Crowne Plaza Hotel Company Party 12/20/08

My last event for 2008 was at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I don't really know what to say about this event. I was given a specific playlist that the group would supposedly love (swing music and some oldies) and asked not to take/play any requests. I am all about making sure my clients are happy and do not mind following an exact playlist when it works but it is painful when it flops. Well... lets just say it was one of the most embarrassing evenings I have ever had! 170 guests (out of about 176 guests) actually left the party within 15-30 minutes after we started dancing!!! A few people were making fun of the music from their seats and a few other guests came up to me and asked me if I could play any "real music". What can I say? I might have just assumed that it was not a dancing crowd if I didn't know better but I have done this company party for over 5 years. It has never been a "wild group" and usually a good amount of people leave after dinner but they have NEVER left this fast! I can remember last year was actually a really good time and a good portion of the guests danced/enjoyed the evening until the very end. Anyways... I really take pride in what I do so it is difficult, as well as, really embarrassing when people are almost running for the door and my hands are pretty much tied behind my back unable to do anything about it. All I can say is that I hope the people in charge of the party had a good time and hopefully it was a learning experience for next year.

Rancho Bernardo Inn Company Party 12/19/08

It always feels like the holidays when I DJ an event at the Rancho Bernardo Inn during December. I was in the Santa Catalina Ballroom which is the smallest ballroom they have for events. I have done this company party for two years now. The group is extremely small with around 30 people. It was a six hour event and they pretty much danced the entire time! Many people would think that a smaller group would be easier but they are actually much more difficult because there are less people to get things really going to create a party atmosphere. This group doesn't really have a problem with that. Looking forward to doing their party again next year...

Handlery Hotel Company Party 12/13/08

Tonight's company party was at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley. It was a slightly older group that was fairly conservative. There was a 30 minute presentation with a video slideshow and then a raffle drawing. No prizes were given out just envelopes with different amounts of cash in them... something everyone can use. A portion of the group did not dance (only to slow songs) but there was a large group that stayed until the very last song and had a great time!

San Diego Marriott Company Party 12/12/08

The San Diego Marriott downtown has an amazing Bayside Pavilion ballroom out next to the water that overlooks the bay, marina, and the Coronado bridge. Tonight was a cool company party... no awards, no speeches, no raffle drawing giveaways. They just wanted a great night out to get together and celebrate an excellent year. Plenty of food and drink for all. Company parties are always a little unique because nobody really wants to fully let loose in front of the boss. They had a good time and there was consistent dancing for the three hours of open dancing after the cocktail hour and meal.

Extras Provided: Water Effect Lights

40th Birthday Party 12/6/08

It is always an honor when a past client contacts me for another one of their events. Tonight was a great change of scenery with a 40th birthday party. I was the DJ at the couple's wedding over 10 years ago! They loved what I did back then and kept my contact information. It is funny how time flies. The party was a great success with a video slideshow. A favorite moment featured the birthday boy rapping on camera back in the 1980's. It was an excellent dancing group. They could have easily gone another hour or two...

Extras Provided: Slideshow Equipment