The Varsity Theater in Dinkytown

I just wanted to comment on the best venue for a wedding reception in my personal opinion. So here it is in a nutshell...

The Varsity Theater has the best venue in the state, not only can they accommodate your wedding reception, they also have an eclectic mix of killer touring acts playing there on a weekly basis, so sound and lights are top notch. Food, is catered by The Loring Pasta Bar next door, enough said! The Staff I liken to event/catering Ninjas… seriously! You get the rock star treatment and you can even get your name on the marquee!

So if you wanna make your friends jealous book The Varsity!!!! Check out some pics from a recent gig…

Another Update

Ok so I’m a shitty blog updater, but to get you back up to speed on the places and faces I got to rock, take a look see below:

Wednesday, June 3, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, June 4, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Saturday, June 6, 2009, @ Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska for Mimi & Matt

Wednesday, June 10, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, June 11, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Friday, June 12, 2009, @ Como Park Lakeside Pavilion (Ceremony)
Wabasha Street Caves(Reception) for Jen & Pete

Saturday, June 13, 2009, @ The Varsity Theatre for Nicole & Mike

Wednesday, June 17, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, June 18, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Saturday, June 20, 2009, @ Central Park-Woodbury for Linda & Richard

Sunday, June 21, 2009, @ Mississippi Dunes GC for Tara & Todd

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, June 25, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Friday, 26, 2009, @ The Profile Event Center for Shawn & Stephan

Saturday, June 27, 2009, @ The White Bear Lake Country Inn for Amber & Chris

Wednesday, July 1, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, July 2, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Wednesday, July 8, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, July 9, 2009, @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

So needless to say I’ve been busy, which has been a blessing, in that I was given the opportunity to do what I love, make some cash, and maintain my skills to pay da bills.

So now we’re into July and luckily I had the weekend of the fourth off to spend some time with the Wifey and my kids. My case load at my day gig causes me much stress so it was really nice to be home. I’m back at it again tomorrow down in Iowa… I mean Albert Lea, I’ll try to keep you all up to date as my time allows. Shouts out to my peeps Kyle & Marissa who’s wedding gig is coming up next weekend!

As always… Peace Out Girl Scouts….

It's been a while...

So I haven’t blogged in a while due to being so busy, but here’s a quick update on the places and faces I got to rock:

Thursday, May 7, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Saturday, May 9, 2009 @ The Casket Arts Bldg. for Lindsay & Jeremy (Reception)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, May 14, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Saturday, May 16, 2009 @ The Embassy Suites for Naomi & Larell (Ceremony + Reception)

Sunday, May 17, 2009 @ The Como Conservatory for Ellen & Jensen (Reception)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Saturday, May 23, 2009 @ The James J. Hill Library for Kristine & Collin (Reception)

Sunday, May 24, 2009 @ Mississippi Dunes for Anysha & Marcus (Ceremony + Reception)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Mpls.

Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ The Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park

Friday, May 29, 2009 @ The Little Log Pioneer Village for Andra & Adam (Reception)

Sunday, May 31, 2009 @ Stonebrook GC for Kirsten & Chris (Ceremony + Reception)

June will be just as crazy for me, I have to give much love to my wife and kids for letting me do what I love… I also need to give thanks to all the mad decent newlyweds out there for letting me be a part of their special days. Same goes for all the patrons at The Chatterbox for letting me sprinkle some flavor in their ears.

Peace out girl scouts…

DJ Superunknown @ Kilkarney Hills Golf Club May 2, 2009

This is a late blog post from last Saturday’s (1099 MWS gig) wedding reception I did for Afton & Randy @ Kilkarney Hills GC in River Falls, WI. It’s late because I’ve found myself burning the proverbial candle at both ends, and I haven’t even stepped foot into a nightclub or had a drink. I don’t have a gig tonight, I would’ve liked to but my day job, being married w/ kids, DJing Wednesday and Thursday nights, plus weddings on the weekend is kicking my ass.

