Meredith Model, Patrice Olszewski wearing Terri Jon

Nordstrom, Holy Name Hospital, WNBC’s Chris Cimino, Inserra Supermarkets and MMP Entertainment teamed up again on Saturday for the 13^th annual MS Spring Fashion Fling at the Glenpointe Marriott.

As always, the goal of the show was to raise money for the MS Center and to entertain several hundred guests by giving away fabulous prizes, treating the guests to a delicious luncheon, and of course, showing off some of the hottest fashions of the season.  Thanks to some angelic volunteers, sponsors, a dedicated staff and my professional colleagues, the 2010 event was another successful collaboration.

Meredith Model, Aida Sinusaite leads the finale wearing Sean Collection. At the podium, Maryellen Moffitt.

In addition to giving out an Iron Man II voice activated L.E.D t-shirt and a $100 cash prize to the winner of Face The Cookie, we also organized a Facebook Challenge that coincided with the show.  MMP Entertainment was delighted to welcome the 40 new fans that joined our Celebrate Life team!

One of the main attractions at the Spring Fling is the fashion show that is produced by MEM Production’s Maryellen Moffitt.  A consummate professional and couture connoisseur, Maryellen is the go-to coordinator if you want to organize a fashion-based event that’s going to dazzle the crowd.

Many of my readers know that I appreciate style, that I’m a huge fan of Nordtsrom, and that my clients and I are always attending exclusive events with various dress codes; so I asked Maryellen for her thoughts on what 2010’s line had to offer.

“As fashions change from season to season, so too do the obligations of entertaining and being entertained.  There will be times that your event will be elegant, yet not quite mandating a formal ensemble.  There will be that destination wedding that you just aren’t quite sure what the appropriate attire will be.  There will be dinner invitations where you need to be elegant, yet not over the top.  In response to the varied social whirlwind of globe hopping trendsetters like the ones in our audience, Nordstom is offering ‘Elegant Alternatives.’ Fashion that will make you look and feel glamorous, yet not require a tiara and jewels. “

MS Center's Lisa Futterman, WNBC's Chris Cimino, MS Center's Susan Zurndorfer and MMP Entertainment's Marcello

Sounds good to me.  See you all next year!

Special thanks to Patrice and Christina from the Glenpointe Marriott for their hospitality.  The accommodations and customer service were first class as usual.

MMP Entertainment will be taking $250 off of any Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Corporate Event or Private Celebration that is booked by a guest who attended this year’s fashion show.  MMP Entertainment will also match that amount and donate $250 to the MS Center for each event contracted.

If you’d like to donate your time, money, product or service to the MS Center, please contact Lisa Futterman at futterman@mail.holyname.org

.
Encore Gallery:

Super Bowl champ Drew Brees submits his father of the year photo

Some of my “job” requirements as an entertainer and entrepreneur are to perform in places like Las Vegas, to eat in restaurants like Carnevino, to listen to guys like Don Piper and to attend shows like Cirque Du Soleli’s, Love.  I think it’s safe to say that I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world. Well, maybe it’s a tie with this guy.

Mike, Jason and I landed in Vegas on Superbowl Sunday.  Normally, you wouldn’t find me watching football for three hours in a row; but when the underdog team actually has a chance to win and you find out how cool the quarterback is,  count me in.  Even though the game was awesome and the commercials were funny, my favorite part was when Drew Brees held his son up at the end.  Unless you’ve gone to the dark side and become completely cynical and devoid of all human emotions, it was a goosebump-inducing Kodak moment.

Some of you may remember the hit show, Soul Train. “A groove that will make you move real smooth.”  Don Cornelius and the Soul Train Gang used to bring “peace, love, soul” and some great music into America’s living rooms every week.  John Rozz, from Sound Spectrum Entertainment, produced a Soul Train tribute event at the top of the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas to commemorate the show’s 40th anniversary. I was chosen to be one of the performance Emcees.  The event featured classic videos, retro costumes, Text Live, and two of the biggest disco balls I’ve ever seen.   Good times!

