The beaches of Maui are a wonderful place to exchange vows, especially during the month of January and when you are a resident of the Portland area.  For Lora and Jason, they were married three weeks earlier in Hawaii and this was the celebration for friends and family not able to make the trip.

The local reception was held February 4, 2012 at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City with about 150 guests in attendance.  A slide show was presented that featured photos from Lora and Jason’s January 8th ceremony.

Wedding Reception Highlights:

• Grand Entrance: Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me
• Cake Cutting: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
• First Dance: Avett Brothers – January Wedding
• Bride and Father Dance: Steven Curtis Chapman – Cinderella
• Groom and Mother Dance: Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World
• Anniversary Dance: Michael Buble – Way You Look Tonight
• Last Dance: Brad Paisley – Then

Jason’ Grandparents (Andy & Rita, Married 64 Years) took top honors during the anniversary dance and from there on, we were in high gear as the dance floor filled to a variety of upbeat dance songs, including family favorites – Sister Sledge ‘We Are Family’ and ‘I Gotta Feeling’ from Black Eyed Peas. A mix of classics and current music kept the room hoppin for the next three hours.

It was good to see Liz and Bryan.  I peformed at their wedding reception last June and the groom’s mother Linda selected me to be the DJ for this event soon after… I appreciate the referral.

Congratulations to Lora and Jason.  Best wishes from PRO DJs.  -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“The wedding reception for my son & his bride was a smash hit! Music was fabulous, Rich Ellis a pleasure to work with. The dance floor was hopping most of the evening! Our guest thanked us many times over for such a wonderful party. On behalf of Lora & Jason, and all or our guests… THANK YOU!”  -Linda Gitts

Event Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012

Event Type: Wedding Reception

Event Location: Abernethy Center/Oregon City, 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

Tonight was Eugene’s Bar Mitzvah at Ararat Restaurant in Southeast Portland.  The party went from 6 to 10 and did we have fun!

First off Eugene and me talked before the party about video games we like… Skyrim was our favorite.  We then talked about the party and he did not look nervous at all… actually he was ready to get down and party.  But first, a little soft jazz background for arriving guests as requested by mom Irina. 

The food smelled really good and when the kids were done eating, they were ready to have a good time and the party started off right with girls and guys flooding the dance floor!  We amped it up with a swing dance competition.  The winners won Starbucks gift cards and the kids were raising those prizes like they were going to take everybody to Starbucks… LOL.

‘The Hora’ was next and all guests were on the floor as both Eugene and his sister went up in the chair and the family was dancing it up.  After announcing the limbo, all the kids starting practicing for it.  But first, we had cake and sang then went into the limbo.  Everybody tried it out… even the adults!  But the kids have the experience and boys won over the girls in this one, even though the girls did give the guys a run for their money.

When the party ended, I asked Eugene how do you feel and he said ‘I am tired and my feet hurt’ but he said he loved it.  That made me smile See you all at the next party! -Steve

‘Starry Night’ was the theme for Clackamas High School Students as they danced the night away in the Kridel Grand Ballroom located on the third floor of the Portland Art Museum on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

Everyone got their groove on to the latest hit music, including tracks from LMFAO, Pitbull and Rihanna.  Especially popular was ‘Dance’ from Big Sean and ‘I Like It Like That’ from Hot Chelle Rae.

Thank you to advisor Laura Pridmore-Brown and student Madison O. for choosing PRO DJs.  Madison let me know after the dance they would like to bring us back for Prom in May.  We look forward to it! -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“We really enjoyed your music selection! Thank you for taking our requests into consideration!”  -Clackamas High School National Honor Society

Event Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Event Type: School Dance

Event Location: Portland Art Museum/Portland, Oregon

Event Staff: Rich Ellis

Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: N/A

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: Good

Music Selection: Excellent

Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent

Lighting Effects: N/A

Equipment Appearance: Excellent

Overall Customer Service: Excellent

Planning Assistance: N/A

Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: N/A

Overall Performance Rating: Excellent

Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Hello friends and family welcome back to another exciting Mitzvah!  Who you ask?  The one and only Elliot Schloss.  The party was held at Mittleman Jewish community Center in Portland, Oregon with over 200 guests in attendance enjoying a photo booth, the game “Rock Band,” a real band, and me, the DJ. 

