what I found out when I got to the museum for soundcheck, was that I was setup as an installation as well as the art, on a huge stage in the rotunda. There was a line of some of the coolest art lovers (from all over the world) going all the way down Fifth Avenue, waiting to get into the debut of First Fridays. I was jaw dropped!!! Full page ad in the Village Voice and featured in just about every newspaper that week. Who knew! The night was a huge success and the museum was packed wall to wall. Moving forward over the years, #FirstFridays became one of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum's biggest success stories. I'm thrilled that I was chosen to DJ the first ever First Friday to kick it all off. Here's a few images. Thomas Simon     #TBT Back in the 90s ... that time at the China Club when the Stanley Cup made the rounds, seen here on the way to my DJ Booth ... and yes I did take a sip from the cup. Club life always had surprises like this back in the day. ALWAYS!!! Good times. photo 1: Dominick Conde photo 2: Michael Clarke   Happy Valentines day everybody, and special congrats to all of you that got engaged this week. Love is in the air!!! 🌹❤️🌹 If you're getting ready to start your wedding planning journey, please do get in touch with me to DJ your wedding, I'm booking Spring and Summer weddings now (local and destination). With years of experience DJ-ing clubs, private events, and celebrity galas with my non traditional, open format music style, I know how to rock a wedding and make it a whole lot of fun (and a fun wedding is what it's all about)! Here's a snippet from a past summer wedding in Conn., and note how much fun is being had!!! Holla!!! Thrilled to share the news that the producers of Thursday Night Football and Amazon Prime chose my song 'Dial My Number' to kick off the game on Dec 28th, 2023 with the NY Jets and the Cleveland Browns, garnering over ten million viewers, all hearing my song at the same time! It doesn't get any cooler than that! This was a perfect way to close out 2023. Happy New Year everyone!!! Here's a little snippet of what they did. Night At The Museum! Headed back to my ol neighborhood Astoria Monday evening to DJ a tribute to director/screenwriter Todd Haynes (I'm Not There, Carol, May December, Velvet Underground documentary to name a few) at the Museum of the Moving Image. Also great getting to meet and chat with author Brian Selznick (The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck) who seriously was the coolest dressed guy in the room! Super fun crowd and great to have a chance to unleash some classic Glam, Underground Rock, and a whole lot of gems I had in my back pocket. The crowd was awesome and super stylin'. On a personal note, extra cool debuting my pal Diane Gentile's super catchy new single 'Lace Up Your Sneakers' (produced by James Maddock ) to very welcoming ears!!! All in all a FAB way to spend a Monday!   Julianne Moore and Todd Haynes, □ Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images for MoMI  From ceremony, to cocktails, to dinner and dancing, it's important to curate a vibe that moves the night along, and never leaving a moment for things to get 'sleepy', yet keeping music in the zone so the mood is perfect throughout the evening's journey. Happily that's exactly the way last Saturday went! Last weekend at Harold Pratt House, Mackenzie and John joined forces and the evening was just gorgeous. Eli Gold provided the sound for all four rooms and his gear if fabulous, everything sounded just right. Classic Events were the planners for the evening and it was a joy working with them, the whole staff were awesome. Here's a few snaps from my iPhone.      So, this happened this past weekend in Rhode Island, DJ-ing the Audrain Car Museum Costume Ball/ Fundraiser Gala ... Even with almost having to swim there (with DJ gear) in a poncho and makeshift galoshes on Friday (by train) with all that rain, and unsympathetic weather all Saturday, it didn't spoil a super fun fabulous night hosted by Jay Leno and Donald Osborne, and yours truly at the DJ decks closing out the Gala (letting my inner Morticia Adams goth side shine). Can't keep a good crowd down (as you can see from these fun clips)!!! Lots of money was raised, and a good time was had by all. And oh, the cars... OMG, gorgeous!!! Props to super event planner Allison Aronne who totally rocked this three day party!  Setting up/soundcheck: I fell in love with this 1941 Cadillac, hanging out in the room where we had the cocktail hour  Sigh!!!  Jay Leno and Donald Osborne kicking off the auction Time to dance!!!  