Today's review is a bit different from the ones I've done in the past. It's not often that I book photo booth services and not DJ services, but it happens. When it does, I run the photo booth and give my guys the day off. On a Friday in May, this was the case, so I headed out to the Arnaldo Banquet Hall in Riverview.
The Hall itself is very "over the top" with a circular ceiling that has twinkling stars and blue lighting to the fountain and faux marble columns that line the lobby area. They must have spent a fortune on the 12 HDTVs behind the bar, but then decided they would look better if they were behind a waterfall that runs over a plexiglass window, placed in front of them.
On this occasion, I did not get the chance to eat. But don't worry... this isn't my first time here. I was here about 5 years ago for my high school reunion and the food was nothing to write home about (I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars).
I was also looking forward to this for one other reason... I can sit back and take in what another DJ is doing.
I made a list of all the pros and cons of this particular DJ. While the setup is clean and professional looking, there isn't much else that I can add to the list of pros!
This room has the unfortunate layout that forces the DJ to the far corner of the room, with tables placed directly between the DJ and the dance floor. I've stated in the past how this is completely inappropriate and creates an impossible situation for any DJ to overcome. Guests should NEVER be seated in front of speakers and lighting the dance also becomes a challenge.
Lucky for this DJ, she only had one light to begin with. That's right - ONE LIGHT for the entire dance floor! You'll notice it's sitting on the table instead of being up in the air, where it can be angled down, over the tables and actually hit the dance floor. I've seen DJs that only use a few lights in the past and for some reason, they think that putting them on the table is acceptable (it's not, it's quite amateur).
She has a lovely twinkling LED backdrop that sells for no less than $400. Aren't you glad she spent money on a backdrop instead of lighting the dance floor? She's obviously trying to draw attention to herself. But if that's the case, she should be standing and not sitting the entire night. There's a reason for that too...
After hearing her dinner music, which was a compilation of "weddings
greatest hits" (including Love Shack, Old Time Rock & Roll, White
Wedding, Baby Got Back and MORE!), I was curious to take a closer look.
She was using a desktop computer with WINDOWS "FREAKING" MEDIA
PLAYER!!!! No DJ software, no controller, just a keyboard and mouse. This explains why NONE of the songs were ever mixed
together, why sometimes there was 5-6 seconds of silence between songs
and why some songs seemed to suddenly get cut off and another one
started abruptly.
"DJ Trainwreck" also managed to fumble through
introductions without welcoming guests and getting them seated and
forgot to cue the song for the bride & groom's intro!
THIS is
what the fabulously low price of $499 will get you for your wedding!
If that's what you want, you could probably just hire a friend to do it
with their ipod and they might even do a better job. People like this give professional
DJs a bad reputation and I just want to let everyone know that there
ARE professionals like myself that will exceed your expectations - EVERY
TIME!
At least one thing went right for this couple... they had a
great photo booth that everyone enjoyed and memory scrapbook they can
look through for years to come.
(end)
The PINK PARTY is this Thursday (June 12th)
Come on out to downtown Howell from 5-9 to celebrate a great cause.
This is one of the few public events I do through out the year and it's a
great chance to see what I do. Unfortunately, I don't MC this event as
they have a separate MC, but I'll be playing music right next to the
courthouse on the stage between various events. I also light the
historical courthouse up in Pink at 9 PM!
The Pink Party is a town wide fund-raiser to raise funds for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Livingston for supportive care and breast cancer research. the Pink Party is an after hours adult, town-wide ticketed event
for retail shops to help raise funds for a great cause, invigorate a
small downtown and strengthen our sense of community. Proceeds will be
donated to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Livingston. Tickets can be
purchased in advanced for $25 at participating businesses.
The
Pink Party is a ticketed event for adults. You must have a passport
(ticket) in order to receive giveaways, specials, etc. from businesses.
Items are limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Remember, this is for a great cause and will help so many!
Your ticket includes:
- A generous discount at participating retail stores
- Food & Wine Tasting
- Massage Stations
- Queen of the Night Awards for Most Creative Pink Outfit
- The parade of men
- Groups
purchasing 8 tickets or more at one time will be escorted by a tuxedo
wearing, handsome James Bond type. He will be with your group to open
doors, carry shopping bags and umbrellas, fetch coffee and remind you of
just how fabulous you are!
- Festive Party-like atmosphere throughout town
- Roaming entertainment
- Belly dancing
- The DJ Guy
- Zumba
- Live music and entertainment on the main stage
- Special handouts on the courthouse lawn
Look for another Venue Review next week!
