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Wedding Day
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Harborside Productions
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Hot & Cool ... Lenny recently played a wedding at a private mansion. “It was an unusually hot day, and the air conditioning system was not responding. The crowd wanted to dance, but it was so hot that just being in the room was unbearable. I asked the caterer if we could move the dance floor outside to a little terrace area.”
After getting the caterer’s okay, Lenny spoke to the father of the bride, explaining that they could have a much better party outdoors. “Everybody flocked outside, and for the next few hours the party was filled with dancing and people having a good time.”
A Musical Journey ... The music for your wedding should evolve to support its different stages, while making everyone feel comfortable. “I like to take people on a kind of musical journey as the party goes through its different phases,” says Lenny, “running a well-paced eclectic mix of music, feeding off the mood of crowd and adjusting accordingly.”
He suggests choosing ceremony music that is inviting, “but in a thought-provoking way. You’re sending a musical message that something special is about to happen. Classical, flamenco, and some film scores can work well.”
Cocktail music can be slightly more rhythmic for a welcoming feel, while still providing a pleasant backdrop for conversation. “Vocal and instrumental jazz standards, Bossa Nova, light electronica, and world music grooves can work well here.
“Finally, during the reception, you want to give people the opportunity to dance, subtly building the energy level with a range of music that spans generations and ethnic preferences. The selection could also include ‘quiet time’ for dinner, with a variety of singer-songwriter material and jazz ballads working nicely here.”
Personal Involvement ... Lenny founded Harborside Productions over 15 years ago. “Although I have an extensive network of talented DJ’s, musicians, lighting designers, and choreographers, I’m personally involved with every wedding and still perform in many of them. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by knowledgeable people who appreciate how important the wedding day is to our brides.”
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Lenny grew up in a musical family, playing drums and singing with his father’s private party bands. In college he began doing some lounge and club work as a DJ, where he learned to layer and mix records, and has since DJ’d for many high profile clients, including Paul Sorvino, Lynn Swann, Peter Max, Jimmy Buffett, and Hillary Clinton. He’s also opened for notable musicians from Bobby Short to Cyndi Lauper.
Old World Elegance & Sophisticated Cool ... “To create an atmosphere, I rely on a tasteful blend of Old World elegance, sophisticated cool, rhythmic passion, and fun.” The selection responds to the diverse cultures of the area and to each party, and can run from early American standards and jazz to hip-hop and club music.
“There’s a wonderful exchange of energy that takes place when a DJ is able to tap into an audience and inspire them with music.
“Being a DJ is not only having a large music collection, following a play list, or hiding behind technology,” says Lenny. “It’s about being able to make on-the-spot choices and knowing what to do with music. A good DJ combines musical knowledge, an ability to react to people, and technical skills to creatively blend music for your guests to listen, dance, and feel life.”
Harborside Productions
212.673.2016,
lenny@harborsideproductions.com
www.harborsideproductions.com
