Tuesday, May 29, 2007

2007-05-19 John & Nicole Wedding - National Hotel, South Beach, Miami, Florida

Here comes the rain again. Nothing could drown out the feelings of love at John & Nicole's wedding. The National is a beautiful classic styled hotel. One of the great features is the pool and the surrounding area. The ceremony was sheduled to start at 8pm and be performed right next to the famous pool. The guests were seated quickly as a dark cloud loomed overhead. The smiles on the faces of the guests, bridal party and the bride and groom brightened up the day. The ceremony was cut short and we all went for the cocktail area. This was, thankfully, under cover. John and nicole picked out some of the cooler new tunes from the likes of John Mayer, Dave Mattews and Jack Johnson. They also threw in some of the crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The rain cleared and we went back to the pool area for a formal buffett dinner. The rain drops fell on our heads again. We ducked for cover at the pool bar. We were all togther so it was a good time for the best man and matron of honor to make their speeches. They were so hearfelt, sweet and well prepared. I like that. The rain cleared once again and I instructed the folks to make their way to the buffett. Love songs were played through the dinner time. Quite a few of the family and friends felt the urge to groove. they dance around the pool area. After dinner, it was time once again to go back to the main part of the National Hotel in the banquet room. I had the dance tunes ready to go. The partygoers came to shake it... And shake it, they did! The party went on until 12:45 am. It was a goody. John & Nicole are married. Yeah babies! The pictures that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-19_John_Nicole_Wedding.htm.

Public Service Message: Be prepared, pack an umbrella.
2007-05-16 Marriott Employee Appreciation Day Karaoke Jam - Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, Key Largo Florida Keys

The staff of the Key Largo Marriott sure did feel appreciated today at their beach karaoke jam. The event was 3pm to 5pm. The employees were a little timid at first to take the microphone. I had a menu full of songs in English and Spanish. Some of the staff were of latino origin so they looked through the spanish tunes. One singer got up and started the ball rolling. Then a few more sang. They were singing party favorites from artists like the late Selena and a trio got up and did the Y.M.C.A. They were great. The management gave great prizes away to their employees to show how much they appreciated their hard work. The employees all had tickets given to them and had the chance to win a gas cards, restaurant gift certificates, digital cameras, a color TV and many more. Just before the end of the show, the rain started to drop so the helpful staff of the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort helped me get my electronic equipment under cover. I really apprecite them as well. It was a fun time. I look forward to more great times at the Marriott Key Largo. The pictures that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-16_Marriott_Employee_Appreciation_Day.htm

Public Service Message: Check the weather report.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

2007-05-13 Tom & Debbie Wedding - Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, Key Largo, Florida Keys
An Irish Boy, An Italian Girl, and a Hawaiian Luau Theme. I love originality! Tom & Debbie were looking for unforgettable and they got it. The day was a bit overcast in Key Largo, but that was OK. It made the afternoon cooler for the wedding guests. The wedding was scheduled for sunset, I got there an hour earlier to set up the sound system upstairs at Gus' Grille. I then set up the second sound system for the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner. The ceremony was presided over by the world famous Captain Spencer Slate of Slate's Dive Center. He was humorous as usual. The cocktail hour was next. So the guests and I moved over to under Gus' Grille. I played some Hawaiian and island tunes. I caught quite a few of the folks laughing and singing along. Dinner was next, so we moved back over to the beach area that was set up for dinner. The bride and groom had their first dance. The bride and father and groom and mother parent dances were next. The best man made his toast and Uncle Ray made the blessing before dinner. They were both very touching. Dinner was served by the Marriott staff in buffett form. I invited the tables up in orderly fashion. The Tom & Debbie wanted to continue with the luau theme, so I played some of the lighter hawaiian hits. As soon as I saw the last person finish their meal. I invited the folks to join me upstairs for a dance party. The people were ready to shake it. So I got them moving. The Irish Groom and the Italian Bride wanted to have their respective cultures represented. I played The Tarantella for her side and some Irish drinking songs for his side. After that, the fine blend of 80's tunes, disco, 60's and hip hop brought the families together on the dance floor. Tom & Debbie are off to a great start. I was so happy to be a part of it. The pics that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-13_Tom_Debbie_Wedding.htm

Public Service Message: Eat your vegetables.