Starting off the night w/a little pre Halloween vibes Cocktail Hour The summer is winding down, soon the beach days will fade away, and the days will be getting shorter. As much as I love Fall... I hate saying goodbye to summer (and my flip flops). I thought I'd pull together a chill out/wind down-feel good Spotify playlist for this end of summer weekend to keep you company with your friends, or just hanging alone. Have a listen 🎧 CHILL HANG AT CASA REGINE  There's always at least a half hour prior to a wedding ceremony where people gather around and wait to be seated. Sometimes refreshments are served, but basically it's a mini cocktail party. The one thing that can make a half hour seem endless is silence as a backdrop. I DJ many ceremonies, and often there is quite a bit of time prior to the ceremony, and it's always great to paint a gorgeous backdrop to that period of time with some music. It can really set a sweet mood to start off the day. I've made an updated playlist here that can be played 'as is' or to use as a springboard to make a playlist of your own. I've played many of these tunes at various weddings and they've all felt warm and cozy. Have a listen, & enjoy! SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: PRE-WEDDING CEREMONY COCKTAILS  As some of you know I've been throwing all sorts of 60's dance parties over the years. Ever since I made my mark at Heartbreak back in the 80s doing this, I got so addicted to this music, and it seems, all generations enjoy dancing to Motown, Soul and Rock. It's kinda infectious. Btw, Heartbreak was a blast to work at. The famous Monday nights were off the hook, and it wasn't unusual to see artists like Cher, Bruce Willis, Micky Rourke, the Brat Pack, the Mets, Yankees, Rangers... (I could go on and on, it was like a celeb fest) hanging w/me in my DJ booth or around it. It was truly as Johnny Thunders would say 'An Endless Party'. So lately, I've decided to do a few test drives to see if it's time to get the party started again, no celebs.. just us common folk having a good time 😂. I've recently started doing these little pop up Shindigs at Ethyl's Alcohol and Food up on 2nd Avenue between 84th and 85th street and they've been a whole lot of fun. 9pm start time till late. Good cocktails, Good eats (awesome bar menu), Good music (but of course) and we even have a Go Go girl as well! Free to get in. So get down uptown, and let me help you shake your booty!  Beautiful wedding w/a beautiful couple last week at the St. Regis Hotel here in Manhattan. It's bee awhile since I've worked there, and it is still as gorgeous as ever. Have a look at the setup we did for the reception.   
I had the time of my life this past weekend DJ-ing the Nuggets anniversary show at the gorgeous City Winery here in NYC. I was jazzed to be invited by my buddy Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group) to DJ this show. Lenny is the producer who curated the Nuggets cult classic collection of songs on vinyl back in the day, and it's now celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Now, that's an album that has stood the test of time (insert applause here)! The team at City Winery were so amazing to work with, from the sound crew, to the wait staff, all organized by Shlomo Lipetz who runs the space. Let me just say, it was a joy to see all the things that had to fall into place, fall into place sans any drama. It's a beautiful thing. Also, the sunsets on the Hudson River just outside the club are not shabby!!! Win Win! I did a two hour set of 60s music to open the show both nights that featured an all-star cast of eclectic artists, as well as a half hour closing set after the live performances (which were all off the hook). Lenny closed both nights with everyone onstage singing the classic rock anthem 'GLORIA'. I opened my closing set on both nights with a Velvet Underground song, Friday - 'Rock and Roll' and Saturday - 'Sweet Jane'. I couldn't think of anything more perfect to follow an anthem like 'Gloria', and of course, we all do love Lou Reed. It's been a long time since I've been able to dig deep into the crates to pull out so many gems to spin from that era, to a crowd that spanned more than 6+ decades in age. I've always said that great music has no boundaries, and this past weekend proved my point. Everyone all grooved, danced and sang along together. As one. There was a lot of joy in the house, and that's what it's all about. Unity through music. Speaking of unity, it made me so happy (and a bit teary eyed) to also see everyone come together to support my friend, our