More Green Screen Photo Favors & Photo Booth Pictures

Our Green Screen Photo Favors continue to be one of the biggest highlights at our festive parties. 



The Station or Booth hardly ever has long lines because everyone is enjoying themselves on our dancefloor.  So everyone gets a chance to leisurely go over with their friends and families and get a little creative visuals happening.

Here's another sample from one of our previous parties.  What I like is the level of animation in most of the shots.  The clean high quality digital photos are great keepsakes for everyone, and believe no one ever throws these away.

Call about having the green screen at your next occasion. 

917 204-0690. 

Lori and Tony's Wedding at Il Tulipano - Elegance, Wildness & Fun - An Unforgettable Night

Lori and Tony are two of the sweetest people you ever want to meet.  I first met Tony a few years back at his friend Ari's Wedding, at one of the most memorable weddings ever.  LSNY had the privilege of creating the entertainment for Ari and his lovely bride Aurelia's wedding.  (I just recently learned they have an 18 month old boy and I got to see a picture that night) 

Last year I got to meet Tony's fiancee Lori at Simone and Diana's wedding.  I was so happy they called us for their wedding.  This group of friends LOVE to get crazy and it's a blast being able to provide the spark. 

Getting to know Lori and Tony over the course of our planning, it doesn't take long to know you want the very best for them.  Tony always has a smile for everyone.  And Lori is the light in his eyes.     

Bathed in purple up lights from the beginning, Il Tulipano served an elegant setting for what was to be a very FESTIVE night. Both toasts from Best Man and Matron of honor threw down the gauntlet for the Gasperino's regarding family.  BM Patrick said "I have 3 kids you gotta get started!  Like right now."

Matron of honor Amy - Lori's sister said about having little ones to spoil, "25 would be good."  Well, they might be able to get a reality show out of it.

They'll be more video.  The above just scratched a tiny bit of the surface of the night.  Below is how Lori and Tony felt about their wedding night.

 

Dear Michael,

Tony and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make our wedding day the best day of our lives.  From the moment we saw you in action at our friend’s wedding last year, we knew we wanted you to be part of our big day.

Throughout the whole process you were so much more than our wedding entertainment---it was almost as if you were my wedding coordinator helping me perfect all of the most important details for the evening (the details that everyone will remember for years to come) .  

You helped up personalize and create such an unforgettable evening and made that part of the planning completely stress free.  We are already getting messages from friends that yesterday was ‘the best wedding ever’.  Thank you for helping make that possible!!!

I can’t thank you enough for all of your guidance and helpful suggestions.  We couldn’t have asked for a more fun wedding!!!

We were certainly keep you mind should we need entertainment for a party in the future and hope to see you at our next friend’s wedding!

All the best,

Lori & Tony Gasperino

Lori and Tony you are so welcome. The very best to you and your family.  With Love.  Michael.

Brooke and Kendall's Wedding - Finding Each Other Again after So Long

So many stories that touch my heart in this amazing industry we're in.  Some seem so much like real life Fairy Tales.  In fact many of my recent and upcoming wedding have shared a similar theme.



Brooke and Kendall dance with their nieces and nephews

 Boy meets girl when they are both very young. 

Boy and girl become good friends. 

Boy and girl go out. 

After school boy and girl go their separte ways. 

Later in life they somehow find their way back and realize no one else could fill the place that the other did.

They get married.

This is very much the story of Brooke and Kendall. They met while in Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, New Jersey.  Going through some wonderful times and heartbreaking times together, Kendall moved to Minnesota after high school. 

6 long years later Brooke visited him there and they realized their love was too strong to be so far separated.

But just as Kendall was going to move back to NJ,  Brooke was heading to Florida to get her master's degree.  But like movies and fairy tales Kendall changed plans a few months later and went to Florida. 

Brooke now works at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital on Spinal cord injuries and Kendall is completing his double major in business marketing and American history.  Here's their intro....



Their reception had all the charm and beauty of historic Smithville Inn where the ocassion was hosted.  Kendall in his toast was clearly moved at his "good fortune that Brooke came to find him in Minnesota.  It was everyone who attended's great good fortune as well.

This was no typical wedding reception. Kendall's family perform at every function they attend and when Brooke's family joined in for a rendition of Monty Python's "The Bright Side of Life" you know this was a crowd ready for anything and everything.

Another of the many highlights of the night was The Newlywed Game.



The party took off from 9:30 to the end with Kendall's sister Nicole providing old Tina Turner Proud Mary
Rolling on a River energy, and the nephews and nieces pulling out tricks on the floor. 

Brooke's mother Lorey Bird has also not aged in the 12 years since I've known her and danced like she was 25 years old.  Lorey is the former Director of Special Events at Harrah's Properties in Atlantic City as I mentioned on the previous post.  She added neat little touches by having the nieces dressed like Butterflies and the nephews like Princes. 

And if you watch the first dance intro you'll see that it worked well in the theme.

Her husband Gerry is a lucky man, and now so is Kendall.

Congratulations to the the Westmorelands and Bird families! 

Author and "America's Service Guru" Recognizes LSNY as One of the Best

A while back we posted about The Chalik's incredible Bnei Mitzvah party at the Vanderbilt at South Beach.  It was a fantastic time and we've heard wonderful reviews. 

Yesterday morning I received this letter by email from the event producer of the venue Ian Maksik.  I wanted to share it with our friends, families, clients and readers:

Dear Michael:

Thank you for the amazing job you did at the Chalik Bat Mitzvah. You certainly deserve the title of "Master Celebration Director" for you and your entire group did a most "Masterful" job of entertaining the guests at this event, which was just about 50% Adults and 50% Teens & Kids or should I say Kids of all ages.

My entire staff & I were also entertained as you kept the attention of the entire audience, while working closely with management on timing as an Event Partner to insure the absolute success of this celebration.