Anyway, my gig on Saturday for Afton and Randy was great, I think what made it cool was that the whole bridal party was a really fun bunch of people and I met a really great photographer, Beau Peterson . I get along great with all vendors I work with, but this was the first time I really got to check out the photogs shots that he had taken throughout the day and into the night. He had his laptop set up next to me and he was actively downloading his shots onto to it and I have to say the dude knows his craft. I really liked the way he captured the bridal party group photos throughout the day especially the bar photos. Anyway, I suggest checking him out if you’re in the market.

Regarding the reception, it was my usual upbeat great time, and Midwest Sound, the company I 1099 sub-contract for, received a really nice letter from the bride and groom thanking me for sending me out. It’s really cool getting feedback from clients of another company, it just shows that when I’m doing a gig for them I give it my all even though I make a lot less had it been my own gig. Anyway, it’s pretty cool to get paid to have fun every weekend.

Oh shit... I forgot to mention I turned 35 on May 5th.

Check out this vid…

DJ Superunknown @ Crystal Lake GC (Lakeville, MN)

On Saturday, April 25, 2009, I DJ'd a (Midwest Sound 1099 sub-contract) reception for Grant & Erin @ The Crystal Lake GC.

I've really got too much on my plate to go into depth, but I did what I normally do... I executed the Bride & Groom's wishes, played the guests requests, and kept everybody on the dance floor all night long. It was mostly a country music crowd and quite honestly country music isn't my area of expertise, but if it's got a beat I can play it.

Sometimes DJing certain gigs is more of a challenge if you aren’t the biggest fan of some of the music selected, so that's where professionalism and having a great attitude no matter the situation come into play. When I first started back in the day I usually just played the music I thought was cool or wanted to hear. I think every DJ that starts out does the same thing until they learn that it's not about you, it's about them. That's one of the key points I pound into the new DJs I train for MWS, anyway, I digress.

All that said my night was really easy Grant, Erin, their family and friends were really cool and had a blast, and because they did, I did to.

Check out this vid…



Word…

DJ Superunknown @ The Sofitel Minneapolis 4/24/2009

On Saturday, April 24, 2009, I did a wedding reception for my clients Melanie & Josh @ The Sofitel Minneapolis .

I was really looking forward to this gig because I promised Josh that I would DJ his reception a couple of years back when he was gettin' serious about Mel, and now it was finally coming to fruition. They got hitched the week before down in Florida so this was really just a celebration. It was also cool because I already knew a handful of the guests and my future clients Mee & Matt were in attendance as well, so it was a great opportunity to showcase the skillz for the future bride to be (she hired me based off word of mouth from Mel!)

Regarding the Sofitel, I can't say enough about how impressive everything is… the ballroom is spectacular, the food is awesome, the hotel staff is world-class, the accommodations are outstanding, and they are also DJ friendly!

Anyway, the night was great, I had fun, the guests had fun, and I got home safe.

If you want more information please contact:

Carrie Peck
Catering Sales Manager
Tel: +1 (952) 656-5907 Fax: +1 (952) 835-5962
Sofitel Minneapolis 5601 W 78th Street Minneapolis, MN 55439
Email: carrie.peck@sofitel.com

I can't get my walk thru of the Sofitel video working, but here's one of my sound and lights...



Word...

My Crazy Ass Weekend

Tonight (Friday 4/24/09), I have a wedding reception @ The Sofitel Minneapolis for my clients Josh & Mel. Saturday I’m @ The Crystal Lake Golf Course for a wedding reception (1099 gig) for MWS, and Sunday I’m DJing & MCing @ The State Theater in Zumbrota for the “Spring into Fashion Style Show” presented by Wild Ginger Boutique and Phenomenal Women Consignment, benefiting The Zumbrota Area Arts Council’s “Save the Theater Project”.

Will I be busy driving, loading, setting up equipment, and Djing my ass off?

YES…

But it will be fun!

