Ashley and Justin’s wedding ceremony was simple and elegant at Prestonwood Country Club‘s Ballroom.  Christine Borneo and her staff always take care of the vendors that work there.  The planner for the event was Catherine Kats with Cherished Celebrations.  I had never worked with Catherine and her assistant Megan Bugbee, but they quickly proved themselves as professional planners.

While Ashley and Justin were taking photographs with Lisha and Matthew of Lisha Myers Photography, the guests moved to the lobby for cocktail hour while the rooms were flipped for the reception.  I made the introductions to the Cupid Shuffle and the entire wedding party danced their way in and really set the mood for the remainder of the evening.

The first dance was the Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us”, then Ashley danced with her Father to “Daughters” by John Mayer.  Justin followed with “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins.  After dinner and the cake cutting, it was time to dance.

Ashley had indicated in our pre-wedding meetings that she wanted to start the dancing off with a bang.  So she chose The Black Eyed Peas new hit “Just Can’t Get Enough”, and assured me that we would need a bigger dance floor!  It did the trick and the floor filled and stayed that way all night!

After the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” the party continued and finally ended on the “Bubble Getaway” to “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.  This was a great wedding in all its simplicity and proves that sometimes less is more.  Lisha Meyers is planning on sending over some photos of the event, and I can’t wait to post them here.  Congrats Ashley and Justin!  A great wedding with an equally fantastic couple!

Tyler and Laura were the kind of couple that smiled everywhere they went, glowed with the love that they have for each other, and made everyone happy that they came in contact with.  So when they approached me to DJ their wedding reception in August of 2010, I jumped in and couldn’t wait to see what they had planned.

As graduates from NC State University, the NCSU Alumni Club was the natural choice for their reception.  While the couple were getting hitched at First Baptist Church, Wendy Dorman, the Banquet Manager was decking the reception out in Red and White, including the cake!

The introduction of the bridal party was to “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas, followed by the first dance to Train’s “Marry Me”.  Laura then danced with her Father to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, and Tyler with his Mother to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.  After emotional welcome and blessing, dinner was served, followed by touching toasts by the Father of the Bride, Best Man, and Matron of Honor.

The white, multi-layered cake covered in red roses was cut to James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is” and then it was my time to shine.  Not without a guest appearance from Mr. and Mrs, Wulf, the NCSU mascots.  Which only added to the dancing frenzy!  The couple gave me a few suggestions, but really left it up to me.  Starting off with a little motown and oldies, the crowd quickly moved up into some 80′s then to current hits.

Most of the crown stayed until the very end and most of them stayed on the dance floor all night long.  This was a wonderful wedding with an equally wonderful couple.  I knew when I met them over a year ago that this would be something special.  The event was recorded by Ken and his wife with Ken Tart Photography.  I will post photos when I receive a few.

In this blog post, I’m going to spotlight a group that may be only a few years old, but has been performing for a very long time.

From their facebook page:  The Will McBride Group is a trio that creates a fusion of jazz, funk, and pop that “satisfies your cool side…and moves your backside!” The band performs 55+ shows per year in and around the Raleigh/Durham area. They are adept at creating original compositions and arrangements that rely heavily on the bands impressive jazz chops but at the same time never leaves the listener uncertain of where the melody went.

The members of the group bring together an impressive background, each having performed with members of one or more of a wide variety of internationally known, even Grammy-awarded, groups like:
“Godfather of Soul” James Brown
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Derek Trucks Band
Nantucket
Voltage Brothers
Hurricane Roger Wilson
The Original Drifters
The Fifth Dimension
David Sanchez

“Trifecta” is an organic recording of only three musicians, joining together to create an incredibly fun and infectious array of music that is imaginatively created, impressively performed and amazingly good. Here is what the critics have said:

“…this CD is excellent from beginning to end…4 ½ out of 5 stars.”

-Raleighmusic.com

“Trifecta is a winning combination of cool funky grooves that engages the listener.”
Matt Morrow, Triangle A&E

“…it is clean, melodic and grooving”
-Owen Cordle, Raleigh News and Observer

If you would like to see the band, they will be doing a jazz show in Burlington at the Alamance Country Club from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  I believe that this is a semi-private club, but if you’re in the neighborhood and would like to  stop by, I’ll be you could take a load off there and hear a couple of sets in their unique brand of jazz.  Tarik will once again sit in on drums for them.  GOOD TIMES!

