Elegant Music

Wed, Aug 25th, 2010 8:00 AM PDT

DJ/MC Dance Music Special Issue Part 3 Master of Ceremonies

Hello: My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. This is the 3rd issue in the series of articles about the responsibilities of a DJ. In the first issue we addressed how to plan great music for your party. In the second issue we discussed how music can be focused on the dance floor contributing to the party atmosphere. In this issue we will discuss the responsibilities of your Master of Ceremonies.	Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies
	Master of Ceremonies The Master of Ceremonies is the representative of the host. At a wedding he is the representative of the groom and bride to their guests. The Master of Ceremonies or “MC” sets the tone of the evening. He is the man out front. A professional master of ceremonies is organized and helpful with a friendly demeanor. The job of the Master of Ceremonies is to: Direct the attention of the audience... Make announcements and... Conduct the festivities. Many couples I meet with express concern about how their MC will conduct himself during their event. They “don’t want the MC to talk too much” or to “steal the show.” As an MC for a wedding I always work from a script that has been approved ahead of time by the bride and her coordinator. We have all heard inappropriate remarks, wise cracks and “improvisation” done by a DJ/MC who plain and simple “wasn’t working from a script.” For your piece of mind ask your MC to present you with a script for your approval. Check out these scripted videos: Welcome To Elegant Music - Video How To Tie A Bow Tie - Video
An “itinerary” is different than a “script.” Just because you have an itinerary this does not mean that you have a script. (An itinerary is a list of generalized events listed in sequence.) A script would be the specific communication; what is said: "Good evening and welcome to the the..." "Congratulations to the family and friends of..." "At this time please join me in welcoming..."	Photograph by Michael Delmonte
	The unique relationship between your master of ceremonies and your event coordinator. The coordinator always works (ahead of the event) setting up the next thing for the master of ceremonies to do. For example: "The Champagne Toast." 1. The coordinator makes sure the banquet captain has champagne glasses filled on all the tables. 2. Then the coordinator locates the next presenter and informs him he is next to speak. 3. Finally the coordinator cues the MC to announce the next presenter for the champagne toast. If there is no coordinator then the MC needs to do the steps the coordinator would have done: 1. Locate the banquet captain to make sure the champagne has been poured. 2. Make sure the next presenter is in the room and informs him that he is next to speak and... 3. Announces the next presenter for the champagne toast. If the MC doesn’t do these necessary steps he is in danger. In fact, if the MC makes an announcement that doesn’t happen (because it wasn’t set up) then that MC loses credibility with that audience and his job for the rest of the night is that much harder. “Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention please?!” etc., etc., etc. If you see an MC struggling to get everyone's attention he either lost credibility earlier in the evening or never established it in the first place. There are many things that go on behind the scene that the public is unaware of at a special event... and that is the way it should be. During an event, event professionals work hard to make it look easy. Unless you are an experienced event professional you may have only a partial idea of what it will take to execute a successful event for your guests. Check out this helpful article: Should I Get A Wedding Coordinator?
Are you getting the help you need? Many parts will come together on the day of your special event. (These parts can be floating around as ideas known only to you.) It is best to get your ideas down on paper in proper sequence and into the hands of an event professional in charge of your event. I find when a bride sees her wedding reception itinerary written out with scripted announcements (as it will happen) she experiences relief. She knows that she has been understood; that her wedding reception itinerary and announcements are complete. With this step done copies are given to the caterer, photographer, videographer, etc. and everything goes smoothly. Now the bride or host can put their attention on other things and enjoy their special event. For event professionals who are familiar with how a special event is conducted even they breathe a sigh of relief when someone hands them a scripted itinerary. Having this they can predict what will happen and be ready when important events occur; and everything goes smoothly. See this helpful article: Wedding Stress	Master of Ceremonies
	To summarize this series... The responsibilities of a DJ are: Play the right music at the right time... Provide great sound by focusing dance music on the dance floor not toward seated guests and... Professional Master of Ceremonies. There is much more to talk about but these are the basics. Though I have put this "Master of Ceremonies" item 3rd in this series this is probably the most important item; to conduct the festivities. Are you getting the help you need? Call me; I look forward to speaking with you about your ideas for your event. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ and Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader www.Elegantmusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com. PS: If you missed any of these issues you can see them on the first page of www.elegantmusic.com as part of my blog.