dear friend, Jesse Malin who recently suffered a rare spinal stroke. Lenny Kaye gave a wonderful shout-out to a roar of applause for Malin (who was also supposed to be in this show). City Winery made a custom wine blend wine for him with a stunning photo on the bottle by Danny Clinch. The proceeds are going to help Jesse during this rough time as he's trying to heal. The wine sold out at the show but you can go to their website to order a bottle online. You can also go to to the Jesse Malin fund via Sweet Relief to donate. We all call Jesse the Mayor of the LES, touring musician, songwriter, club owner, the guy who is always there to help those in need in our community. I've seen him put together so many benefits over the years to raise money to help friends when they found themselves in trying times. He shows up. So it's our turn to show up and help, and if you can, please do consider donating. Also, that wine is a pretty darn good Cabernet!!! All the guest artists all did brilliant covers from the Nuggets collection, with a KILLER band holding down the fort featuring Lenny Kaye, Tony Shanahan, Jack Petruzelli, Glen Burtnik, James Mastro, and Dennis Diken (and all the band members did a feature song or 2 as well). Patti Smith kicked off the two hour celebration (so good), followed by (not in any order here) artists Tom Clark, Joe McGinty, Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) w/ John Cowsill, James Mastro (Ian Hunter Rant Band) and Peter Buck (REM), Tammy Faye Starlite, Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate), Joan Wasser (Joan as Policewoman), Mary Lee Kortes and Eric Ambel, Richard Lloyd (Television), Edward Rogers, Link Cromwell (aka Lenny Kaye), Juliana Hatfield, Marshall Crenshaw, Ivan Julian, & Bob Mould. So that was my spectacular Friday and Saturday night, not only DJ-ing, but getting to watch all these wonderful performances too. I slept till 2pm on Sunday, and it was a glorious sleep! I sometimes have to pinch myself when life gets a little rough round the edges, and remind myself how lucky I am to make a living being creative with all the things I do. I never take my blessings for granted. I will say this ... after seeing all the enthusiasm this past weekend for this brilliant music, I am now more excited than ever to get my 60's dance party/hang (SHINDIG) off the ground. Tune in for more info on that later next week, I'll tellya all about it!!! I'm on a roll ... Rock'n'Roll baby! Here's a few snaps from this past weekend. Photos of me by Jini Sachse.  Awesome crowd to spin for in a great sounding room (City Winery NYC)
 View from back stage, Patti Smith opening up the show  Jesse Malin wine, proceeds going to his get well fundraiser  Grand Finale' (me in the back there taking my own photo!!!), photo from Brooklyn Vegan feature by Al Pereira 
I've been invited by Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group) to open up this anniversary show at the fabulous City Winery here in NYC. Lenny was the producer/curator for this Nuggets series back in the day and they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of this record compilation. It's rare I get to do a fun spot like this, with such an awesome cast of eclectic artists (Patti Smith, Peter Buck (REM), Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) Marshall Crenshaw, Juliana Hatfield and many more). I will be taking over the stage and spinning cool 60s grooves from 6-8pm, and a short half hour set after the live performances. There are still a few tixs available at the box office, so come on down and hang with us!!!
Summer is just a heartbeat away, time to pitch a tent and have a FAB event! Get in touch for your wedding, private/corporate event, product launch etc. I will curate an awesome night of music for you! Talk soon, Cheers!  Just a quick note to wish you ALL a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Here's a little snap of my view on New Year's Eve at The Rumpus Room NYC. Packed night, great crowd w/a lot of positive energy in the room. Can't ask for more. I brought in 2023 with Lizzo's 'About Damn Time', seemed like the perfect song at the moment. Onward ... I have a good feeling about this year! Cheers everyone and Happy New Year!!!  |
Welcome!Welcome to my virtual loft party, make yourself at home. I'll put on the kettle, pour a few, and order a pizza. I've many tales to tell, some fun stories, and lots of helpful hints to share to help ignite your imagination when planning a party, grand event or wedding. Stay tuned! Archives
January 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed