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Chicago Wedding DJ 630-372-TUNE (8863)

June 30, 2009

Victoria Banquets

Filed under: Victoria Banquets — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 11:39 am

This weekend I worked at Victoria Banquets Victoria in the Park in Mt. Prospect, IL. I believe this is their newest location, and is a wonderful setting for a wedding. The main level opens to a spacious patio that overlooks a small lake. Cocktails were upstairs in a somewhat crowded room that was a little too warm.  Although most brides don’t like crowded rooms, DJs love ‘em. A crowded room is a loud, busy, lively room- guests are forced to interact, and the room generates a buzz. This is a very good start to a party. As usual for Victorias, the hors d’ouvres were unbelievable tasty and plentiful. I especially loved their home made pizza. The overhead background music in the main level room, (where dinner and dancing would be) was cutting in and out. I couldn’t hear if it was the same upstairs because the guests were too loud. Anyway, I asked them to turn it off, and they did immediately-problem soved.  Once the guests came down to the main level,  there would be no need for the hall’s sound system, anyway. I took a picture of the main level bar area. They created a sexy glow with amber lighting. My pic doesn’t due it justice.

Here is the bar area on main level

Here is the bar area on main level

The bride and groom, Krysta and Tom wanted a different song for each couple as they were introduced from upstairs, so I  made a specially edited CD for them. Naturally, the bridal party hammed it up with funny sunglasses and really bad dance moves when they reached the bottom of the staircase. It was a smashing beginning to a great party…

Guests having fun with intros before dinner

Guests having fun with intros before dinner

I really liked their unique dancefloor. Notice the striping on the bottom of the pic.

Champagne Parade

Champagne Parade

After intros and cake cutting,the Room Captain, Arvey asked me to play Barry White’s You’re My First, My Last, My Everything to announce their well executed wine parade.  I appreciate Victorias dedication to quality (food is a ten out of ten), and their efforts to remain out of the box. There was a Bannanas Foster parade, a Crepe table,  a Sweets table, a flexible menu (guests had their choice of 3 different entrees), and Gene and Judes hot dogs at 11:30. Very cool.

June 25, 2009

Il interactive wedding DJs

Filed under: Il interactive wedding DJs — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:22 am

Where do you find Il interactive wedding DJs ? At Ameritune, of course. Normally, we service all of the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs- but we can go further….Hawaii, Cancun, Cabo…

How do you define interaction? Some DJs think that interaction is when the DJ puts on a costume and does a lip sync to a song, or actually sings to a karaoke version of a song. Is that actually interacting? Nah, I think that’s more like him performing for you. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. If the performance is entertaining, there could be a lot of value to the party. If you make people laugh, they will loosen up and be more receptive to dancing, and in general will have a more festive mood. Mood control is what’s it’s all about.

Il interactive wedding DJs

Battle of the Soxes

I define interaction (in terms that relate  to parties) as any organized activity  that requires action from your guests. In the  wedding game  pictured above, we are involving not just the two couples sitting in the chairs, but all the guests who have surrounded them on the dancefloor. This is about as gentle as interaction can get- we are only requiring the guests to form a close circle around the two couples. They stand there, watching and laughing as we ask interesting questions of the Bride and Groom and their two friends. Obviously, the interaction is a lot more intense if you are one of the seated couples!  Even though we are requiring very little from the guests, it makes a big difference in the overall feeling of the room!  I will discuss more interactive ideas, as time goes on….

June 24, 2009

Hoffman Estates DJs

Filed under: Hoffman Estates DJs — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:03 am

Ameritune DJs and Video offices are between Hoffman Estates and Elgin. When playing in Hoffman Estates DJs usually are working at The Stonegate or the Marriot Northwest. Both are nice places, with newer, spacious facilities. Food could be a lot better, though. At a recent wedding, our clients requested our Party Toy Pak. This is a goody bag filled with novelties such as YMCA hats, blow up guitars, glow necklaces, maracas etc. When completely sober, party toys seem like they would be better for a kids party, than for an adult function. (such as a wedding reception) But when the wine is flowing and the music is jamming, party toys fit right in.

