Jason Spencer Weddings and Entertainment

Shoreline Amphitheater – August 9, 2010

I was just about fourteen years old when my my best friend introduced me to bass guitar…and Rush. Out from whatever rock I’d been living under, the first song I ever learned to play was “Dreamline” from their 1991 album Roll The Bones. To this day, it is still one of my favorites, but I didn’t get to hear it the evening of August 9, 2010 at Shoreline Amphitheater when Rush made their San Francisco stop along the Time Machine Tour.

As Max Mobley of Crawdaddy! Magazine wrote, “Everybody wants songs from whatever albums mark their entry into the world of Rush. And in spite of playing an entire album on this tour, Rush did pretty well with their song selection.”

I could not agree more. However, I was shocked that this was the first tour since Roll The Bone that they not only skipped over “Dreamline” but the entire album all together. This was the sixth time I’ve seen Rush live since 1994, and I was a little heartbroken at that omission.

After all, this is the Time Machine Tour. Even with the entire Moving Pictures set, the band managed to squeeze in tracks from 14 of their 19 studio albums. And all that was done in three hours time, but also includes numerous video bits, including a six minute closing skit with Paul Rudd and Jason Segel (from “I Love You, Man”). These intermission videos have become standard since they started performing shows with no supporting act, and they get better every year.

I can probably stop here. Anyone that’s ever seen a Rush show knows that the show is phenomenal, even when you don’t get to hear your favorite song. The sound is amazing. The lighting is amazing. The video is amazing (although we lost some after a shot in the dark during the song “Marathon”).

But wait, there’s more!

Typically, a Rush concert consists of middle aged guys playing air drums (or guitar) all night long. Not this show. From where I was, about thirteen rows back from the stage, there were men, women, and children of all ages. Full families were in attendance. Sitting directly next to me was a couple from Penn State University that was in San Francisco on vacation. This was their first Rush show.

There were no laser pointers. No one was throwing beer bottles onto the stage. Nobody I saw started any fights. Reminiscent of the older days, a large number of people got there early and tailgated in the parking lots, speakers blaring. It was actually some of the most fun at a rock concert I’ve had in a very long time.

Sneaky iPhone 4 Review

Another thing I liked about this show was that it gave me an opportunity to test out my new iPhone 4. About a year ago, I had tried to record some audio and video using the iPhone 3GS and failed miserably. Thankfully, Apple’s updates to the hardware kept the audio from clipping, and the video pretty much in focus (given the lighting conditions). All the images you see in this post were taken from the iPhone 4, though I have cropped and resized them to fit play nice on the blog. For those that may not get a chance to attend, this HD YouTube video of “YYZ” was originally shot using it. Some compression by YouTube has “softened” the quality a little, but overall it looks and sounds great!

The bottom line

Aside for the absence of the aforementioned “Dreamline” track, I was impressed with the show. I’m not sure it was my favorite, but it stood the test of time, and I look forward to the new album next year. Hearing the current singles “Caravan” and “BU2B” from the forthcoming Clockwork Angels means that there will most definitely be a show to attend in 2011.

The caravan thunders onward
To the distant dream of the city
The caravan carries me onward
On my way at last

From the song “Caravan” by Rush, 2010

For years the bridal magazines, wedding planning books, and wedding focused television programs have explored every facet of the weddings celebrations except for one…the FUN.

What It’s All About

The quote above comes from the back cover of Peter Merry’s book, The Best Wedding Reception…Ever! The unfortunate reality is that every word of it is true. Brides are taught to shop for “music” when that’s just a tiny portion of what makes today’s professional DJ and Master of Ceremonies a successful part of your wedding celebration. This book will explore all the parts of making your day memorable, including not just your entertainment choice, but understanding a realistic budget, tips on finding the perfect reception locations, timeline considerations, selecting other key vendors, and much more.

Get Your Copy of The Book

Did you know that every couple who reserves Spencer Weddings and Entertainment for their wedding celebration automatically receives a copy of the book. Of course, you can also head over to Amazon.com to pick up your very own copy of The Best Wedding Reception Ever! for around $24. You might even be able to find the author, Peter Merry, at an upcoming event (and he’ll sign it for you!).

