Bat Mitzvah
Magical Bat Mitzvah Party On Sauvie Island
DJ Rich Ellis had the opportunity to perform at Ava’s Bat Mitzvah Party on Sauvie Island on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Kruger’s Farm. He was also the DJ at sister Ella’s bat mitzvah party in 2015 and Steve Marker was the DJ for older brother Benny’s bar mitzvah in 2013. There will be one more for this family coming up in five years 🙂
Taking place outdoors under the giant oak tree behind Kruger’s Market, this open air celebration under string vintage lights, was described by one guest upon arrival as magical.
At most bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah parties, I normally lead the kids in some games before or after dinner. However, for this event, there was so much to do, including games like Cornhole, Croquet and a giant Jenga, plus hay rides.
Near the end of dinner, quite a few guests were dancing to the background music (always a good sign) and not long after ‘The Hora’ got everyone else out of their chairs immediately to begin a great night of dancing on the farm.
The floor was packed for every song from start to finish and the 160 guests in attendance brought the energy for big hit songs, “Stayin’ Alive” “Happy,” “Uptown Funk,” “Cant’ Stop the Feeling” and more.
Most guests were dancing on the main floor, but some were dancing where they were, like around the camp fire for s’mores
As twilight set in, the energy ramped up even more.
Mazel Tov Ava and thank you mom Anne for again choosing PRO DJs.
B’not Mitzvah Celebration At MJCC Portland
DJ Rich Ellis had the opportunity to not only be the DJ, but also provide sound for the service at Liana and Sylvie’s B’not Mitzvah Celebration on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Mittleman Jewish Community Center in Portland, Oregon.
Multiple microphones were needed for the two hour service, including a clip-on lapel microphone for the officiant and two boom microphones for the Torah readings.
Following the service, all guests were directed to the lobby for refreshments while the main ballroom was turned over for the reception. This allowed me time to beef up my sound system with a sub-woofer and set-up lighting for the dance floor.
After everyone returned, they formed two lines to welcome the girls to their party. I introduced them and per their request, played ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” for their entrance music.
After dancing a few songs, lunch was ready so I transitioned to some background music that included selections from Stevie Wonder, OneRepublic, Adele and more.
With the kids done eating quickly and time at a premium, I gathered the kids for some games that featured a fun version of “Who Knows Liana and Sylvie Best?” followed by a scavenger hunt.
After a toast and slideshow, I invited everyone out to dance to ‘The Hora’ and celebrate the twins on their b’not mitzvah with the traditional chair raising.
The floor was packed for nearly every song from then on and Sunday afternoon felt like a Saturday night.
Mazel Tov Liana and Sylvie and thank you Lisa and Noah for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“Rich was excellent from start to finish…a great communicator and willing to take on some extra sound duties for our service, which was a huge help. He helped us troubleshoot our microphone/sound needs to ensure we had great coverage throughout the service. Because the service ran a lot longer than we had hoped, the party got cut short so we didn’t get to do as much dancing as we would’ve liked. We were in good hands with Rich and are so glad we went with PRO DJS!” –Lisa Katon (Liana & Sylvie’s B’not Mitzvah) – Portland, OR
- Event Date: Sunday, May 5, 2019
- Event Type: B’not Mitzvah
- Event Location: Mittleman Jewish Community Center
- 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
PRO DJs Portland 2018 Events Review
Reflecting on 2018, PRO DJs has put together video slideshows of the many weddings and events we have performed over the past year.
WEDDINGS:
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
Rich was amazing from start to finish. He helped plan, answered our questions whenever we had them and coordinated with other vendors the day of the wedding. The music was great and exactly what we asked for. I will be recommending Pro DJs to everyone I know who needs a great DJ. Very professional and organized. Made our wedding day that much better! -Michelle Love (Michelle & Heather’s Wedding) – Salem, OR (4-14-18)
Rich made everything so much easier! Being new to this idea of putting on a BIG wedding, it was marvelous to have a professional DJ who knew just what to do and kept everything on track. Thank you so much! Our daughter and son-in-laws special day could not have gone more smoothly! -Ronda Wallace (Laura Wallace & Nick Reyes Wedding) – Hood River, OR (6-2-18)
Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did with the music. Everyone had a wonderful time and we will be happy to refer others to you. Rich Ellis provided a marvelous service. We had a slide show of our lives together and Rich coordinated song selections that were beautifully suited to the mood of the slides. I was so delighted! -Mary & Dave Krug (50th Wedding Anniversary) – Portland, OR (8-19-18)
Thank you (Rich) for helping to make our wedding the special day that it was. -Aimee Boyd & Zachary Zandt Wedding – Washougal, WA (9-2-18)
BAR MITZVAHS & BAT MITZVAHS:
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
Thanks, Rich for making Yael’s Bat Mitzvah a real blast. -Daniel Raider (Yael’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (3-3-18)
We would use Rich again! -Heidi Wolfson (Rebekah’s Bat Mitzvah) – Beaverton, OR (3-24-18)
Steve was awesome. Really great. We were very happy with his professionalism and charm. -Julia Pickar (Max’s Bar Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (5-5-18)
Steve made the party amazing! -Sharon Friedman (Mara’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (6-9-18)
We had another wonderful event with Rich! The music was great. Kids and adults all had a great evening. -Jaime Kean (Lucy’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (6-16-18)
