philly event djs | EBE Talent
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philly event djs | EBE Talent

Apr 23
0

Choosing Between A Live Band Or A DJ For Your Wedding

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Nov 29
0

EBE Spotlight: Matt Ostroff

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EBE’s Matt Ostroff:

Entertainment Representative,

Event Emcee & DJ

 

EBE is made up of a myriad of people and personalities. Throughout this series of EBE Spotlights, we’re looking past the job title and learning more about what makes our team tick. We were able to sit down with Matt Ostroff this week, one of EBE’s Entertainment Representatives & Event MC & DJ.

Matt is one of EBE’s six Entertainment Representatives. His drive and knowledge base are obvious to anyone who meets him, and he can have a conversation with just about anyone. Matt is extremely passionate about delivering an amazing experience to each and every client, which makes him an integral part of our team.

At the young age of 13, Matt and his brother Ben (who is also a part of the EBE Team!) started DJing parties. They called their company “Music and More”, and they worked independently for about 5 years. When Matt was in high school, he was hired as a DJ at Purple Haze Entertainment, and worked his way up the ladder as their youngest DJ. After a few years, he joined with Eddie Bruce Entertainment to eventually become one of EBE’s top-selling Wedding Emcees.

We found an old promo-reel of Matt DJing in 1986 and love it… check it out!

I asked Matt a series of serious & silly questions to get to know him better. Check it out below!

What was the best event you ever worked?
The one year anniversary of Ben-FM

Who is your hero?
Bruce Springsteen

What is your favorite movie?
Pulp Fiction

What is your zodiac sign?
Scorpio

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak

What is your favorite thing about your career?
The opportunities it has given me. I have met amazing people because of my job, and have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best.

If you could go back in time, what year would you go to and why?
The 60s. I’ve always said I was born a couple of decades later than I should have been. I would have loved to have attended Woodstock.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Invisibility and the power to fly

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
John Cusack. I like that dude.

If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which would it be and why?
A fox. I am sly and quick.



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Nov 27
1

Real Weddings: Ryanne & Conner

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The beauty of weddings is that every event is different. From style preferences and personal touches, to tradition and inspiration – each wedding is a unique product of the couple’s hard work and planning.

HR Representative, Ryanne, and Third Grade Teacher, Conner, met in 2012 when they were both students at Lock Haven University. They were friends throughout college, and then Ryanne moved out to California for an internship. Conner flew out to visit for a week, and they realized it was the real deal… they’ve been together ever since! 

We asked them to take us on a visual tour of their wedding day with their amazing EBE Team Members: MC Jon Mulhern, DJ Audio Phoenix, and Drummer Rick Lowery. They celebrated their beautiful Harrisburg Wedding on September 8th, 2018 at Harmony Hall Estate. Their wedding style was rustic, woodsy, and DIY with a eucalyptus-inspired color palate.Let’s walk through their day to see how they pulled it all together!

9:00 a.m. – Getting Ready

Ryanne & Conner both got ready in the Farm House at Harmony Hall Estate. Ryanne was with her bridal party in the Bridal Suite, while Conner was on the first floor. Ryanne’s Hair & Makeup Team was curated by Liz Lesher, Stylist and Owner of Lush Hair Lab.The couple’s Photographer, Christopher Brittain, arrived for some getting ready photos.  

5:30 p.m. – Ceremony

Ryanne & Conner were married at outside of the Farm House at Harmony Hall Estate. Conner and his groomsmen wore matching suits from JoS. A. Bank, and Ryanne’s bridal party wore mismatched steel blue dresses from David’s Bridal. Ryanne’s dress, also from David’s Bridal, was a gift from above. Her Galina lace dress was retailed for above her budget, but she just kept trying it on. After deciding to splurge on her dream dress, she brought it to the counter and it rang up as $99!

Their ceremony music was provided by EBE DJ Jon Mulhern, which consisted of Vitamin String Quartet versions of 3 Libras, The Only Exception, and I Miss You. Ryanne and Conner chose a childhood friend of Conner’s, Richard, to act as the officiant for their ceremony. After they said their vows, the newly married couple and their Wedding Parties exited to Brandy by Looking Glass.

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the newly-married couple took some formal portraits.