I am the former Catering Editor of CUE (NY Magazine) and have been responsible for thousands of high-profile events, but this was one of the most Fun'tastic Events I've ever been privileged to be part of thanks to your most innovative and professional direction.

You never talked down to the Kids but instead acted as if you were one of them and participated at their level. You equally kept the attention of all the adults and had them at your beckoned call as we witnessed their delightful enjoyment of your entertainers’ interaction with them.

The entire audience was having so much fun that it was difficult to get them to sit-down and enjoy their meal as well. We needed you to direct them to the table for it seemed you had them totally in your caring control.

Please do not hesitate to use me as a reference for we can't wait to have you back again at The Vanderbilt at South Beach...

Sincerely Ian Maksik, Event Producer

Ian Maksik,"Professor of Service" known as "America's Service Guru"& "King of the Caterers"
Professional Opener, Consultant, GM, Recruiter, Event Producer, Lecturer, Keynoter and
Trainer of Hospitality Trainers & Staff Worldwide
Presently... On a Consulting Assignment as Event Producer, Director of Training and Off-Premise & Ethnic Catering for a large NY/NJ Hospitality Group
Author of: "The A to Z's of Professional Table Service" and "Service Stinks"
Founder of: The Service Arts Institute
Executive Offices:2055 Center Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Suite 6E
201-482-4922 Cell 954-804-5413
ian@usawaiter.com

I want to thank Ian for his his unbridled enthusiasm for our company.  Usually that kind of exhuberance is felt from clients.  It's a great validation to hear from industry professionals that they recognize something extra special has happened through our company.

Now if only there was a transcript of his original phone call...I felt like we were getting the award for entertainers of the year.  I was grinning for a week after that phone call.

To get a proper perspective of how meaningful this is imagine doing 100s of events s a year over decades...Thousands of parties and events.  He's seen it all. And they all tend to blend into one another. So to get excited about an event is a rare and notable moment. 

That's why I am genuinely thankful of the recognition by people like Ian, Michael Subarsky, Martha Baum, Michael Chaut, David Tutera and many others who had similar peak experiences with LSNY. 

One of the biggest issues with the industry is a lack of enthusiasm and professionalism. Ethics, quality customer relationships and follow through with the delivery of what's promised, which are esseintial for any business, is unfortunately not as much the norm in our industry.

This becomes a major selling point for us when prospects are considering other entertainment options but don't offer these truly important "qualifiers."  These "qualifiers'' that can be overlooked by "salesmanship" and "offering deals" are so often the critical difference between an unforgettably "funtastic" life memorable experience and disappointment. 

Being a person and company that focuses on delivering these values and services, and being recoginized in this way by people at the highest level of service in our industry can help justify working with us at our more premium price point.

Ian's letter is a testimonial of the caliber of our professionals and passionate dedication that even long time veterans of the industry find exciting and refreshing.   

Thank you Ian. 

Follow your passion and keep focusing on the goal and great things will happen.

The Ultimate Games Master Summer Birthday Party for Kaia

Something a little different for the little ones.  A fun way to celebrate a party with your friends and family and get the whole family involved.



For more information on having this kind of party call us at 201 475-5769.

Lessons from My Father – What makes an Artist

My father and his wonderful wife came up from Florida to be at my daughter's 5^th birthday party. My father is retired from corporate life but is now a golf club repair specialist. He used to work on the Champion's PGA Tour before settling in to do work from his home shop near Fort Walton Beach.

He asked me where do I get my haircut? I was waiting for the punch line because it sounded like a set up, but then looking at his own hippie dippie length hair I realized he actually needed one.

I said I get it cut at the barber shop here in Fair Lawn and they're really good. So he said let's go. I know a lot of people would hesitate to get their haircut at some random place. People are very particular about their hair. But my dad could care less. Let's go.

I usually get my hair cut by a beautiful Israeli woman who knows what she's doing. She doesn't waste time and she's precise. She happened to be there and within 5 minutes my dad was in her chair. I left him in her capable hands and went to the bank. I stopped by the wine store to buy a bottle of Fragolino for the occasion.

When I got back to the barber shop my father's hair was cleanly and neatly shaped. I was gone for maybe 10 minutes tops and she was practically done. My father's first words to me were "This woman is an artist!"

My father is an opinionated man. . When it comes to his judgments, he doesn't pull any punches. They're delivered with the righteousness Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction or the weight of James Earl Jones circa FIELD OF DREAMS. You never doubt his word or conviction. The Gods have spoken. As a kid I was used to hearing the other side of the coin, so it's so refreshing to hear a RAVE with enthusiasm coming from my father's mouth.

She shaved the back of his neck. My dad said it must be over 30 years since he's had someone do that. When he got home later he said we have to bring this woman to Florida to his wife.

In the car my father said something that I don't think I'll ever forget. He said she's an artist again, and said "you can easily tell the difference between someone who loves and cares about what they do and someone who's just doing a job. That's why I'm always busy."

He meant it. He takes great care and time with his customers. He leaves no stone unturned in not only building, tweaking and repairing clubs but testing them and informing them of the latest changes swing and technology that can dramatically improve their game.

He goes above and beyond for his customers almost like he's personally responsible for them improving their golf game. I've seen pros teach who don't nearly come close to how much attention and commitment he delivers.

I thought about how I've been in my own business with Lightning Shakes New York. How I treat my clients. How I feel the same level of passion, responsibility and commitment to give them something of great worth. I thought about what our amazing clients say about our level of care and it hit me. This is something I've learned and taken from my father. I've been doing the same thing my entire career and never put the two together.

If you define an artist as someone who is competent, capable, and extremely good at what they do, BUT goes beyond the simple delivery of that ability by offering what amounts to their LOVE and PASSION to you each time then my father is an artist as well. And I have learned from an artist.

Our clients get the very best because I learned from someone who thinks good enough is not good enough. That great is so much better that good. And that artists are to be celebrated and revered because they give you something of such WORTH they make YOU feel happy, alive and thankful.

