06-20-2008: Graduation season it is

Takin' a break from weddings is a good idea. We spinned at a couple of graduation parties this past weekend. It was quite refreshing and and also a little stress free.

We DJd two different graduation parties and both the kids are going to be Michigan Wolverines. While driving to the friday gig, Vinny and I were discussing that most of the Indian kids go to UOM and are on their way to med school. While this is common to see, it is to be noted that these kids are really smart. It is not easy to get into these coveted universities as you cant BUY admission here. One needs to be really smart and hard working to get in and it makes me happy to see that these kids are so. Shruti's graduation was a blast, the program elements were short with just a few speeches so, there was ample time for dancing. The kids danced all night although the elders took a backseat after 11:30.

Saturday, we gigged at another graduation party in Troy community center. Incidentally a fellow DJ of ours was also DJing next door for another graduation party. We did think of opening the doors and combining the party so everyone could rock to the same beats. That would have been so cool but, the party next door ended a little earlier than ours. The party crew bought some party city Helium balloon kit and struggled to open it. Our photographer, Gary, who was a big strong guy also used his strength on it, but could not crack the code. So, we did not have any balloons. :-(

Again with fewer program elements, the dinner started on time and kicked in an hour and half of dancing. Parth got his graduation cake smacked onto his face, which he did not seem to like as much but, hey that is part of the fun.

We are quite tired right now so, we are taking a break next weekend. Going on Vacation !!!!

Will swing back after the July 4th weekend. Happy Independence day to you all ! Have fun and be safe this long weekend.

06-14-2008: A full day blast

Our day started pretty early to get all lined up for Baraat by 9:30AM. We packed up all our gear and got to the hall by 8AM and since we could not eat anything that early, we filled ourselves with Red Bull and Gatorade, and guess what, they dont open until 9AM. Bummer, it was but, then there was starbucks right next door so, whoz complaining ?!

Family arrived a little late so, it gave us breathing time to finish our set up. DJ Vinny kicked it off with is Dhol and had everyone soak themselves in the sun dancing. The baraat lasted for a good half hour to 45 minutes and poor Vinny was almost out of Gatorade by the end of it. Milni was packed with lifts and laughters.


Santosh walked in with Shehnai and Joshiji started off with his ceremony. Joshiji is the best punditji you would want for your wedding. He is humorous, explains everything in english as well and the audience paid good attention to the happenings. Most of us dont understand the sanskrit readings so, he ensured he translated all the important items. His humor was timely and had everyone enjoy the elegant ceremony. Sonu walked in beautifully for Bararon Phool Barsao.

We had a couple of hours of break so, we set up the rest of the lighting gear and went home and slept for an hour. It was going to be a long day. The best thing about the reception was that the speeches were short and sweet, dinner started on time and performances were limited to a dance and one karaoke song.



Dancing started right away and went on for two solid hours until the hall management reminded me that it was midnight and what I was playing then, was to be the last song. The family was very happy at the end and it totally made our night and was very rewarding.

06-07-2008: A baraat (Wedding procession)

So, DJ Vinny rocks dhol now, thanks to DJ Sachin who got him into it. Sachin left his dhol for a long time with us so Vinny could practice and finally Vinny got his own dhol. Kalakendar dot com is a wonderful website to get percussion instruments. Their service was great, shipping was timely.

The wedding was at the Detroit Westin Hotel at the airport. Considering security, as far as you could carry an item in your hands open, they would allow it. We were skeptic coz we did not know if, the drum would have to go through security and such. It was no hassle.

The aroma of Idli/sambar and Upma was sailing through the lobby. We warmed up everyone and after some photoshoot, the baraat started. DJ Vinny took them down the escalators into the open lobby and called the family and friends one by one for some dhol fun. Now, dhol being so loud, the Westin management got 13 complaints that it was bothering them. Apparently if, you get 10 complaints an action is due. We were urged to wrap it up soon and so Vinny took them down another escalator for the Milni. I think the complaints were genuine coz, the guests could be so tired, crew rests there amidst flights, so, it was okay.

Airport weddings are cool, although there are some limitations such as you could not have a loud dhol for a long time, no horse is allowed for baraat such and such....but, your guests can arrive, rest and get ready right there for the wedding. It is very convenient as far as travelling goes. Oh and not to mention, the hotel staff, though being non-indian was all dressed in Sarees and did an excellent job in co-ordinating the event. They had another cool thing, a gobo projecting the bride and the groom's name in front of the escalators.

We rolled into Ann Arbor, had Bubble Tea at Bubble Island, yayyyyyy and picked a friend to go to the airport again. We picked his wife and child, who were coming from India and I captured a candid Canon moment. For a first timer, the flight from India is an overwhelming experience.

While driving back that night, we stopped by Hyatt at Dearborn to meet DJ Naveen. DJ Naveen was absolutely rocking the night on a wedding reception and the waves were seeping through the parking lot. We hung out for a little while there and headed back home.

05-26-2008: Memorial day rush

Memorial day was a lot of fun and was uber busy for us. 3 gigs in 2 days wasn't keeping my fingers straight.

Saturday went smooth with a mehndi. The girls did an awesome job with setting up a traditional mehndi backdrop. The best thing I liked in here was the entrances of the bride and the groom. They entered under a canopy and with a group of girls and guys. All of them lined up on either side of the dance floor and it was very festive, with Mehndi ki raat by Junaid Jamshed and Mehndi Hathon mein by Falguni Pathak. We kicked out all the men (Women of certain communities do not dance in front of men) at the end of the party and had girls dancing for a couple of hours.


Vinny and I had to split on Sunday. :-(
DJ Vinny took care of the wedding reception for a client while I teamed up with DJ Mike for another reception at the Imperial House. The best part was both of them were in clinton township so, it was not too hard for us to set up gear and share knick knacks.



Since all the americans were wearing kurtas at the reception, DJ Mike decided to wear his too, which I gave him for his birthday a year ago. We rocked the night with a hearty mix of Indian and American music. Mike and I totally competed for our turns with music. The wedding was for an American boy with an Indian girl. You gotta love to see the cultures coming together. Sean had cool moves for both Billy Jean and Soni de Nakhre, 'twas a treat to watch!


A unique thing I saw was, while the bride and the groom had their first dance, a few boys from the hotel staff walked around them with something glowing in their hands. It was blue in color and had some light flames going on. It was a very cool sight.


Mike being the hyper Mike he is, threw himself off the stage twice, while dancing and mixing from behind the booth. "Dont give me no more stage", he smiles. We had a blast.