Mon, Aug 9th, 2010 11:32 PM PDT

Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies - Special Issue Part 2

Hello: My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. There are 3 important parts to consider when hiring a DJ for your special event: Play The Right Music... Great Sound Professional Master of Ceremonies In the first issue we discussed “Play the right music at the right time” and how to put together great music for your party. In this issue we will discuss “Great Sound”.
	The Loud DJ Problem (Standard DJ 2 speaker setup) We have all experienced a DJ that is too loud. Some guests are enjoying themselves on the dance floor and other guests who are seated are hearing too much music and may complain “it’s too loud!” or may say nothing and just leave. Dancers say "Turn it up!" Seated guests say "Turn it down!" I don't think DJs are inconsiderate; as wedding professionals they want to please their clients. As diplomatically as possible they will compromise between the conflicting desires of the guests; unfortunately then no one is happy. Actually the problem lies with the 2 speaker DJ set up; most DJs project music throughout the room from only 2 speakers. Usually guests are seated at tables around the dance floor where the volume is highest. Very often the music is too loud even for dancers and so dancers move back away from the speakers. This situation is all too common at weddings and parties. “Well, that’s just the way it is” or “Nothing can be done about it” or “You can’t please all of the people all of the time” is acceptance of this otherwise avoidable situation. Some of your guests haven’t seen each other in years and will want to talk and “catch up with each other” while others want to dance. The ideal for a DJ is to have dancers on the dance floor and keep them there by playing great dance music. So naturally a DJ will pump up the volume to keep up the energy of the party. It would be a shame to have your party or wedding reception ruined by high dance floor volumes bouncing all over the room. What‘s the solution?
Elegant Music Dance Floor Surround Sound I have discovered the solution is simple! I bring 2 additional speakers for a total of 4 and place one speaker on each corner of the dance floor facing in to the dancers. As a result the music is focused on the dance floor and I can play at half normal dance floor volumes! Unfocused sound is not bouncing all over the room. For the dancers the sound is not coming from one annoying source but seems to come from all around. Any where on the dance floor the music sounds great. The room volume is not too loud; talkers can carry on a conversation and dancers can dance; all in the same room! Everybody is happy. The Biltmore Crystal Ballroom is a big room and seats 400 guests. Andrea and David chose Dance Floor Surround Sound for their wedding reception and you can see from the video everyone had a good time. See Biltmore Wedding - Dance Music Video Here is a helpful article I have written about Dance Floor Surround Sound: Worried that your DJ will be too loud?
Eric Zimmermann - DJ / Master of Ceremonies	You are spending thousands of dollars... It would be unacceptable to have only part of your guests enjoying themselves. You are spending thousands of dollars for your wedding or special event and you want everyone to have a good time. Elegant Music Dance Floor Surround Sound is one way to create a festive atmosphere for all of your guests. I look forward to speaking with you about your wedding or special event. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ and Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader www.Elegantmusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com. PS: In this issue we discussed Dance Floor Surround Sound. In the next issue (DJ/MC Dance Music - Special Issue Part 3) we will discuss... ...the responsibilities of your: Master of Ceremonies - MC