What a great lesson from a haircut.

LSNY Now Features Photo Booth and Green Screen Photo Favors

For more than 10 years LSNY Entertainment NY and NJ's premiere entertainment and DJ company has featured photo favors at our events.  Below is a sample of the Uma Chalik Dance Fashion Show Bnei Mitzvah from the end of June. 



We now have the latest fully mobile Digital Photo AND Video Booth available capable of taking pictures as well as shooting video.  Pictures are printed out at the event as well as uploaded to Facebook and other websites of your choosing.  You can also create a book of every picture taken by your guest.  And have your videos of your guests recorded and delivered to you at the end of the event!

For more information on how to book either style a photo booth or green screen photo favors for your wedding, Sweet 16, Bnei Mitzvah, Corporate event or Holiday Party in the NY Metro area including Brooklyn, Westchester, and Northern NJ call 917 204-9690  or 201 475-5769.

"Wild Elogence" LSNY Lights up the Beach for Uma's Dance Fashion Bat Mitzvah Party




 When I was growing up in Southern NJ as a teen who just loved playing baseball, creating group dance moves and making people laugh, I never imagined I'd be able to do 2 of the 3 things I've loved my whole life in NYC let alone internationally.  

As many of you know from reading the blogs here I've had the opportunity to perform in Switzerland, the Caribbean, Canada, and Hawaii, at incredible 5 Star venues with impeccable service, places I'd probably would have never known about were it not for the wonderful clientele and planners that invite me and our team to celebrate their milestone events with them.



 The sheer positive energy and vibrancy that fill these events is so intoxicating, you just never want it to end.  It was like that again Sunday night at the Vanderbilt at South Beach.  I had performed in Staten Island only twice in my career, this what a beautiful venue to have an event. The Vanderbilt is right on the beach which makes for a scenic backdrop as you can see by the ceremony picture..




While perhaps one of the most logistically challenging events of the season with a previous afternoon party on their site that ran long, our highly efficient production professionals at LSNY went into high gear putting together an incredible room which would normally be a 3 hour set up in just under an hour and a half with attention to every detail, logistics and the ideal placement of each piece, electric run, every wire, every light, including production notes, and performance cues.  I LOVE my team!

Ian Maksik, Event Producer at the venue was courteous and as hospitable as could possibly be.  Each challenge that arose was adeptly and smartly handled in cooperation with the staff at the Vanderbilt. With a winning combination of hospitality, food and beautiful venue, I could see how the Chalik family decided to have their daughter's mitzvah there.

I had the opportunity to meet with Natasha and Uma at Rogers Dance Sport where Uma trains with her ballroom partner.  I got to see Uma in action on a few occasions.  She works very hard and is a wonderful dancer as the video will show.  That dedication and passion for dancing certainly filled this party.

The Chaliks' chose an original and exciting theme of Dance Fashions for Uma's party.   Each table had a realistic looking mannequin or should I say femalequin in a gorgeous hot and sexy Latin ballroom gown.  When I first walked into the space I thought they had live female models posing on each table that's how beautiful they all looked.  Each one of those costume gowns would have looked amazing on the female dancers of Dancing with the Stars.

One of the highlights was Uma and her friends gave a dance performance (see video) to the theme of the Pink Panther with a slamming remix thrown in so they could show off the dramatic and funky sides of their skills.   Natasha asked us to bring in black lights to help highlight the number to get the most effect. The girls knocked it out of the park.


And perhaps my favorite moment of the night at the end when Natasha up in one of our dancers arms threw a triumphant fist in the air with such force she nearly took Charles down. But an amazing catch and the moment lives forever as an unforgettable moment!

Another truly exciting and wonderful night and I cannot be more thankful for the wonderful clients that come to our events and get engaged and lift off with us.  It's so much fun to be a part of these milestone celebrations.  On behalf of the entire crew I want to thank Natasha, Yuly, Gary and Uma for making it so much fun for us!  The Chalik's let it all out on the dance floor holding nothing back.

Particular thanks to Natasha who was fully invested and involved with the party from beginning to end.  We had many great conversations, brainstorming sessions and collaborative moments that helped bring out the best for Uma.

Mitzvah season has come to a close and now it's time to focus on our upcoming weddings.  I look forward to the next party to share with you.

What Makes an Unforgettable Party - Video Post

Forget the Triathlon - This was a Sweet Hurricane of Joy - Katie's Bnei Mitzvah in Franklin Lakes

Earlier in the day the Franklin Lakes Triathlon and later that night the theme of "Giving Everything you Got" continued as Katie's amazing  friends from Franklin Avenue Middle School and beyond went Olympic in their enthusiasm and energy blowing the roof off of the Indian Trail Club.  The room was literally rocking.



My DJ sent me a text message on Sunday morning following the Alpert's Sweet Escape Bnei Mitzvah Party at the beautiful Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, NJ. 

Mike,
I had to write you regarding Katie's party last night. Out of all the affairs we have done together, this was by far the best one!

The energy, excitement, enthusiasm and pure vibe that was in the room all night was amazing. The kids as well as the adults enjoyed themselves to the fullest and kept the energy at the highest level from the minute the room opened until the last song was played. I have never seen a room opening as crazy and energetic as last night. That will be impossible to top at future affairs. Pure Excellence. Until next time.

DJ Jason


A note like this is rare, but Jason caputred the feeling from all of us here. 
 
It's beautiful how after thousands of parties, our love of these great events is rejuvenating and refreshing as if it was the first one. A celebration like this can light up people's spirits like Northern Lights for a very long time. Mom Susan Alpert after the party was glowing like she'd successfully climbed Mount Everest. 
 
Congratulations also to Martha Baum of Events by Martha who created a tasteful and fun look for the Sweet Escape room.  We up lit the room with LED changing lights and enhanced it with our intelligent moving lights creating the color changes you see in the video. 
 
