DJ JT's Blog

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The Wedding Selfie Dance: A modern twist to the antiquated Dollar Dance

The Back Story:

The Dollar dance was originally conceived as a way for a couple to have some extra cash to spend on their honeymoon (back when  the dollar actually bought more than a pack of gum).

The Dollar Dance has been on its way out for a long time as we are shifting towards a cashless society. Many couples are opting out of the dance altogether as they feel its an uncomfortable way of asking for money (and many of their guest aren't carrying any cash) but still want to do something fun that involves them and incorporates all of their guest.  

A solution does exist!  Truth is almost everyone is going to have mobile phone with a camera on it, Right?   We are fairly confident Lights Out Entertainment invented the Selfie Dance about 4 or 5 years ago. It transforms this strange tradition into something that isn’t dated but fresh, new, and fun!  

So how does it work?

Forget the cash.  Instead your guests come armed with their cellphones as they line up to dance with you or your partner one on one (just like the dollar dance).  Your Best Man or Maid of Honor will be by your side and will be to nudge people along if they have been dancing a little too long.  After dancing with your guest for about 10 – 20 seconds then strike a pose with your said guest as your guest snaps the selfie.  Now your guest has a personal photo with you that can be uploaded to social media (wedding hashtag here) to commemorate the day!  Your MC should instruct your guests to post the photos from the selfie dance along with your hashtag so you can easily find the photos when you get back from your honeymoon or as you are waiting at the airport.  Have the unplugged ceremony and formalities, but reward your guests for going along with what they have been itching to do with their phones… do a “Selfie Dance” and give an old wedding tradition a millennial make-over.

Written by DJ Mikey of Lights Out Entertainment. Lights Out Entertainment specializes in Weddings, Corporate Events, and Proms. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions relating to your event!

Photo Credit: http://www.firmgripphotography.com/

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Transform Beautiful Venues to Amazing with Lighting!

Wedding Season is well under way and I’ve had the pleasure of working at many wonderful venues this year.  One of the most significant ways to transform a venue is with lighting.  The picture above is from the Harrison in Fennville, Michigan and is simply one example of lighting completely changing the atmosphere of a place.  We at Lights Out Entertainment offer several different lighting options but let’s focus on the three most popular options.

UPLIGHTING

The look of uplighing can be achieved a couple of different ways but the latest and greatest is with wireless LED PAR fixtures.  These fixtures can be programmed to display most any color, in this case purple was the preference of the bride.  One of the major perks of going wireless is that these lights can be placed most anywhere without the need for cables.

LASER GRAPHICS

Obviously I’m not a photographer!  With ILD laser technology you can create your own personilized club scene.  Add a little haze into the mix and you’ve got yourself the perfect setting for a rave.  Insignias, names, and virtually anything can be displayed with lasers.

Monogram/Gobo Projection

An elegant alternative to laser graphics is gobo projection.  A gobo is a slide (glass or metal) with a design etched into it.  Gobos can be made to display patterns such as flowers or snowflakes, names, dates, and monograms.

The possibilities are nearly limitless when it comes to lighting and even the most drab of rooms can be transformed.  When selecting your venue envision it in a different light!

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No Cheese, Please. How to avoid booking a cheesy DJ.

Alright, this has been the exact phrasing I've heard from several brides in the past few days, "We want a DJ but we don't want someone who is going to be cheesy and say stupid things over the mic."  Firstly, I don't blame them.  I wouldn't want those things either.  The real question is how do you weed out the lame options?

I highly recommend meeting your prospective entertainment prior to booking.  If you are planning long distance then phone calls and web conferencing may have to suffice.  Be sure that the person you are meeting is the DJ who will be doing your event.  If they are not, then the option for you to meet your DJ should be available to you.  A quality event DJ will make an effort to know you and your wishes.  Interview the DJ and be sure all of your concerns are addressed.  Ask them about different possible situations that could arise during your event and see how they say they would handle them.  Follow your gut, if you are getting a bad vibe keep searching. 

A little planning goes a long way.  After you've selected your DJ don't be afraid to reach out to them with any ideas you may have. The more information you provide the better they can serve you and your guest.   For a big event such as a wedding, a couple of meetings may be needed to iron out the details.  This will give you a chance to discuss how your event will play out and set you mind at ease. 

The bottom line is that you want a DJ who will provide quality and personal service.  Cheesy DJs tend to focus more on themselves than their clients.  If the DJ uses phrases like 'typically I do this' or 'I always' then they probably have a cookie cutter approach to events.   Does the DJ let you talk?  Cheesy DJs tend to be terrible listeners and talk too much, especially when they have a microphone.  Choose wisely and you'll have a wonderful memory for year to come. 

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Set Your Party Apart with Lasers!

We're are in the process of upgrading our laser rigs to produce even more amazing effects!  If you're wanting to throw a party that's one of a kind let us know you're vision.  We can customize the show to capture your theme!

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An Early Start!

I had the pleasure of working with Life Time Fitness (Castleton) last Sunday for their Indoor Triathlon.  What a joy to see so many people energized at 7am!  I got a lot of request for some great music and met some wonderful people as well.  If you're on the NE side and looking for a gym you should definitely check out their facility and top notch staff.   I'm truly looking forward to more events there.