DJ Superunknown @ The Holiday Inn (Owatonna, MN) 4/18/2009

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, I did a wedding reception for Stephanie & Anthony at the Holiday Inn down in Owatonna. I got this gig through Midwest Sound & Light Shows as a 1099 sub-contract job. So I wasn’t involved at all during the selection or booking process, but luckily for them they got a great DJ! Anyway, the B & G were from Colorado and for the life of me I tried calling them a couple of times the week of the gig but I never got a hold of them. So I didn’t get the chance to make a connection over the phone to gauge some sort of vibe but it was all good on my end nonetheless.

The reception didn’t start till 6 so I got there around 4 to start setting up and I was really quite surprised at how great the ballroom and the room adjacent to the ballroom looked. The room adjacent to the ballroom was awesome, the designer hired by the bride Ms. Michelle Pittman Owner of Stargazer Designs transformed a plain hall way into a south beach after hours spot that was sectioned off into cozy VIP lounge areas fitted w/ leather backless “couches” and washed in green lighting. Anyway, I can’t describe it in justice you’ll have to see the video to get the idea. Bottom line it was cool and really gave me the impression that the B & G were going to be a fun couple.



At about 6 guests started trickling in and they were pretty blown away by the attention to detail and time that was put in by Stargazer Designs and the hotel staff (it definitely did not feel like Southern Minnesota). The cocktail hour was smooth and I introduced the B & G into the room prior to dinner. The B & G were very laid back and really weren’t interested in drawing attention to themselves by me introducing them, but I said you guys look great, you’re only getting married once, and you may as well get the most out of your day. That said I quickly asked the guests to be seated and did the old, “Ladies and gentleman, please rise for the newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Last name here”. Everyone applauded the photogs got their shots as did a lot of the guests in attendance and I played L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole as they entered the room.

Dinner lasted until 8 and we did the first dance which was Come Away with Me by Norah Jones. The only other “spotlight” events were a bouquet toss (Single Ladies by Beyonce) and a conservative Garter Toss (Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters).

TIP: If you want to do a conservative version of the garter toss, brides make sure you slide your garter just below your knee and your groom doesn’t have go all the way… until later of course.

The rest of the dance was just a fun mix of oldies, some classic rock, a few eighties, a cha cha slide here, a chicken dance there, a hint of country and the current Top 40 hits. There was a head count of 90 so it was a small crowd but everyone stayed till the end (12 AM) and I received the best compliment from the bride, “I usually never dance, it was fabulous”.

Word…

Chatterbox Pub Tonight's Playlist

THE RAPTURE
US3
SANTOGOLD
DJ CLASS
CLASSIXX
FERRY CORSTEN
JALAPENO SOUND SYSTEM
MGMT
LYRICS BORN
KID SISTER
DIRTY FUNKER
CAKE
COUNTING CROWS
THE WHITE STRIPES
RICHARD CHEESE
TUBES
THE VINES
VIOLENT FEMMES
WARREN G
SOUL ASYLUM
THE WHISPERS
STARLIGHT VOCAL BAND
KATRINA & THE WAVES
MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES
BILL HAILEY
THE RAMONES
HEAVY D
QUEEN
THE BANGLES
LOUIS PRIMA
TALKING HEADS
WEEZER
CAGE THE ELEPHANT
SUM 41
KATY PERRY
IDA MARIA
JACK JOHNSON
WANG CHUNG
VAN MORRISON
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
URGE OVERKILL
LILY ALLEN
YEAH YEAH YEAHS
ROD STEWART
THE SPICE GIRLS
THE ROMANTICS
THE BEASTIE BOYS
THE SEX PISTOLS
TRANSPLANTS
LEN
TOM PETTY
METRIC
LONG BEACH DUB ALL-STARS
THE IDLE HANDS
2 LIVE CREW
SOUNDGARDEN
FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS
THE MONKEES
RAY CHARLES
ATMOSPHERE
KOOL & THE GANG
TEMPTATIONS
LL COOL J
WAYLON JENNINGS
MADONNA
THE SMITHS
THE HOLD STEADY
ELVIS PRESLEY
RILO KILEY
THE CHAMPS
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
BLACK EYED PEAS
LED ZEPPELIN
ASHER ROTH
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
THE ROLLING STONES
RADIOHEAD
CHRIS CORNELL
THE TURTLES
RUN DMC
THE SUBURBS
JIMI HENDRIX
EMINEM
MARILYN MANSON
BAND OF SKULLS
JAMES BROWN
THE GOOD CHARLOTTE
THE KINGSMEN
THE CLASH
THE POLICE
NIKKA COSTA
INCUBUS
DUFFY
AC/DC
MARILYN MANSON
THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
THE OFFSPRING
4 NON BLONDES
EVERCLEAR
KINGS OF LEON
BRITNEY SPEARS
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST
JAY Z
THE REPLACEMENTS
NATASHA BEDINGFIELD
THE WHO