The family created a funny intro movie with Gary Scheige and the talented crew from REELIFE MEDIA shown on our LSNY 50" Plasma screens.  This led to Katie's entrance being carried in as if asleep to 100 kids screaming her awake!


The LSNY Superstars were so pumped by the kids and guests no one wanted to leave. Everyone was hanging out back on the patio soaking it up like a great homecoming victory. 

Congratulations to Katie and the Alpert Family for a spectacular and unforgettable night. 

If you would like your Bnei Mitzvah to look and feel like what you see on the video give us a call at 201 475-5769.  We would love to create one for you.

The Ultimate Games Master - Party Master goes to College

In October last year Hostos Community College in the Bronx had a Career Carnival. Right in the middle of the School.  You might imagine the kind of spectacle that created. And it did.



LSNY Events was hired to consult, advise, assist with programming and host the event.  The Hostos Career Services Team featuring director Rebecca Hoda-Kearse were dedicated and resilient in pulling this wonderful day off.

In the video above yours truly came in all white with a new Billy Preston Doo just for the occasion. In sunglasses I look a lot taller.

It was a fast paced, music rocking, welcomed interruption into the school day. We did everything from Persistence is Key Hula Hoop Competition to Let me Hook you Up and the Un-Fashion Show. About 5 pages of script and improvisational moments held it all together.  And I mean how can you look away from a giant Afro in a white suit.

And with all the curve balls a live event such as this throws at you, the HCS Team brought it together with great aplomb and few cherries!  Hoda-Kearse reported it was one of the most successful Career Carnivals ever.

If you are in need of a unique and memorable host to knock em out for your special event call me Michael at 201 457-5769.  It's not just hosting, you get 20 years of creativity and collaboration.

Indianapolis 500 Mitzvah Comes to NY

"I feel the need...the need  for speed."  Name that movie. Answer below.

That catch phrase although was about racing with another type of vehicle, certainly played a role (roll) in the theme of Matthew and Benjamin's mitzvah last weekend in Mt. Kisco, NY.



Laurie Silberstein put together boy's dream mitzvah at Grand Prix New York - a supercharged high reving - party for more some 70 kids.  The party started with all who wanted to getting briefed on the driving instructions and then hitting the track for the suped up race-grade professional go karts. 

Those who didn't race got deeply involved with the Ultimate Games Master skills and games and taking pictures with our Foto Favor green screen computerized photos.

The black and white dance floor continued the theme of a checkered flag.  The adults were treated to Sushi and drinks during cocktails and those that wanted to race were free to do so. 

Talk about a fun party.

After all the racing came the main party, and the kids were triple revved up.  Race cars act like a triple espresso on kids and they could hardly contain themselves. 

It was wide open fun with the games area and dancing, photos and a casino table.  There was something for everyone. 

The movie by the way was "Top Gun".  Matthew and Benjamin ended up having one of the memorable parties of the season.  Congratulations to Laurie, Steve, William and the whole family.

Review: NYC Mitzvah - Keeping the Best Party Ever Going Strong

We are thrilled to receive this letter from Ken Alberstadt.  As you all know who read this blog we are dedicated to creating the best parties ever.  Ken has so eloquently delivered some of the ingredients for us in his review.



Michael:

Thank you so much for the amazing party you put together for Angelika's bat mitzvah!

LSNY doesn't just provide entertainment; it provides the energy and atmosphere that are the makings of an event people will always remember. I can't tell you how many people have called us to talk about the wonderful time they had. It was the best party we've ever been to, and we could not have done it without you.

As I'm sure you remember, when we started talking almost a year ago, Alex and I were having a difficult time choosing a venue.

The only one that seemed to work at that point was outside the city and wouldn't have been convenient for our out of town guests.

Even before we signed on with LSNY you were generous with your time and connected us with potential locations we hadn't considered. Your insights – especially about how the layout of the event space would affect the dynamics of the party – allowed us to choose a venue that worked with our budget and was absolutely top notch.
Everything about the bat mitzvah was done with incredible professionalism and attention to detail.

There's a lot of anxiety in planning a large party for the first time, but I felt constantly reassured that everything was being taken care of.

I always felt free to call you for support and you were always gracious, available and incredibly responsive – it seemed that no matter the time of day or night, I could expect a call or an email from you within minutes!

You sent draft after draft of how the evening would unfold, always coming up with suggestions about how to fill 10 minutes here or 15 minutes there, make sure all of the meal courses and other activities were coordinated and get the attention of the room for toasts, candlelighting, etc.

The result of your efforts was a party where everyone was engaged from start to finish and there was never a dull moment.

Michael, the investment we made in LSNY paid off handsomely. We got a lot more party for our money than we could ever have expected. It was truly the night of our lives.


Best,

Ken Alberstadt

How to have the Best Ever Parties Series - What to watch in videos?

Another in the series of how to choose your entertainment to have the Best Party Ever.

What to look for in a DJ and Entertainment Video?

NYC Angelika Style- The Sweet Taste of Celebration

A Candy Theme - how can you ever go wrong with that one?  Pictures of yourself on your favorite candy?

The theme perfectly matched the mitzvah girl Angelika one of the sweetest girls we've met this year. 

It's such a cool journey to go from meeting a family and a future mitzvah child for the first time to the actual day of the party. The first time it's a casual meeting sitting in a living room or kitchen getting to know the family.

When I came to meet the Alberstadt family of Manhattan it was a cozy fun early evening following a Saturday afternoon event. Angelika was in sweats and was articulately describing to me her likes and wants for her party.  She practically glowed with each new idea.



Fast forward to 10 days ago and Angelika looked like a goddess in black and white. Mom and dad looked fantastic and all that hard work paid off. A gorgeous party. Jeno from Manhattan Penthouse was a perfect gentleman and saw to their every need.

Our staff of lighting crew, photographer, videographer, foto favors, camera man/dancer, entertainers, and DJ were all on point for Angelika and her friends and family. This party literally took the cake.

