” Lighting is the rage right now,” says Mike. ” Every DJ and catering facility is trying to do it, but few understand what it takes to properly market it. My seminar goes into great detail on how to promote your product as a tremendous up sell to a wedding, Bar/Batmitzvah or corporate event. ”

If you would like to bring Mike Fernino out to your next DJ related association meeting or conference, contact him at 203-627-9600.

March 2010 CT ADJA Meeting

The American Disc Jockey Association ( Connecticut Chapter ) was formed in August 2009 with meetings held in Southington CT. Music In Motion’s owner and founder, Mike Fernino is acting as chapter president. Included on the roster of members from the Music In Motion staff are…..

David Fontaine, Steve Fernino, Dave Salonia, Roberto Velez and Doug Duval.

Being a member of the Connecticut ADJA has great value to personal and professional growth as an entertainer, and further demonstrates why Music In Motion is cutting edge with our staff and our desire to be the best in the business. Where many DJs are satisfied with being complacent, we surge forward always striving to improve for the benefit of our clients.

So what do DJs do at a DJ meeting? Topics are diverse on everything from computers, to lighting, to performance related. Monthly presenters offer  seminars and information is shared and learned by all. This is the closest thing to DJ school we have as an industry, so it is very valuable to us.

Members of the American Disc Jockey Association also enjoy tremendous liability insurance with a policy from Fireman’s Fund which is exclusive to the membership. With many New England, New York, and surrounding area facilities now requiring a DJ to have liability insurance, this will soon become a major issue as more catering halls make it mandatory.

Music In Motion founder, Mike Fernino will be presenting a seminar in Las Vegas Wednesday February 10th as part of the Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference.  Mike’s seminar is called  ” Up Selling – Up Lighting “ and will focus on marketing, promoting, and selling architectural lighting and other special effects to your current client base.

Mike founded Music In Motion Entertainmentof Seymour Connecticut in 1984. 25 years later, Music In Motion employs 14 DJs and office staff. The company facilitates over 500 events annually. Mike is also founding president of the New England American Disc Jockey Association and current president of the Connecticut chapter of ADJA. Additionally, Mike founded DJ Idea Sharing, a popular DJ education program as well as being a podcast host on podcastfordjs.com

With over 50% of his events up grading to some form of lighting, Mike is regarded as an expert in the field of event production. His seminar will expose the proper marketing techniques to be successful in the very popular lighting trends of 2010.

Mike’s seminar will take place at 8:00am Wednesday, February 10th as part of the NLFXpro academy.

The presentation will focus on the professional working relationship between wedding vendors to create a smooth experience for the bride and groom. Mike and Rob have presented dozens of seminars over the years at various DJ conventions. The Wedding MBA conference represents the first non DJ event they will ever speak at. This year’s show expects over 1200 wedding professionals from around the globe.

Mike Fernino

Back in 1984, I would go to a wedding with 2 turntables, several crates of 45′s,  (records) and speakers the size of a small automobile.  To get business, we would advertise in the Yellow Pages and book about 1 event per month.  The popular line dance was the Alley Cat and the Dollar Dance remained a very popular tradition.  Most of our events took place at VFW Halls or firehouses, and the rate for a 5 hour DJ was $ 250.

There are many different approaches to take, the most popular being smooth jazz.  Artists like  Paul Hardcastle, The Sax Pack, Fourplay, Dave Koz and Richard Elliott to name a few are excellent selections. This instrumental style can be  combined  with vocal music from artists like Michael Buble’, Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Sade, and Diana Krall.  I like to set a romantic, but upbeat theme with the music during cocktail hour.

Of course, you may want more traditional songs for cocktail hour from artists like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Etta James and Dean Martin or perhaps you have a ocean front  event, which would certainly benefit from a tropical/island theme with steel drum /calypso music.  Other clients have requested a 50′s ” Doo Wop ” program or even classical music.

What ever your taste and style, the key is to be unique and HAVE FUN! Remember that we are here to assist you with music planning. Feel free to discuss this with myself or any of our entertainers at Music In Motion as we are ready to make your event one to remember from start to finish!!

Expect lots of interesting stories about Music in Motion Entertainment along with great tips to plan the perfect event!   We will be updating weekly, so check back on a regular basis.  It is our goal to make this one of the most informative, and interesting blogs you will ever read!   And so….. start reading.