How's that for variety?

Free Wedding Website @ mywedding.com

One of my clients turned me on to their wedding website and I was amazed. I did some research and found out that it's totally free. You guys should give it a peep.

Mywedding.com

Happy Easter to all... It's more than just baskets and ham dinner. It's about a ransom that was paid.

Word...

ZEROGRAVITY's "Get it Started Party" Feat. DJ Superunknown (4/11/09)

DJ Superunknown @ The Earle Brown Heritage Center 03/28/2009

Last week I was pretty jammed I had to go out to Denver for Homeland and I was planning to fly back Thursday night, but due to a blizzard I couldn’t get out until Friday morning. I hadn’t been to Colorado since I was a kid and I was amazed that a little snow could shut down the city… I could see the Rockies from my hotel, oh well we live in Minnesota and people still freak at 2-4 inches, but I digress…

So Saturday I had a MWS gig at The Earle Brown Heritage Center that included a ceremony, a cocktail hour in a separate room, and the reception that was held in the same room as the ceremony, plus I had to train in a rookie for MWS.

The ceremony started at 5PM w/ seating starting at 4:30, so I got there a couple hours early because I had to set up sound for the ceremony, set up sound in an adjacent room for the cocktail hour, and pre-plan my light set-up for the reception which would take place in the same room as the ceremony (I had to keep the light rig out of sight during the ceremony because it just didn’t look aesthetically pleasing) . It took a little hustle but I got it done, it was actually nice to have a rookie out with me to be my roadie (HA!)

Anyway, the ceremony on my part was flawless, but I did note that the lady conducting the ceremony was new at this due to the fact that she was blocking the sightline of the bride and groom from the guests during some critical times. She also had the B & G say their vows into the mic facing the audience rather than looking into each other’s eyes. I really wanted to stop her but it was too late, after the ceremony I asked her how many she had done and she said three, it showed. The B & G didn’t seem to notice probably due to nerves but I did.

After the ceremony, I ran some Rat Pack tunes for the cocktail hours on auto play and started setting up the lights back in the same room where the ceremony was for the reception. It sucked sweating again after I was dressed up but to me it was worth it. The Bride didn’t care if the lights were set up and in the background of her photos but I did (every good DJ knows that his/her gig only lasts for 6-8 hours, but pictures are forever, don’t get me wrong in that I don’t think DJing creates lasting memories, but 50 years from now… you get the picture)

So I’m set up and just in time to conduct the Grand March and everything is smooth sailing. I pretty much told my rookie to take notes and soak it all in, my only advice to him was to smile and loosen up; he looked terrified the whole night. The dance was elegantly rocked as per usual and the B & G tipped me $160 so I knew they were happy.

I’m grateful to be able to be sub-contracted by MWS and continually hone my skills but hopefully next year this is my own gig.

Lastly, I forgot my video camera. Sorry...

Word…

Venue Hunting?

If you happen to be hunting for a place to host a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, corporate event, private party, etc. You need to make Stella’s Fish Café and Prestige Oyster Bar located in the heart of Uptown one of your choices. I've been going there since it opened, and I've also DJ'd NYE & private parties a few times and it's me & the Wifey's favorite spot in town.

Regardless of whether your location scouting or not, make sure you at least stop in and grab a table this spring on the rooftop deck for some kickass eats, drinks, and views. On Friday’s from 3-6PM, it’s Stella’s Oyster Orgy featuring: $1 Tacos of the day, $2.95 ½ lb. Peel & Eat Shrimp, $3.95 1 lb. Peel & Eat Shrimp , 50 cent Oysters!