Special thanks to my good friends, Beau Kramer, from California, and Ron Brown, from Kansas, for sharing this photo and the encore gallery for today’s entry.

Marcello performs at the Soul Train 40th Annivesary Tribute

While in Vegas for the show, I attended several business and entertainment-related workshops to indulge MMP’s infinite commitment to continuing education. Topics included; decor lighting design, enhanced customer service techniques for brides and grooms, fresh ideas for Bar Mitzvah interactives, enhanced technology applications for improved social media relationships and advanced production concepts for the new decade. Culinary & hospitality highlights for some of these presentations took place at the Sterling Club, the Capital Grill and Carnevino.

**Editors Note: I didn’t realize that chef Mario Batali’s highly sought-after 7 course “meat tasting” menu at Carnevino was served a bit on the rare side (seared).  The staff was very accommodating and offered those of us who are used to eating our steak at The Outback-…a NY strip that was out-of-this-world in exchange without laughing out loud.  At least, not right in front of us.

p.s. The staff plugs Mario’s iPod directly into the restaurant’s sound system and just lets her rip at random- at a high volume.   Luckily, my group and I were fans of the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

The highlight of the week was the presentation given by Don Piper, the author of the best selling book,  90 Minutes in Heaven. Bonnie Traylor’s review of the his book on Amazon will bring you up to speed on the messenger and the message…

90 Minutes In Heaven, Revell Publishing, 2004

“Written in straight-forward, simple style without a lot of “religionese,” Don Piper has told the story of his devastating accident, his brief time in heaven and his return to a life full of pain and questions. I read it cover-to-cover in two hours and then loaned out my copy. I would recommend this book to just about anybody — to those with questions about faith, questions about prayer, questions about life and death and pain which we all face to some extent.

His descriptions of heaven are human ones – simple, not overly poetic or grandiose, just those of someone who experienced the indescribable and then tried to describe it. I loved the descriptions of the incredible heavenly music and I get the feeling that vast choirs and heightened senses await us there. And despite the incredible experience, Piper found it too personal, too private, and too intimate to share with anyone for over a year after his accident. I’m so glad he found the courage to do so.

I also love the honesty with which he describes his pain and depression and the inevitable questions that we must face when we have close encounters with the Almighty. The God we meet is often not the one we expected, and while we can’t understand why God does what he does, we can no longer deny this God we don’t understand. And while we hold these two things together, our lives are changed and grace is showered down amid the ruins of what we thought was important to us.”

Cirque Du Soleil's interpretation of the Beatles music library, Love

I found Don’s speaking style to be very similar to his writing style.  He masterfully connects with his audience and effortlessly delivers his messages.  The one sentiment that has stuck with me since that day was, “find a new normal.”  No matter what happens, regardless of the circumstances- find a new normal… embrace it, and move on. I know many of the readers of this blog can appreciate the change in dynamic that occurs within a lifetime.  Not only am I finding a new normal, I’m learning that “normal” is an extremely subjective frame of mind.

I liked how Don never sugar-coated how difficult life can be and never pretended that life was always fair.   Most of all, I loved how Don proved beyond a shadow of a doubt how important it is to have faith in someone and to have something to believe in.

Speaking of love, the icing on the cake of a great week in Vegas was seeing Cirque Du Soleli’s interpretation of the Beatle’s, Love show.   Even if you’re not a big fan of the Beatles and only know their popular recordings like me, you’ll still be amazed, wow’d and blown away by the dancing, the acrobatics and the theatrical spectacle that Cirque shows are famously known for. From the opening number of Get Back to the grand finale mega-mix of Hey Jude, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonley Heart’s Club Band and of course, All You Need Is Love, you couldn’t help but to smile and say to yourself, “life is good.”

The Fountain Show at the Bellagio

(Honorable mention for the icing on the cake award was sitting outside at the Paris casino’s cafe, Mon Ami Gabi, eating Bananas Foster while watching Bellagio’s Fountain Show across the street. I had the chance to catch up with my good friends, Scott Faver, from Arizona, and Chuck Lehnhard, from Hawaii.)

What a week!

On the flight home, the words of Steve Wynn came to mind… “Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money.”

Encore Gallery:

Do you want your event to look like this next year? Samsung Celebrates at The Venetian

What happens when you take one of the most successful companies of 2009 and mix it with one of the best venues on the east coast and then sprinkle in some award-winning entertainment?  In the words of Emeril Lagasse,… “BAM!!!”. Not only do you “kick it up a notch” and transform your ordinary annual gathering into an extraordinary Holiday Gala, your guests “feel the love” and experience a festive, elegant and unforgettable evening.

We’ve been teaming up with Samsung Electronics America since 2003.  Over the years, it’s been very exciting to see their company earn the #1 spot for mobile phones and T.V’s here in the United States and the #1 spot for D TV’s worldwide.  If you’re not impressed yet, at a time when many companies cut back and saw their numbers plummet in 2009, Samsung had the best quarter in the company’s history and their stock price went to an all-time high.

The Best of Both Worlds, Live Musicians and DJ Entertainment

If your company holds it’s own, or like Samsung and some of our other VIP corporate clientele, actually manages to  increase growth and raise the bottom line in the new economy, there are usually a few people you want to show your appreciation to. I’ll give you a few seconds to guess who those special people are…….    BAM!   That’s right.  You answered correctly.  Your employees…  The TEAM.      The executives at Samsung know this and agree with Steven Covey, “Always treat your employees exactly how you would treat your best customers. “

So when it was time for Samsung to celebrate another year of success and hard work, we helped them produce a black-tie Holiday Gala fit for royalty.

The Viennese extravaganza begins with a bananas foster presentation

If you haven’t been to the new Palazzo Ballroom at The Venetian yet and would like to practice saying “wow,” and walking around with your jaw continuously dropping to the floor,  schedule an appointment and check out the stunning decor, architecture and ambiance of The Palazzo.  From their never-ending cocktail hour selections to their Viennese stations that would impress Willy Wonka himself, The Venetian combines delectable cuisine and first-class hospitality for all of their guests to enjoy.

So Samsung had the right place and the right people (nearly 700) ready to go.  The only ingredient left to add was the right entertainment. A recipe like this demanded MMP’s Best of Both Worlds “Winter Wonderland” package.  It combines the classic DJ entertainment element with live musicians and  multi-media visuals.  The entertainment and production team consisted of a Master of Ceremonies, an on-site Event Manager, DJ, 2 Dance Floor Motivators, Guitar Player, Saxophonist, Percussionist, and an Audio-Visual technician.

Service Awards Presentation

This package was designed for the  discerning client who wants the best of everything; the presentation and musicianship of a live band and the excitement and flexibility of a professional DJ and Emcee. Samsung also wanted to personalize their event and put the spotlight on their guests.  They produced a custom DVD presentation which included a special appearance by Beyonce, they gave out numerous Service and Recognition of Excellence awards, and had photographers on hand to take candids of their happy guests which we displayed on our big screen and dual plasma T.V’s.  (Which of course were manufactured by Samsung.)

It was an exceptional evening of entertainment and hospitality.  We look forward to teaming up with Samsung and the Venetian again next year and producing another successful collaboration. BAM!

How does Samsung keep the company morale high? Happy team members.

As a side note, not only is it important to take care of your employees, you have to recognize their spouses, significant others and families as well.   If Zagat was to rate Samsung on how well they take care of the people that take care of them, they’d get a 30. Yesterday,  we performed at the company Headquarters for all of the Samsung kids and family members. It was a blast.  Everyone enjoyed cookie decorating, face painting, photos with Santa, interactive games, dancing, a luncheon and gifts for all.

Special thanks as always to Carlos and the staff from the Venetian for their professionalism and to Evan Santi, from Urban Plantscapes, for the fabulous floral arrangements that adorned the ballroom.

Encore Gallery:

Big smiles and Butterfly Kisses for Madison and her dad

She can sing, she can dance, she’s smart, she’s athletic and she’s beautiful.  Move over Snow White and Cinderella, Madison is the new princess in town.

If you could have heard the speeches that Mr. & Mrs. Taylor gave during her Royal Ball-themed Sweet 16, you’d know that Madison is  a very special young lady whose future is bright.