Sun, Aug 1st, 2010 11:59 AM PDT

Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies - Special Issue Part 1

Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies - Special Issue Part 1
There are 3 parts to my DJ Service: Play the Right Music... Great Sound Professional Master of Ceremonies...	Hello: My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. There are several hats a DJ wears; he is responsible for many things. I have divided these into 3 parts. Each of these parts are simple by themselves; together they create a much bigger effect. Here is the first part...
Photograph by Michael Delmonte	Play the Right Music... Part of the job for a DJ is to play the right music at the right time. Each audience is unique. Each location is unique. It’s fascinating to me to talk to people about dance music. I especially like discovering new music to add to my library. As a DJ for a wedding I always talk to the couple about music they like... With their permission I also consult their parents and any other VIPs for their requests. And finally... ...I also like to talk to the “party animals” who will be attending to get their dance music requests. This sort of “homework” is done before hand. The results are compiled. Specific music is worked into the itinerary. On the night of the event I know what to play and everybody has fun.
Biltmore Wedding As a DJ I always keep track of the music that I play. Andrea and David were married at the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel. The Elegant Music Quartet performed for their wedding ceremony in the Emerald Room. The music requested by Andrea and David for their wedding reception in the Crystal Ballroom was very specific and illustrates their individuality. Music requested: Party Music from the 60s! Here is what I played: Signed Sealed Delivered/Stevie Wonder Shout/Isley Brothers Shake/Sam Cooke Thank You (Forlettinme Be My Self)/Sly Stone Get Up I Feel Like A Sex Machine/James Brown Sweet Soul Music/Arthur Conley... ...Can't Get Next To You, I/Temptations Temptations Twistin' the Night Away/Sam Cooke Baby Workout/Jackie Wilson Hold On I'm Coming/Sam & Dave You Can't Hurry Love/Diana Ross It's Your Thing/Isley Brothers Dance To The Music/Sly Stone I Can't Help My Self/Four Tops Four Tops I Want To Take You Higher/Sly Stone Baby Love/Diana Ross Wonderful World/Sam Cooke Money (Thats What I Want)/Barrett Strong Another Saturday Night/Sam Cooke In The Summertime/Mongo Jerry You Can Get It If You Really Want/Jimmy Cliff Baby I Love You/The Ronettes Wonderful World, Beautiful People/Jimmy Cliff Sloop John B./Beach Boys Beach Boys Groovin'/The Young Rascals Secret Agent Man/Johnny Rivers It's My Party/Leslie Gore Take A Letter Maria/R.B. Greaves Seventh Son, The/Johnny Rivers Grazing In the Grass/Hugh Masekela Love Is All Around/The Troggs Let the Good Times Roll/Ray Charles Theme from "Route 66"/Route 66 Orchestra The Game of Love/The Mindbenders & Wayne Fontana Chapel Of Love/Darlene Love The Happening/Diana Ross Downtown/Petula Clark It's Not Unusual/Tom Jones...	...That's Why (I Love You So)/Jackie Wilson Beat Goes On, The/Cher Sugar Sugar/Archies, The (Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry/The Crystals Reach Out I'll Be There/Four Tops Four Tops Land of 1000 Dances/Wilson Pickett Footloose (From "Footloose")/Kenny Loggins Happy Together/Turtles, The Many Rivers to Cross/Jimmy Cliff Nothing Can Change This Love/Sam Cooke You Don't Have to Say You Love Me/Dusty Springfield Unchain My Heart/Ray Charles I'll Take You There/The Staple Singers Casino Royal/Billy Strange Tell Him/Exciters, The Exciters Matilda/Harry Belafonte Oh Happy Day/Edwin Hawkins Singers Sitting in Limbo/Jimmy Cliff (Night Time Is) The Right Time/Ray Charles See Biltmore Wedding - Elegant Music YouTube Dance Music Video Music requested: Party Music from the 60s! See Athenaeum Wedding - Elegant Music YouTube Dance Music Video Music requested: Hip Hop, Top 40, Disco and Arabic music! See music played at great parties.
DJ and Master of Ceremonies - Eric Zimmermann	Play The Right Music... ...at The Right Time What music do you like to dance to? What music would your guests like to dance to? Finding out can be a lot of fun. I look forward to hearing your ideas. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ and Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader www.Elegantmusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com 626-797-1795 PS: In this issue we discussed requests and how to put together music for a party everyone can enjoy. In the next issues we will discuss: Great Sound (that all of your guests will appreciate) Master of Ceremonies or MC (responsibilities of)

