I think I may become a DJ
Another awesome Retro night in the bag :)
Tonight's shenanigans was a 50th about 15 miles from my front door which came off the back of a 50th I did a year ago to the day (in the same village!).
So, it's the Retro setup and loads of 80s and cheese then.....oh yussss!
I'd been warned by a colleague of mine who works in this particular venue quite a bit that I wouldn't be needing the hazer (don't usually use that on the retro show anyway), and to take small speakers due to a nightmare sound limiter....it sort of put a downer onto the evening before I even got there (I needn't have worried and won't go into details in public....the venue manager was a guest at this one and didn't want any interruptions to the sound. For once, Red Light didn't spell danger ;) )
It was a slow burner. It's been hot, only half of the expected guests turned out (including one of my brides for next year).....but we got there eventually.
What was nice is to play a track which only works in this area (specifically anywhere near Peterborough). It's a track by Len Boone called Love Won't Be Denied and it was really popular in the Peterborough nightclubs (particularly Reflex) during the 80s (completely by accident...a local DJ found the 12" single in a London market, played it, and the rest is history). It's even got it's own dance called the D&B shuffle (after the Dolphin and Bull pub where the DJ worked). It's fascinating to watch!
Actually getting hold of a copy of this one is like searching for rocking horse excretia! BUT....if you don't have it...you're a :Censored: DJ!
The rest of the night consisted of cheese, yet more cheese, and unfortunately.....Oops upside your head (groan). However, the punters were happy as lots of handshakes and fist bumps proved. Yet again, I'm apparently a brilliant DJ who knows how to run a party, read the floor and play the right songs in the right order. It's official because that's what the birthday boy said!
Even had a good natter with next year's bride (it was her 50th last year and where this gig came from and apparently....people are still talking about it!). Apparently the order of booking things for her big day next year were: 1. Reception venue, 2. ME!, 3. The Church.....shucks!
Her reception is to be....yup....the retro show! (no fancy first dance lighting there then unless I convert to LED strips inside the boxes)
Tomorrow - the local primary funday where yours truly provides announcements, music, PA for the recorder group and all sorts of other things - all in exchange for beer. Always good to give back to the community though (the PTA do really good things with the money they raise so this one's one of the two freebies I do each year...the other being for my Scout group)
Right - time for some kip. It's 3am and I'm back on the road at 10am!