There’s a new venue in town when it comes to family events and entertainment.
Park Avenue Bistro in Freehold, NJ recently hosted Justina’s Sweet 16. With the help of Hurricane Productions, the venue created a memorable evening for Justina and her family.
The benefits of booking your event with Park Avenue Bistro is that the venue already installed intelligent lighting, uplighting, and high-definition LCD screens for use with your DJ company.
The difference between using Hurricane Productions or other DJ entertainment at the Park Avenue Bistro is that Hurricane includes custom name graphics for the screens and also adds an electrician-certified lighting technician to each event. These personalized touches add ‘next-level’ professionalism to any Hurricane Productions event.
Hurricane’s creative professionals design a signature graphic for each event. The company’s lighting technicians control the lighting in the entire room. They can set the uplighting to specific colors and control the intelligent lighting to spotlight special dances and create a club-like atmosphere on the dance floor.
Although the Park Avenue Bistro offers a ‘house’ DJ company to its potential clients, you always have a choice when it comes to DJ entertainment. Hurricane Productions offers a high energy product with exclusive features.
Hurricane’s philosophy is to book just one event per evening – shifting the company’s complete attention to your event on that given date.
Check Hurricane Productions’ Facebook for recent photos and videos. You can now check Hurricane’s availability and receive a free price quote via Facebook. Just click the ‘Availability’ tab on Facebook.com/YourParty
When families and couples attend the CentralJersey.com Special Occasions and Bridal Showcase on May 25 from 6-9pm at the Hamilton Manor, they won’t see the Chicken Dance, Cupid Shuffle or other hokey line dances. In fact, they won’t even be asked to dance or even clap in front of a bunch of strangers. The showcase will be fun and entertaining but it will be far from corny.
Hurricane Productions owner Vincent Anthony Velasquez says that the showcase will be more of a presentation than a performance.
“We listen to the couples that come into our office and the number one thing they say is that they rather see our presentations rather than watch a DJ company dance around or pretend to be entertaining at a faux event.”
Clients will be treated to outstanding visuals and original content produced by Hurricane Productions. The company is providing sound for the entire event with music exclusively by Hurricane Productions owner and DJ, Strato Doumanis.
Doumanis says that the showcase will bring prospective clients into what Hurricane Productions is all about – Velasquez and Doumanis as a host/DJ team who provide unparalleled entertainment and customer service.
“The music is key at an event like this but it’s also important that we meet everyone at the event, even if it’s just a handshake.”
Although the Hurricane Productions Facebook page promotes the company’s Sweet 16, Prom and other youth events, Velasquez says that the company has a wealth of wedding content exclusive for these types of presentations.
“Believe it or not, we don’t put everything on Facebook or even on our website. We have some content gems saved specifically for more serious clients and for showcases like this.”
Hurricane Productions will be featuring its uplighting designs and multimedia creation as well bringing clients into what its like to plan an event with Hurricane Productions.
“Everyone at the event will quickly realize that we have a company that listens to its clients – past and present – so we understand its not about us and we have our hand on the pulse of the mobile entertainment market.
Raaga’s family was in a bind. They originally booked a reputable DJ company to entertain her Sweet 16 at PNC Reception Center but when the company overbooked themselves for that evening, they released Raaga’s party within six weeks of the event.
Raaga’s mom called Hurricane Productions and not only did owners Vincent and Strato help save the event but Hurricane upped the ante on the other DJ company.
“I don’t and will never understand why DJ companies in our area try to overbook themselves,” said Hurricane Productions owner Vincent Anthony Velasquez. “Maybe they’re worried that the business will come to us. And in this case it did. If you see what we did for Raaga and her family, I’d be worried too.”
Here’s what Madhavi wrote to Hurricane Productions via e-mail after the Sweet 16:
Dear Vincent, Strato and Hurricane Productions crew:
Thank you for doing an amazing job with my daughter Raaga’s Sweet 16 party. Hurricane Productions made Raaga’s vision for her Sweet 16 party a reality and made her dream come true. We are extremely happy with the high energy you brought to the party. Your energy matched Raaga’s and the party turned to be a tremendous success.