Get Your Free Copy on October 24th

Spencer Weddings and Entertainment will be a vendor on display at the October 24th Central Coast Bride Fabulous Fall Bridal Show. As an extra bonus, every prospective client who takes the time to meet with me for the purpose of considering my DJ and MC services will receive a complimentary copy of the book, “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!”  All you have to do is attend the show and stop by my booth.  While you are there, be sure to pick up a flyer with the special offer or swing by my booth and arrange for your complimentary meeting!

Kaemmerling Photography

Depending on who you ask, the tradition of a bride tossing a bouquet is one that goes back many centuries. Some say that before the bride carried flowers, she would carry bunches of garlic and herbs to ward off evil spirits. Eventually, the act of tossing the bouquet to a lucky single female guest would imply that she was next to wed.

When I started this post, I had planned to list several alternatives to the traditional bouquet toss. Many wonderful and creative ideas to keep the energy level going can be found in the book, The Best Wedding Reception…Ever! by Peter Merry. I’m going to leave them there. Why? Because there is one type that I have seen done so many different ways, I felt that it deserved its own spotlight.

Behold…The Breakaway Bouquet!

On average, less than half of my brides are familiar with this newish method of toss. It’s not really all that different, but it does hold a few surprises and can be performed in a great number of ways.

One thing they all have in common is that the bouquet is setup to look like an ordinary toss bouquet. However, as the bride is preparing to toss, and guest are distracted by your MC inviting ladies up to the dancefloor, she will pull a ribbon or binding to reveal anywhere from three to as many as ten small bouquets. The guests are unaware of this, so when the bride tosses it will “breakaway” into several smaller one to catch. Now several ladies have a chance to catch one – but why stop there?

Good Fortune Bouquets

I first saw this while doing a Chinese wedding many years ago. The bride had her florist attach small fortunes to the base of each smaller bouquet, five in all. Much the same way you might open a fortune cookie, the lucky catcher would receive a fortune such as “You will marry the man of your dreams.”

Lucky Money Bouquets

This one is similar to the good fortune, and could even be called the same. In the state of California, we have a lottery full of scratchers and super jackpots. One couple I performed for attached various types of lottery tickets to each of her bouquets so that everyone had a chance to win.

Single Rose

Rather than using small bouquets of flowers, use individual roses. Take it a step further and make them of different colors and sayings that represent those colors (colors and their meanings).

Involving Everyone

The best part about the breakaway style bouquet is the ability to involve all your guests. Change the wording on your fortune and invite all the ladies – not just the single ones – up to catch some good luck. And who doesn’t like the chance at a little free money (less taxes, of course)?

The Element Of Surprise

Part of the fun with a breakaway bouquet is certainly in the surprise. I would recommend letting as few individuals as possible know. In fact, the only people that probable need to know is you, your MC and DJ, photographer, videographer, and potentially the wedding coordinator (if you have chosen one).

Sources: Creative Memories Entertainment, The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!

This past Tuesday evening was unlike most. Around four o’clock in the afternoon, myself and several other members of Silicon Valley NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) hopped on a Bauer’s Worldwide Transportation Setra “bus” that for a ride from San Jose to San Francisco. Keep in mind, the seats were more plush than most first class flights, and the massive windows allowed for views riding up 280 like no other.
This was our annual gathering of both groups, though I’ll admit it seemed a little odd since most of these people attend many other networking mixer events throughout the greater Bay Area already, but I certainly did meet a few new faces and connected with several I’d not seen in a long time (I’m looking at you, Geoff White Photographers).

Hornblower Yachts & Cruises

I’ll admit, I’ve not been on a boat in the bay since my senior prom fifteen years ago. Though it was a different boat then, we managed to make the same trek around the bay, ultimately crossing under the Golden Gate Bridge where you can take some amazing photos. Play your cards right, and you can even have the most unsuspecting engagement too. Just be forewarned, if you are not used to boats, the choppy waters of the bay can take you for a spin, too!