One of our premiere bands, Johnny White and the Elite Band has recently updated their promotional video, and even added to their powerhouse set list.  I wanted to take this opportunity to share a little of Johnny’s story and then show you these new features that have been added.

Johnny’s versatility as a performer, and the groups vocals and musicianship tops any band on the market today.  Their experience spans 4 decades, and can delight audiences, both young and old.

JOHNNY WHITE & THE ELITE BAND PLAYLIST

THE BLACK EYED PEAS
Let’s Get Started
I Gotta Feeling

LADY GAGA
Born This Way
Just Dance
Poker Face

BEYONCE’
Single Ladies
Crazy In Love

The Jackson 5
Beat It
Dancing Machine
The Love You Save
I Want You Back

Michael Jackson
The Way You Make Me Feel
Billie Jean
Thriller
You Wanna Be Starting Something
Shake Your Body To The Ground

RHIANNA
Only Girl In The World
Please Don’t Stop The Music

KERI HILSON
Pretty Girl Rock

KATY PERRY
Fireworks
Hot & Cold

LIONEL RITCHIE
All Night Long

ELVIS PRESLEY
Can’t Help Falling In Love

ALICIA KEYS
No One
Like You’ll Never See Me Again

MARY J BLIGE
Just Fine
Let’s Get Crump

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND
That’s The Way I Like It
Shake Your Booty
Get Down Tonight

EARTH, WIND, & FIRE
Shining Star
September
In The Stone
Let’s Groove Tonight
On Your Face

EMOTIONS
I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love
Best of My Love
Ain’t No Sunshine

RICK JAMES
You and I
Super Freak
Give It To Me Baby

CUPID
Cupid Shuffle

THE TEMPTATIONS
Stay
This Is My Promise
My Girl
Beauty’s Only Skin Deep
Don’t Look Back
The Way You Do The Things You Do
I’m Losing You
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
I Wish It Would Rain
My Lady Soul
Since I Lost My Baby

FERGIE
Big Girls Don’t Cry

MONTEL JORDAN
This Is How We Do It

THELMA HOUSTON
Don’t Leave Me This Way

ANGIE STONE
I Ain’t Hearing You

FRANKIE BEVERLY & MAZE
Before I Let Go
Running Away

TOM BROWNE
Jamaica Funk

VICKIE SUE ROBINSON
Turn The Beat Around

SUPREMES
Can’t Hurry Love
Baby Love
Where Did Our Love Go
Come See About Me
Back In My Arms Again
Stop In The Name Of Love
Upside Down

CHIC
I Want Your Love
Good Times
Freak Out

GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS
You’re The Best Thing
Love Overboard
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Midnight Train To Georgia
Neither One Of Us

FOUR TOPS
Standing In The Shadows Of Love
Baby I Need Your Loving
I Can’t Help Myself
Same Old Song
Reach Out

OUTKAST
I Like The Way You Move
Hey Ya

SPINNERS
Could It Be I’m Falling In Love
Sadie
I’ll Be Around

SISTER SLEDGE
We Are Family

BARRY WHITE
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love
First, Last, My Everything

MARVIN GAYE
Sexual Healing
Pride & Joy
Stubborn Kind of Fella
Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Let’s Get It On

KOOL & THE GANG
Celebration

Get Down Tonight
Ladies Night
Hollywood Swinging
Funky Stuff
Jungle Boogie

DONNA SUMMER
Bad Girls
Hot Stuff
Hard For The Money
Dim All The Lights

BLUE MAGIC
Side Show
I Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely
Stop To Start

THE TRAMPS
Disco Inferno

TEENA MARIE
Lover Girl
Square Biz

SAM & DAVE
Hold On, I’m Coming
Soul Man
When Something’s Wrong
You Don’t Know Like I Know