Party hats get you there

Party hats get you there

 Glow necklaces are most effective for creating a warm and festive mood. When DJing a party with a Party Pak, the first open dance is when I hand out necklaces to the couples on the dancefloor. People come running from all sides of the room just to get one. 50 multicolor necklaces can really transform the mood of a room- instantly.  Later, at the right time, we pass the YMCA hats out. Air guitars appear strategically during fun guitar songs like Johnny Be Goode, or You Shook Me All Night Long. After a few beers, everyone is a rock star!

Hoffman Estates DJs

Of course, we know who ends up with all the guitars…

Hoffman Estates DJs

Are party toys cheesy? Yeah, a little. Okay, maybe a lot… If want to have the classiest, most upscale affair ever, you probably don’t want all this stuff, but I would still consider the glow necklaces. If you want to have the most fun possible, these toys can help break down the barriers. Look at it this way- Once you’ve put on a plastic YMCA hat, there isn’t much that you can do to embarrass yourself, you’ve got nothing to lose, so have a gooooooood time!

 

June 20, 2009

Fox Valley Wedding DJs

Filed under: Fox Valley Wedding DJs — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 4:29 pm

To throw a bouquet or not, that is the question…  Popular Fox Valley Wedding DJs  Ameritune, have played for over 10 thousand weddings in our first 26 years of service. We have noticed lately, that some brides and grooms are skipping the traditional bouquet and garter toss, with the thought of squeezing more dancing into busy reception with limited time.

Anticipation

Anticipation

In the olden days, this tradition was a way to hook up the singles attending the wedding feast (or at least identify them). Tradition says whoever catches the bouqet and garter are to be the next ones to get married. Of course, we know that’s silly. Really, whoever catches the bouquet and garter are the next to be photographed! 

The happy catcher

The happy catcher

These traditions actually have a lot of hidden value to your reception. As a DJ, I consider pacing the party to be my main job. I think of the dancing portion of the reception (around here it’s usually about 3 hours long) as separated into two halves. The initial more conservative, on your good behavior halve- and the louder, wilder (yes go ahead and say it drunker) second half of the evening. The bouqet and garter ceremonies  make a nice separator between the 2 halves. They don’t have to happen exactly in the middle, but somewhere in that area works well, for a few reasons.
1) Your non-dancing guests are ready for something else to watch.
2) Your early risers, are about ready to go home and get to bed, but would like one more fun to see before they say their goodbyes.
3) Some parties  have more than 3 hours of time alloted for people to dance. Unless you have a real young group, or a bunch of athletes at your party, that could be too long. Too much time for dancing can mean an empty dancefloor at the end of your reception-not a good way to end. By taking  5 or 10  minutes for bouquet/garter ceremonies in the middle of your night, your dancers get a nice rest, and can go longer and later on the dancefloor.
4) Memorable events can happen during these ceremonies. Look at the faces in the second picture. Think these women are having fun?
Ameritune is available for your Chicagoland wedding. Call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863). You won’t be dissappointed.

Disc Jockey Service in Elgin IL

Filed under: Disc Jockey Service in Elgin Il — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:16 am

DJ Service in Elgin IL  or in this case, Gilberts, IL. Ameritune played at the Eagles club  for the wedding of Jessica Cozza and Christopher Benedik on May 30, 2009.

DJ Jim Schneeberger helping out on the dancefloor
DJ Jim Schneeberger helping out on the dancefloor