I do not think a single guest left the party without telling us how great the party was, and how awesome the DJ entertainment was. It has been 2 weeks since the party, and I still hear how cool the MC, the DJ, and the dancers were, and how much fun they had at the party from everybody who attended the party. Even the Dean of the Upper School remarked to us that the chatter in the upper school for a long time was about the awesome music, dancers, and DJ entertainment at Raaga’s Sweet 16. You were professional, courteous, and the nicest young people we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
We had initially booked with [Competing Company] located in Marlboro, NJ, but they overbooked the date and bailed on us six weeks before the party, leaving us in a lurch. We were desperate to find a good DJ company as time was running out.
Finding your company was a blessing in disguise for us. You made it easy for us and addressed our every wish and concern with unparalleled professionalism. I do not think there are enough good superlative adjectives in the dictionary for us to describe your DJ services, and how happy we are with your services. I hope you continue to grow, and wish you continued success in future.
Courtyard on Main hosted two Hurricane Productions Sweet 16s in January.
Danielle wowed her guests with an Audrey Hepburn inspired dress and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ themed Sweet 16.
Classic scenes from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ played on the Hurricane Productions video screens. The movie scenes preceded her elegant entrance into the ballroom. Hurricane Productions designed a special “Danielle and Co.” name in lights gobo. Guests were also treated to a photo montage created for Danielle by Hurricane Productions.
Beautiful uplighting around the entire ballroom completely transformed Courtyard on Main to fit Danielle’s theme. Hues of blues and whites surrounded the dance floor as family and friends alike danced the night away with Danielle. Clips from her party are available in the video on the top of this post.
Sabrina, who had her party two weeks later at Courtyard on Main, celebrated her Sweet 16 with a packed house of family and friends. Her party featured video screens and Hurricane Productions’ lighting. Most importantly, Guido Santiago, an up and coming Hurricane Productions entertainer, wow’d guests all night. He’s been a hit at every Sweet 16 since joining our crew at the beginning of 2011 and makes every guest of honor feel special.
Lucy (Sabrina’s mom) sent us the following after the party via email: “Guido was a big hit! I really appreciate everything you did to make this such a great party. Strato and Vincent are not only gentlemen but warm and considerate people. My husband and I wish you continued success in your futures, you both certainly deserve it.”
The South Gate Manor hosted the Manalapan Fire Company’s annual banquet and Hurricane Productions provided DJ entertainment for cocktail hour and the reception, video screens, and uplighting for the event. This marked the first time Hurricane Productions entertained a large-scale event at South Gate Manor. The banquet included an awards ceremony and a five-course meal, and dancing throughout the evening. Make sure to check out the pictures on Facebook to see how Hurricane transformed the ballroom and added a dash of class to the affair.
The lighting a video production that Hurricane Productions put together for Carly’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ Sweet 16 not only impressed the guest of honor and her family but the staff at Madeline’s on Vosseller simply said “We’ve never seen anything like this here.” From Carly’s ‘name in lights,’ to live cam on video screens, next-day Facebook photos, and interactive entertainers, Hurricane Productions put on quite a show. When Carly’s dad paid the balance for the party at the end of the night he said, “This was worth every penny.” Watch the video below to hear what Carly thought about her party:
And for those of you who need to be reminded about Hurricane Productions’ reliability, let’s take a look back at the blizzard video Carly referenced in her testimonial. Hurricane Productions traveled through a December blizzard to entertain a Sweet 16 at the Crystal Ballroom in Freehold, NJ:
As Hurricane Productions readies itself to entertain a full slate of 2011 events, the company compiled a portfolio of its top 10 events from 2010.
Hurricane Productions introduced uplighting and production into its entertainment packages, enhanced its ‘Next-Day’ Facebook photo album feature, and perfected family montages and video production in 2010. The year also saw some original Hurricane Productions clients from its start in 2003 come back around for more events – this time for their younger childrens’ proms, Sweet 16s and weddings.
Although all the parties and events from 2010 will hold a special place in Hurricane Productions’ history, these are the 10 events that told the best stories about the clients, the company, and helped set the stage for a successful 2011.