At the end of the night Ken gave away a cake. The EMS of Fair Lawn and the Fair Lawn Police Department all thanked him for it.

If you have an important event upcoming give me a call at 201 475-5769. I'd be delighted to make it the Best Party Ever for you.

What if they don't Dance? Solution: The Ultimate Games Master Party

SPECIAL ULTIMATE GAMES MASTER DEAL

JUNE THROUGH AUGUST

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS

What do you do if you're having a mitzvah, a birthday party, a communion and the kids are not big dancers? You still want to have a fun time. You know dancing really ties a party together emotionally, but if they don't dance how can you get that same GREAT feeling?

That's why I created the Ultimate Games Master and Ultimate Games Master Dance Parties.

The video shows you just a few more of the skills and games that we do. We also have the original one on our website.

What if some of the kids are dancers but some aren't? The UGM Dance Party covers you perfectly. The UGM is a proven success for mitzvahs and even corporate events. Last December we had the UGM team at the NYU School of Medicine Holiday Brunch for 1500 people and 400 kids.

They loved it so much they're bringing us back this year.  "There's no where in Manhattan you can go to get this kind of interactive experience." Brad McLelland - event director of NYU School of Medicine.

What we've found out over 1200 parties is that the human interaction betwen our charismatic UGMs and kids (adults love it to) trumps the arcade style stuff every time and captivates kids like nothing else. So give us a call  - if you're doing a party in the summer you can

Get 30% off our rates!!!!! 

Mention Video Log to get that special.

Here's to celebrating your life.

Michael Sage Schindler

Hora in NYC Manhattan Penthouse

The Alberstadt family came to party. Here's a quick sample of the Hora - you tell me who was having the most fun.



Our foto favors were making up all kinds of crazy shots for these guests. This was also a candy theme so we gave away photos on candy boxes as well. Check out some of the outrageous pictures by clicking here.

More from this party to follow.

The Perfect Crazy Opening to Get Their Crowd into the Party

The Kramers march to their own beat. It's one of the wonderful things about them. Isaiah and Hannah were no different. As a family they created a party that truly reflected all of their flavor and nuances.

I was surprised when after hearing that Isaiah and Hannah aren't really dancers that they wanted to not only do an opening number but the whole family wanted to join in. That's great fun! And the impact that something like that can make on a party cannot be underestimated.



Our LSNY crew went to work with the family and as you can imagine with crazy schedules and the stress of all that goes into making a mitzvah party there were times when we thought it might not come to be.

But as you can see from the video it was an amazing moment. Hannah who came up to me before the party told me she was really nervous. I told her that was good. She'll have the right energy going into it and it means whe really cares about it.

She said to me afterward, "I had no idea that they would react like that during the dance." That's what you can never know. How powerful and wonderful it feels to have the support of your audience cheering you on. It's like your flying.

Good job to the whole family!

Add a Carribean Flavor to your Party

Clients are always asking us what can I do to make it feel differently at our party. The Kramers in creating their own flavorful Around the World Party - with mostly a Tropical feel - did just that.



The dress code was spelled out for their guests. Come in all white or colorful dress wear. Although The Grove is certainly a place where you would have a black tie affair like the Plaza, The Palace or The Waldorf Astoria, the Kramer's vision was to turn it into a fun collage of cultures.

The adult cocktail 90 minute stretch had our World Class 5 piece Steel Drum Band playing classics and remade rock classics.

This really set the tone for The Kramer's as you could see their guests were really happy, and boppin to the tunes. And how could you not, it's the ultimate feel good music.

If you would like to book a Steel Drum duo, trio or band for your event please give me a call at 201-475-5769. No Problem Mon.

Around the World at The Grove!

Talk about the colors of the world, Saturday night at The Grove the Kramer family provided a kalidescope of color for their guests to revel in.



Planner Martha Baum and I came together to create a lush multi-colored palatte with separate decor spots and beautifully mounted centerpieces of renowned spots.

But there was so much more to this party than the visuals which included a 3 minute entrance video in the style of the movie INCEPTION which Isaiah and Hannah acted to perfection picking up laughs and oohs and ahs along the way.

Check out the next couple of posts for more fun video and visuals.

CBE's Successful Journey Home

Congregation Beth Elohim's The Journey Home was a success due to the efforts of a tireless staff and planner in chairperson Amy Bender, Debbie Nelson, Toby Rappaport, Amy Daly Fisher, Rabbi Bachman, and a whole slew of support team from Didi Kavanaugh with decor and Steven Brown Catering and many more that I don't mean to  leave out.



We provided the lighting and monogram and atmosphere for the ballroom, social hall and entryway. This event was truly put together in less than 2 weeks when it came down to production and I'm proud of my crew to work so well with everyone to create a great synergy.

Enjoy some of the pictures here.

If you are looking to add distinction, class, first level service, excitement and creative and technical support for next gala, fund raiser, or corporate event, contact us at 201-475-5769 or 917 204-9690.

If you are looking for one of the finest special event DJ and MC services for your wedding, mitzvah, summer picnic, or holiday party, that's our performance specialties, contact us at 201-475-5769 or 917 204-9690.

Congregation Beth Elohim - The Journey Home Event May 5th

Lightning Shakes New York is proud to be joining CBE for their annual Dinner and Auction this year.  We've been asked by amazing Chairperson Amy Bender and the great staff at CBE to come in and make it light up the space and provide support for the auction.

As most of you know CBE  is one our favorite places in Park Slope Brooklyn to celebrate.  We have been doing parties with CBE congregants for more than 10 years and each family holds a special place in our hearts and minds.

Last October we did Rabbi Bachman's daughter Audrey's mitzvah there and it was a crazy happy party and a love fest.  We've gotten to know a lot of people there and our relationship keeps expanding. 

It's my hope that they bring in enough contributions there to fix the roof, and continue to create a great environment for everyone there.