For all of your event needs hit up Erin Mackley @ 612-455-1273 or erin@stellasfishcafe.com



Shucks… I love that place.

DJ Superunknown @ The Maple Grove Community Center 03/14/2009

I DJ'd on Saturday at the Maple Grove Community Center for Mia & Mark W. I DJ'd a reception a couple of years back that Mia was a guest at, and I guess that I impressed her enough for her to think of me when she and her fiance started their wedding plans. Plain and simple, Mark & Mia we're a DJs dream to work with... They made a handful of music requests, told me which spotlight dances they wanted to do, and left the timing, pace, and rest of the music up to me. My goal for the evening (which I accomplished btw) was to have the B & G enjoy themselves and for the guests to have a great time. In lieu of going into the details (it’s Monday) check out the video clips. Lastly, Mark & Mia THANK YOU again for letting me be a part of your wedding day!!!!!

Went to work, the Graves 601 hotel, The Chatterbox, and finally home.

Yesterday I checked out The Duel of the Design @ 601 Graves hotel (Armed with a chef and a florist, the designers have two hours to design a tabletop for eight, develop a menu, select beverages and set the mood with music. The designers will be judged on creativity, quality, usability and execution by Sara Glassman of Star Tribune, Alexis Walsko of Lola Red PR, Lindsay Graves of Content Farm Creative, Jim Leighton of Children's Cancer Research Fund and Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory). This was my first ever industry event that wasn’t DJ focused, so I didn't know what to expect. My first thought quite honestly was that it was going to be “Highsnoberiety” and I’d feel out of place. Fortunately it wasn’t, and it was Kool & the Gang for Ms. Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory to invite me.

When I walked into the ballroom I was immediately drawn to the flurry of activity going on at both ends of the room. I just missed the fashion show, and I love watching that shit on TV, so it was a bummer, btw my favorite designers are Tokidoki, Michael Kors, Lagerfeld, Shepard Fairey, and Dickies. Anyway, regarding the designers, I’ll let the pictures do their 1,000 words worth. I’m definitely not qualified to make any judgments, but in my opinion Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry had that shit workin’.

I’m not a foodie, thus I’m not into culinary presentation, I’m just more of a smells good, let’s eat it kinda guy, plus I enjoy White Castles. I am a little bias however, because one of the chefs had some tats, so he was cool in my book.

I had to dip outta there before the winners were announced because I had to get to my gig @ The Chatterbox Pub, so at “Superunknown press time” I had no idea which team won.

Before I left, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the designer of Geri’s dress, Ms. Pa Thao of PFT Couture. Ladies if you want to see some stunning creations, her site is a must visit!

I also met some of the artists with Pazzobello Flowers and I wanted to steal one of their designs to bring home to the Wifey. I didn’t…

All in all it was a great experience, and I’m going to try to make it a point to venture out beyond the DJ booth in future, and see what's going on in the event world. Oh, my gig @ The Box went great and I was approached by Inner Strength Fitness to DJ live for some upcoming Spin classes. I immediately thought that it would be mad decent if ISF was down with calling it “Inner Strength Fitness presents: Spin Control with DJ Superunknown” We’ll see what happens. BTW thanks Melissa for the presenting me with the opportunity!

Needless to say I got home late again, thank God Chandra is understanding! I got to bed even later because I needed to unwind by kicking the ass out of the L.A. Lakers on the 360 (it’s nasty on a big HDTV). That was my night/morning.

