| Donna D'CruzToday's DJs are rock stars and Donna D'Cruz is at the top of the charts. She's as gorgeous on the outside as she is on the inside. She's fabulous, sexy, and BEYOND divine. Her talents have entertained hundreds of my clients and their guests from Istanbul to Mykonos, NY, LA, Miami, and the Caribbean. She's a performer, changing outfits as she changes the mood, a true entertainer who keeps the party going whether it's late night dancing or chilling with just a few friends way past bedtime. Her label, raSa Music, has something for everyone, from raSa Chill to raSa Late Night and raSa Groove. You'll be impressed by her selection of tunes, the way they're mixed, and the energy she creates.
Tips from Donna.
- P – Pick music that is appropriate. Music is one of the most important aspects of any celebration, and it is often overlooked. Say your evening is going to have a Latin twist to it, then perhaps the music of Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Shakira, Sergio Mendez, Afro Cuban All Stars, or one of my favorites, Latinesque would fit well. If the evening is a Middle-Eastern inspired Kasbah, then pomegranate margaritas are the perfect sipping partners to a little Cheb Mami, Khaled, Radar, Smadj, and the peerless, One Night at Momo’s.
- A – Allow for last-minute hitches and glitches. If a friend brings an unexpected guest, or the food doesn’t turn out exactly as you planned, or guests arrive later than expected etc., be flexible and adapt. If your music is all in order, then that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about.
- S – Sexy and stylish, that’s what you’re aiming for. Make thoughtful music selections that illustrate your regard for your guests. Even play some Led Zeppelin or Patsy Cline if that’s what you know your guests love.
- S – Surprise your guests. Perhaps engage a fantastic flamenco dancer or get a couple to dance the tango for your guests. A belly dancer would fit the Kasbah theme. An unexpected surprise will delight your guests and may even get them to hoof a few steps on the dance floor themselves.
- I – Intensify the rhythm of the music as the evening progresses. Begin with chilled dinner music and then move on to more upbeat music after dessert is served. To get the dancing off to a good start, a few classic disco favorites like Disco Inferno by the Trammps, September by Earth, Wind, and Fire or even a Barry White favorite.
- O – Organization. Remember to charge your Zune or Ipod and/or test your CDs to avoid any skipping. Write out a music plan to see how and when which music would be suitable, but be flexible – be ready to make changes. Knowing more or less what to play during cocktails, as background music during dinner, and what to get the dancing going, will help make your evening a surefire success. This is your night, so remember that and have fun no matter what happens.
- N – Neighbors. Do let your neighbors know about your soiree. If it’s going to be a party with dancing and loads of guests and loud music, let them know. Perhaps some movie vouchers for your neighbors would be a well-received counterbalance.
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