Catering director, Christine Boyce, and the staff from Dolce transformed the ballroom by teaming up with Madison’s mom, Susan, who is a talented designer by trade.  The decor was modern elegance and the vibe was festive, perfect for a guest of honor who is full of life and beyond her years when it comes to maturity and grace.  Special thanks to Christine who helped me orchestrate a seamless evening of hospitality and entertainment from the initial design session and site survey to the night-of logistics.

We supplied the lightscaping for the room by color washing the perimeter walls with 25 carnation pink,  LED uplights. This effect along with a custom visual (that Susan designed) on the room’s 20 ft. projection screen let the guests know they were in for a regal experience.

Madison and Eleanor perform

One of the event highlight’s was when Madison and her good friend, Eleanor, performed the song, Unlimited, from Wicked. They were fabulous.  We usually encourage the the guest of honor to personalize their event by sharing their talents with family and friends.

Madison and her father, Michael, chose the classic, Butterfly Kisses, for the father-daughter dance.  It was a wonderful moment.  As a professional DJ and Master of Ceremonies that entertains at a lot of wedding receptions, it’s always a sentimental feeling when I get a glimpse of a future bride dancing with her dad. I love my job.

Michael, Mackinley and Susan

Madison’s little sister, Mackinley, danced all night long like the rest of the guests,  even though she was on crutches.  She even won the voice activated LED T-Shirt during the dance contest.  Songs like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Sweet Caroline, Fire Burning, Party In the USA, Down and this year’s biggest hit, I Gotta Feeling, were dance floor favorites.

From the grand entrance, to the affectionate candlelighting to the last dance with her family and friends, it was our pleasure to help Madison celebrate her inner princess.

There’s no doubt she’ll grow up to be a stunning queen of the ball.

It was only a year ago that Marco’s brother Gerry had his Communion at the Venetian, an event that was called a “Grand Slam” by all that attended.  Their parents, Gerlando and Nellie Siracusa, had a tough act to follow.  How do you create another unforgettable experience at the same venue for your other son?

Simple.  First, you start with a budget that would impress George Steinbrenner... then, the Venetian has the grand opening of their jaw-dropping new ballroom just in time for your reception, you add in special guest performances by DJ of the Year 2007, Sean “Big Daddy” Mckee, and professional percussionist, Howie Bongo, you set up Dance Heads, Rock Band Extreme, the Interactive Game Show, Wii Sports and a Yankee- themed Pitch Speed Cage, you make arrangements for a huge candy cart to roll out after the flaming dessert presentation, and you call us back to produce the event again. Like a 6-4-3 double play with Jeter at short stop, the team effort made it look easy.

The highlights included Marco, Gerry, Uncle Joe and the Godfather, Joey D. doing a percussive jam session on the drums, Marco & Gerry performing a family favorite, the Burger Dance, and the custom photo montage that Gerlando put together. Setting up the projection screen in addition to the plasmas and utilizing the dance platforms as chairs for the kids made for an enjoyable theater-like experience.

Marco’ s family is a lot like mine and many others who we have the honor to celebrate with,  they could have a great time with an old boom-box in the living room. However, when you combine an awesome crowd, with a first-class venue and exceptional entertainment, it’s like getting the call to move up from a t-ball  league to the majors.

Special thanks to Jeff & Jason for their collaborative-interactive efforts and as always to Dave, Jimmy, Adriatik and Carlos from the Veneitian for their hospitality and professionalism.

Encore Gallery:

Chris Cimino, the always-dapper meteorologist from WNBC’s Today In New York, returned to serve as honorary chairperson and co-emcee along with the  always-radiant event chairperson, Susan Zurndorfer.

The Dynamic Duo, Susan Zurndorfer and Lisa Futterman

The wonder-woman behind the entire production, Lisa Futterman, would give the energizer bunny a run for his money any day of the week.

Speaking of money, each year the MS Center puts 100% of the event proceeds towards patient care and research.

The Guests were treated to a four course lunch, a dazzling show produced by Lord & Taylor, luxurious prizes, huge raffles and a little  half-time entertainment by yours truly.