Monday, May 14, 2007

2007-05-12 Jackie's Quinceaneras, Lions Club, Key Largo, Florida Keys

MTV doesn't have anything on us. This event was bigger than big, cooler than cool. Miss Jackie has so many friends, they almost didn't fit into the 300 capacity Lions Club Banquet Hall. The guests began to arrive at around 6:30pm. Jackie looked gorgeous in her white Quinceaneras dress. She was behind the curtain waiting for her grand entrance. I was one of the priviledged few to get a glimpse before the coming out event. Most of the guests were in the Lions Den by 7:30 when the main event was to begin. I was given the priviledge of performing as master of ceremonies and disc jockey. I was already playing the latest R&B tunes, Miss Jackie was singing along with many of them. I got the crowds attention and read to them a few of the facts about Jackie. I activated the fog machine and lights. The curtains were opened to reveal the beautiful young lady. Her court, or chambelones, of 14 young men was lined up and waiting to each present a rose to her. Next, Miss Jackie danced with her grandpa, then her cousin cut in halfway through as planned. The chambelones were then given the microphone to pass along and say a few nice things about the little girl that was becoming a woman. It was very sweet. Next on the agenda was a surprise presentation of a bracelet by her younger brother, Markey. It was very special. She had no idea. Jackie's mom, Jannette was next up to say a few words to her daughter. It was so heartfelt and sweet. I believe that everyone felt her sentiments. It was then Jackie's turn at the mic. She had such nice things to say to her family and friends. I saw many tears of joy. It was then time for the folks to eat. It was also time for the party guests to get their chance to get photographed with the princess. There were many, many folks that wanted to take advantage of that priviledge. After dinner, Jackie changed into a dance outfit, and she and her friend, Rene, made a beautiful salsa dance presentation. The party guests loved it! It was then time to start the dance party. Since this was a latin event, I started off with some salsa and merengue. The crowd was getting pumped. Jackie's grandfather, Ramon, set up some snare and bongo drums and joined in on percussion. That was great! I then switched to some newer hip hop, then back to latino, then old school hip hop, then latin. I then got a request from the older folks (over 30... hehe) for some disco music. I was happy to oblige. The tunes were a nice mix of old and new. The party people were dancing and sweating and smiling. The dance floor was packed for most of the night. I even had quite a few up on stage with me. It was great. Jackie is well on her way to womanhood. I am so happy to have been a part of her BIG day, The pictures that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-12_Jackies_Quinceaneras.htm

Public Service Message: Say "No" underage drinking.
2007-05-09 Dade Christian School: Teacher Appreciation Cowboy Theme Luncheon, Miami, Florida

The teacher were certainly appreciated today. The VIP: Parent Association put on a fantastic event. Yours truly, KeysDAN, was on hand to provide the entertainment. The parents had the chapel gussied up with hay bales, wetern themed ornaments and lights. The teacher came in the afternoon and were treated to various food the included picnic type barbecue and other delicious items. I was so glad to be a part of it. I was ready to play games with the teachers. Most of them seemed to wanted to have some food, relax, and listen to good time country music. I did manage to get them up for a YMCA dance, complete with hats. It was a good photo opportunity. I look forward to doing more with Dade Christian School> The Pictures that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-09_Dade_Christian_School.htm

Public Service Message: Say your prayers.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

2007-05-05 George & Rebecca Wedding Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, Key Largo, Florida Keys

George & Becky have given us a new reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It was a cool and sunny day day in the fabulous Florida Keys. Perfect for a wedding at the Marriott Key Largo Bay resort. I arrived 2 hours early to set up for the happy couples BIG day. I went upstairs to the banguet room at Gus' Grille. While I was setting up. Caribbean Passion Steel Drum Duo was downstairs setting up for the ceremony. The staff of the Marriott were also busy, busy, busy getting the place readied up for the grand event. George and his groomsmen arrived in their tuxedos with powder blue accents. They looked great. He was smiling and nervous and happy. The guests arrived shortly after. The bride's charriott (Marriott Golfcart) arrived and Rebbecca looked gorgeous. I took my place near the steel drummers to cue them when to play the wedding march.. The ceremony was presided over by Judge Marriott, a family friend. It was very sweet. After the ceremony, I helped them drummers move under the carport for the cocktail area. At 8:30 pm, it was time to make our way to the main reception room. I announced the wedding party and the first dances. The toast by the best man.was very heartfelt. The dinner at the Marriot was excellent as usual. The cake cutting was the last formality. Then it was time for the party. The bride and groom chose a fine blend of disco, pop, r&b, rap and rock. The folks were their to dance and I was happy to be playing for them. What a sweet group of family and friends. George and Becky are off to a great start. The pics that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-05_George_Rebecca_Wedding.htm