Rich was a super resource and made our event! HUGE THANKS! -Leticia Kleinberg (Maia’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (6-30-18)
We’ve been to many Pro DJ events and many with Rich. We couldn’t wait to have him at our event. He’s so easy to work with and such a gentle soul. He know kids, knows how to read a room and knows how to make a party rock!!! Thank you for a most fabulous evening!! -Jennifer and Ken Zeidman (Ruthie’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (7-14-18)
Rich did a great job at my son’s Bar Mitzvah. He kept the energy at the right level throughout the evening. He kept the kids entertained during cocktail hour with games, which allowed the adults to mingle without a lot of distraction. Then, when it was time to focus on dancing, he played a great mix of music that had young and old alike dancing. We requested a couple slow dances and those were added in at just the right time. Great, memorable evening. -Anna Winthrop (Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (8-25-18)
I just wish I had another kid so I could look forward to having Steve be our DJ again! Will have to work on that!!! -Debbie Plawner (Miriam’s Bat Mitzvah) – Portland, OR (10-13-18)
He (Steve) was and is always a spectacular partner in the event. There is a reason so many people choose you all. He is amazing. All the kids know him. He can read a room well and know just what to do! -Marisa Brown (Eleanor’s Bat Mitzvah) – Lake Oswego, OR (10-20-18)
CORPORATE & KARAOKE:
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
Rich did great. We will definitely book him for future events. -Ashton, Graffeo Chiropractic Clinic – Portland, OR (1-6-18)
Rich was the Best! It was a pleasure working with you and thank you for making our company picnic a success! I know we will be working with you again in the future. -Kathy Korb, DSV Road Transport Company Picnic – Portland, OR (8-12-18)
Everything was wonderful, there is nothing I can think of that could have been done better. Rich was a great DJ/KJ, and I would highly recommend Pro DJs for any event. -Shelly Garteiz, BillerudKorsnäs Company Karaoke Party – Portland, OR (12-4-18)
We would like to go ahead and reserve for (December 2019) at Embassy Suites again. -Contract Furnishings Mart Company Holiday Party – Tigard, OR (12-8-18)
Rich did an Excellent job! Everyone had a great time! -Carly Gray, The Home Depot Holiday Party – Portland, OR (12-9-18)
Rocked the event!!!!! Dj was perfect!!!!! I’m going to hire again! -Tracy Burback–Munoz, Private Karaoke Christmas Party – Battle Ground, WA (12-15-18)
Click Here for more photos, feedback and event recaps.
Abby’s Bat Mitzvah Party Beth Israel Portland
Abby’s rockin’ Bat Mitzvah party took place at Congregation Beth Israel in Northwest Portland, Oregon on Saturday, November 10, 2018.
Guests arrived from the ceremony and Havdala held across the street around 6:20pm. I played a variety of background music selections during cocktails and the sit-down dinner from artists such as, Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons and Abby’s favorites, Bruno Mars and Pink.
During dinner, I got the games started for the kids by giving each of them a gold coin and letting them know the first three kids that bring me 10 coins will get a Starbucks gift card. With 50 kids attending, there was a lot of convincing going on and we got our three winners. I then led the kids in a rousing two rounds of the scavenger hunt and Coke & Pepsi before opening the dance floor to everyone with ‘The Hora’ and chair-raising.
After rolling a few older songs that seemed to be especially appreciated byr the adults, the dance floor became jam packed for “Uptown Funk,” “I Gotta Feeling,” Abby’s request for “Shake It Off” and more.
The Bat Mitzvah girl let me know she had a great time. Mazel Tov Abby and thank you mom Barbra for again choosing PRO DJs. I performed at sister Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah in 2014.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“2nd time we used Rich and will book him in 4 years for our 3rd family Bar Mitzvah.”
-Barbra (Abby’s Bat Mitzvah)
- Event Date: Saturday, November 10, 2018
- Event Type: Bat Mitzvah
- Event Location: Congregation Beth Israel
- 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
B’nai Mitzvah At Broder Söder Portland Oregon
Rich Ellis had the honor of being the DJ at Max and Zadie’s B’nai Mitzvah celebration held at Broder Söder Scandinavian Restaurant in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, October 6, 2018.
As guests arrived at 5:30pm, I played background music that featured a variety of artists, from Adele and Imagine Dragons to Marvin Gaye and mom Annie’s request for some Grateful Dead.
During cocktails and dinner, a slideshow ran continously and shortly before dinner was a presentation from Zadie that included Havdalah.
Around 8pm, the dance floor opened with “The Hora” and dual chair raising. Most everyone joined in, lifting and celebrating the kids and their family.
Guests had a great time enjoying and dancing to classic and recent hit songs, such as “Stayin’ Alive”, “Uptown Funk”, “September”, “I Gotta Feeling” and more. I also rolled an EDM set for Max and Zadie’s favorite “Uptown Girl” from Billy Joel.
Mazel Tov Zadie and Max and thank you Annie and Paul for choosing PRO DJs, who attended and were referred to us by Yael’s Bat Mitzvah in March.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
- Event Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018
- Event Type: Bar & Bat Mitzvah
- Event Location: Broder Söder, Portland, OR
- 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: Fair
- 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
PRO DJs’ Steve Marker was also in action on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Elizabeth’s Bat Mitzvah held at the Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
- Event Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018
- Event Type: Bat Mitzvah
- Event Location: Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center, 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: Fair
- 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