Word…

I decided to get a website…

I’ve been very blessed this past year to have gigged a ton considering that I put zero marketing time into my DJ adventures (word of mouth rocks!). I also work 40+ hours a week at my “important” day gig, have a wife & 2 kids, my regular Chatterbox gig every Thursday night, watch reality TV and sneak in XBOX 360 time, and sleep. So time is precious, but I’ve been really grateful to be a part of a lot of my clients special days because it’s my passion dude! Anyway, this upcoming wedding season is looking busy, and I’m already booking 2010. So I decided to hire a professional to design a website and logo to present a really polished brand for myself. I guess I’m due, and because of the fact that I didn’t have a website in the past, it may have hurt me in some ways, and I may have missed some opportunities out there by not being “professional”. I’m still going to go by DJ Superunknown and my business name will my moniker as well. If you’re into business marketing, then using my moniker is a dumb move, as I’m not using a DJ company name with the words, “sounds”, “epic”, etc., but I’m not into business, and like to march to beat of my own drum anyway. But alas, it’s time to grow up a get a website. I can assure you; however, that djsuperunknown.com will be the shit. Oops, there I go being unprofessional again…. The prose of this post may seem kinda’ “bummererish”, it’s not that I don’t want to be professional, it’s just that my day gig is very quasi military and politic ridden and I'm a professional robot, so I hate having to compete with the “real” DJ companies out there that I could out rock any day of the week, but I understand the need. Anyway , you cats stay cool, oh tomorrow I’m going to the Duel of Design @ Graves 601 hotel, I’ll let you know what went down.

Word…..

DJ Superunknown @ The Saint Paul Hotel 2/28/09

I had my first ever gig @ the SPH last Saturday and if you’re pressed for time it was great! If you have the time the following is a brake-down of what went down… I was sub-contracted by Midwest Sound & Light so my only contact with the client was via a phone call a few days prior (I’d much rather meet in person but since I was sub-contracted I didn’t have that luxury), but we hit it off on the phone anyway, and the bride and her future Mr. were looking forward to a fun time. Now on paper it seemed like I had my work cut out for me, the bride & groom were fourty-somethings, had only 70 guests, loved 70's rock, the only must play was their first dance song, and that was all the info I had besides the where and when. No biggie as I love a good challenge, and was really stoked to play at SPH and pop my cherry. The gig didn't start until 6 and I got there at 4 (I like to get to a gig early because you never known what could happen) to get set-up and changed into my "show" clothes. I rocked a skinny tie for the first time with my creepers and I have to say it looked pretty bad ass. Anyway, guests started arriving around 5 for the cocktail hour in the room next door so I took the opportunity to meet the B & G and kinda' size up the crowd for the night. Everyone seemed in great spirits and I'm sure the prospect of an open bar all night long helped out. So around 5:55 the event manager informed me that I would be introducing the B & G which was a surprise to me & the newlyweds as well. I'm steady in the pocket so I cued up "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" by Dean Martin, got the guests seated, and I grabbed the mic and said, "Ladies & Gentleman please rise for your Bride & Groom Mr. & Mrs. so & so." Simultaneously as they entered I hit play and they and worked the room, I wish I had that shit on video cause' I looked rehearsed. So anyway after the blessing and a toast by the Bride’s son I mixed dinner music for about an hour or so I kept it really low just loud enough to hear but just enough to create a back drop to the conversation. A hate it when I’m eating or talking and I have to compete with the TV or music. My technique is to observe who close people have to lean in to listen to each other and I never get complaints cause’ I do it right baby! Ok so around 7:30, I announced to the room that the couple’s first dance would take place shortly, that way people have time to grab a drink, smoke or visit the restroom and the Groom can be grabbed from the bar and the bride can take one last look in the mirror. During the lull I’ll walk around to the bar or the smokers area and politely let the guests know that the first dance is coming. At this point I’ll lie and tell them it’s going down in a minute that way they can get back in time. I personally think it’s rude when 50% of the guests are doing their own thing and miss the first dance, but that’s just me. Anyway, the first dance is flawless and I decide to play to classic slow numbers “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis and the Ghost soundtrack song by the Righteous Brothers. Everybody recognizes those two songs and their short, besides what chick doesn’t want to slow dance to the ghost song? Right after that I went into a Jive Bunny Swing melody infusing “In the Mood” by Glen Miller with a dash of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Chuck Berry, etc. classic shit with a twist. The music for this crowd was really of the KQ92 ilk but it was fun and the guests kept dancing. Around 11 I really got a nice compliment from the SPH Event Manager who said that any other DJ would’ve cleared out most of the crowd by now with 150 guests but she was amazed that this small party was going strong. I hate to boast, but I like to think that I played a part in making the night a success. Lastly, the Bride gave me a thank you hug and a pretty generous tip Word…

