Hurricane Productions co-owner Vincent Velasquez reflects on the company's five-year anniversary

Hurricane Productions has done so much for me.

It has given me the ability to enjoy college life and work a second job that I love just as much as DJ entertainment. But most of all, its given the the opportunity to reach out to so many different people in so many different places.

We've been all over New Jersey. We've entertained in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York, and Brooklyn. Our videos and music have been seen and heard all over this great country and even in the Netherlands. I've gotten phone calls from companies in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix and emails from people overseas. And all of this is from a company that worked its first party in a backyard in Morganville, NJ five years ago today.

I'll never forget that party - an eighth grade graduation for a friend's sister. Strato and I worked three days straight beforehand building a small music library and making sure my dad's speakers and amplifier set from the 1980s still had some juice in them. My dad drove us to the party (we were 16 years old) and we played music for four hours. Strato liked changing the CDs in our two five-disc changers and I fell in love with talking on the microphone. Strato became a DJ, I became an MC.

We didn't charge that family any money, but afterwards the mom came to us and handed me an envelope with a tip. I took half and Strato took half. Boom. A 50-50 partnership was born.

Last night Strato and I looked back on our entire collections of emails and reminisced about all the gigs and jobs we worked and all the different people in our lives.

On the entertainment side, we just keep growing. Everyday we make improvements to our product. Strato and I brainstorm and make things happen. Our talents are so diverse but at the same time, it is the secret ingredient that many have tried to copy and/or discover on their own.

We work long hours, but it is expected because we own and operate the company. But on top of that, we have to make it to your event energetic and fun. I've never complained about any event we've worked. Even one I showed up to with pink eye and a dent on my front bumper after a car accident!

In 2004 and 2005, we worked at a day camp in Manalapan and taught kids how to DJ on our amateur system. Every Friday the entire camp would gather in a large pavilion and listen to Strato play the Cha Cha Slide and watch me teach them new instructional dances. It was taxing work. Especially since another DJ company, a more experienced one, worked larger events for the camp. We were constantly criticized and put under a microscope.

Peers of ours would talk behind our backs and laugh every time we mentioned DJing. Even our own families doubted the company would survive once we entered college.

But here we are, five years later. And still working hard, still making a difference in people's lives. I don't know if many people are able to fathom how much of a responsibility it is on us to be accountable for family memories. Ten years from now, a Sweet 16 girls is going to look back on her video and remember how much fun she had. A bride and groom will always remember their first dance. All of that is captured in photos and video and Hurricane Productions is a huge part of making all of those memories happen in time.

Every party is unique to me and my passion for entertainment keeps each party fresh and new. I could work 52 weeks straight and entertain the same type of event, but it will always be different. Each week I'm greeted into a new family and make new personal connections.

It has not always been easy. We've gone through some hard times in our personal lives and in our family lives. Still, DJing and entertainment is always a release for me. I'll never forget having to wake up on a Friday morning to bury my grandmother in Brooklyn and then rush back to New Jersey to work a wedding. I was just 17-years old. I'll never forget going through a rough breakup with an ex-girlfriend and the next day having to work an engagement party for a young, happy couple. Sometimes we forget, myself included, that we are people too and we need the entertainment just as much as our clients.

One thing that really stuck out to me was the amount of charity and volunteer work we've done over the past five years. In year one and two, 2003 and 2004, we volunteered our small PA system to the Keansburg Library so that they could cut the red tape in front of their new building in style. And how did they celebrate? We played music and danced into the night.

We also entertained our high school's fundraisers for little or no money. We introduced varsity sports teams into the gymnasium for pep rallies, and provided music for two Walk-a-Thons.

Working for the Knights of Columbus in Sayreville in 2004-2006 always sticks out in my mind. We helped a man named Tom, a guy in his mid-forties in the National Guard, put together dances for his "Squires," or in layman's terms -- teenagers interested in the KOC. In early 2006 we found out Tom was deployed to Arizona and then to Iraq. We haven't heard from him since, but we hope the work we did for him touched the individuals he aimed to please.

This past year we donated our entire staff's weekend in the first week of April (and DJ companies know how valuable a Spring weekend can be) to Rutgers Dance Marathon. DM is a 32-hour event that raises money for the Embrace Kids Foundation in New Brunswick, NJ. Embrace Kids serves families with children that have blood and cancer disorders. This year, DM raised over $320,000. And thanks to contributions from our clients, we were able to make a $630.00 donation. Better yet, we're already signed on for next year.

Helping Dance Marathon and the Embrace Kids Foundation is a true sign of our company's maturity. We've gone from using a PA system for opening a public library to touching the lives of so many families in need in a critical time in their lives. Both are so important in their respective ways, but I get emotional thinking that we've grown so quickly to be able to staff a 32-hour, non-stop event.

Like my recently deceased grandfather said "Show me who your friends are, and I'll show you who you are."