Tue, Jul 27th, 2010 4:59 PM PDT

Weddings at Athenaeum and Clougherty Chapel - Elegant Music

Good people make the world go 'round. Hello! My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. Good people do make the world go round. I love it when good people find each other and decide to create a life together. In planing their guest list they invite other good people... who in turn meet each other... and during the course of the event recognize that they have many things in common and new friendships form. And in many ways the world becomes that much better. It was very evident at these weddings and special events that the guests were very happy for the celebrants and very much enjoyed the company of each other.	Athenaeum - Pasadena, CA.
Elegant Music Jazz Trio Jazz Trio Video Jazz Trio Song List	Beautiful Clougherty Chapel - Great acoustics! On Saturday June 12, 2010 Martin and Barbara brought their families together to witness their getting married at Clougherty Chapel Loyola High School. The chapel has classic stained glass windows, tall ceilings and sound reflective surfaces that provide great acoustics for live music. Bridesmaid, family member and Soprano Lisa Reilly performed with our quartet. No microphone; what a performance! After the ceremony guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner and dancing. at Lucques Restaurant 8487 Melrose (at La Cienega). I had a great time playing with my Jazz Trio (Keyboard, String Bass and Drums). You gotta try the ribs at Lucques! (pronounced “Luke”)
Athenaeum Wedding - Pasadena On Saturday June 19th I had a lot of fun being the DJ and Master of Ceremonies for Rami and Monika’s wedding reception at the Athenaeum in Pasadena. Elegant Music also provided live music in several locations going simultaneously: Harpist Elaine Litster performed for the wedding ceremony on “the steps” just off “the lawn”... Elaine then played for the cocktail hour in the main lounge (indoors). There is a terrace off the main lounge where the Elegant Music quartet performed also during the cocktail hour (outdoors). Sheila Zimmermann - Flute, Teri Parker - Violin, Harry Gilbert - Cello, Eric Zimmermann - Piano/Keyboard. The quartet then moved into the dining room and continued performing during dinner. Elegant Music Quartets	Athenaeum - Pasadena, CA.
Athenaeum Wedding - Pasadena Dance Music Requests Rami and Monika requested a variety of dance music including Top 40 and Hip Hop with a little bit of Arabic music too. As a DJ I keep track of the dance music I play at every event. Here is some of the dance music I played for their guests. Everybody knew the lyrics to the songs and boy did they dance... ...You should see the YouTube video! Athenaeum Wedding Reception Video - DJ Eric Zimmermann Visit www.LAPartyEntertainment.com and see song lists from great parties... Song Lists Welcome to Elegant Music - Video DJ / Master of Ceremonies - Eric Zimmermann	10:56 PM Don't Stop the Music/Rihanna 10:53 PM We Are Family/Sister Sledge 10:51 PM Fly Me To The Moon/Frank Sinatra 10:48 PM La La La /Lebanese 10:45 PM The Great Love /Lebanese 10:43 PM Pump It/Black Eyed Peas 10:40 PM You're The First, The Last,/Barry White 10:37 PM Right Round/Flo Rida 10:34 PM Baby Got Back/Sir Mix-a-Lot 10:31 PM Play That Funky Music/Wild Cherry 10:27 PM Dancing Queen/ABBA 10:25 PM Get Me Bodied/Beyoncé 10:22 PM Dance To The Music/Sly Stone 10:20 PM I Can't Help My Self/Four Tops Four Tops 10:17 PM Bust A Move/Young MC 10:14 PM Ice Ice Baby/Vanilla Ice 10:12 PM Temperature/Sean Paul 10:07 PM Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough/Michael Jackson 10:05 PM SexyBack/Justin Timberlake 10:02 PM Pon de Replay (Radio Edit)/Rihanna 10:00 PM Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)/Beyoncé 9:57 PM I Want You Back/Jackson 5 9:52 PM Love Shack/B-52's 9:50 PM Boom Boom Pow/Black Eyed Peas 9:46 PM I'm In Miami Trick (Radio Edit)/LMFAO 9:42 PM California Love/2Pac, Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman 9:40 PM Stripper, The/David Rose 9:39 PM I'm Too Sexy/Right Said Fred Right Said Fred 9:36 PM Where My Girls At?/702 9:26 PM I Gotta Feeling/Black Eyed Peas 9:23 PM MA TISTIHI/Emad Sayyah 9:20 PM Lets Dance /Lebanese
Angeles National Golf Club	A New Wedding and Special Event Location! You can think back and recall someone you knew who really cared about you and who profoundly effected your life. I had the opportunity to perform Solo Piano music for a retirement party at the Angeles National Golf Club. The honoree is a dynamic individual who helped guide her students to “Do the right thing”. The inspiring toasts and presentations attested to her dedication and positive effect she had on so many during her years of service. Angeles National is a beautiful new facility just off the 210 Freeway in Sunland. The brunch there is not to be believed; you have to experience it! Contact Carrie Contrares Director of Catering and Special Events - 818.951.8771, ext. 133 or via email at carrie@angelesnational.com.
Your Ideas... I find that the enjoyment of any event has something to do with the contribution toward the purpose of the event by those in attendance. The host, the celebrants and the guests all bring something to the event and the experience is made more meaningful because it is shared by many. Have fun planing your event! I look forward to speaking with you about your ideas. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ and Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader www.elegantmusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com 626-797-1795	Eric Zimmermann

Sat, Jun 19th, 2010 12:47 PM PDT

DJ Eric Zimmermann performs for 54th Anniversary of Neil Aircraft

Friday June 18th I had a great time performing for the 54th Anniversary Company Bar-B-Que for Neil Aircraft. We ate great food, played games and gave out awards. Lots of fun!