These unique NACE events, which happen the second Tuesday of each month in Silicon Valley, offer up variety of sponsors to showcase their talents to the attending members and guests. This time around was no exception, with no single vendor taking the spotlight. While it was hard to miss theHornblower Yachts and Cruises (our sea vessel and catering), we also enjoyed some great wine from Terlato Wine Group. Beautiful menus were done by the fabulous Creative Designs by Mimi. Lots of photographers were there, including my new friend that sat across from me at dinner, Vasna Wilson of Vas Photography. A new up and coming lighting company, Victory Events, helped set the mood as the sun set past the Golden Gate.

Another great highlight to the evening was DJ Kevin O’Scanlon from Sound In Motion DJs. I first met Kevin when he started working for Sound In Motion many moons ago (when I was working there too), and I have to say that he has come a long way from his college days at UCSC. Excellent “chill” lounge style throughout most of the evening that segued into some pop and dance tunes at the end of the evening. I can certainly say that when I am all booked up for a weekend, I’d have no doubt referring this guy out for a fun party.

DJ Jason Spencer (That's Me!)

To recap, the evening was a huge success. Even though these events are generally for networking, they have the ability to become a dinner party and a whole lot of fun. If you are ever looking for a different way to experience San Francisco, a Hornblower cruise around San Francisco Bay might just be the way to go!

Special thanks to David Ethridge of AVR Films for the pictures on this page.  My iPhone shots just don’t do the evening justice.

You may already be aware that Jason Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is proud to be an approved Wish Granter for the Northern California chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.  New regional chapters of this amazing wedding wish-granting organization are popping up across the country, and I am thrilled to have an opportunity to take part in one of the beautiful weddings given for couples facing terminal illness.

Now you have a chance to get involved, too – regardless of who you are!

GET YOUR WEDDING GOODS + GIVE BACK

Couples planning to be married can bid online for wedding-related auction items starting in October or at a Blissful Wishes Ball in your city in November, with all proceeds benefiting Wish Upon a Wedding.

DONATE YOUR GOODS or SERVICES

Wish Upon a Wedding is currently seeking donated products or services in 46 cities, ranging from wedding gowns to tuxedos, invitations to cakes, and limousine services to honeymoons. It only takes a moment to register and make a difference in someone’s life! Be sure to add your item to the correct category (city), and don’t forget to include your company logo and URL.

What a great advertising opportunity and you’ll be making a positive difference in someone’s life who truly deserves it!

MAKE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION

If you’ve got a wedding coming up, you’re probably “feeling the love” from family and friends. Consider “paying it forward” by donating a percentage of your {monetary} wedding gifts to Wish Upon a Wedding. You could also consider giving your guests a charitable wedding favor in the form of a donation in their honor.

GET YOUR COMPANY ON BOARD

Wish Upon a Wedding is also seeking national corporate sponsors for our cross country galas! An amazing opportunity for your business to “pay it forward,” and become involved with this brand new wedding wish granting organization. Email cwo@wishuponawedding.org for details!

CLICK HERE to learn more about this amazing organization, and check out some of the weddings granted by Wish Upon a Wedding!

Each year you won’t be hard pressed to find a song that is considered the official song of Summer. You know it, a song that at first you are not sure if you like it or not, but as the weather begins to heat up the tune sticks in your head. First you will find yourself humming it in line at the ATM, next you are searching the FM dial to get your fix. Chances are you don’t really own the song, otherwise you could just dial it up on your iPod for instant gratification.

The good news is that these kinds of songs have crossover appeal, and you’re likely to find it on a variety of stations that play some from of pop, top 40, alternative or dance. In San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, we have plenty of those station — which is good, because this year I’ve identifies several songs that seem to make the “Official Song of Summer” cut.

California Gurls by Katy Perry

I already know what you are thinking, but hold on a minute.  Despite the fact that Katy (or at least her fashion stylist) seems to have no idea what Daisy Duke’s really are, and her video destroys any hope of playing Candy Land in the future, this track has all the makings of the Summer hit. With just the right mix of pop and dance, and a little Snoop Dogg sell-out action, and you have a tune that just doesn’t quit. I was also a little let down that all points referenced were southern California – Venice Beach, Palm Springs, and LA — leaving about two-thirds of the Golden Coast untouched. However, the truth is that I can’t help but crank this tune when it comes on in my car, and it bumps even better on a crowded wedding dancefloor.