The highlight of the day was watching the models go down the runway, especially the patients who volunteered to strut their stuff and inspire everyone in attendance.

Kevin and Debbie walk the runway at the 2009 Spring Fashion Show

Kevin McCarthy, the foundation’s VP of Development and Executive Director summed up the day perfectly, ” …The mood this event generated is a testament to the MS Center and the place it has in the hearts of its patients and their families.  The dedication of its staff, physicians and volunteers is truly impressive…”

Special thanks to Patrice and Mika from the Marriot for their hospitality and professionalism.

Onwards and upwards, see you next year.

Holly, the Director of Human Resources, had seen us perform during a Bar Mitzvah at The Villa in Mountain Lakes a few years back. She called soon after asking us to provide the entertainment for the Synchronoss Celebration.

This year they got a little fancy with the lighting. Blue LED’s uplit the stone accents and snowflakes were projected onto the ceiling of the ballroom to help guests get into the holiday spirit. It worked.

The highlight of the night was The Mad Texan’s Jeigermiester Dance Party. As always, Synchronoss’ Vice President, Chris, took the mic after the dessert and emcee’d a twenty minute dance set to his favorite tracks. This year’s theme was “Funk”, and he was definitely getting funky…for a white boy from Texas. Some of the crowd favorites were Let’s Groove Tonight by Earth, Wind and Fire and Word Up by Cameo.

Special thanks to Barbara from Fiddler’s Elbow for her hospitality and professionalism.

Encore Gallery:

Venetian, a venue known for its ornate décor, delectable cuisine and outstanding hospitality.

With nearly 600 guests in the recently renovated ballroom with an all-marble dance floor, the ambiance was elegant and festive.

Among many, one of the highlights of the night came during the annual video montage presentation. Beyonce, Joe Torre, Carlos Santana and other famous celebrities made special guest appearances to extend their Holiday Greetings. A collective set of “oohs and ahhhs” could be heard from all of the guests (myself included).

Just like when we provide the entertainment for their kids at the Samsung, family Holiday Party, the adults at the Holiday Gala love to dance and celebrate another season of health, happiness and success.

Special thanks to Dave, Jimmy and Carlos from the Venetian for their hospitality and professionalism.

LG’s nearly 700 guests enjoyed an elegant and festive evening in the Westmount’s recently renovated Ballroom and Continental Room.

We provided pianist Sharman Howe for the cocktail hour to add a classy touch to the fashionable décor and gourmet appetizers. Sharman played a nice mix of classic jazz, current hits and holiday classics.

Among many, a highlight of the night was watching LG’s CEO, Mr. Ahn, getting “Low” on the dance floor after dinner. Talk about boosting company morale! Everybody on the dance floor was like, ‘this is the coolest boss you could ask for.”

Another highlight was seeing my friend, Nicole, win one of the luxurious door prizes that Santa gave out when he made his annual appearance with Mrs. Claus. Nicole, who referred MMP Entertainment to LG years ago, won a 42 inch LCD t.v. LG stands for “Life’s Good!” It’s easy to see why.

Special thanks to Anthony and Karen from the Westmount for their hospitality and professionalism.

Encore Gallery:

Pomptonian had their annual cocktail party at the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel in Atlantic City.

Every October at the NJ Board of Education convention, Pomptonian hosts a Client Appreciation soiree. They provide appetizers, cocktails, entertainment and prizes for their guests.

Each year we come up with a unique interactive activity to give away the prizes. For this event, we set up a projection system and played Movie Trivia. A 30 second clip of a current or classic movie would play on the big screen and the guests would have to be the first to yell out the correct title. Some of the movies included Shrek, Caddyshack, Braveheart, Batman Begins, and Stripes. The winners received $25 gas cards and voice-activated, LED t-shirts. A great time was had by all.

Special thanks to Mark and Candy, the President and Vice President of the company, for their continued hospitality and generosity. Once again, they invited me to dine with the Pomptonian team afterwards at Bobby Flay’s restaurant in The Borgata to enjoy a mouth-watering dinner.