The reason I mention that is because Hurricane Productions is not just Strato and myself. It is Ashley Best, Jon Brooks, Samantha Cella, DJ LaLima, Kyle Gries, Ed Romani, and Alex Rosenkranz. These are the people, no matter how big or small their roles are, that make this company work and work very well.

And even some of the people who came before them, like the Doctor of Style, Mike Mendez, have contributed to this company.

But most importantly, we have been able to grow these last five years because of the dedication our clients show us. We have so many repeat customers and return business. So many of our clients have become friends that constantly keep in contact with us. Their continued business is much appreciated. They trust us, and in return, we trust them tenfold.

We've labeled our company as "The business of building great entertainment." But I would argue, we're in the business of building great and everlasting relationships.

Thank you for the past five years and cheers to many more,
Vincent Velasquez
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, Master of Ceremonies

Hurricane Productions offering a summer special - Book now and receive 10% off your party

Hurricane Productions LLC, is offering a summer special to new clients - Book now, no matter when your event is, and we will offer you 10% off our original price with the following promotional code: EI080906

It's summer time, so we know it is the perfect time to sit down with your family, plan an event, and book a DJ.

Hurricane Productions offers free consultations for your event as well as the following services featured on HurricaneProductions.com:

• Instructional Dance Videos
• Interactive Party Planning
• Entertainment Tips from the Pros
• Plenty of pictures and video from previously entertained events

So whether its a backyard summer party or an elegant wedding, Hurricane Productions can serve all your entertainment needs. Book now!

Promocode: EI080906

Hurricane Productions launches new website

HurricaneProductions.com reintroduces the company to you and your families as more than just a DJ company.

Our priority is and always will be entertaining at weddings, Sweet 16s, anniversaries and other events, but our goals now extend to creating an entertainment brand.

Entertainment doesn't end when the party is over. Now we can introduce instructional dance videos, interactive party planning features, and more photos, more videos and more entertainment to our clients.

Some of our unique and exclusive features include:

Wedding Planning Wizard - The Hurricane Productions-exclusive wizard is designed to help prospective brides and grooms choose the type of entertainment packages needed for their wedding. With just a simple questionnaire, built into HurricaneProductions.com, their answers will render a unique page--tailored to the specific bride and groom. The page details what Hurricane Productions can offer to their wedding reception in terms of entertainment packages.

Entertainment Insight - Our blog is designed to bring new audiences to our brand. Instructional dances performed by our staff, party tips, and other DJ entertainment-related features will run on the blog.

More entertainers - We proudly introduce emcee Kyle Gries, Ed "DJ N9NE" Romani, and party motivator Ashley Best to our growing staff. These three dedicated individuals have helped Hurricane Productions grow within the last six months and will continue to help the company reach more clients with their endless amount of talent and professionalism.

Facebook and YouTube Channel -
Clients, especially from Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and Weddings, can view our Facebook page and tag themselves, their friends, and share their own photos with each other.
Also, they can subscribe to our YouTube Channel where we plan on releasing instructional dance videos at on Monthly basis. Potential clients will be able to view video samples of parties we've entertained in the past.

The future - With this site, built for new internet technologies such as the IPhone, Hurricane Productions is gearing itself to introduce even more innovative ideas. For example, clients will be able to plan their parties online simultaneously with a member of the HP staff. In addition, clients will be able to see pictures synced up with our blog from their parties...all within 24 hours of saying goodnight to their guests. Venues and hotels will be able to use the Hurricane Productions website to drive more business and traffic to their sites.

The possibilities are endless. And as Hurricane Productions reaches its five-year anniversary, we encourage you to visit HurricaneProductions.com and see all of these features for yourselves!

Some insight on customer service

So I guess you've been reading this blog as saying "Wow that Strato really knows what he's talking about when it comes to technology." And when you read one of my posts you're probably thinking that I carry no expertise whatsoever.

But that is not true. Besides the fact that I am the human checklist, what I bring to the table is a unique theory on customer service that has helped grow this company.

In today's post I'll let you into a little secret about the Hurricane/client relationship:

Treat 'em like family!

Too often in this business, it's lost in translation that we, the entertainers, are here to share a night and a memory with a family. It's not my party ... it's theirs.

I think about this all the time ... do I really want that responsibility?

The first dance, the last dance, the dedications, candles, specials songs, speeches, toasts...even the cocktail hour -- all our responsibility. Oh, and not to mention that all the dancing and entertainment is on us too. There's no room for error.

If the food is bad, well, blame the caterer, but if anything else goes wrong ... blame the DJ.

The reason why I personally went into this business is because when I'd be a party, whether it'd be for a family friend or my own family, the DJ just showed up, played some music, collected his money and called it a day.

Not here. Not at Hurricane. We pay careful attention to each party. Whether we're doing a charity event for free or a wedding that is costing the client $5000.00, the same detail is taken into consideration.

As a master of ceremonies or DJ, you should KNOW the client. For one night, you're expected to know Uncle Johnny just as well as the guest of honor. Uncle Johnny is going to request a song at some point, he's going to share a drink with you, and you never know ... he could be your next client. On the same note, the guest of honor is the star, the reason why the family is there and for one night, you're there to cater to his/her needs.

