The Spanish Immersion program at West Sylvan Middle School received a big funding boost on Saturday, May 12, 2012 inside the Bauccio Commons on the campus of the University of Portland.

Over 250 people participated in the silent and oral auction where they could bid on such items as travel packages, gift baskets that included plenty of wine and student artwork.

The silent auction began at 5:30pm and as guests arrived, I played a mix of uptempo music featuring all Latin guitars. This particular sound provided a lot of energy without being too busy so people could engage in conversation comfortably and a warm, sunny day outside, lent a ‘South of the Border’ feel.

Following the oral auction, guests were welcome to stay for dancing. It didn’t hurt that I was set-up right next to the bar However, the bright lights in the large commons had to remain on, so it appeared to be a bit of a challenge.

After a few ‘think about it’ songs, the numbers picked up and we had a good 90 minute run with a packed dance floor getting their groove on to the latest hit music (Maroon 5, Flo Rida, Rihanna) with a few oldies sprinkled in (Rick James, Sugarhill Gang).  It was a fun way to wrap a successful evening.

Thank you Auction Chair, Dickey for choosing PRO DJs.

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“You were fantastic Rich..Sorry I was checking out when you left and did not get a chance to thank you!!”-Dickey McMath

Event Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012

Event Type: Auction/Party

Event Location: University of Portland (Bauccio Commons)/Portland, Oregon

Event Staff: Rich Ellis

Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent

Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent

Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent

System Appearance: N/A

Sound Quality: Excellent

Overall Volume Levels: Excellent

Music Selection: Excellent

Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent

Lighting Effects: N/A

Equipment Appearance: Excellent

Overall Customer Service: Excellent

Planning Assistance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent

Overall Performance Rating: Excellent

Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

The last week of April and first week of May has been a soaker in the Portland area, so it was nice to see a little sun for the unofficial start of the wedding season. Clear skies also made for a super view of the super moon on the Columbia River.

Rachel and Chris scheduled their wedding for May 5, 2012 with the ceremony held at The Academy and reception at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay in Vancouver, Washington. Guests began arriving about 15 minutes earlier than my scheduled start-time of 6:30pm, but no worries, I had the music playing as they walked in and found their seats.

With about 200 guests in attending, each seat had a bottle of custom-labeled raspberry vodka for guests to take home as a gift. If you guessed the venue would need to ask me to announce that guests not drink the vodka at their table, you would be right. From what I have learned, it’s not just better for a venue’s business, but also the law.

As everyone engaged in conversation and enjoyed drinks and appetizers, I played a variety of background music that included Coldplay, Jimmy Buffet and some Country selections requested by the family.

Upon their arrival, I introduced Rachel and Chris and they entered the room to Keith Urban’s ‘Somebody Like You’ before heading right to the dance floor for their First Dance ‘Making Memories of Us’ also from Keith Urban. In most cases, I recommend to brides and grooms to schedule their First Dance for after the cake cutting to generate some momentum on the dance floor for their guests who will soon join in. However, in this case, the newlyweds had learned and practice a dance routine to this song. As expected, they were a little nervous, so instead of having them think about it through dinner, the toast and cake, it made more sense to avoid any anxiety on their big day and get right to it

Wedding Reception Highlights:

• Grand Entrance: Keith Urban – Somebody Like You
• First Dance: Keith Urban – Making Memories of Us
• Cake Cutting: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
• Bride and Father Dance: Heartland – I Loved Her First
• Bouquet Toss: Beyonce – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
• Garter Toss: Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone

It’s always a good sign when several couples are dancing during the background music. Once the dance floor was officially opened, guests poured in and danced the night away to a mix of classic hits.

Congratulations Chris and Rachel and thank you to Rachel’s mother Leslie for your recommending PRO DJs.

When I learned Eddie had injured his foot and would be wearing a boot for his Bar Mitzvah Party on April 28, 2012 at Urban Studio in Portland, Oregon, I had a feeling there would be no problem with this kid.  It was probably more difficult for him not being able to play baseball right now than whether or not he could tear it up on the dancefloor.  Certainly, he couldn’t get carried away, but he was very mobile when he had to be and living it up on his big night.