The theme of this party was The Beatles.  Who does not know The Beatles? lol!  Come on raise your hands.  We had a video going with real Beatles footage and the room was lit up with different colors of Beatles songs over the years.  In the back of the room, we had other games including Pop A Shot Basketball.  The food table was a ‘Yellow Submarine.’  In the front of the room was a large stage for the band.  I was set-up on the left side of the stage and the photo booth on the right.

The evening began with me spinning Beatles hits for cocktail and dinner music.  After dinner, the parents offered a toast to family and friends and of course Elliot.  We started dancing right after the toast and the first game was a swing dance that packed the floor… the kids really wanted to win those prizes and they were awesome!  Once they were loosened up, we slowed it down with a ‘Snowball’ and Elliot got to dance with lots of girls… oh no!!!!!!

Next was ‘The Hora’ and everybody in the room watched as Elliot went up in the chair.  His face was priceless.  I followed up with a couple of fun dance songs and then introduced the band who played Beatles songs.  Kids and parents danced with the band and later, Elliot got up there with the band to play a set of songs.  I tell you, that boy can play the guitar!

It was amazing… so much fun in so little time.  Everybody had a great time and I was happy to see Elliot let loose and feel all the love in the room.  Until next time.  Mazel Tov! -Steve

‘Tis the season for corporate holiday parties. December company functions kept us busy the first three weeks of the month. The photos featured in this video were taken by Luminate Photography and PRO DJs at the following events: Lport (12/3/11 at the Hilton in downtown Vancouver, Washington), Cafe Yumm (12/3/11 at their downtown location in Portland, Oregon), D.Electronics (12/16/11 at the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon) and S.Supply (12/17/11 at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel in Portland, Oregon). Read the rest of this entry »

The party continues in the new year!  The first Saturday of January featured Steve performing at Iris’ Bat Mitzvah at the Village Ballroom and Rich at Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah held at McMenamins Kennedy School in Northeast Portland.

Both events were crazy fun and featured games with popular hit music.  The number 2 song of 2011 probably should have been number 1 because LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’ lives on and motivates guests of all ages to dance like no other selection.  Gym Class Heroes ‘Stereo Hearts’ is also running strong and was a must play request for both Iris and Aaron.  We sprinkled in a few oldies as well, but even the adults were loving the current favorites.

Mazel Tov and thank you Iris’ mom Donna and Aaron’s parents Ingrid and Michael for choosing PRO DJs.

Photos By PRO DJs. 1-3 (Iris’ Bat Mitzvah Party) 4-12 (Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah Party)

I didn’t think the party last New Year’s Eve in Silcox Hut above Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood could be topped, but we came pretty close.

This time my client reserved a large vacation home in Prineville, Oregon and with an intimate gathering of about 30 people, guests were treated to some amazing food, prizes and entertainment.  Of course, I had a great time, but it was made better with my wife being able to join me this weekend to celebrate the New Year.

For the final evening of 2011, everyone was pumped up and we got off to a hot start on the dance floor.  I spun a mix of classic dance tracks with a heavy dose of current music, that included the top two songs in the Billboard year-end countdown: Adele’s ‘Rolling In The Deep’ and LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’.

As the clock ticked down to 2012, I led a countdown.  At midnight, most everyone found someone to kiss while ‘Auld Lang Syne’ played in the background.  This new year feels like a change is in the air after a mixed 2011, so playing Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ felt like a good choice as the first song of 2012. 

On New Year’s Day, everyone (my wife and I included) went snowmobiling near Mt. Bachelor.  After a great dinner, we made our way back to the dancefloor for a karaoke party.  Guests had a fun time singing or being entertained.