7:00 p.m. – Reception

The reception doors opened in the main building at Harmony Hall, and the guests were ready to party! Ryanne & Conner were introduced as Husband and Wife for the first time, they shared their first dance to Ferrari by Bebe Rexha. After that, the EBE team was ready to fill the dance floor.

We were able to ask Ryanne & Conner a few questions about their wedding day… Check it out!

What was your favorite part of wedding planning?

Booking with EBE!! Music was the MOST important piece for us!! Nothing else compared to the excitement we felt knowing the music was going to be amazing. We couldn’t wait to dance all night with our friends.

What was your favorite moment from your wedding?

Conner’s vows. THEY were AWESOME!!!

What was it like working with EBE?

From our very first call with Joel Aaron…he could hear it in our voice how much we wanted an EBE Wedding. We couldn’t quite budget for a band and they were booking up fast (cause they are amazing, duh!). We hung up with Joel, feeling upset because we had our heart set on EBE. We emailed him an afterthought and said, “What about your DJ pricing?” He e-mailed us back right away and told us to call him. We talked for about 45 minutes and he sold us on the MC/DJ/Drummer combo (DJ Live) which we were SO HAPPY AND EXCITED FOR. It was exactly in our budget and worth every single penny. (Conner has played the drums his whole life, so the drummer element was such an awesome addition.) Our guests are still talking about how cool it was.

What made you choose EBE?

My (Ryanne’s) cousin had a live EBE band at their wedding (Barcelona). I went up to my dad that night and said, “I want EBE at my wedding.” I wasn’t even engaged!! LOL.

If you could’ve changed something about your wedding, what would it have been?

I (Ryanne) wasn’t feeling well at one point and had to excuse myself for about an hour during the reception. I hated it because I seriously just wanted to be on the dance floor.

What is your advice to future EBE brides and grooms in regards to the stress of wedding planning and the choosing of vendors?

Have faith in those you hire to do the job and go with your gut. I knew I was in excellent hands with EBE and when I wasn’t feeling well, they handled it so professionally by keeping my guests going. We picked up right where we needed to be as soon as I gave Jon the go-ahead. I SO appreciated that!

Vendor List Recap

Getting Ready, Ceremony, and Reception Venue: Harmony Hall Estate
Hair & Makeup: Lush Hair Lab
Photographer: Brittain Studios
Bride & Bridesmaid Dresses: Galina Lace Trumpet from David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: JoS. A. Bank
Caterer: Karen’s Catering
Music: MC Jon Mulhern, DJ Audio Phoenix, and DJ Live Drummer Rick Lowery
Florist: Plenty of Petals



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Apr 27
0

EBE Spotlight: Jon Mulhern – Emcee and DJ

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This week we want to introduce you to EBE Emcee & DJ Jon Mulhern.  Jon has been with EBE for 11 years and is an 18-year industry veteran.  

Music and entertaining have been in Jon’s soul since he was young; he continually finds himself to be the life of the party wherever he goes.  

In an effort to get to know him better and discover what it is that makes him tick, we recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jon and interview him for this Q&A piece.

 

Q: What genre of music is your “specialty”?

A: House, trance, breakbeat, EDM, top 40, throwbacks, 80s-90s hip-hop/pop/rock/dance, alternative, classic rock, mashups, remixes, and sing-a-longs

 

Q: Who is your hero?

A: Some of my favorite human beings are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferris and Ray Kurzweil. As for a hero; my dog was my hero. She saved my life and taught me how to live and love.

 

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: It’s a tie between “The Matrix” and “Stand By Me.”

 

Q: What is your zodiac sign?

A: Sagittarius

 

Q: Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

A: I spin fire poi – even performed in front of members from Cirque du Soleil and at Woodstock ’99.

 

Q: What is your go-to at karaoke?

A: Sweet Home Alabama

 

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Steak and eggs with potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, spinach and broccoli – topped with cheese and salsa, and a tall glass of Goji Berry Green Tea!

 

Q: If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

A: It would be 1995 when I was 15-years old. I always think of my 15 year-old-self and how much “he’d” be freaking out over all the music and sound equipment I have. I’d go back and tell myself all I know today. I’d tell myself to continue to explore and examine my curiosities, to always work hard on developing tolerance and understanding, to take chances on things I love and want… and I would strongly advise against dating that girl Jaime when I turn 16! HA!

 

Q: If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

A: Cosmic manipulation

 

Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

A: Dwayne Johnson, obviously!