Lay Me Down by The Dirty Heads

Officially, this track boasts the vocals of Rome Ramirez (of Sublime with Rome), which is only fitting since it has that classic sound made famous by the likes of Sublime in their heyday. When it first came out, I admit that I was not a fan. Then my wife pointed out how she expected it to be a Summertime hit. Billboard‘s Connor McKnight agreed when he wrote in April 2010 that the song is a “solid contender” for song of the summer. Over time, the track has grown on me and the masses when it hit #1 on the Alternative charts in May. A different feel than California Gurls, but certainly has the appeal to keep Summer chill.

Honorable Mentions

These songs had a good chance since, again, they managed to crossover all the charts. Unfortunately, I think they were released just a little to early to stick around as the summer hits. It also doesn’t help that B.o.B. and Ke$ha have new powerhouse hits out ever other week.

• Airplanes by B.o.B. featuring Haley Williams of Paramore
• Tik Tok by Ke$ha
• Hey, Soul Sister by Train

Santa Clara, California – January 19, 2010 — WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Spencer Weddings and Entertainment has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding DJ Entertainment!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding djs.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

I am happy to announce that Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is among the very best Wedding DJ Entertainment vendors within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Wedding Aces, and Best San Jose Weddings. Additionally, I would like to thank all my past newlyweds for nominating me for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/SpencerWeddings.

Last Friday, I posted how many companies are downsizing the holiday parties this year.  Because this budget cut often comes with a price, your holiday entertainment (DJ, band or otherwise) may come from and iPod.  I offered a list of twenty songs that I feel should become part of the mix, along with the traditional tunes we’ve all become accustomed to over the years.

The list I gave you contains twenty tracks that I suggest for freshening up your holiday library, all for downloading around $20 at Amazon.com or iTunes.

Today, I caught wind that iTunes has released the iTunes Holiday Sampler, and currently it’s a FREE iTunes LP download (Released December 8, 2009).  Now you have twenty more tracks that you can add into the list that I gave you last week (technically 19, iTunes and I both agreed on Lady Antebellum’s version of Baby It’s Cold Outside).

I’m not going to list them all here, you can do that at the iTunes store.  However, having browsed through the list (and downloaded it myself), here are some of my favorites:

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Weezer
2. Twelve Days of Chrismas by Mexicani Marimba Band
3. O Holy Night by Music Soulchild
4. It Snowed by Meaghan Smith
5. Greensleeves by Vince Guarald
6. Carol of the Bells / Jingle Bells by Barry Manilow
7. Auld Lang Syne by The Lonesome Travelers

I especially like my #7 pick here.  The Lonesome Travelers put a very interesting twist on the traditional New Year’s Eve traditional song, so much that I didn’t even recognize the song at first.  Regardless, it’s a great addition.

The additional kick of the iTunes LP (and added support for Apple TV) makes it a great addition for anyone using this album at home, or wanting to learn the lyrics word for word.  I’m a fan of the iTunes LP album format.

Have a song that didn’t make either of these two lists?  Let me know in the comments, or feel free to give Spencer Weddings and Entertainment a call at (408) 426-8117.

And remember, here are still some dates left for December, and of course you wouldn’t be the first company to save some money throwing a party after the new year.

Until next time, Mele Kalikimaka and Feliz Navidad.

Jason Spencer
Owner & Entertainment Director
Spencer Weddings and Entertainment

This holiday season many companies are downsizing their corporate parties.  Some are making them employees only (no spouse/significant other), opting for appetizer platters instead of full meals, holding them in their own office buildings, disguising them as a “holiday lunch” during work hours, or in some cases, they will do away with the party all together.

Many of my catering friends, like Gunther’s in Campbell or Bird of Paradise in Carmel, tell me that the biggest trend they see are companies that save by ordering trays and platters that can be delivered and dropped off to any location.  From a catering standpoint, this can significantly reduce the cost of your food.

If you are holding your party in-house, you have probably opted to forgo the DJ/entertainment this year.  However, when it comes to the holiday music, not everyone wants to hear Dean Martin sing “White Christmas” all night long, year after year.