Public Service Message: Protect your skin. Use sunscreen, even if it's cloudy.
2007-05-05 George & Rebecca Wedding Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, Key Largo, Florida Keys

George & Becky have given us a new reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It was a cool and sunny day day in the fabulous Florida Keys. Perfect for a wedding at the Marriott Key Largo Bay resort. I arrived 2 hours early to set up for the happy couples BIG day. I went upstairs to the banguet room at Gus' Grille. While I was setting up. Caribbean Passion Steel Drum Duo was downstairs setting up for the ceremony. The staff of the Marriott were also busy, busy, busy getting the place readied up for the grand event. George and his groomsmen arrived in their tuxedos with powder blue accents. They looked great. He was smiling and nervous and happy. The guests arrived shortly after. The bride's charriott (Marriott Golfcart) arrived and Rebbecca looked gorgeous. I took my place near the steel drummers to cue them when to play the wedding march.. The ceremony was presided over by Judge Marriott, a family friend. It was very sweet. After the ceremony, I helped them drummers move under the carport for the cocktail area. At 8:30 pm, it was time to make our way to the main reception room. I announced the wedding party and the first dances. The toast by the best man.was very heartfelt. The dinner at the Marriot was excellent as usual. The cake cutting was the last formality. Then it was time for the party. The bride and groom chose a fine blend of disco, pop, r&b, rap and rock. The folks were their to dance and I was happy to be playing for them. What a sweet group of family and friends. George and Becky are off to a great start. The pics that I took are here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-05-05_George_Rebecca_Wedding.htm

Public Service Message: Protect your skin. Use sunscreen, even if it's cloudy.

Monday, May 07, 2007

2007-04-28 Timothy & Jill Wedding Snook's Bayside Restaurant Key Largo, Florida Keys

It could not have been a more beautiful day to celebrate the nuptuals of Timothy and Jill. I knew that I had quite a bit of work setting up for the big day. I arrived just after 4 pm to find the staff of Snook's already working to make the area look as perfect as can be. I set up the main sound system on the stage outside. Then I set up the smaller sound system on the peninsula where the ceremony would be held. The beautiful owner, operator, and wedding officiant of Snook's Bayside made here way to the microphone for a mic check. She was satisfied and went back to leading here fine crew in the preparation. The guest were to arrive at around 6 pm, so I had lite music playing for their arrival. The ceremony started shortly afterwards. It went off beautifully. I invited the guests to the outside cocktail area for and hour of drink and snack foods. Meanwhile, I snuck the ceremony sound system to the inside dining room in preparation for the dinner portion of the evening. After the bride and groom were done with the majority of their pictures. The guests were invited inside for some dinner. Halfway through, the happy couple made their way outside again to take advantage of the beautiful sunset that Snook's is known for. The best man man had his toast, the cake was cut, it was time to party -- and party, we did. They danced, danced, danced until the end. Pop, rock, disco, salsa, merengue and swing. The bride even got the courage up to sing a song a capella. It was so sweet, Good times had by all. I am so happy for Timothy & Jill. The pictures that I took are posted here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-04-28_Timothy_Jill_Wedding.htm

Public Service Message: Assign a designated driver.
2007-04-27 American Cancer Society - Relay for Life Founder's Park, Islamorada, Florida Keys

Digging deep and giving big is nothing new for the people of the Florida Keys and South Florida. I am so proud of my neighbors for coming out and showing support for the American Cancer Society - Relay for Life. I arrived at 4 pm to find Billy Bob, the sound man, already hard at work setting up the stage and sound There were so many vendors that were on hand to provide various services to feed and entertain the attendees. There was a feeling of love in the air and a great warmth for the folks living with cancer. The event was to start promptly at 6 pm. I was in a Master of Ceremonies and Music Interlude capacity. Sharing the stage with Yours Truly were the soothing sounds of Micah Gardner's Califloridian sound. He was joined by Sun 103.1's "Big Daddy" Joe Markum. We had a special return engagement of the young and lovely Jennifer Ray. It was great to have hillbilly flamenco local favorite Dave Feder and his protege, the young Nyan Feder playing so sweetly. At 9 pm, there was a beautiful candlelight ceremony. It was very uplifting. Due to previous engagements, I couldn't stay for the whole night this year. I left at just past midight. It was so nice to be a part of this great event. I look forward to next year. I have the pics that I posted here: http://www.keysdan.com/2007-04-27_American_Cancer_Society.htm

Public Service Message: Please give to http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/content/PAR_1_Relay_For_Life.asp.