Happy New Year!!  It’s time to plan for your 2020 (or 2021) wedding! This is a fun but sometimes frustrating process as there’s much to coordinate and just a short time to do it but I can be a big help to you! 

After you save the date and secure the venue, a key portion of your search for all things wedding is finding the right DJ to make your big day a fun & memorable experience – and this is where I come in.

As your DJ, I play a major part both ahead of and on your wedding day.  With a vast library and extensive mobile & broadcast DJ experience, I consider myself to be an authoritative resource on music from many different styles and eras.  This is important because your wedding reception will include guests whose musical tastes span across many generations and it is vital to have an experienced professional who intuitively knows how to play to this dynamic. 

Of note, with many wedding ceremonies occurring at or near the reception venue, I also offer complete ceremony sound including custom-select ceremonial music with microphones for the officiate and musicians, if applicable.

Additionally, I fulfill the duties of Master Of Ceremonies at your reception, which is one of the most crucial roles of the day.  As such, I work with you throughout the planning process to coordinate formalities & express your musical tastes so that from your introduction to your final dance, all you have to do is have the time of your life!

 

 This is your big day. All of the stress you go through during the planning process should culminate in a happy and enjoyable celebration for you both. My experience, references and client-rated awards such as WeddingWire Rated (5 stars), The Knot Best Of Weddings and the Boston A-List awards of Best Ceremony Music and Best Wedding DJ (three years in a row) show I know how to make this happen.  So make sure you’re hiring a professional DJ and not an “MP3 player." 

Please contact me at 781-337-8187 to set up a consultation!  I'd love to speak with you both!

As an MC, I speak on behalf of you to your guests. As an entertainer, I have over 30 years experience to help you to create a memorable Soundtrack To Your Wedding Day!

WeddingWire.com Reviews: http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/chris-pickett-disc-jockey-service-boston/97fcb61910c9aea6.html

Boston A-List Reviews: http://boston.cityvoter.com/dj-chris-pickett/biz/618360

Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Pickett-Disc-Jockey-Service/221236825626

Blog Along: http://djchrispickett.blogspot.com/

View video & more: www.djChrisPickett.com

Soundtrack For Today:
djChrisPickett.com • Soundtrack To Your Wedding Day!

Back To The Music: 4-26-13

Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline took on more meaning last week than its original 1969 intent or its unusual and inexplicable performance as an anthem of Red Sox Nation.

Capped by a surprise Fenway Park performance on April 20 by Neil Diamond himself, it transformed into the unifying theme of “Boston Strong” as it was also played at sporting venues across the USA.  

According to Billboard magazine, subsequent sales of the 1969 top 5 hit skyrocketed to 19,000, making it the 103^rd most popular download in the country. Neil Diamond also announced his intent to donate proceeds from those sales to the victims of last week’s Boston tragedy. 

Born itself out of the tragedies and upheaval of the 1960s, Sweet Caroline has interwoven itself with history and is, once again, showing that music has the power to heal.

Soundtrack For Today:  Boston Strong

*****

The concept of "Boston Strong" was created by 2 Emerson College students Nick Reynolds and Chris Dobens.  Here are links to purchase Boston Strong T-shirts and B Strong caps:

http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/3731

http://www.yawkeywaystore.com/Products/Boston-B-Strong-Hat__BSTRONG.aspx

At $20 each for either item, the majority of proceeds from sales will go to The One Fund Boston, a charity established by Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and will directly benefit the victims of last week's senseless tragedy.

Freedom’s Light

Freedom’s light

Travels through time

Tonight still burning bright

Towards the Finish Line

For it was the light from that steeple

That sparked our nation’s birth

Creating our freedom and

The greatest country on earth

So let it be a reminder and a warning

To heed and to hear

Though we may be in mourning

We will not live in fear

© Christopher Pickett • April 18, 2013

All Rights Reserved

Auld Lang Syne

The lyric itself dates back to a 1788 Scottish poem that was soon set to music and traditionally sung on occasions that signified the conclusion of something - including the year’s end for which it is most famously associated.

It would eventually become the anthem to big band leader Guy Lombardo’s New Year’s Eve broadcasts aired live from NYC on radio and TV between 1929 & 1979.  Despite it’s popularity and having been released as a single by Lombardo in 1947, Auld Lang Syne failed to make the Billboard hit singles chart until 2000 when Kenny G took it to #7 with his special “Millennium Mix.”

"Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin' Eve” premiered in 1972 and signaled a changing of the guard for New Year’s Eve TV programs.  Taking a page out of his days as host of American Bandstand, Clark’s program showcased performances by the latest and greatest hit makers of the day and set it against the live backdrop of the ball drop in Times Square and the millions of revelers that assemble there each New Year’s Eve.

Clark utilized a rock version of Auld Lang Syne as the program theme and in Dick’s final appearance on NYE 2011/12 before his unfortunate death in 2012, Guy Lombardo’s version of Auld Lang Syne plays as he kisses his wife at midnight.

Dick Clark will be missed by generations as Guy Lombardo is still by others.  For now, the guard changes again tonight but the tradition lives on in days of ‘Old Long Since.’

Soundtrack For Tonight:  Auld Lang Syne & Rock Around The Clock

Happy New Year from djChrisPickett.com!

We Made The A-list (again!)

Chris Pickett Disc Jockey Service made the 2012 Boston A-List!!

I'm happy to report that once again, we made the top 5 in both Best Wedding DJ and  Best Wedding Ceremony Music categories - the only DJ to win in the latter category (& for the 2nd year in a row!)

For reasons unknown, I noticed that during the voting process, I was also nominated (and dwelling in the top 5!) under the "Best Wedding Accessories" category.  While music is a great accessory to your wedding day and I am grateful for the votes I got, I am very glad that I did not appear as a finalist there. So, congratulations to the appropriate vendors who did round off that category and I hope you weren't upset by my unintentional appearance.

Also, a sincere thanks to everyone who voted for me and congratulations to everyone else nominated.

With over 30 years experience, there are many years of weddings and gatherings ahead so please keep djChrisPickett.com in mind as the Soundtrack To Your Next Event!

Soundtrack For Today:  Call Me Maybe (781-337-8187)

The Boston A-List 2012

It's time once again for the Boston A-List!

Last year's Top 5 placement for Best Wedding DJ and Best Wedding Ceremony Music was an honor and I would greatly appreciate your help at making it to the top again this year by asking for your votes in these same 2 categories.

Along with your vote, if you could please leave comments on the voting page, they would be greatly appreciated!

Find us on the A-List DJ Chris Pickett

Just click on the link to vote and I thank you for making djChrisPickett.com The Soundtrack To Your Next Event!

Soundtrack For Today: www.BostonCityVoter.com

Robin Gibb

The Bee Gees’ vocals were a unique blend of the three voices of twin brothers Robin & Maurice Gibb and older brother Barry - whose own high falsetto (self-discovered in the mid-1970s) led to a rejuvenated group sound that ultimately defined the disco-era of the 1970s with dance floor anthems such as Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever and You Should Be Dancing.

But if you dig back deeper into the earlier songs of The Bee Gees’ massive and impressive catalog, for which they celebrated during their 50^th anniversary just a couple of years ago, you’ll find a large number of memorable hits that you may have forgotten or just discovered.

Songs such as Run To Me, I Can’t See Nobody and Massachusetts showcase the Bee Gees’ craft of writing timeless pop hits whose sophisticated lead vocals would be seamlessly verse-traded, most often between Barry’s smooth lyrical narratives and Robin’s trademarked and textured expressions of pathos, which were often sprinkled in a way similar to a chef who knows just how much spice to use and when.

The underlying moments of Maurice’s arrangements lead to a blending of sounds that would crescendo into magic choruses of harmony by all three brothers that solidified the unique sound that was the Brothers Gibb.

And unfortunately, was is the tense that is and shall remain as the world has lost the unique gift that was Robin Gibb this past weekend, as he succumbed to his battle with cancer at the age of 63.

Outside of the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb maintained a sporadic solo career and had just recently completed the classical score The Titanic Requiem with his son Robin-John and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In a coma and near death, Robin was unable to attend its London premiere on April 10, 2012, a few days ahead of the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  This album is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Barry Gibb remains the sole survivor of his three now-departed brothers; Maurice passed on in 2003 and in 1988, youngest brother Andy, who was not a Bee Gee but whose own solo career was undeniably launched into superstardom with the help of his older brothers.  Heart-felt sympathies go out to Mrs. Gibb, who at 91 has lived to see the loss of another son.

Soundtrack For Today: Bee Gees: Mythology

10 Years After

Soundtrack For Today:  Hero by Enrique Iglesias

We made the A-List!!

Chris Pickett Disc Jockey Service made the Boston.com 2011 A-List!!