Still, I thought it best to feel his (foot) pain and went with one-legged games and dancing during the first hour when it was just me and the kids.  Following a rip-roaring version of ‘Name That Tune’, was a one-legged hop musical freeze (similar to musical chairs), one-legged swing dance, one-legged Coke and Pepsi, one-legged ‘Cha Cha Slide’ and a challenging one-legged Limbo.  The kids were great sports and had a lot of fun with it.  Of course, they were also thrilled to win Starbucks, Jamba Juice and iTunes gift cards for their efforts

After Dinner and a video montage of Eddie’s life so far, I opened the dance floor to everyone with ‘The Hora’.  With the chair raising, we had to be real careful with the injured guest of honor.  It was mostly his friends holding the chair and there was a moment that looked like he might come flying out, but they held on and the party really got going.  The dance floor rocked to a variety of hits early and then mostly current Top 40 the rest of the night, that included a wild slippery socks dance to ‘Party Rock Anthem’.

The night ended with the photo booth balloon backdrop being dismantled and tossed onto the dance floor… the kids had a great time with it (see photos).  Eddie and his family were exhausted, but appeared to have a great time.  Mazel Tov Eddie and thank you mom Krista and dad Burt for choosing PRO DJs. -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Rich was incredible with the kids. He was so creative with coming up with games for my son who had a broken foot. It was great knowing I didn’t have to worry about a thing:) Thanks Rich!”-Krista Rosen

Event Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012

Event Type: Bar Mitzvah

Event Location: Urban Studio/Portland, Oregon

Event Staff: Rich Ellis

Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent

Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent

Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent

System Appearance: N/A

Sound Quality: Excellent

Overall Volume Levels: Excellent

Music Selection: Excellent

Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent

Lighting Effects: N/A

Equipment Appearance: Excellent

Overall Customer Service: Excellent

Planning Assistance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent

Overall Performance Rating: Excellent

Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

It was good to see the Didner’s again!  I performed at Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah in November, 2010.  Tonight though it was brother Joey’s time.  His Bar Mitzvah was held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown Waterfront in Portland.  The celebration was in the Mt. Hood Room… same as Aaron’s two years ago, so some good history there.

As guests arrived, I played a little soft jazz background music.  Kids and parents enjoyed the food and drinks and were laughing and having a good time.  Everyone then sat down for dinner and watched a video of Joey… we saw many cute pictures of him, along with family members and friends.

At the conclusion of the video, we went right to dancing and I got them going with a swing dance contest.  The funny thing about this was normally the kids win, but this time the adults got the win and the kids were judging! lol.  Next I played ‘The Hora’ and everybody was on the floor… it was amazing.

Slow dances were popular at Joey’s party and the guys were not shy about asking the girls to dance.  For the limbo, it was guys vs. girls and it came down to one girl and one boy in the finals. Who won?  Would you believe the crazy guys took it away from the girls. The fellas won this time

I also played music for the adults and brought it back for them, reminding them when they were young dancing.  A slow dance closed the night out and family and friends crowded the floor, giving Joey huge hugs as the party ended.  I have known this family for a long time and I am going to miss them very much. They have been so good to me and it was my pleasure to be here to have fun with Joey and his family. I love you guys!  -Steve

The Leftbank Annex near the Broadway Bridge in Portland, Oregon holds up to 1,500 people on the main level and it was packed with people ready to bid on items to support Oregon Episcopal School on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  Meanwhile, preparations were under way in the basement for auction staff and those who bid on a chance to attend the afterparty to let loose with a glass of wine and rockin’ dance tunes.

That’s where I came in and this group came ready to play.  The dance floor was in tune from the opening number and was packed from the window to the wall most of the night.  The Auction Theme was ‘Rock Music’ and some came dressed as their favorite rock star or wearing a concert t-shirt.  After an AC/DC sighting, I rolled ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ as part of a dose of heavy 80′s, but some current music went over just as well.  Crowd favorites also included ‘Come On Eileen’ from Dexy’s Midnight Runners and Madonna’s ‘Vogue’.