10. DJ competition at Rutgers University
When: December 9, 2010 Where: College Ave. Student Center The story:RutgersDJ.com talent Eugene Veltman rallied his fraternity to raise money for the upcoming 2011 Rutgers Dance Marathon. He did so by convincing top DJs from Rutgers University to compete in a friendly mix-based event. Featuring house, top 40 and hip hop, DJ EV, DJ Tonic, Ravi B and DJ Dave Kim rocked the Multipurpose Room at the College Avenue Student Center. RutgersDJ.com and Red Bull sponsored the event and Hurricane Productions’ DJs Strato Doumanis and Eddie ‘DJ N9NE’ Romani served as the judges. DJ EV walked away as the champ and will be one of four DJs featured at Club DM 2011. Click here for the photo gallery
9. Four former Sweet 16ers bring Hurricane to DJ their high school prom
When: April 23, 2010 Where:Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ The story: Samantha Ortner from Brick, NJ and her family hired Hurricane Productions to entertain her Sweet 16 at the Stone Pony in late 2008. Chelsea and Carly Gleason kicked off Hurricane Productions’ 2009 season with their Sweet 16 in January and Ali Jordan celebrated her Sweet 16 at Spano’s at White Sands in March 2009. What else do all of these girls have in common? They go to the same high school and serve on the student council. So when it was time to pick a DJ for their prom, they immediately called Hurricane Productions.
8. Sarah’s traditional Sweet 16 features choreographed dances and ceremonies
When: October 3, 2010 Where:The Manor in West Orange, NJ The story: When it came to planning a traditional Filipino Sweet 16, the Bacani family searched for a DJ company that would listen to their needs. Simply put, Sarah’s guest list was split between her high school friends and her family. She wanted all of her friends to dance with all of her family members and needed a DJ who could handle playing traditional Filipino music and top 40 hits.
Hurricane Productions owner Strato Doumanis compiled a format for the event and helped guide the Bacani family down the path to a successful event. Sarah’s Sweet 16 included a traditional choreographed waltz, dedication dances, a photo montage, a traditional Filipino dance called the ‘jota,’ and a candle and rose ceremony.
7. Donald Trump shows up to Nicole’s Sweet 16 When: October 1, 2010 Where:Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ The story: Donald Trump walked through the doors of his golf club in Bedminster, NJ and before you now it, he grabbed a pen and signed the welcome board at Nicole’s Sweet 16. The visit was unexpected since Trump rarely visits his golf club, but he was in attendance that evening because a number of his high-roller members gathered for a banquet in the adjoining room. Trump stopped in, checked out the party and posed for some photos with our Sweet 16 guest of honor and her family.
When: August 26, 2010 Where:Eagle Oaks Golf Country Club in Farmingdale, NJ The story: Veronica Kole is and up and coming pop singer and at the age of 16, she wanted to throw a Hollywood-style Sweet 16 for her friends. Decked out with her ‘name in lights’, red carpet with paparazzi, uplighting, video screens and production, she impressed her hometown ‘fans’ with her party and a duet performance with pop singer Brenda K. Starr.
The event was a quasi-Sweet 16/album release party as Veronica performed and partied all night long. Watch the video to see more from her party.
5. The Gleasons come back to Hurricane – this time for a wedding
When: September 4, 2010 Where: American Legion in Toms River, NJ The story: Remember Carly and Chelsea Gleason from our No. 9 event of 2010? Their older sister, Ashley, got engaged earlier in year and called Hurricane to book her wedding in September. Ashley and Andrew got married on the beach during Labor Day weekend and then celebrated their reception at the American Legion in Toms River.
This is what’s cool about Ashley and Andrew’s wedding: They threw a huge party and a low-cost venue so that they didn’t have to cut any of their friends and family from their guest list. Instead, they budgeted their party for great DJ entertainment and food.
In order to ‘dress-up’ the rather plain venue, Hurricane Productions transformed the room with uplighting. Watch the video to see the transformation. This wedding is a true example of how DJ entertainment really makes the difference in your celebration.
4. Rutgers University Dance Marathon raises over $378,000
When: 32-hour non-stop event from March 27 – 28 Where: College Avenue Gymnasium at Rutgers University The story: In its third year entertaining Rutgers Dance Marathon, Hurricane Productions accomplished so much in advancing the event and helping it raise money for the Embrace Kids Foundation. Dance Marathon is a feel-good event centered around over 1,000 student volunteers who commit themselves to raising money and awareness for the children with cancer and blood disorders.