We round off the top 5 for Best Wedding DJ and land in third place for Best Wedding Ceremony Music - the only DJ to win in this category!

A sincere thanks to everyone who voted and congratulations to everyone else nominated.

Soundtrack For Today:  djChrisPickett.com • Soundtrack To Your Next Event!

Boston.com's A-List 2011 - Make Us #1!

Here's a chance to help make djChrisPickett.com #1 on Boston.com's Alist!  Please click on this link and vote for me in 2 categories - Best Wedding DJ and Best Ceremony Music.

UPDATE: The voting has ended and the waiting begins! Results expected on July 26 so thanks to everyone who voted and stay tuned!!

Soundtrack For Today: http://ctvr.us/djchris 

When, In The Course Of Human Events...

Happy Birthday, America!

Soundtrack For Today:  Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John

Still Here!

Soundtrack For Today:  Til The World Ends by Britney Spears


Editor's Note:  Had the world truly ended, the Soundtrack For "Today" would have been "That's All Folks!"  We now return you to regular programming...

And Justice For All

Going To The Chapel

Well, now that taxes are out of the way, it’s really time to plan for your wedding day! I have provided the soundtrack to weddings & events throughout New England since 1979.  That’s a lot of experience and to this day, it’s still fun and I look forward to each wedding reception with the same enthusiasm that I’ve always had. 


Through my experiences at events and on radio, I’ve developed a style that is not overbearing as I communicate to you and your guests in a necessary & effective manner – and always with an eye on detail and a focus on fun! 


Although it may not seem it at first, your DJ is the most important part of the reception and choosing the right one can be the difference between making or breaking your big day. 


At a wedding reception, I fulfill 2 roles: DJ and Master Of Ceremonies. As your MC, I speak on behalf of you to your guests (and your vendors) through highly coordinated moments that make the reception flow and memorable. Musically, I entertain your guests through a mix of your requests from a music library that reaches back to the future through over 8 decades of the Latest & Greatest Hits!  


There are many professional and reputable entertainment choices available today but sadly, there are also too many others who have confused the recent convenience of having a laptop and some MP3s with the true ability to provide you with the high level of service that only a professional DJ can – on what is the most important day of your new lives together. 


Personalized service, pre-reception consultations, unlimited email/telephone inquiry, customized selections for your ceremony & reception, back-up equipment, professional & experienced DJ/MC and, most importantly, reasonable rates are what define my services.  This isn’t just a guarantee, it’s a given. 


I was just voted "The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 Pick!" by local brides and you can read what they have written about me on TheKnot.com or on my website to find out why you should hire djChrisPickett.com as the Soundtrack To Your Wedding Day!

Soundtrack For Today:  djChrisPickett.com

Not satisfied with the package deal your hall is offering?  You don’t have to go with the DJ they offer – ask them how much your $ allowance is and then call me @ 781-337-8187!

This Just In...

We are proud to announce that Chris Pickett Disc Jockey Service has been rated by local brides and voted "The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 Pick!"

Thank you very much to my past clients who made this happen!

Soundtrack For Today:  djChrisPickett.com • Soundtrack To Your Wedding Day!

2010 In Review

2010 was a great year for pop music! In recent years, top 40 has seemed uneven but this year, the mix was much smoother.  So many genres of music seemingly merged into the realm of pop whether it was through collaboration like Taio Cruz & Ludacris on Break Your Heart or via consternation, as with the Taylor Swift / Kanye West-fest at the MTV Music Awards early in 2010. 

Yet, despite the audacity and heartbreak of that televised event, the careers of both Swift & West continued to flourish during 2010 as Taylor Swift endured and released the acceptable & respectable follow-up Mine while Kanye continued to keep his name in the headlines and history books during a self-imposed sabbatical that concluded with the release of his ambitious My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, a Rolling Stone magazine year-end top pick.  On the Billboard 200 however, Swift gets the last jab as her Speak Now album sits comfortably atop that chart at year’s end.

At year’s start, Kesha Rose Sebert aka Ke$ha had already TiK ToK-ed her way to the top of the charts in 2009 and held on for many more weeks into 2010, resulting in the #1 song of this year. 

