I’m 23 years (as of July) old and feel that I’ve been on this planet for a long time. Sometimes I even feel that at this age youth begins to wane… but my job constantly proves that idea to be a fallacy, and last weekend’s gig is a prime example. Vicki called me up somewhat last minute to spin some tunes at her 50th birthday party in her Ojai abode. She booked me for 6 hours… which is not common for a birthday party, for starters.

I arrived on that Saturday to a beautiful home in Ojai to get my DJ groove on. Her husband and henchman Jeff had constructed a club/lounge area out of curtains of twinkle lights meant for decorating hedges, cocktail tables covered in white paper for drawing on, and of course outdoor lamps made of concrete post tubing, painted pink, and stuffed with more twinkle lights. It actually looked great, and I’ll probably steal some of their ideas. Anyway, despite the atmosphere, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I played a long set of 60s rock mixed with modern hard rock, and as usual a bit of appropriate current indie rock to prick up the ears. Everyone was very happy with the music mix but there was a good bit of time without a packed dance floor. Then something happened. I’m not sure what song I played, but all of a sudden the dance floor became it’s own life form. So many people were moving that feet spilled beyond the confines of the wooden paneled dancing area. The sound was so loud that my earplugs served little purpose. I saw a dance rendition of “Rock Lobster” that I will forever associate with that song. “Down! Doooooowwwwwnnn! Dowwwwn!” These middle-agers somehow channeled the flowerchild inside them for the next several hours with naught but a sip of spirit to keep them going. The woman pictured in the photo above “giving the horns” is the Energizer bunny incarnate. The experience was nearly religious. A secret ecstatic ritual that outsiders only dream to enjoy confined to this 50th birthday party in the backyard of an Ojai home.

And so I realized: I’m 23. That’s not even half of 50. The life and energy inside this birthday party showed me that even at the age of 50, I’ll still have my youth.

You’re at your all-time-favorite spot in Ventura, CA. It’s your birthday. Sitting before you is a perfectly fried egg roll. Simple and elegant, your mouth begins to water at the thought of its inner heat. You’ve waited so long and know exactly the treat you’re in for. This isn’t your first time at Take 2. And just as you begin to anticipate the crispy crunch of hot veggie – a thunderous crash comes charging at you. White knuckled and wirey haired , Metallica bursts forth, shredding your serenity to pieces. Even worse, you hate Metallica! And just as suddenly, the magical connection between egg roll and self is severed. You are left only to glare angrily at the ill-prepared DJ who just-so-happens to be shamefully obscuring eye contact behind a frantic struggle to change the track. If only you had booked a reliable company to handle the ambiance on your special day.

Perhaps if  the Dj had played Israel Kama’s “Over the Rainbow” – you probably wouldn’t have even noticed it. Well, not until the splendorous insides of the egg roll had begun to rush over your taste buds! Next thing you know you ARE over the rainbow! Yummy. Well, at least in theory.  Had your intention been to stage an improvised food fight; a couple well garnished projectile appetizers  and the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s “Give it Away” would be surefire to spawn quite the delectable melee. Either way, we can all agree – it’s about context, preparation.

This is the essential meaning behind “the perfect song for the perfect moment.” Also, it is a mark of expertise you should expect when hiring a premier DJ. You wouldn’t want the Master of Ceremonies to just up and play “what’s my age again?” as your wedding march… WOULD YOU?! And if you did – you should definitely expect to hear it as you march playfully up to the altar. After all, it’s crucial attention to detail that keeps your event moving smoothly. And besides, who doesn’t want their own entrance music?

Blur’s “Song 2″ perhaps?

This past weekend I had the pleasure of Dj-ing for Matthew’s 40th birthday party at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood. This was Loud DJs first time at the venue. The venue itself is beautiful and tasteful. At first entering the building I literally thought I had waltzed into an art gallery by accident. The lobby is covered floor-to-ceiling with modern furniture and design pieces; the second floor mezzanine was showing off a photo collection dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne. Not your average hotel!