Hurricane Productions trained six DJs and five emcees to entertain their peers. The company helped produce DM’s original ‘line dance’ song that is taught to all of the students throughout 32 hours and also filmed and produced a music video to go along with the dance.
Hurricane Productions and its sister company, RutgersDJ.com, is committed to help build RU Dance Marathon for years to come.
3. Donny and Gina’s Wedding When: October 30, 2010 Where:The Palace at Somerset Park The story: When Donny and Gina met Vincent and Strato in 2006 they immediately said “when we get married, you’re DJing our wedding.” Donny owns D&D Catering located out of the Mercer County Boathouse at Mercer County Park. He met Vincent and Strato back in 2006 during a busy season of Sweet 16s and Hurricane Productions worked at the Boathouse a number of times from 2006-2008. When Donny and Gina got engaged in late 2009 they called Vincent and booked Hurricane for their wedding. The wedding consultations took place at their household and Donny cooked Hurricane full dinners upon their arrivals (Donny is a caterer at heart). Donny, Gina, Strato and Vincent formed a strong friendship during the planning process and it showed at the wedding.
The wedding accented all the best features at the Palace including full ballroom uplighting, video production and a party percussionist. Hurricane also provided music for the afterparty located at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Somerset. To top it all off, Vincent created custom designed and edited DVDs of their photo montage that Donny and Gina gave to their parents as Christmas gifts.
2. Hurricane saves Sweet 16 from cancellation When: November 20, 2010 Where:Robert Meyner Reception Center at PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ The story: Raaga’s family was in a bind. They booked a reputable DJ company to entertain her Sweet 16 earlier in 2010 but when the company booked seven other events that evening, the company released Raaga’s party within six weeks of the event. Raaga’s mom called Hurricane Productions and not only did they save the event but Hurricane upped the ante on the other DJ company.
This event marked Hurricane’s most impressive production of 2010. Hurricane Productions designed uplighting for the entire ballroom – completely transforming PNC’s reception center. Hurricane created a photo montage and video presentation (using Raaga’s family VHS tapes to compile the footage) and put Raaga’s ‘Name in Lights’ using the same font color and design as her Sweet 16 invitations.
Here’s what Raaga’s mom had to say in an email after the party:
“Finding your company was a blessing in disguise for us. You made it easy for us and addressed our every wish and concern with unparalleled professionalism. I do not think there are enough good superlative adjectives in the dictionary for us to describe your DJ services, and how happy we are with your services. I hope you continue to grow, and wish you continued success in future.”
1. Amanda and Brendan’s Wedding When: August 27, 2010 Where:Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, NJ The story: Brendan Prunty and Hurricane Productions owner Vincent Velasquez worked together at the Star-Ledger and NJ.com since 2006. Vincent, a college intern, and Brendan, fresh out of college, became friends while they worked together as Rutgers football reporters. While on the job, Brendan would share stories about Amanda (his girlfriend turned fiance) and Vincent would finish up work on college football Saturdays to head to a DJ gig. When Brendan got engaged he called Vincent and asked if he would emcee his and Amanda’s wedding. Hurricane Productions put together a beautiful celebration at the Hyatt Regency overlooking New York City that included uplighting under the sweetheart table, a photo montage, party percussionist and video production.
This wedding holds a special place in the history of Hurricane Productions because it marks the first crossover of Vincent’s full-time job as a sports reporter and his passion as an emcee and host for Hurricane Productions. Just like Donny and Gina, Brendan and Amanda are not just clients but friends. Their stories about their weddings are ones to not just to share with clients but with friends and family alike.
Andrea and Shane’s Wedding at the Thayer Hotel in West Point, NY:
Hurricane Productions and its crew traveled to West Point to provide DJ entertainment, uplighting and a party percussionist for an eloquent military wedding. Andrea and Shane found Hurricane Productions through a mutual friend from Vincent’s college days at Rutgers University.
Mally’s Sweet 16 at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ:
Sweet 16 in early 2010 featured Hurricane’s first full room uplighting design. Mally wanted a blue color scheme for her Cinderella-themed party. Hurricane Productions decorated the walls and her head table with uplighting and design in the Grand Marquis’ Dome Room.