Now, there are some secrets that will go to the grave with me and my business partner, but overall, the planning process at our company is similar to a first and second date. On the first date, you learn all you can about the family - likes, dislikes, history. Our second date is the party. We dance a little, sing a little and smile a lot. And in the end, you always keep them wanting more.

One thing I've learned through all the references we get from our past clients and the e-mails that fill our inbox:

Treat 'em like family and they'll become friends forever.

Always Classy, Always Fun,
Vin DJ

10 Wedding Tips:

1) CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY: If you do a candle lighting during the ceremony, you might want to select a short interlude song to be played during it. Dead air for a minute or two will seem awkward but too long a song can drag out the ceremony. A classical song such as Pachabel's Cannon is a nice choice, but you can also select any appropriate love song and play a snippet of it.

2) BEST TIME TO TAKE PICTURES: Tradition says the Bride and Groom should not see each other until the ceremony. If you don't mind disregarding this, taking pictures before the ceremony can be a very convenient time. You can shorten the gap between the ceremony and the reception for your guests, and the photographer will not be rushed to get all his shots. Plus make up, hair and clothing will look fresher in photos.

3) LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR PHOTOS: Whenever you take your formal pictures, between the ceremony and reception, or before the ceremony, it is important to allow adequate time. The suggestion is to plan 3-4 minutes for each person in the bridal party, including parents and grandparents. For example, let say that you have a maid-of-honor, a best man, two bridesmaids, two groomsmen, a flower girl, four parents, two grandparents and yourselves, a total of fifteen people. Allow for 45 to 60 minutes for your formal pictures. Of course, you should check with your own photographer before finalizing the times.

4) YOUR FIRST DANCE AS HUSBAND AND WIFE: Try to pick a wedding song that has meaning between you and your fiancé. If you choose something that just happens to be popular today, you may not even remember it when your fifth anniversary comes up. But if you choose a song that is special to you both, maybe something that was "your song" when you first started dating or a ballad that has significance to you as a couple, then you will never forget it.

5) CHILDREN AT THE WEDDING? When deciding to include children at the ceremony and reception, the bride and groom should examine the atmosphere they envision. Children can provide a great deal of charm and levity and they often look precious in formal wear. Since a wedding is a family event it may seem appropriate to have the entire family in attendance, but the bride and groom need to feel comfortable with the "spontaneity" of children. Children can have a very short attention span and may lose patience in the middle of the ceremony. If you plan to have children attend the reception, their parents might want to bring toys and books to keep them busy. Children can bring magic to the wedding or added stress - it depends on your personalities and the atmosphere you would like to create.

6) THE WEDDING RECEPTION: Enjoy yourself at the reception. Don't let the night go by without dancing and having a goodtime. Every one of your guests will want to chat with you and tell you how great you look and this is important but if you are not careful, the reception will be over before you know it. If you like to dance and want to be a part of celebration, make a conscious effort to get out there and ENJOY!

7) THOSE "PLAYED OUT" WEDDING SONGS: Many people are sick of songs like "Celebration" and "Mony Mony" and if you definitely can't stand songs like that, by all means, tell your Disc Jockey and insist that they not be played. There are hundreds of awesome party songs and four hours is a short time; you shouldn't have to sit through something you hate during your own wedding. If you don't care either way, give your DJ some leeway because sometimes songs like that will do wonders to get a party kick started. And finally, if you love these songs, play 'em all! We always say, Celebration got "played out" for one reason and one reason only, it's a fun party song!

8) PROPS AND GIVEAWAYS: Many DJs offer giveaways for your party (leis, sunglasses, hats, etc) If you have a very elegant and classy vision for your wedding, consider saying no to this, even if they are included in the price. But if you lean towards a more fun and interactive style for your reception, giveaways are definitely the way to go. Any Disc Jockey’s worth their salt will know how to incorporate these things without losing the formality of your wedding day.

9) THE LAST DANCE: Ending a party is sometimes just as important as how you begin. And many couples like to select and personalize this moment to leave the right "last impression." If you select a slow song, the party will wind down with a romantic tone and many brides and grooms want it that way. Some couples select a nice slow song and some others ask us to replay their wedding song. Either way is appropriate and will leave an impression that your party was all about the love between the newlyweds. Going out the door with an upbeat song is the other option and if you want to leave your guests with the impression that the "Celebration" went on all night, that's the way to do it. Donna Summer's "Last Dance" is an obvious choice, but we've everything here from Green Day's "Time of your life" to Otis Day's "Shout."

10) THE HONEYMOON: Try to avoid leaving for your honeymoon immediately after the reception. This can invite disappointment and ill feelings since both of you will be extremely exhausted right after the wedding. Give yourselves a day or two to open gifts, sleep late and slow down from the stress and pressure of your wedding day. Plus, you don't need the added burden of packing for your honeymoon before your wedding. That can be done after the big day.