GLORIA GAYNOR
I Will Survive

BROTHERS JOHNSON
Get The Funk Outta My Face
Stomp

WHITNEY HOUSTON
I’ll Always Love You
I’m Every Woman

Heat Wave
Jimmy Mack

PATTI LABELLE
You Are My Friend
Right Kinda Lover
Talk About Love

THE COMMODORES
Brickhouse
Easy

ISLEY BROTHERS
It’s Your Thing
Who’s That Lady
Voyage To Atlantis

LAKESIDE
Fantastic Voyage
All The Way Live

THE STYLISTICS
Betcha By Golly, Wow
You Are Everything
Stop, Look, Listen
Stone In Love With You
You Make Me Feel Brand New
Break Up To Make Up
Daddy’s Little Girl

EDDIE FLOYD
Knock On Wood

PRINCE
1999(2009)
Controversy
I Wanna Be Your Lover

BOBBY BROWN
My Perrogative
Don’t Be Cruel
Every Little Step

MARTHA REEVES & THE
VANDELLAS
Dancing In The Street

ARETHA FRANKLIN
Rock Steady

Think
Chain of Fools
Freeway of Love
Respect
Natural Woman

KOOL & THE GANG (2)
Fresh
Tonight
Victory

THE DELFONICS
La La Means (I Love You)
Break Your Promise
Didn’t I Blow Your Mind

STEVIE WONDER
All I Do
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Superstition

DENNIS EDWARDS
Don’t Look Any Further

SMOKIE ROBINSON
Tracks of My Tears

WILD CHERRY
Play That Funky Music

THE O’JAYS
Love Train
Backstabbers
Money, Money
She Use To Be My Girl
I Love Music

WILSON PICKETT
Midnight Hour
Mustang Sally
Outstanding

NATALIE COLE
Unforgettable
This Will Be

THE WHISPERS
Rock Steady
It’s A Love Thing
And The Beat Goes On

AL GREEN
Let’s Stay Together
Love and Happiness

TYRONE DAVIS
Turn Back The Hands of Time
Can I Change My Mind
Is It Something That She’s Got

CHERYL LYNN
To Be Real
Encore

LUTHER VANDROSS
I’d Rather
Here and Now
Love The One You’re With
Never Too Much

OHIO PLAYERS
Skin Tight
Roller Coaster
Fire

CAMEO
Word Up
Single Life
Candy

THE GAP BAND
Drop The Bomb
Burn Rubber
Early In The Morning

PEABO BRYSON
Did You Ever Know
My Heart Belongs To You

LARRY GRAHAM

Just Be My Lady
One In A Million

CHAKA KHAN
Sweet Thing
Ain’t Nobody
Whatcha Gonna Do For Me

BOBBY WOMACK
Harry Hippie
Nobody Wants You
Looking For A Love
That’s The Way I Feel About You
If You Think You’re Lonely Now

MARCIA GRIFFITH
Electric Slide

JAMES BROWN
Funky Good Time
Sex Machine
Living In America

JEFFERY OSBORNE
Back In Love

TASTE OF HONEY
Boogie Oogie

PATRICE RUSHIN
Forget Me Not
Haven’t You Heard

JACKIE MOORE
This Time Baby

DAZZ BAND
Whip It

STAPLE SINGERS
I’ll Take You There

The Chi-Lites
Have You Seen Her
Oh Girl
A Letter To Myself

EXCAPE
Tonight

FOR REAL
You Don’t Know Nothing

THE POINTER SISTERS
I’m So Excited

THE MOMENTS
Love On A Two Way Street

STEPHANIE MILLS
I Never Knew Love

EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING
Shame
I’m In Love

THE JONES GIRLS
Who Can I Run Too

ENVOGUE
Never Gonna Get It

THE BLUES BROTHERS
Shout

CARL CARLTON
Mama Jama

Carolina Beach Music

EMBERS
I Love Beach Music

The Drifters
Lil Red Book
Under The Boardwalk

Up On The Roof

THE PLATTERS
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Only You
Great Pretender

THE TAMS
I Been Hurt
Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy

THE TRAMPS
Hold Back The Night

IMPRESSIONS
It’s Alright
I’m So Proud

THE SHOWMEN
39-21-40 SHAPE

THE TYME
Ms. Grace

What Becomes of The Broken
Hearted

LOU RAWLS
You’re Gonna Miss My Loving

CLARENCE CARTER
Strokin

PART TIME PARTY BAND
Part Time Party Man

LENNY WILLIAMS
Ten Ways of Loving You

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Give Me Just A Little More Time
Carolina Girl