Any DJ company can provide the newest music and young entertainers but Hurricane Productions also pays attention to the details.
The Bacani family and their daughter, Sarah, came to Hurricane Productions seeking advice as to how to format a Filipino Sweet 16. Half of the guests were native speaking and had a strong sense of tradition while the other half of the guests were Sarah’s school friends.
The family envisioned a night where all of the guests would be up and dancing together but they worried that it wouldn’t be possible.
After an in-home consultation with the family, Hurricane Productions created a seamless format and program for the Sweet 16 that kept all guests happy and engaged.
Sarah and her Sweet 16 court were eloquently introduced into the ballroom and the performed a traditional choreographed waltz. Sarah invited her father out to the dance floor for a special dedication dance. Right after dinner guests were treated to a photo montage documenting Sarah’s life and then her Sweet 16 court returned to the dance floor for a traditional Filipino dance called the ‘jota.’
Sarah delivered a beautiful Sweet 16 candle ceremony set to dedication music and then danced with her close relatives as they handed her 16 roses to commemorate her Sweet 16.
Despite all of the formal events of the Sweet 16, Sarah and her family still danced the night away. The Manor and its staff assisted Hurricane Productions with timing all of the ceremonies and had meals available right way for guests during cocktail hour through three separate courses.
The Bacani family even had a last minute request just three days before the party. They needed a videographer and photographer and Hurricane Productions was able to provide them with those services.
After the party, Hurricane Productions immediately posted all the photos on Facebook and uploaded a video (which you can see above) by the end of the weekend.
Within two weeks after the Sweet 16, Hurricane Productions mailed the Bacani family a DVD with all of the photos and video clips.
During the Sweet 16 Hurricane Productions provided video screens, spotlight intelligent lighting, music videos and more.
Each client is part of a different New Jersey demographic. They live in different towns and calculated different budget needs for their parties.
Despite their differences on paper, the two clients chose an uplighting and personalized ‘Name in Light’s custom design – features that Hurricane Productions includes in most of its packages. But most importantly, the clients chose customer service as their most important entertainment feature. Hurricane Productions is amongst the leaders in customer service and DJ entertainment.
No matter the budget, venue, or party needs, the two different clients chose Hurricane Productions because they felt comfortable with individuals who deliver on promises and put the customers first.
Sound too good to be true? Just watch the videos below for a real and honest approach to DJ entertainment. Hurricane Productions serves the entire state of New Jersey and its surrounding states.
You can find more information on Hurricane Productions on its network of websites – each built to serve a specific need in the DJ market.
Visit facebook.com/yourparty to keep up with Hurricane Productions’s most recent events through photos and videos.
NewJerseySweet16.com serves the company’s Sweet 16 clients while NewJerseyPromDJ.com is a website that NJ high schools use as a resource to plan junior and senior proms.
RutgersDJ.com features the company’s Rutgers-exclusive entertainment options. RutgersDJ.com is the official DJ of Rutgers University’s Dance Marathon – the state’s largest run student-philanthropic event. RutgersDJ.com is also a responsible for a number of alumni weddings at private venues and other alumni function both inside and outside of Rutgers. The site and company are owned and operated by Rutgers University alumni.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, the wedding entertainment industry took a dramatic turn. With the introduction of DJ Entertainment, quickly taking the place of bands that had once been the standard, the wedding and banquet business would never be the same.
So here we are in 2010, some 25 years after the wedding-DJ revolution and like all great entertaining arts, this art too has undergone quite an evolution.
Today’s top-of-the-line audio and lighting equipment produce the most vivid colors and clearest, deepest sound the industry has ever experienced. Despite all the great technological improvements that the DJ industry has embraced, there is still an element of distance between the guests and the music.
The best speakers in the world can produce a near exact reproduction of Phil Collins’ voice as it enters your ear canal, but as sweet as those words may sound– Phill Collins is not at your wedding. The wonderful thing about using a band is the dynamic between band members, performers and the audience. On the other hand, the advantage of DJ entertainment is the versatility of having a nearly endless music library with the original recording artists.