 

Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?

A: Not giving up when it gets rough and learning to be vulnerable.

 

Q: If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?

A: Either Led Zepplin, The Talking Heads, or anything Brian Eno was working on – that dude is a genius and he changed the world of music!

 

Q: If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be and why?

A: I’ve learned a lot from dogs throughout my life. They are always present in the moment, capable of loving unconditionally, unwavering determination, fearless protectors, endless sense of adventure and playfulness. They forgive but don’t forget.

 

Q: What was the best event you ever worked?

A: July 4, 2002. I did a friend’s Family and Friends 4th of July Reunion. It was my first private event; before that I was only in nightclubs. I was so nervous, but I had the time of my life. I felt a personal connection to the crowd that clubs never offer. It’s a sense of duty and responsibility.

There was a wedding I did in April 2012 that set the standard for what a good time at an event looks like to me. DJ Brickhouse knows what I mean – we still talk about it to this day! That’s what I strive for at every event. They made us feel like rock stars and they partied like they each won the lottery!

 

Q: What motivates you to work hard?

A: Teamwork, being valued and appreciated, my passion and love for what I do.

 

Q: What is your favorite thing about your career?

A: Seeing people celebrate their love and commitment to each other is a very special and beautiful thing. It’s an honor to witness it and to help set the tone for their celebration. I love that every event is as unique as the couple’s love. I also love seeing so many different venues and locations.

Apr 17
3

EBE Spotlight – Tim Parsons: Drummer and DJ

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Pennsylvania’s own, Tim Parsons, has been an EBE Drummer and DJ for the past four years.  Along with the drums, he also plays the piano.

The Penncrest High School graduate has been fostering and growing his musical talents from a young age thanks to the ongoing support of his parents.  Due to his love of music and personal drive, Tim was able to further channel his musical abilities into becoming a top list DJ performer as well.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Tim and interview him for this Q&A piece in an effort to get to know him better and discover what it is that makes him tick.

 

 

Q: What genre of music is your ‘specialty’?

A: Hip-Hop

 

Q: What instrument(s) do you play if any?

A: Drums and piano

 

Q: Who is your hero?

A:  My parents are my heroes because they introduced me to music and have always supported my ambitions, even pushing me beyond what I thought I couldn’t accomplish.

 

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A:  Miracle

 

Q:  What is your zodiac sign?

A:  Capricorn

 

Q: Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about you?

A:  I can clap with one hand…and I play lacrosse and hockey!

 

Q:  What is your go-to at karaoke?

A:  Ghost Town DJs “My Boo”

 

Q:  If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

A:  If I had to pick one year, it would be 1994. With all of the legendary hip-hop albums from many of my favorite artists, 1994 has to be one of the biggest years for the genre. If I could stretch the rules, I’d love to travel back to all of the 80’s so I could catch the end of the funk phase and the beginning of the East vs. West Coast hip-hop phase.

 

Q:  Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

A:  James Franco

 

Q:  If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?

A:  The Roots

 

 

Q:  What motivates you to work hard?

A:  Knowing that playing music is a gift and that this gift is something that I’ve been blessed with to share with others.

 

Q:  What is your favorite thing about your career?

A:  Seeing people dancing and enjoying the music is something that never gets old to me, especially when clients express how much they appreciated having me play at the end of the night!

Apr 15
0

EBE Spotlight – Benjamin Ostroff: MC & DJ

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Benjamin Ostroff has been with EBE Events & Entertainment for 15 years as an Emcee, DJ, and Entertainment Representative.

With an unmatched knowledge of music and all things pop culture, Ben has been performing at a wide range of events since his early teens. Utilizing his talents as a Club DJ, Ben was the House DJ for both the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers from 1997 until 2015. He was a popular fixture at all home games, pumping up the crowd using a mix of music, trivia, and sound effects. He understands how to reach an audience, especially the youth scene, with the latest sounds.

Ben honed his skills on the weekends during college at American University. His talents are requested from Philadelphia to DC and everywhere in between.

In an effort to get to know him better and discover what it is that makes him tick, we recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ben and interview him for this Q&A piece.

Q: What genre of music is your ‘specialty?’

A: Anything mainstream since the 1960s.

 

Q: Who is your hero?

A: Bruse Springsteen

 

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Fletch

 

Q: What is your zodiac sign?