JIMMY RUFFIN

Jazz/Big Band
Folk/Country

RAY CHARLES
Georgia On My Mind

OLETA ADAMS
Get Here

GROVER WASHINGTON
Mr. Magic

DAVE BRUBECK
Take Five

ERROL GARNER
Misty

DUKE ELLINGTON
Take The “A” Train
Satin Doll

FRANK SINATRA

New York, New York
The Way You Look Tonight
Fly Me To The Moon

BOBBY DARIN
Mack The Knife

LOU RAWLS
Stormy Monday
You’re Gonna Miss My Lovin

ETTA JAMES
At Last

VAN MORRISON
Brown Eyed GirL

ALLISON KRAUSS
You Say Nothing At All

JOE COCKER
You Are So Beautiful

ERIC CLAPTON
Wonderful Tonight

KENNY ROGERS
Crazy
Through The Years

LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Simple Man

Many of you do not know that I love to read.  When I was growing up, I had series upon series of various Science Fiction novels lining bookshelves in my bedroom.  I spent my spare time reading about grand journeys and swashbuckling adventures with swords and pirate ships and dragons and space cruisers.  As I’ve gotten older, gotten married, became a dad to a wonderful growing young man and opened my businesses in music (that has become my obsession).  My focus turned from fiction to an expansive variety of subjects by an even more diverse list of authors.  So I think that it befits this blog to review my most recent accomplishment in reading with you.

The book is entitled: “Roadshow: Landscape with Drums, A Concert Tour by Motorcycle” by Neil Peart.  For those that do not recognize the author, Neil Peart is the drummer for the Canadian Progressive Rock Band “Rush”; whose nickname is “The Professor”, and whose last name is often mispronounced ‘Pert’; however it is “‘Pere’ rt”.  Rush was formed in 1968, but grew more popular in 1974 when Peart joined the group and replaced the original drummer, John Rutsey.  The band, who has yet to be inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has been a member of the Canadian counterpart for years.

This book, Peart’s fourth, is part musical journey through the band’s 2004 R30 tour to celebrate their 30th year, and part travel journal.  The reader gets an informative, raw view of life on the road with a full time working band, but more interesting is Peart’s taste and reviews of dining establishments, hotels, highways, and event our national parks.  The majority of the book is spent on his motorcycle in North America.  I found it to be not only entertaining as he takes you through the back roads on America, but informative.  It made me want to visit these places and experience the views that he describes with my family.  The European tour near the end of the book, while almost an afterthought gives readers a peek into Europe’s rarely seen landscape.

“Landscape with Drums” is a great read that will open your eyes to a seasoned musician and a well traveled one.

Every wedding that I do,  I am in contact with the couple several times over the weeks and months leading up to the reception.  Mostly for various reasons concerning the planning or organization of the reception, or to answer questions.  But Brin was particularly difficult to get a hold of.  She had very little questions, and wouldn’t return my calls or emails.  I was concerned, but once I received her planner and song list, I didn’t worry.  She had listed every detail for me including introductions of the bridal party and all the major events.  I did receive a call from her on the morning of the reception, and confirmed everything that we needed to do.

Once I arrived at American Tobacco Bay 7, I understood very quickly why it wasn’t easy to get in touch with her.  She had planned and decorated everything herself!  From the beautiful flowers and handmade table numbers etched in wood, to the cigars for guests as they entered.

Brin and Brent were a little old school, and a little new school. Probably why they chose Bay 7, a rustic renovated tobacco warehouse.  Their introduction song was “Do Your Thing” by Basement Jaxx and the first dance was Van Morrison’s ballad “Someone Like You”.

The couple said their welcome and thank yous, a quick blessing by Aunt Debbie, and the dinner stations were opened.  Following the toasts by the Father of the Bride, Matron of Honor, and a few groomsmen, Brin and Brent cut the cake then danced with her father to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and in a twist, Brent cut in then invited the guests to join them on the dance floor.

We kicked into the dancing with a little beach and motown, but stepped up to some pop and top 40 pretty quickly.  Her picks included “One in a Million” by Ne Yo, “The Way You Move” by Outkast, “Club Can’t Handle Me” by Flo Rida,  and the Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”.  I threw in Bruno Mars’ “The Way You Are”, Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”, and “Hypnotize” by Biggie.