So how do you combine DJ entertainment with the live band vibe? One great way of bridging the gap is by adding a Party Percussionist to the ensemble. A trained Party Percussionist matches the music that the DJ is spinning adding a “live-music” element that connects guests closely to the music.
The photos shown here feature a Hurricane Productions wedding entertainment package including 4 piece QSC sound system, professional lighting, multiple flat screens, and an experienced Party Percussionist front and center. The music takes on new life as DJ and Percussionist interact and motivate the crowd; it’s truly a unique wedding reception experience.
Please contact us for more information about adding a Party Percussionist or any other element you’ve seen in this post to your wedding or private affair.
An upcoming Sweet 16 client told us that they wanted a beach theme for their daughters party. So we started by coordinating our intelligent uplighting to match the color of our guest of honor’s dress. The walls will have a blue and turquoise hue while the Sweet 16 dias will match the color of her dress.
As guests walk into the room they will treated to an extended movie of various beach scenes during the late afternoon hours progressing into dusk and sunset – corresponding with the same time they will be traveling to the event and arriving at the Grand Marquis.
By the time our guest of honor is introduced into the room, the sun will be set and guests will be ready to party the rest of the night away.
The logo, “Brianna’s Sweet 16,” is the same one that will appear in lights on the dance floor throughout the night.
This concept can be applied to any and all Sweet 16 themes. If you can dream the theme, Hurricane Productions can create the atmosphere in your banquet facility. Each element of entertainment can be customized for your party.
Hurricane Productions also created a custom baby photo montage which will be shown on the screens documenting the guest of honor’s life from birth until her special. Our staff scanned the photos, edited in professional software, and created a beautiful presentation for the evening set to music selected by the client.
All of the multimedia and entertainment was created by Strato Doumanis and Vincent Anthony – the two individuals who will be the main entertainers at the Sweet 16.
For more information on Hurricane Productions, please visit the company’s Facebook page.
Believe it or not, there’s no secret to a packed dance floor at a high school prom. As a prom advisor and prom committee you need to find a DJ company that stays current with social media trends just as much as they stay current with music. You should expect three media and music elements from your prom DJ:
1. Recent and edited music: Ask your DJ if they have the most recent songs on the radio. But more importantly, make sure that they have edited music so that your principal and other school administrators will be pleased with your choice of DJ entertainment. Prom DJs should build relationships with the prom committee and the school administration so that everyone involved has an understanding of the school’s goals for prom night and weekend.
2. Uplighting: School spirit and pride extends beyond the sports fields and hallways once students experience a prom. Ask for uplighting options which will transform your ballroom. Uplighting allows the DJ to make the room the same hue as your school colors or compliment the theme of your prom through lights. You should also be looking for a DJ that can add your school’s name “in-lights” on the dance floor to add a personalized feel to the event.
[Watch an uplighting video testimonial]
3. Music videos: Imagine 200-500 students packed on your dance floor. You’ve already added a visual experience with uplighting. Now it’s time to add plasma screens and music videos. Not only should your DJ be playing recent and edited music, but those songs should have a music videos to coincide with them. Your students will love seeing their favorite music videos on the 50-inch plasma screens by the DJ booth.
Hurricane Productions and NewJerseyPromDJ.com make all of these features and more available to all high schools. Students will also be treated to the company’s next-day Facebook photo service. Along with watching music while they dance, students can view the photos simultaneously on the plasma screens. Pictures taken at prom will be made available to the school and students the following morning on Facebook.com/YourParty. This is a great way for students, teachers, and parents to share the prom experience together.
Between the music videos, edited music, Facebook photos, uplighting, young and professional entertainers, there is no other choice than Hurricane Productions and NewJerseyPromDJ.com
Need more proof? Watch the video below which tells the story of four students at Brick Memorial high school who brought Hurricane Productions to their prom. These four girls used Hurricane for their Sweet 16s. As you can see from the video they needed just two things to make their prom just as special as their Sweet 16s – a beautiful dress and Hurricane Productions:
The difference between using Hurricane Productions or other DJ entertainment at the Park Avenue Bistro is that Hurricane includes custom name graphics for the screens and also adds an electrician-certified lighting technician to each event. These personalized touches add ‘next-level’ professionalism to any Hurricane Productions event.
