In September of 2007, I received a call from Amy Zantzinger, White House Social Secretary, inviting Jellyroll to perform at The White House in the East Room for the 2007 Congressional Ball. The Congressional Ball is arguably the most prestigious gala event held in the United States, and is attended by members of Congress (both parties), Supreme Court Justices as well as many other dignitaries. The Congressional Ball is hosted by the President and First Lady.
On December 3rd, 2007, in the historic East Room, Jellyroll delivered one of its greatest performances at the Congressional Ball. The event was so successful that Jellyroll was invited to perform for a second time on March 29, 2008 for a private event for 400 guests hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.
Here are some official White House photos experience:
This year Valentine’s Day fell on the 2nd Saturday in February. On this day the look of love has never been more beautifully represented than the wedding of Kimberly Richardson and Michael Marino with the reception in one of Philadelphia’s finest venues the Grand Ballroom at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue.
On such a special day the setting was immaculate. The Grand Ballroom is truly breathtaking with a striking display of old world charm and picturesque beauty. Every crystal in the majestic chandelier sparkled with splendor that reminds you “this day is for love” and the example of such a love radiated from Kimberly and Michael as they danced their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Best Is Yet To Come”. Now as the band leader I know that our charming couple was just a bit nervous about their first dance but as they took those first rhythmic steps together the moment seemed magical. Now I can neither confirm nor deny if their feet touched the floor, but I knew from the smiles on their faces and the sparkle in their eyes that there was no concern about their future. Ahh, Valentine’s Day is here, love is in the air and it’s great to be a small part of the picture.
In such a spectacular room you may think that the guests maybe a little timid but Kimberly and Michael’s family and friends came to party and as our name states the “Contagious Party Band” we wanted to make sure we delivered. During the evening we were able to assist the guests through a fun filled version of The Temptations “My Girl” with many of the Groomsmen in the prominent position of being “The Temptations”. The ladies quickly followed suit with a live dance number of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” to show the fellows that they had style. Although “Contagious” loves to have a good time we never forget why we are there as Kimberly and Michael graced the crowd at center stage and showed that the evening was theirs. We were all happy to be there and help them celebrate. To top off the evening the dance floor was packed and a band - guest dance challenge took place. Those pictures should be awesome. It seems the guests always win but we don’t mind. It just goes to show that we’ll take on any challengers. The evening ended with “Love” still on top of the list as our guests all held the one’s they loved and shared the last dance with the Kimberly and Michael.
My sincerest thanks to the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue and their staff for allowing us to work with them to ensure that Kimberly and Michael’s memories of this day will be special and timeless. It takes a lot of behind the scenes work to actually make it all go so smooth and flawless. You are the finest. Our best wishes to Kimberly and Michael. I hope the day brings you the fondest of memories today, tomorrow and even 50 years from now. Thank you for allowing the Contagious Party Band to be a part of your lives.
Best Regards
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Deja Groove to perform for the third consecutive year for Olympic Gold Medalist and professional athlete Dawn M. Staley at the Eighth Annual Dawn Staley Foundation Annual Black Tie & Sneaker Gala on June 9, 2009.
The Gala, which is attended by various professional athletes, entertainers, sports executives and community and business leaders, provides an opportunity for Dawn Staley to honor her fellow athletes and corporate partners who support area youth and are making a tremendous difference in their communities. The elegant evening includes dinner, awards and a live sports memorabilia auction. Past honorees include track legend Jackie Joyner Kersee, former Philadelphia Eagles players Troy Vincent and Brian Mitchell, Philadelphia Charge soccer player Lorrie Fair, Golf Digest senior writer Pete McDaniel, and WNBA Vice President of Player Personnel Renee Brown.
Proceeds from the Gala benefit the Foundation’s mission of creating and supporting educational and sports programs which challenge minds, build character, and help youth to develop to their fullest potential academically, socially and physically are the essence of the foundation.