As you can see, our DJ Jim Schneeberger is keeping the good times rolling with a little line dancing. Always smiling, even in his tone of voice, Jim is one of our most popular DJs. He’s been with us since 1991 and is truly an expert at weddings, and really all different kinds of affairs as well. He has been in banquets for over thirty years now, working as a banquet bartender, banquet food server, restaurant manager, banquet catering manager, and now as a catering sales consultant for his day job. Jim is a shoot from the hip kind of DJ.  He can work within a strict playlist, but your dance floor (and your party) with be waaaaaybetter off  if you trust in his skills and give him some freedom with song selections. He’s always gracious and accomodating to your guests, and is a master at working in as many requests as possible.  Nothing rattles him. He even had a guest pass away at a wedding once. Of course, when that happens, the reception is basically over, but the Bride and Groom were so impressed with how Jim handled things, that they wrote us a long letter thanking Jim for his sensitive and professional manner.  Some DJs ignore the older folks after 9pm, but not Jim. He will mix in a wide variety of styles and genres of music throughout the evening, finding a delicate balance that makes all your friends and family want to stay to the end of your party. Believe me this is not easy to do, but we constantly hear comments like “The dancefloor was filled all night long” and “People are still talking about what a great time they had at our reception, months later” Jim is a big reason why Ameritune has had such a great reputation for so many years.  When you hear Jim speak on the microphone, you can tell he truly is happy to be there.  His enthusiasm is infectious, and immediately people know they’re going to have a good time. It is his, and Ameritunes goal to make your special event one to remember for a lifetime. You can see his short demo online, and we have a longer one to view in our NW suburban office. Call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863) for pricing and availability.

June 18, 2009

Streamwood DJs Il

Filed under: Streamwood DJs — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:55 pm

Streamwood DJs  specializing in weddings, anniversaries, graduation parties.

 

Intelligent Lighting makes people want to dance

Intelligent Lighting makes people want to dance

 

What’s the big deal about intelligent lighting? Regular DJ lights are either on or off. They do what they do, and you normally don’t have much control. Intelligent lighting (when used with a good controller) allows the DJ to choose the color and brightness of the lights, allows for controlling the speed and path of movement of the lights,  strobing effects, and the gobo changing(shape of the light, ie. heart shaped, circle or other geometric design). Strangely it’s hard to find a Chicago DJ with intelligent lights. One effect I like to use, during the first dance is to spotlight the bride and groom  and have daisies moving in mirrorball fashion around them in white, or yellow or purple, etc. It looks awesome. When I get set up in a hall, the first thing I do is fire up the laptop and my controller to set the lights for coctail and dinner.  When lights are aimed correctly, like at a chandelier, it can make all the difference in the mood of the room. Then I aim the lights at the door for my spotlight introduction. At the push of a button, my spot lights go from scanning the room to zooming in on the door. I then have the spotlights follow each bridal party couple as they walk across the room, toward their seats. This is hollywood kind of stuff,  only possible with intelligent lights, and the right controller.  Do you NEED intelligent lights? Not really, but they make for a better atmosphere on the dancefloor.

June 15, 2009

Schaumburg Wedding DJ IL

Filed under: Schaumburg DJ — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:55 am

Schaumburg wedding DJ services in IL to meet and exceed all your disk jockey needs! Ameritunes has been helping out the Chicagoland area with their weddings with over 60 years of combined DJ experience. It’s your wedding so you get to pick your DJ and your music! Just browse through our DJs video demos and give us call with your Chicago wedding DJ of choice. We also welcome you to visit one of our parties or weddings that we DJ to help you feel more comfortable in your decision when choosing a wedding DJ that is right for you.

Schaumburg wedding DJ

Schaumburg wedding DJ

Whether you need a DJ for your next graduation party, wedding party, birthday party or any other function, ameritunes has got you covered! If you are planning a wedding in the Schaumburg area and you need an exceptional DJ, contact ameritunes today.  Ameritunes DJ services the following areas: Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows,  Chicago,  Bartlett, Carol Stream, Crystal Lake and more.

We also specialize in interactive DJ services. We will get the party off on the right foot by getting everyone involved in your special occasion to make it the most memorable experience for you and all of your guests.

June 5, 2009

Chicago Wedding DJ of Choice

Filed under: Chicago Wedding DJ — Tags: , , , — admin @ 12:06 am

Ameritune Chicago wedding DJ services will complete your wedding with the best DJ services in the Chicagoland area.  Our service area covers all of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs including: Schaumburg,….

Quality is what separates Ameritune for the rest... We pledge to make your affair the best it can be! Call 630.372.TUNE (8863)

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