Blooming Events during the Month of May

Personally, I love the month of May. It symbolizes the transition from spring to summer, gardens grow and new summer music hits the airwaves.

May is also a month where there is a wider range of DJ opportunities. In addition to weddings and other pre-planned events, there are graduation and alumni bashes, proms, and in Western Massachusetts Pride celebrations. That’s a lot of parties requiring a disc jockey with the passion, musical knowledge and experience to keep the festivities going.

During Pride weekend in Northampton, MA, I hosted the early dance party at Diva’s Nightclub. Doors opened at 5 and by 6 the club was thumping and the music was pumping. I played a variety of new and classic dance tunes, including the latest remixes from Lady Gaga, Cascada, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Ke$ha and Sean Kingston. Right before my shift ended I dropped Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll” and the dance floor exploded with people cheering and singing. It was an amazing way to end my set.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to DJ Framingham State College’s Alumni Reunion Dinner Dance. While setting up I received a huge hug from Bobby Walmsley (the hugger) the college’s Alumni & Development Coordinator. FSC is a special place for me. During my freshman year I was a disc jockey with WDJM Radio and was known on campus for having the loudest sound system. Not much has changed since then.

The event was a lot of fun and the music was a mix of ballads, oldies, line dances and country. The college honored the class of 1960 and the dance floor was busy all evening. I had a great time and hope to be back again next year.

 

DJ Lori B with "the hugger", Bobby Walmsley

 

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Hot Hues, Hot Music, The Summer Wedding Season is Heating Up

This year, fashion forward brides have a wide variety of color designs to choose from. 2010 is the year to be bold and colorful. Bridesmaids dresses with hues of  pinks, oranges, yellows, purples and turquoise lead the way to the classic white/ivory bridal gown embellished with colorful sashes and bows.    

If  bridal attire is bold and colorful, why not the music for the party? During a five-hour wedding reception, I typically play 50-60 songs for the “party” portion of the event. In the grand scheme of all things musical, that is not a lot of songs to pop a party with.    

To help maximize the playlist, I’ve ecouraged couples and their guests to consider dancing between courses at the reception. It’s a perfect time to play ballads and a few classic songs that may appeal to the more mature group of guests in attendance. Dancing between courses sets the tone early on that the couple of honor intend to dance and celebrate their special event in a big way.     

Great party music cycles in and out every three to four years and this is a good year. The Black-Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, Justin Timberlake, Cascada, and Sean Kingston lead the charge in the pop/dance category. Other party tunes from Michael Jackson, Madonna (getting a bump from Glee), Pink, Big & Rich, Jamie Fox, Trace Adkins, KC & The Sunshine Band and The Commodore’s fill in the gaps; thus filling the dance floor.