A: Leo

 

Q:  What is your go-to at karaoke?

A: Born to Run

 

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A:  Pizza

 

Q:  If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

A:  I’m more interested in the future, but otherwise 1973.

 

Q:  If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

A:  Invisibility

 

Q:  Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

A:  Kevin James (People often think I am him.)

 

Q:  What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?

A:  My engagement proposal.

 

Q:  If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?

A:  E Street Band

 

Q:  Do you have skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

A:  With a little more practice, I would have been a legendary NFL punter.

 

Q:  What motivates you to work hard?

A:  The immediate gratification from every bride and groom

 

Q:  What is your favorite thing about your career?

A:  Being around music all the time.

Mar 29
0

EBE Spotlight – Nick Centrella: Bandleader EBE Sydney

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Nick Centrella has been with EBE for 4 years and is the bandleader for EBE Sydney.  The Philadelphia native has been on the Philly cover scene for the past 20 years, performing in clubs and music venues up and down the East Coast.  Nick has fronted some of the biggest bands on the circuit.

Nick is an avid Philly’s sports fan and, when not performing, enjoys coaching.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Nick and interview him for this Q&A piece in an effort to get to know him better and discover what it is that makes him tick.

 

Q: What genre of music is your ‘specialty’?

A: Rock / Pop / Top 40

 

Q: What is your zodiac sign?

A: Taurus

 

Q: What instrument(s) do you play if any?

A: Vocals

 

Q: How many years have you been in the music and/or event industry?

A: 20 years

 

Q: What motivates you to work hard?

A: I’m motivated by success.  I always try to be the best at everything I do.  I don’t believe in second place.

 

Q: What is your favorite thing about your career?

A: I love entertaining people and being able to provide memories that will last a lifetime.  I love that my bandmates and I get to provide the soundtrack to the most important day of their lives.

 

Mar 23
9

Rules of Engagement

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The day has finally come and you are officially engaged — congratulations!  Now what?  Well, outside of beginning to plan for your upcoming wedding, there are a few things that go along with being engaged that most people don’t talk about, so we thought we would take a few minutes to cover them with you.

Don’t Down Play Your Proposal

However it happened, wherever you were, it was special and was about the two of you, so don’t downplay your story or try and compare it to the lavish experiences of others.  When people ask, share all the details of the moment if you want or simply say something like ‘it was quiet, intimate, and perfect’ and leave it at that if you prefer to keep the details of memory to yourself.  And be prepared to repeat the story because people will ask.

 

It’s Polite to Stare

I know your mother always told you it was impolite to stare, but in this case, stare away at your ring all you want!  For many newly engaged, things are still a bit surreal — even if you were expecting it.  Enjoy staring at your ring as the reality sinks in.

And be prepared to show it off!  Get a manicure immediately because people are going to ask to see the ring and you want to be prepared.

 

It’s Okay Not to Know

Right out of the gate, people are going to ask you if you’ve chosen a date yet.  It’s okay to say ‘no’ or ‘we haven’t even started planning yet.’  It is more than acceptable to take a step back, let the reality of your engagement sink in, and just enjoy being engaged for a while before you select a date.

Remember, this is your engagement and your wedding, so it’s fine to take things at your own pace.

 

Happy and Unhappy

While you know the majority of people will be as excited as you are about your engagement, be prepared for the occasional nay-sayer.  For whatever reason, some people are down on marriage or might be less supportive than the rest of your friends and family.

When you run into a negative reaction, just be polite and move on.  Don’t dwell on it and don’t let it ruin your excitement.

 

Know-It-All Married Folk

Be prepared for your married friends to start shelling out advice immediately about how to plan or who to call.  Just remember that they mean well.  Graciously accept their advice and take their suggestions in stride.

Remember they are just trying to be supportive.  At the end of the day though, it’s your special day and you can take or leave their advice because you’ll be planning a wedding that is a reflection of your love story and not their’s.

 

Enjoy Being Engaged

Don’t try and rush the process or become so consumed by planning your wedding that you miss out on enjoying being engaged.  Even if you’ve been living together for a while, becoming engaged will feel different and your relationship will need some time to adjust to this new level.

It’s a wonderfully unique and special part of the getting married process, so try and soak up every moment of it.