Meanwhile, Stefani Germanotta, aka Lady GaGa is well on her way to becoming the next Madonna. GaGa’s 2008 debut Fame LP and 2009 stop-gap Fame Monster EP were, respectively, the #1 & #2 dance albums on the Billboard chart, collectively yielding more than a half-dozen chart-toppers & floor-fillers that will stand the test of time.  2010’s releases included Telephone f/ Beyonce, Alejandro and Bad Romance. Her highly anticipated follow-up LP Born This Way is due in early 2011.

At weddings and parties everywhere, I came to dance with Dynamite, another Taio Cruz hit and Hey Soul Sister by Train gave us the catchiest and perhaps most over-used song in commercials, resulting in an (unsuccessful) Internet petition requesting a cease & desist for such purposes. 

Lady Antebellum crossed over the Mason-Dixon into pop territory with Need You Now and Michael Posner proved he was Cooler Than Me (even though I played his record a number of times.)

Alicia Keys hit it big with Jay-Z in 2009 and again on her own in 2010 with the rap & pop versions of the same song - Empire State Of Mind, not to mention her corresponding Element Of Freedom album going #1 this year.

Elsewhere, rappers continued to find creative ways to bridge the worlds of Pop & Hip-Hop to the point where the melding has virtually formed into its own nameless genre (I’d go with ‘Hip-Pop.’)  Eminem was Not Afraid to ride to the top of the charts and did it again when he teamed with Rihanna for Love The Way You Lie, the first of the 2-part drama, which concludes (?) in 2011.  Rihanna also redeemed herself on the dance floor quite nicely since 2008’s Disturbia with Only Girl In The World.

Side-stepping 9/11 implications, B.o.B. and Hayley Williams flew us in Airplanes while Pitbull revived Enrique Iglesias’ chart life with I Like It (which also offers a tip of the hat to Lionel Richie’s All Night Long in the lyric.)

Bruno Mars revealed himself to be not only a talented songwriter with hits like Travie McCoy’s Billionaire and Cee-Lo Green’s unspeakable yet humorous ode to love lost (aka entitled) Forget You but he also became a solid performer in his own right.  Bruno is responsible for the best romantic ballad of 2010 with the performance of his own chart-topping composition entitled Just The Way You Are and is poised to take over the #1 spot again in January with his follow-up Grenade.  Bruno hails from Hawaii and seems well schooled in the classic pop-song writing tradition. I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more from him in the years to come.

But it is Katy Perry who ultimately had the best year ever as she continued to prove herself an enduring force by dominating the summertime airwaves with the #1 hits California Gurls (f/ Snoop Dogg) and Teenage Dream.  Mrs. Russell Brand also got married this year and is rumored to be changing her professional name to Katy Perry-Brand in 2011.  KP also had other catchy hits with If We Ever Meet Again, a collaboration with Timbaland and she also sews up the charts in the final week of the first year of this new decade with her third #1 single of 2010 - Firework. 

Finally, let us not forget what will be perhaps the most enduring dance floor anthem for many years to come: I Gotta Feeling by Black-Eyed Peas holds this year’s distinction of charting on two consecutive year-end charts (2009 & 10) and subsequently, in two different decades. 

So, just before midnight tonight, Raise Your Glass to Pink's anthem and ring in the new year - I gotta feeling the best is yet to come!

Soundtrack For Today:  Auld Lang Syne & Rock Around The Clock

Happy New Year from djChrisPickett.com – Soundtrack To Your Next Event!

Prediction for 2011:  There will be a song that references and/or entitles itself about living your life out on Facebook. Most likely a country song.

Winter #1s

Here's a century-back look at #1 songs on the 1st day of winter:


2010 Firework • Katy Perry
2000 Independent Women Part I • Destiny's Child
1990 Because I Love You (The Postman Song) • Stevie B
1980 (Just Like) Starting Over • John Lennon
1970 My Sweet Lord / Isn't It a Pity • George Harrison
1960 Are You Lonesome Tonight • Elvis Presley
1950 The Thing • Phil Harris
1940 Frenesi • Artie Shaw
1930 You're Driving Me Crazy! (What Did I Do?) • Guy Lombardo
1920 Whispering • Paul Whiteman
1910 Meet Me To-Night in Dreamland • Henry Burr


What a difference 100 years makes!  How many titles/artists do you recognize? 


Soundtrack For Today:  djChrisPickett.com

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame - 2011

Singer, songwriter, actor, performer.  Congratulations to Neil Diamond for his long overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame!

Soundtrack For Today:  Neil Diamond: His 12 Greatest Hits

"In case the folks missed the earlier news flash, ABC news has confirmed..."

Infamy