While I love the classics, they do become stale when you perform twenty or more holiday parties.  Here are some of my suggestions to freshen up (or rekindle) your holiday library for around $20 at Amazon.com or iTunes (remember to be caution of overloading on “Christmas” themed song):

1. My Favorite Things by Rod Stewart
2. White Christmas by Michael Buble
3. City of Silver Dreams by Sugarland
4. Wish You Well by A Fine Frenzy<
5. Summertime Anthem by Jonas Brothers
6. Feliz Navidad by El Vez
7. Nuttin’ For Christmas by Sugarland
8. Silent Night by Taylor Swift
9. Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Lady Antebellum
10. Someday at Christmas by Jack Johnson
11. Same Old Lang Syn by Dan Fogelberg
12. Winter Wonderland by Toby Keith
13. Mele Kalikimaka by Chris Isaak
14. Little Drummer Boy by Sean Kingston
15. A Holly Jolly Christmas by Matt Brouwer
16. Up On The Housetop by Jackson 5
17. The Nutcracker Suite by Brian Setzer Orchestra
18. Christmas Song (Live) by Dave Matthews Band
19. Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
20. It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Harry Connick Jr.

Feel free to add these tracks into your current collection (just put them in iTunes with the others you already might have), put it on shuffle, and let it go.

Of course, if you are still looking for entertainment at your personal or company holiday party, feel free to give Spencer Weddings and Entertainment a call at (408) 426-8117 and check for date availability.  There are still some dates left for December, and of course you wouldn’t be the first company to save some money throwing a party after the new year.

Until next time, Mele Kalikimaka and Feliz Navidad.

Jason Spencer
Owner & Entertainment Director
Spencer Weddings and Entertainment

My wife and I live in a great NY Style loft located in Santa Clara.  High 30ft ceilings, lots of natural light through our windows, and one bathroom.  What?  Yes, I said one bathroom.  In all fairness, these are live-work lofts, and certainly not designed for families.  In nearly five years, we’ve never run into any problems.  That was until last Thursday night when the extremely hard water finally corroded the lever that turns the water on and off in our shower.  Snapped right off when I turned on the water.  After the shock subsided, I grabbed some screwdrivers and other tools to turn the lever back down to the off position.  Then the real question set in – “How do I fix this?”

Fortunately, we have a good friend who has an entire family of plumbers (two brothers and a dad).  Unfortunately, the timing of getting them out for repair is at least a week.  Not wanting to sponge bath many days in a row, my mind went into temporary fix mode.  We didn’t always live in a loft, so we had a garden hose in storage.  Add the spray nozzle (with an ironic “shower” setting) and an adapter from our fish tank cleaning tool that connects the host to the sink, and suddenly we have a temporary working shower.  Surprisingly, it even has more water pressure than the original shower – an added bonus.

That got me thinking – what are your vendor’s backup plans for your wedding day? Did you even remember to ask them the “what if” question when you met with them during the decision phase?  When I’m discussing my services, I break this into two parts.  The Guarantee and the Backup Equipment.

I’ll start with the Backup Equipment.  The answer should be “yes” – if it’s anything other than an affirmative response, run for the door.  Ideally your DJ will have a complete extra sound system in his or her vehicle.  By complete, that means extra cables, mixer board, laptop, CD player, or whatever components make up their system.  If a DJ says he brings extra speakers, see if they are self-powered.  If not, make sure they bring an extra power amp.

The Guarantee should be written into the contract itself.  (You did get a written contract, right?)  This is a provision that says you are entitled to your money back if you are not provided the services for which you paid.  Often times this is described as a Limited Liability clause.  This basically says that if your DJ doesn’t do what’s agreed upon in the contract, you will get some portion of your money back.  Your contract should also state the name of the performer(s) at your event, and not just “Assigned DJ” or similar.

My guarantee also states that if, for any reason, I cannot perform the functions set forth in the contract, I’ll give you your money back and find you a comparable replacement — which is paid for by me.  Now, this typically will mean that I’m in shacked up in the hospital (or worse) and cannot, under any circumstance, make your event.  It DOES NOT mean that I have the flu – that’s why they make DayQuil.

You only get one shot to make your day memorable and special.  Make sure it’s a positive memory.  Have your backup plan, and have it in writing.