 

Mar 22
0
Tom Hefferon | The Most Amazing Philadelphia Special Event DJ

EBE Spotlight – MC Thomas Hefferon

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Thomas Hefferon has been with EBE for almost 9 years and been in the music industry for 20 years.

Tom went to College in the summer of 1998 and during his time there he was immediately drawn towards music. He joined his college radio club and began interning and working at Philadelphia radio stations and even a local record label. Tom spent fifteen years in the radio industry.

Along the way, he started to DJ on weekends. Tom started as a wedding DJ in 2006 and has done hundreds of weddings since then. He truly loves his role as a wedding DJ because, unlike playing music on the radio, he can see an immediate reaction to the music he is playing and loves it when the dance floor is packed with people who are having fun!

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Tom and interview him for this Q&A piece in an effort to get to know him better and discover what it is that makes him tick.

 

Q: What’s genre of music is your “specialty”?

A: Early 2000’s Hip-hop and pop music (that was when I was working for to Q102 FM in Philly)

 

Q: What is your go-to at karaoke?

A: “Gettin Jiggy Wit It” For some reason I know all the words by heart!

 

Q: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?

A: The power to make people who hate to dance, dance. (Oh wait, I already have that one!)

 

Q: What was the best event you ever worked?

A: There have been so many great events that it’s hard to pick just one.

 

Q: What motivates you to work hard?

A: My family!  I’m a father of two fantastic kids and a husband to my wonderful wife, Kristin.

 

Q: What is your favorite thing about your career?

A: Making people happy!  Nothing is better than hearing someone that they had a magical night.

 

Mar 19
0

Destination Wedding and Local Reception

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Destination weddings are increasing in popularity, so we thought it was time for us to dive into the topic ourselves.  From etiquette to inspiration, we have everything you need to know about planning a destination wedding and holding your reception back at home.

Planning Your Destination Wedding

Before you settle on the ‘perfect location’ you will want to do your research.  Find out everything about your hotel, resort or venue.

Here are some common questions you’ll want the answers to before choosing your location:

  • When is the hurricane or the rainy season?
  • Are there any health or safety issues guests will need to be concerned about?
  • Is your destination LGBTQ friendly?
  • Are children allowed at your venue?
  • Will there be discounts or special rates offered to your guests?
  • Is this an all-inclusive venue and if so, will your guests receive any of those benefits?
  • Are passports required to attend your wedding location?
  • Are there limitations as to what you can bring with you (drinks, flowers, gifts, etc.) for the event?
  • Does your venue offer any guarantees or money-back returns for you and your guests should the event be canceled and if so, what is the policy for cancellation? (Note: Guests might have to cancel or inclement weather could prevent the event from taking place as scheduled, so this is always good to know ahead of time.)

We also recommend that you visit your venue before booking your wedding.  Yes, photos and reviews can tell you a lot about a place; however, nothing will give you the best information like first-hand experience.  You’re about to ask your friends and family to shell out some cash to attend your destination wedding, so you want to make sure everything is in order and the place is all it says it is before inviting your guests.

When it comes to inviting your guests, be as clear and transparent as you can about any potential costs.  It’s also helpful to secure a travel agent as part of your wedding planning team and include their information in your invitation details.  Also, send your invitations out extra early in order to allow guests ample time for planning and purchasing tickets.

Planning for Your Reception at Home

You most likely won’t be inviting everyone to your destination wedding, so it will be time to celebrate with family and friends once you’re back!  You’ll want to plan this party before you head out for your wedding and send out the invitation out 5-6 weeks prior to the event.

A post-destination wedding local reception works very much like a traditional reception, except you will have been happily married for a few weeks.  If you want to redo your vows that’s absolutely acceptable.  If not, then do your best to allow your local guests to experience what the wedding was like by setting up a photo and/or video station by the sign-in book.  This way they can see everything that transpired and feel like they were a part of your big day as well.

When it comes to what you, your new spouse, and the bridal party should wear, you have options. Everyone can wear their wedding attire or you can all opt for something more casual. If you do go for casual, consider displaying your wedding dress and tux just to show them both off, and keep with your wedding colors.

The rest of the event will run pretty much like a traditional wedding with food, drinks, music, and dancing. You can include as many or as few formalities as you would like – the most important thing is to celebrate!
Looking for assistance planning your destination wedding and local reception?  Contact our EBE Expert Wedding Planners and let them help to guide you through the entire process.