On Sunday March 22nd 2009, Midnight Hour performed for the wedding reception of Ira and Elizabeth Platt at Harry’s Savoy Ballroom. The band loves performing at Harry’s Savoy … it’s a terrific venue, with a friendly staff and really beautiful ballroom. Gloria Talbot oversees the wedding receptions at Harry’s Savoy, and she does a wonderful job every time.
Ira and Elizabeth chose “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley for their first dance, followed by a traditional Jewish Hora. Our saxophonist, Darren Lucis, received a huge round of applause at the end of the Hora for his remarkable clarinet work during Hava Naglia. After dinner, their guests filled the dance floor and never let up. We kept the party going with the songs Ira and Liz had chosen from our song list – plenty of Motown, 70’s / 80’s / 90’s hits, some golden oldies like “The Twist”, and we were sure to play Liz’s favorite song, “Dancing Queen” by Abba.
We also got to meet photographer Susan Miller. Susan is a great photographer from Wilmington, and she did a great job of capturing the moments. Please visit her web site, Photography by Susan Miller.
Our best wishes for many years of love and happiness to Ira and Liz!
Midnight Hour was very proud to perform this past weekend for the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual Community Charity Ball. The wonderful folks from the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce welcomed the band with open arms, and the band had a wonderful time with them. The Chamber’s Executive Director, Kim Cooley, went out of her way to spend time talking with the band, and expressed her sincere appreciation for our performance. To all of our new friends from the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce, thank you for having us this year! You sure know how to have a great time! For more information on the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce, please visit http://www.phoenixvillechamber.org/
Midnight Hour Bandleader Shavin Duffy with Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Cooley at the Chamber’s 2009 Charity Ball, held at Rivercrest Golf Club on March 7, 2009. Photo by Mike Irby.
Leading up to and throughout this special event, Midnight Hour was very fortunate to work with Stacey Halstead of “Create The Moment” event planners. Stacey Halstead did a wonderful job of planning the evening in cooperation with the band, and thanks to Stacey the transitions of the evening were seamless. It’s always a pleasure to work with true professionals, and Stacey, we thank you for making us look so good! To find out more about Stacey, please visit the web site of “Create The Moment” at www.createthemoment.com
We had the pleasure of meeting photographer Mike Irby, who was set up in the lobby to take portraits as the guests arrived. Mike does a wide variety of things, from web design to photography at all kinds of events, and is a member of the Phoenixville Chamber himself. Mike, thank you for taking those shots of the band! For more information on Mike Irby, visit http://www.mikeirbyphotography.com/
This event also saw Midnight Hour returning to one of our favorite venues, Rivercrest Golf Club in Collegeville, PA. Midnight Hour has performed at Rivercrest many times, and the management and staff there are wonderful. We had played there just a month earlier on February 7th for a wedding reception, so it felt like home to perform in their beautiful ballroom again. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Rivercrest Golf Club for all they do to support Midnight Hour each time we perform there.
For more information on Rivercrest Golf Club, visit http://www.rivercrestgolfclub.com/
UP AND COMING: Midnight Hour is looking forward to performing later this month for the Autism New Jersey Black Tie Gala at The Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, NJ! Click here for more details: http://www.autismnj.org/cosac2/Fundraisingevent
At a recent wedding reception Deja Groove rocked the Valley Forge Radisson - Waterford Ballroom, keeping the dance floor fully active from their smooth rendition of “At Last” to their show stopping rendition of OutKast’s “Hey Ya”…as another bride happily shook her thing like a Polaroid picture.
Congratulations Rachel & Paul!
Deja Groove Wedding
Photo courtesy of Ultimate Images
Brandywine Valley Talent’s Deja Groove has added a dynamic new horn section. The addition of a saxophonist and a trumpet player places Deja Groove among the most elite of Philadelphia dance bands and enhances their ability to replicate covers of our client’s most requested music. In addition to their existing outstanding entertainment services, Deja Groove is proud to offer a pianist and a saxophonist for their cocktail hour and performances.