Big thanks to Julie and Rebecca for the opportunity… it was a great time. -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“I was present for the actual function but a committee member did all coordination with Rich.  All correspondence was prompt and we booked several months out which was nice to have off the list!”  -Rebecca Roberts (OES Auction Chair)

Event Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012

Event Type: Private Party

Event Location: Leftbank Annex/Portland, Oregon

Event Staff: Rich Ellis

Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent

Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent

Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent

System Appearance: Excellent

Sound Quality: Excellent

Overall Volume Levels: Excellent

Music Selection: Excellent

Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent

Lighting Effects: Excellent

Equipment Appearance: Excellent

Overall Customer Service: Excellent

Planning Assistance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent

Overall Performance Rating: Excellent

Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Welcome back to a wonderful time of partying!  This Bat Mitzvah was amazing with the celebration taking place at Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

The party started at 7:00pm with a little soft jazz in the background, an active photobooth and Images By Floom as the photographer, so we had all the right players.  Dinner started at 7:15 and as guests arrived, they grabbed a drink and then went right to loading their plates at the buffet.  When the kids finished eating, they started dancing immediately and I took it up a notch with a swing dance contest.  Next, we played the Coke and Pepsi game.  That was followed by a few more choice music selections before taking a break for a slide show

Imediately afterwards, I went right to ‘The Hora’ and then… first time I have ever seen this in all my years of doing this… FLASH MOB!  That’s right… a Flash MOB to ‘I Gotta Feeling’ from the Black Eyed Peas and it was awesome!  Everybody was on the dance floor dancing… kids, parents, grandparents… everyone was in on it… crazy

Marian was so happy and amazed lol.  Next we did the limbo and then ended the party with one of her favorites, ‘Paper Planes’ from M.I.A.  I had so much fun.  Stay tuned for the next party.  I will see you at the end of March. -Steve

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Pro DJs was pefect for our event.  Everyone had a great time.” -Karen Twain

Event Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012

Event Type: Bat Mitzvah

Event Location: Congregation Neveh Shalom/Portland, OR

Event Staff: Steve Marker

Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent

Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent

Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent

Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent

Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent

System Appearance: Excellent

Sound Quality: Excellent

Overall Volume Levels: Excellent

Music Selection: Excellent

Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent

Lighting Effects: Excellent

Equipment Appearance: Excellent

Overall Customer Service: Excellent

Planning Assistance: Excellent

Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent

Overall Performance Rating: Excellent

Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

It was good to see the family again.  I performed at Josh’s Bar Mitzvah in March 2009 at the Laurelhurst Club in Northeast Portland.  On this night though (Saturday, March 3, 2012), we celebrated Charlotte’s Bat Mitzvah at the North Star Ballroom in Portland, Oregon.

As guests arrived around 6pm, I played a variety of background music.  The downstairs area was set-up for the adults as a place where they could go to escape the youth energy set to happen at any moment, but nearly everyone stayed in the main room… maybe to stick around for the entertainment. 

With dinner scheduled for 7pm, there was only a little time once most of the kids arrived for a game, so with the girls versus the boys, I hosted a ‘name that tune’ contest.  Of course, they knew the latest hit music, but with the girls comfortably ahead and agreeing to double or nothing after getting the victory, I went with some oldies and that stumped the group, but the girls still got it and held their title

After dinner, the kids got right back to it with some games, fun participation dance songs and a limbo.  Eventually the adults joined in and really took over the dance floor for about an hour as I rolled a heavy dose of disco and 80′s. The kids returned for the final hour, dancing to their favorite current hit songs.

Mazel Tov Charlotte and thank you mom Stacy for again choosing PRO DJs. -Rich

Thank you Ponytail Photography for sharing photos from this event.

After many, many years at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, the Oregon City High School Army JROTC program awards banquet and dance was moved to the Abernethy Center in Oregon City, Oregon.  This formal event took place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 and featured dinner and a guest speaker. 

As has been customary, the group crowned a G.I. Joe and G.I. Jane for 2012 and they led the first dance of the night to Taylor Swift’s ‘Back to December’ before others joined in.  Always courteous and respectful, this group of students is still ready to get down on the dance floor and they expended a lot of energy to a mix of current hits, along with a few classic tracks. 

This event is the longest running on the PRO DJs calendar… we have performed this annually going back to 1998.  Everyone had a great time and we appreciate the opportunity to perform again at this special banquet.  Thank you Major Thomas and Cadet Britney Harter. -Rich

PRO DJs is thankful for our longtime clients.  Some have brought us out year after year so many times, we have lost count

That is certainly the case for a Portland trucking company.  Their normal January event was moved to February this year… same result though.  We had a great time Saturday night at our usual stomping grounds… the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel on the River in Portland, Oregon.

The itinerary is generally the same at each event.  Employees gather for drinks and dinner before hitting the gaming tables for a chance to win big prizes.  The casino is big hit that provides some competition for me, but eventually I am able to peel some people away to rock the dancefloor.

Thanks again Angie for the opportunity.  See you next year! -Rich