Her bouquet was thrown to “Ladies Night” by Kool and the gang, and the garter tossed to “Legs” by ZZ Top.  We rounded the evening off with Michael Buble’s “Save The Last Dance for Me”, however the party could have lasted several more hours.

Rebecca and Rachel from Millie Holloman Photography photographed the event, and I will post pics once I receive them.  It was a really fun night, and I appreciate Brent and Brin to allowing me to take part.

Tyler and Sarah were the most laid back and easy going couple I have worked with in a long time.  They allowed me to choose their introduction song, which was The Beatles “All You Need is Love”, and asked me to “do what I do best” when it came to dancing.  All they cared about was dancing the night away.

First off, the location was the Raleigh City Museum.  A very quaint museum located off Fayetteville Street in the historic Briggs Hardware building.  I had never been in the location before, so I arrived early to ensure that setup and parking and other details were perfect.  The location screamed personality from the vintage artifacts such as Raleigh’s first flag (Yes!  We do have an official flag) to the hand carved wooden statue of Walt himself!

All of the flowers were provided by Lyn Graves and Fresh Affairs, including the bridal bouquets and table dressings.  Which were displayed in Ball jars, and the tables and chairs, were provided by Heather Irvin and Premiere Catering, which was a feat because, by request, none of the chairs matched!  Premiere is one of my favorite caterers, and I was surprised to find BBQ, collards, and taters on the menu!

Once everyone was introduced, the couple danced to the groovy dance song of “Bring It On Home To Me” by Sam Cooke.  Sarah danced with her father to “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor, then Tyler and his mother danced to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, which is one of my favorites.

After dinner, the couple cut the cake by Swank Cake Design to another Beatles tune, “I Will”.  Then I was my turn to rock.  I have to admit that I was a little nervous kicking this one off.  Although the couple was young, their family and friends were a little on the older side.  Once I kicked into “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops all of my anxiousness melted away because instantly the floor filled, and I think they pretty much stayed there for the rest of the evening.

The dancing was intense, and I believe I even saw folks walking by on Fayetteville Street stopping to bob and jam a little.  It was overall a great evening, and I know that I found it lots of fun.  Thanks Sarah and Tyler for having me join in your special day.  InContrast Images recorded the event, and I will post the photos when I receive them!

There is a reason why Google is used as a verb. In today’s world people “google you” in an effort to get a glimpse of who you are and what you are all about, based on what they find written about you or what you have written about yourself online. What they find about you will impact your ability to close new business, retain customers, keep your job, get a new job and build relationships.
My objective is to get your attention and I hope you will send this message to your friends, peers and even your children. I am so sick and tired of the sob stories from people who have lost jobs, customers, career opportunities, damaged relationships and even blown up their marriages because of the stupid stuff they posted online.

Just recently a politician’s tasteless post on Facebook and a teacher’s hurtful comments about her students and parents made national news. Both experienced irreparable damage to their reputations, embarrassment, and the untimely end to distinguished careers. Neither expected others to find their comments online – they both told news reporters that they thought what they had written was private.

Seriously. Are people still this naïve?

Google has risen to the level of verb in our modern vernacular as in: “Have you googled him yet?

But as these stories and many others unfold I think being “googled” may soon gain a new connotation. As in: “Did you hear about Steve? Man did he get ‘googled!’ His boss found his post on Facebook and fired him.” Or perhaps Steve got ‘Facebooked.’

Just as “going postal” became a phrase for losing one’s temper and “drinking the koolade” became the analogy for blind devotion to group think, being “googled” or “facebooked” may become the label for self-destructive posts made by those naïve enough to think no-one will read them.

I have good news though. If you will simply pay attention to one law of the internet you will never have this problem – ever!

By Jeb Blount, Author of People Buy You: The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Business

Visit the link below to read Trans World News’ interview with The Lincoln Agency and TWIF Marketing on our 2010-2011 marketing strategy.

Read the Internet Marketing Article here

Here is the Open House video again, just in case some of you missed it.

Thanks to Chris and Toni of Barton Creek Weddings for the video