Here is some of what I played:

6/18/10 2:09 PM Best Years Of Our Lives/Baha Men Baha Men
6/18/10 1:49 PM Baila Casanova (Spanish)/Paulina Rubio
6/18/10 1:47 PM Arrancame el Corazon/Maná
6/18/10 1:42 PM Get Ready For This/2 Unlimited
6/18/10 1:40 PM Tequila/Champs, The
6/18/10 1:39 PM I Feel Fine/Beatles Beatles
6/18/10 1:35 PM Flashdance - What a Feeling
6/18/10 1:34 PM Datin' With No Dough/Royal Crown Revue
6/18/10 1:32 PM All Around The World/Cooler Kids
6/18/10 1:31 PM A Mover la Colita/La Sonora Dinamita
6/18/10 1:28 PM A la Hora Que Me Llamen Voy/Jose Alberto
6/18/10 1:27 PM A Little Less Conversation/Elvis Presley
6/18/10 1:23 PM As Good As I Once Was/Toby Keith
6/18/10 1:20 PM Krazy (feat. Lil Jon)/Pitbull
6/18/10 1:16 PM Balia/Los Ilegales
6/18/10 1:13 PM A Soltarte-Don Chezina Y DJ BLASS/don chezina
6/18/10 1:10 PM Boom, Boom, Boom Boom!!
6/18/10 1:03 PM Say Hey (I Love You) [feat. Cherine Anderson]
6/18/10 12:58 PM Alejandro/Lady GaGa
6/18/10 12:54 PM Caraluna/Bacilos
6/18/10 12:51 PM Break Your Heart (feat. Ludacris)/Taio Cruz
6/18/10 12:48 PM Busco/Magisterio
6/18/10 12:44 PM Winner (feat. Justin Timberlake & T.I.)/Jamie Foxx
6/18/10 12:41 PM We Are the Champions/Queen
6/18/10 12:27 PM 123 alay alay alay/Ricky Martin
6/18/10 12:22 PM Brindemos/Magia Negra "Kiki"
6/18/10 12:18 PM A Man Size Job/Janiva Magness
6/18/10 12:15 PM All My Loving/Los Manolos Los Manolos
6/18/10 12:07 PM Boogie Shuffle/Shrek Shrek
6/18/10 12:04 PM Barco a Venus
6/18/10 11:59 AM Baila Esta Cumbia/Ab Quintanilla III & Kumbia Kings
6/18/10 11:56 AM A Dios le Pido/Juanes
6/18/10 11:51 AM Baba O'Riley/The Who
6/18/10 11:47 AM American Boy (feat. Kanye West)/Estelle
6/18/10 11:44 AM Amor, Amor/Gypsy Kings
6/18/10 11:41 AM Love Me Do/Beatles Beatles
6/18/10 11:37 AM All I Wanna Do/Sheryl Crow
6/18/10 11:32 AM Already Gone/Tanya Tucker
6/18/10 11:27 AM And She Was/Talking Heads
6/18/10 11:17 AM Accidentally In Love/Counting Crows
6/18/10 11:02 AM 26 Miles (Santa Catalina)/The Four Preps
6/18/10 10:59 AM A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action/Toby Keith
6/18/10 10:57 AM 1-2-3/Len Barry
6/18/10 10:54 AM Heat Wave /Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
6/18/10 10:48 AM Beach Boys Medley/Beach Boys, The
6/18/10 10:43 AM (Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again/L.T.D.

DJ Eric Zimmermann www.elegantmusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com 626-797-1795

Wed, Jun 16th, 2010 4:31 PM PDT

DJ Eric Zimmermann performs for 54th Anniversary Party of Neil Aircraft

DJ Eric Zimmermann performs for 54th Anniversary Party of Neil Aircraft

Coming Friday June 18th DJ / Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann of Elegant Music will perform dance music for the 54th Anniversary Party and barbeque of Neil Aircraft.

Eric will be providing Dance Floor Surround Sound for the 200 plus guests.
www.ElegantMusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com 626-797-1795

Wed, Jun 16th, 2010 3:58 PM PDT

Elegant Music plays Loyola High School's Clougherty Chapel and Lucques Restaurant

On Saturday June 12th the Elegant Music Quartet played for the wedding of Loyola High School alumnus Martin Foley to Barbara Reilly at Clougherty Chapel on the campus of Loyola High School.

Here is the wedding ceremony program:

5:30 - 6:00 Prelude Music as guests arrive. (Quartet)

Officiant and Groom 2 mothers with escorts
Music: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, J.S. Bach

Family processional
Music: Somewhere Over the Rainbow H. Arlen

Bride and her 2 sons
Music: Velocity Of Love, S. Ciani

Vocal Performance - Lisa Reilly
Music: Laudate Dominum, Mozart

Vocal Performance - Lisa Reilly
Music: All I Ask Of You, A.L. Webber

Recessional
Music: Wedding March, F. Mendelssohn

Post Recessional
Music: Hornpipe, G.F. Handel

After the wedding ceremony the bridal party and guests enjoyed dinner and dancing with the Elegant Music Jazz Trio at Lacques Restaurant 8474 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. 90069.

Eric Zimmermann
www.ElegantMusic.com and www.LAPartyEntertainment.com 626-797-1795