Diana and Simone - Halloween Wedding Replay

A more beautiful bride and happier groom you will not find, Diana and Simone who got married at the One and Only Westmount Country Club just sent us a letter.

Diana and Simone had one of the most exhiliarating wedding parties.  They had already thanked us on numerous ocassions and the feeling is mutual.

Check out some of their video here on the blog, some very cool belly dancing.  I'm not a big belly dancing fan but I was definitely taken with this beautiful dancer.  You can inquire about her services with us if that's something you enjoy.

To Diana and Simone a lifetime of joy and happiness.  When I think back on your wedding I will always have a smile.

Michael

Ron Navarre's Struggling Gracefully

Part of celebrating life is realizing that we can and do overcome so many difficult challenges.  This is what makes the celebration that much sweeter.  I wanted to offer this to you - it's a step away from the usual posts to recognize that we're in challenging times and many are struggling every day.  I hope it helps.

Ron Navarre, a mentor and a dear friend is a person with immense gifts to share.  This is a reprint from his latest blog located here.    If you have a loved one or you yourself are going to be dealing with a big life changing experience, such as an operation, health issue, stress complications please do yourself and your family a favor and get in contact with him.

Struggling Gracefully
by Ron Navarre

We all struggle, every day is a struggle to pay the bills, fulfill our obligations and responsibilities and to just keep our heads above the water line of life.

Struggling is how we grow and evolve. From the time we are born, we learn how to struggle with our very first breath. The struggle continues as we learn how to roll over and sit up in our cribs and then stand and look at the horizon beyond our immediate world.

Learning how to walk is a struggle.

Watch a child as he or she stands, falls down, stands and wobbles then takes a step or two and falls down again. Day after day, until the legs develop enough strength to maintain balance and carry our body through space. Life goes on and so does the struggle.

Some people seem to struggle well and others do not. The ones that struggle well seem to realize that life IS struggle and embrace the task with a sense of joy and challenge. These people seem to succeed in the game of life and learn how to create the life they dream of. Then there is the person who shies away from the struggle and never learns how to assert themselves or develop the endurance it takes to transcend their known limits, or to take their creativity to the realm of making it reality.

I think of struggling as a form of exercise. I use it to develop strength, endurance and power. Over the span of my almost fifty years I have learned how to struggle well, to turn the awkward task into effortless art. In short, I have learned how to struggle gracefully. This has made a great difference in my life of constant struggle. Struggling gracefully has enabled and empowered me, where struggling awkwardly used to weaken and defeat me. I did not learn how to struggle gracefully overnight, although once I realized that I could, it seemed to happen immediately.

I first became aware of the possibility of living gracefully by watching one of my early martial art teachers, a man who was then in his early sixties. He was a high school art teacher and a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and the most graceful man I had ever encountered. He moved effortlessly whether he was sparing in the dojo, walking down the hall of my high school or sitting still in meditation.

He was an enigma to me, a young teenager filled with anxiety and tension. He seemed magical and ethereal, yet solid and grounded. The image and feeling of his presence has stayed with me for over thirty five years and I still see his silken gate as he glided through the halls. Zen Buddhists refer to this as teaching with ONES BACK. In tai chi it is called direct transmission, the transfer of knowing and experience from one being to another. It wasn’t until I started learning tai chi that I began to understand the concept of effortless being, and how to struggle gracefully.

Through the process of learning tai chi I learned how to see myself and my thought process. I became aware of my constant tension and my belief that I had to work hard at everything, all the time. I worked hard, played hard, struggled hard and would not let myself relax for fear of failure and vulnerability. Tai chi was difficult for me for some time. My teacher would constantly admonish me to open and receive, to allow tai chi to happen through me. This was an idea both foreign and frightening to me. How could I just let something happen?

It took some time and much repetition of the form to find a place of letting go, to gradually soften my effort and to allow. It started with observing my physical effort and using less. As I became more adapt at using less effort and doing less physically, I became aware of my concentration. I could feel when I was concentrating too hard, and would soften my focus with an inner smile. Soften, smile breathe and allow.

My tai chi form and the experience of tai chi itself began to transform with this new awareness. I felt freer and less anxious, more fluid and oddly more connected and grounded. This was a paradox, the less I did the more I experienced. What I ultimately became aware of was the intention within my form and how the intention to be soft and effortless made it so. Tai chi became effortless and graceful and so did other parts of my life.

I started to live tai chi instead of just practicing it for an hour or two each day. I applied the principle and the intention to BE graceful in all things. I found that I was no longer trying to play a role or prove myself in my relationships, I was just being present. I was no longer putting so much energy and effort into worrying about things I had no power over, I was simply allowing and responding as needed.

One day as I was walking down the street I became aware of how much effort I was using to simply walk, and I decided to let go of my guarded determination. I found my pace slowing and my tension receding and I suddenly saw myself moving gracefully through space like my old teacher from Tang Soo Do.

Anyone can struggle gracefully. It's a wonderful feeling to be effortless instead of effortful. It's a powerful sensation to open and receive as you work, to use just what is needed for the task at hand. This takes a degree of sensitivity and trust. To trust yourself enough to allow, and to not push quite so hard at everything. Play with this intention and see how it feels. Play with it constantly and watch your life change from heavy and hard to soft and fluid.

Caleb's Yankee's Opening Day Mitzvah Party with TimeFlies

Ellen Ziff wanted to make sure her son Caleb had the best time ever for his mitzvah party.  She did just that. Caleb besides being a great dancer is one of the biggest Yankee fans ever.  We found out Caleb is a huge Nick Swisher fan .   I'm sure Ellen would have thought about having Nick there if he wasn't playing that night. But Mom had some really cool holographic Yankee rulers for Caleb trivia prizes.

We broke out a new Ultimate Games Master cocktail game during cocktails.  Pyramid 21 is a relay stacking game.  Each team took a popular baseball team name and it was back and forth craziness.