For the evening Loud Hollywood DJs was placed in one of several studios located on the mezzanine floor, overlooking the busy and colorful downtown Hollywood scene. Each of these studios is multi-purpose. They have hardwood floors, carpeted sections (which can be moved), large conference tables for corporate events and even a stylish iPod dock for using your own music. For presentation purposes they have professional A/V inputs for the ceiling PA system.

The party itself was a fun and obviously classy cocktail crowd. The entire far wall of Studio 4 at the Andaz was met with a full bar. The very courteous staff regularly kept the attendees fueled with a good selection of hors d’oeuvres and drinks. I kept to my diet soda w/lime of course. Music for the evening included tracks from one end of my library to the other, scanning hits meant to listen too, not force everyone to dance. All in all, I’m very happy to have DJ-ed Matt’s birthday party and hope for more opportunities to DJ at The Andaz Hollywood again!

More Photos in Hollywood DJ ing at the Andaz Hotel

Let me start off by mentioning that kids these days really think they know how to party. I do a lot of youth events and college parties across So. Cal. and I can tell you that as absolutely wild and crazy kids parties are, the past generations from the disco and hard rock days have some real shindigs. Last Friday I had the pleasure of providing Malibu DJ services for a surprise birthday party in Malibu at a beautiful modern home. The attendants we ages 30-50, but by the way they play you’d think they were at a raging Guns N’ Roses concert back in the 80′s or even Studio 54 at the top of the disco era. In fact, I was hired to fill in for a Studio 54 DJ whom is touring in Japan. The party never had a dull moment, with The Kings of Leon, Talking Heads, ZZ Top, Gap Band, and some 80′s remixed with Underworld and Daft Punk while a rocker busted out his guitar and amp, not a song got by without someone on the dance floor. I have to give props to the host for putting on such a gathering, and the guests for having tireless dancing feet. Here are some of the songs that kept this party moving:

• Proud Mary – CCR
• Should I Stay Or Should I Go – The Clash
• You Shook Me All NIght Long – AC/DC
• Colt 45 – Aftroman
• Heart Of Glass – Blondie
• Dirty Little Rockstar – The Cult
• Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
• Cold Hard Bitch – Jet
• Sex On Fire – Kings of Leon
• Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix
• Satisfaction – Rolling Stones
• Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
• Rock You Like A Hurricane – Scorpions

The best celebrations are the ones that you’ll remember forever, and for Megan, this past Saturday in Simi Valley is certainly no exception. The Zeller family put together a trendy, and yet, elegant sweet-sixteen birthday party for Megan at the incredible 118 West Studios complete with balloon and event decor from Linda at Party Blitz.

The Music

Anyone up to date with today’s top hip-hop and pop music would have felt at home at this party. My “Sweet 16 DJ” set list included an eclectic blend of billboard.com’s Hot 100 track’s with some old-school, a little of The Beatles in the mix, and a few remixes to compliment a truly unique party. Upon the request of Megan and her family,  this is the first time I have tried “text message” requests. I can certainly say that this is something I will use again in the future!

The Decor

The decor and balloon design was provided by Linda Zeller of Party Blitz, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with previously. She did a fantastic job with the gigantic “16″ on stage (pictured above) and table center pieces with added fiber-optic lights. The additional decor throughout the party was a coordinated pink and black, which really did the trick. I would certainly recommend Party Blitz to anyone needing party decor. Additionally, the awesome cake to the right was provided by Skiff’s Cakes of Simi Valley.

The Venue

This was my first time at 118 West Studios in Simi Valley and I’m certain not the last. This live performance venue/recording studio is on a whole new level when it comes to having a party. The sound is incredibly full and clear, with several 18″ and even 21″ subwoofers underneath the massive speaker arrays. Along with fully automated moving light systems and atmospheric effects, and advanced video recoding and projection gear, professionally operated by Steve Greene, there is no better Simi Valley DJ party than can be had at this somewhat tucked away venue.

The Result

Loud DJs walked away with another happy customer, and was more than happy to be there for this party. We certainly look forward to more Simi Valley Sweet 16′s as fun as this one in the future! Thanks to the Zeller family for having us!