Wedding Season is Around the Bend

So wedding season is around the bend and I've decided that this will be my last year DJing as a sub-contractor for Midwest Sound & Light Shows to concentrate on my own gig. I think six years has been enough, and during the past two I've had the opportunity to go on my own as DJ Superunknown and it's been a really fun and rewarding process being able to step out of the 1099 role and be a part of the planning and execution process that many couples have blessed me with. I already have bookings for 2010! I love the guys at MWS but as a sub-contractor for them, I never meet the clients until the day of; although, I give them a call the week prior, but I'm really a stranger to them. On my own I get to meet them face to face, a year to six months in advance, and it really helps when it comes to communicating prior to and on the day of. I met with two couples last weekend (both were referrals by the way) and it was just cool to interact in person and go over all the details vs. calling strangers the week prior.

Anyway, I'm really stoked to get going again and entertaining the masses, so stay tuned this year as I will continue video blogging my weddings this year to give you some insight from behind the decks. Happy VD to all, especially to my Wifey, my daughter, my mom, my sister, my niece, and last but not least our Shitzu.

Word...

Shit... I haven't Been Blogging

In my last blog I said I would keep up with this thing, but alas I haven't.

Anyway, let's see, it was my daughter's 15th birthday on Saturday & we got her a room at the MOA Waterpark (her Gran was the chaperone) so she and 4 friends could have a fun night, there were no injuries and a good time was had by all as told by my mother-in-law.

Earlier that day I took my daughter out for breakfast and it was really evident that my little girl was growing on me due to the weird looks that we were getting. I consider myself a young looking 34; and my daughter unfortunately is a mature 15 year old, so I felt the odd looks from people like I was some pervert creep hanging out with a young girl. I really tried not to let it get to me but it did. For those of you that know me and the way I dress (I call it poor rock star) know what I'm talking about. From now on I think that when I'm out with my daughter I should wear some Dockers, boat shoes and an old man shirt from Sears. Fuck it; I'm still gonna rock some Dickies, Chucks & a t-shirt when I'm out.

It's funny having kids that are closer in age to me than most parents especially when me & the wifey go to the kid's conferences or concerts at school, and I overhear their classmates say, "dude, is that your parents?", I get a kick out of it, but we probably embarrass our kids like my parents used to do to us. If I was them I would feel pretty cool but then again maybe I wouldn’t.

So my kids are getting older and I find myself getting more nervous about their future. Basically I’m worried about a two things, college and broken hearts. I worry about affording tuition and my kids getting their hearts broken by future significant others. I guess tuition can be solved by extra jobs etc. but the part that scares me is the untested emotional resiliency of my kids when it comes to dating and what not. I just hope that my kids will keep me informed on their daily lives when they head off to college and I hope that they will listen to me. Hell, I hope I’m still cool a few years from now.

Word…

My Belated NYE's Resolution…

A person who I have mad respect for in the business (Ms.Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory) noticed I haven’t kept up with my blog since December so I’ve decided to make an effort to blog on the regular tip so I’ll quickly summarize my life since my last post…

I DJ’d 5 company events, 1 wedding, and DJ’d on NYE. I unsuccessfully attempted to quit smoking (I did make it 7 days) but my day job stresses got the better of me. Learned that our Shitzu likes to eat rabbit poop. Got a 16 gig Ipod Touch, it rocks! My dad finally came back from Kuwait (in one piece). Bought new hockey skates and used them once. Haven’t missed an episode of 24 or Brett Michael’s Rock of Love. Re-read Ayn Rand’s "The Fountainhead". Found a box in our basement full of old band t-shirts that I thought I lost. Went on a few dates with my wifey. And decided that I will expand my blog to daily random shit that has something or nothing to do with DJing.

Word…