Below are a few segments from the party. After cocktails was a beautiful Havdallah service performed by a personal friend of the family.  It featured a great moment when a boy answered why do we have a blessing over the wine?  Oooh Oooh I know!  funny moment.



Caleb's brother Rob Resnick of TimeFlies came down from Tufts University to celebrate with his mother and brother and he brought a bunch of his buddies with him. 

Rob's a musician and songwriter and has put out a few awesome recordings. Check out his website on the hyperlink above.  They have some great music and to me it looks like they're destined for BIG things!  Check them out on Itunes - remember you heard it here.

We got to hear a few of them at the party.  So his comments at the end of the above video meant a lot.

Great folks. Great kids and a really fun night.  Here's Ellen's comments about the party:



Ellen did a fantastic job putting this all together with  limited time and resources.  As I said to the guests that the family was so happy to have attend "you ultimately help them to have the most amazing party.  Your being here and sharing your energy and life with Caleb will be felt for a long time to come."

Here's to the Resnick and Liff families. Congratulations!

If you have a special event upcoming I'd love to talk to you about it.  Give us a call - 917-204-9690.

Sweet 16: The IT CLUB brings NJ to NY

To view photo favor pictures please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

All the stars were out at least from Scotch Plains Fanwood HS who made their way to DUMBO on Saturday March 26th for the one night only opening of the IT Club. 

The IT Club was brought in by Jay and Patricia Shevins for their daughter Leila's Sweet 16 party.

While it was Jay and Patricia producing the night, this party was a Leila's creation. 

It was fashionably her night and she was the IT girl.

The IT Club took place in the Underwater Lounge at Water Street Restaurant and Leila's friends were bussed in luxury busses from NJ.

Owner Jeffrey Rodman, manager Brian and their staff created a great space with a raised dance area that was packed the whole night.  LSNY brought in additional LED color change lighting and intelligent lighting to make the full IT CLUB experience happen.

Leila  made a spectacular entrance down the back stairs to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way". 

She was initially concerned about making that walk down in her heels, but a few rehearsals and she was IT Fabulous   Tyra Banks would have been proud.

Our intelligent lights were able to spotlight her all the way from top to bottom.  When she hit the landing "Stronger" by Kayne kicked in and the party lifted off.

LSNY's DJ Espo turned up the heat for over 100 of Leila's good friends, going from hip hop to techno, pop remixes and a few surprises. 

The IT Club was jumping the entire evening.  Jay provided cool shades and glows for everyone.  Leila's sister Elodie provided the video montage of Leila's life. 

Brother Brandon was his usual chick magnet self according to dad Jay who recounted many a tale of the 8 year olds Bieber effect on ladies. 

One of the highlights toward the end of the night was watching The Perculator. DJ Espo had it on a little faster than the actual mix of the track and these kids were WORKING it.  I had caught it on video but it was a little too dark to show.

Here are a few video scenes from the evening. 

FOTO FAVOR SHOTS:  The photo favor pictures are right here.  They stopped the show for a few minutes at the party.  So herethey are in all their glory.  Pass them along to your friends.

Congratulations to Leila, Jay, Patricia, Elodie and Brandon and to all your family and friends who made this such a special night.  You were wonderful to celebrate with.

Harrah's Archives - 2007 Toast of the Coast with Paula Deen



Friday night at the POOL at Harrahs Atlantic City


Harrah's Atlantic City had just opened their indoor Cabana Pool and to commemorate they brought me down to host a number of Food Network events in connection with the in house properties' own cuisine. 

The result was a spectacular culinary feast.  Some of the most fun I'd had. It was a 2 day event.

Friday night chefs from all over Atlantic City - restaurants on the boardwalk, Casino master chefs, Food Network stars all made a few dishes for people to sample and enjoy.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I get paid to do this. 
 

Joe Piscopo dropped by to savor
eat and share a few laughs.



Celebrities mingled with high rollers and the gorgeous pool played the backdrop to phenomenal night.  If you left hungry you must have fallen asleep in one of the cabanas, because there was SO much food.

And almost everything was something you'd want to go back for thirds and forths for.
I was going to be doing a live show with the darling of the Food Network Paula Deen on Saturday afternoon, so I made my way over to introduce myself.  She is a hoot!  We took a few pictures together and it would be ungentlemanly of me to tell you where she was grabbing when the flashes went off.  But a lot of laughs were had.

To the right was the first of the shows we did on stage at Caesars AC inroducing Mia's Chef Chris Scarduzio. Here I'm asking the audience to take in the wonderful aroma of Chris' pasta.

Michael Sage on stage at Saturday night Vine & Dine at Caesars Palladium Ballroom introducing Master Chef Bradley Ogden (R) seen here on Friday night with his lovely wife.

Just below you'll see the show we did with Paula Deen and her son and grandson who made a special appearance on stage.

Paula revealed to the crowd some touching moments of her childhood which I was not aware of. 

It's in her books but she had a very bad case of Agoraphobia where she literally could not leave her house for many years.

Finally she overcame it and the rest as they say is history.  But what a personality.

Of the many times I had been down to the Atlantic City Properties I'd have to say that hosting these shows and the grand ballroom event for over a thousand people for Master Chef Bradley Ogden was an unforgettable experience.

If you're hosting multiple live events that require a many different abilities from Master of Ceremonies live events to hosting live shows with audiences give me a call.

If there's food invovled so much the better.  To contact Michael Sage Schindler to host your distinctive corporate events, launches, galas or fund raisers please call 917 204-9690.  Please give a 6 month to 1 year advance window, but some dates may be open just check in at info@lsny.net or call.

Michael Sage with Food Network Celebrity chefs Paula Deen and Iron Cat Cora



The Grove in Cedar Grove - the Highest Expression of Grand Hospitatily

Dazzling, Bravo, Beautiful...

I just got back from a site inspection  with event planner extroadinaire Martha Baum for an upcoming mitzvah in May.  The site is a brand new venue in Cedar Grove, NJ called The Grove.