Thanks again Lisa and Rick for the opportunity and a great time.  Happy New Year!

Serving Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRO DJs Portland now has a mobile website to help improve navigation of available information from our main website on iPhone and Android mobile devices, such as the online calendar to check availability and to officially book your event.

Our mobile site was implemented using mobile website builder ‘DudaMobile,’ a free service that allows businesses and individuals a quick and easy way to convert their desktop site to a mobile site in only minutes.

Now, when you visit www.prodjsportland.com on your mobile device, you will be automatically forwarded to the mobile site, that features the most popular functionality of the full desktop version, including testimonials, getting a quote and access to online planners and music request lists.

If you haven’t done so, please check it out. Your feedback is appreciated. Happy Holidays!

I last performed at The Troutdale House in Troutdale, Oregon in August. I was here for two weddings then, both with the ceremony held outside in the park and the reception inside. In December though, an outdoor ceremony is less appealing, so the entire wedding was held inside for Alli and Trevor’s big day on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Close to 150 guests attended and the room looked packed, yet the setting felt intimate as the bride and groom exchanged vows. Of course, it was very quiet during the ceremony, so everyone was amused when they heard Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ begin playing upstairs. As far as anyone knew, there was not supposed to be anyone up there… might have been a ghost

Wedding Highlights:

Ceremony

• Bridal Party Entrance: Kevin Kern – Through The Arbor
• Bride Entrance: Canon in D (Pachelbel)
• Bride/Groom Exit: Wedding March (Mendelsohn)

Reception

• Grand Entrance: Bruno Mars – Marry You
• Cake Cutting: Turtles – Happy Together
• First Dance: Tim McGraw f/Faith Hill – It’s Your Love
• Bride and Father Dance: Tim McGraw – My Little Girl
• Bouquet Toss: Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
• Garter Toss: U2′s Clayton & Mullen – Mission Impossible
• Last Dance: Brad Paisley – Then

I don’t know what it is about me and Sunday afternoon weddings… the stars are aligned I guess because most feel like a Saturday night. This group was crazy fun and I played 30 minutes longer than planned. They got down to a variety of songs that featured plenty of the current hot hits, including groom favorite ‘Sexy And I Know It.’

It was a pleasure working for Alli & Trevor. Thanks for the opportunity and congratulations! -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Thank you so much for all your help and the amazing job you did for our wedding! We booked at the last minute and you were nothing but helpful and great at working with us on any requests. Great song selection for the reception, and wonderful job with music for the ceremony. Thank you!!”  -Trevor and Alli Chasteen

Event Date: Sunday, December 18, 2011

Event Type: Wedding

Event Location: The Troutdale House/Troutdale, 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: 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 another big time holiday party for a Vancouver Garden Supply company on Saturday, December 17, 2011 and for the sixth straight year, they chose PRO DJs for their annual event that included gambling, tons of prizes and of course, dancing.

The Grand Ballroom at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel in Portland, Oregon features a large dining area with dance floor, plus a sizable foyer, that provided the perfect spot to place gaming tables that were open from the very beginning as guests arrived for the party around 6pm.

For cocktails and dinner, I played a mix of holiday favorites as requested by the client and the gaming tables remained open until 8:30pm.  The employees of this company really look forward to what comes next each year… a large number of great prizes are given away, including tools, electronics, gift cards, cash and a big screen television. 

It normally takes almost two hours to draw all the winners, but most people don’t seem to mind and they are usually excited to start dancing when it’s over.  I enjoy spinning for this group and they have a lot of fun on the dance floor.  I played everything from Michael Jackson and Van Morrison to Black Eyed Peas and Usher.  Like all company parties this year, current music has been especially popular, led by big hits ‘Moves Like Jagger’, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Party Rock Anthem’.

Thanks again Sue for continuing to use PRO DJs at your annual event.  Happy Holidays. -Rich