LSNY is providing lighting and entertainment for the Kramers, a delightful family, who are related to Liz and Gary Kramer whose 3 childrens' parties we did at Mountain Ridge Country Club over the last many years.  Larry and Catherine selected this pristine venue before it ever had it's first party. They took a chance that it would be everything they wanted and I have to say from all appearances they made a fantastic choice.

All right here's my big prediction:  Mark these words, The Grove will be one of the elite venues for distinctive weddings, classy mitzvahs and special events.  Michael Subarsky has brought his wealth of culinary and special event experience and my initial impression at least of the space itself is they hit the mark straight on.

From the website, "The Grove represents the highest expression of grand hospitality. This spectacular new wedding and special event venue offers magnificent architecture and elegant décor as well as a coterie of the area’s most accomplished catering professionals including distinguished master chefs, event planners, banquet managers and the most extensively trained staff in the industry. The Grove provides you with the ultimate in elegance, service, professionalism and attention to detail."

The ballrooms are spacious with ample dance space. Each wall column has a crown piece that is fully lit with LED color changing lights from inside so they glow and slowly change throughout the evening.  Gorgeous chandiliers match the color changes creating a tasteful and elegant atmosphere.

Everything from the floors to the ceiling about this vernue has been chosen to enhance the vision of Grand Hospitality.

If you are looking for a venue with class, distinction, aesthetics and the highest caliber team behind it you will want to stop in and take a look at the Grove. 

I will happily have more to say in May after our grand event takes place with more pictures and hopefullly some video.

The Grove is located at  691 Pompton Avenue • Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

The Stroke of Midnight Ball - the event Cinderella wished she could have attended

Ever here someone say "I love it when an idea comes together." You have a concept, it's large and there's a lot of pieces. And you set a date and put the right people together and voila, it's magic. 

Magic is a great way to describe the atmosphere at Skylight One Hanson where The Stroke of Midnight Ball and annual fund raiser for The Berkeley Carroll School in beautiful Park Slope Brooklyn pulled off one of the classiest, coolest and distinctive annual auctions events ever. 
 

Patrick Boylan and Maureen Swetow the 2011 co-chairs of the event along with a GREAT supporting cast of folks, Jessica Langbein, Pam Cunningham, Megan Coombes, Laura Gaertner from Berekely Carroll put together a very strong team of top level professionals who all came together in tremendous fashion. This is the 2nd year for LSNY to participate with the school and it is a privilege and honor to work among such a dedicated, and genuinely nice people.

Speaking of fashion Patrick Boylan himself is an accomplished designer and teacher of design at a major design school as well as owner of Grace Liturgical Vestments in the heart of Park Slope designed a beautiful dress for co-chair Maureen Sweetow (see above picture).

A surprise entry toward the end of the live auction, Patrick offered his design skills to make a customized gown or garment for a BC parent.

Auctioneer Keith McLane from KLMAuctions worked the crowd with energy,  enthusiasm and humor.  "Listen you don't want to be sitting home in your boxers watching a rerun of Charles in Charge when you could be out on the town having the time of your life at a Broadway Show of your choice."

One of McLanes finest moments was auctioning off a dinner for 10 people to Babbo with Mario Batali.  In a whirlwind of bidding the winner created the high bid of the evening and bravo moment to remember for everyone. 

David Snow, a Berkeley Carroll parent, served as the host of the auction.  "There are only two religions in NYC.  The Mets and the Yankees." setting up a subway series ticket auction for 4.

I've been at many hundreds of affairs and eaten some amazing cuisine. Great Performances  put out a sumptuous buffet that ranked very high up in my gala experience. Every bite of the plump chicken breast was moist and delicious and the mushroom risotto was spectacular. Their motto is Celebrate Food and I can tell you I was savoring every bite.  Kudos to Shaun Roberts and his great staff.

L and M Sound are the sound and light folks at Skylight and Richard Tatum and his crew were on top of everything, providing the technical assistance for the LSNY crew at every step of the way.  They lit the room wonderfully and the after party downstairs in the Vault was as cool as it gets in NYC midnight Blue.

We at LSNY Entetainment  and Production were fortunate enough to come back this year and provide Plasma Screen Visual support for Bidpal the next generation of auctions made easy.  Bidpal automates the auction with their IPHONE like devices that makes bidding fun and easy. 

Originally Patrick and Maureen were looking to just have the necessary video screen coverage for Bidpals screen shot updates on the silent auctions.  They engaged LSNY to provide 6 60" Plasma Screens, and made a great decision to bring in a live camera and have digital photos taken throughout the event.  Since there were going to be over 500 people scattered about and Keith the auctioneer was going to be roaming and interacting, it gave them a variety of visuals along with Bidpals screen updates.  We provided the platform, camera and camera man, as well as digital photography to intercut onto the screen.

The volunteers did a tremendous job and while the reviews aren't in yet, I'd say it ranks up there with one of the most original and fun evenings they've had.

Then came the After Party.  This was a first for a BC School.  It was a stroke of midnight genius by the brain trust to create this dessert dance lounge.  They were very concerned that the after party have that NYC classy club feel with just the right touch of music.  LSNY supplied two of our star DJs for the night Joey Sigona and Frankie Espo.  With this team in place the energy hit the right mark from the first moment to a packed dance floor by the end.   They could have gone another couple of hours.  This was a first class affair by a first class school and organization.  Congratulations to all the BC parents, teachers, administration, donors and all the people who made up a fine, fine affair.

If you are looking to add distinction, class, first level service, excitement and creative and technical support for next gala, fund raiser, or corporate event, contact us at 201-475-5769 or 917 204-9690.

BC Parents Stephen and Inna Berman with LSNY's Michael Sage Schindler



Patrick Boylan and Maureen Swetow auction off a Patrick Boylan Design



Michael Sage Schindler with 2010 Co-Chair Sophia Romero