DJ Peace Blog from Awesome Entertainment disc jockey, Master of Ceremonies and Event Director.

01-16-10 Corporate Holiday Party in January

2010-01-23T07:41:00Z

Here's footage from my 01-16-10 corporate holiday party which was held at
Riviera Country Club.

DJ Peace meets Spanish Rock Drummer: Alex Gonzales of Mana at NAMM 2010

2010-01-19T02:51:00Z

I had the opportunity to meet drummer Alex Gonzales of the very popular Spanish rock band: Mana. Here are some pics...

The next evening I had a corporate event and the guests leaned toward Spanish music including merengue, cumbia, Salsaand Rock en Espanol. I mixed in one of my favorites: Oye Mi Amor - A Mana classic.

Here's Alex rocking Madison Square Garden...

Additional NAMM photos can be found at the Blog for Awesome Entertainment.

Joe and Paolina - Rockin New Year's Day 2010 with DJ Peace

2010-01-08T00:20:00Z

It was an honor to be a part of Paolina and Joe's wedding. Although a good percentage of their guests stayed up past midnight on New Year's Eve, they were still ready to celebrate the next day at their ceremony and reception. Here's a video clip featuring our newlyweds, their friends and family, Humorous Officiant Alan Katz and of course, yours truly... DJ Peace...

I worked on New Year's Eve for a repeat client: Professor Ares Rosakis. I was up until 4:00am and then back on the road by noon to set-up at La Canada-Flintridge Country Club. DJ-MC Jeff assisted me at the wedding. He also FlIPPED some of the video above. Pardon the sound quality at times. FLIP VIDEO is a great device but the microphone often peaks.

DJ Peace Meets the Phantom of the Park (KISS Alive 35 at Staples)

2009-11-30T20:09:00Z

KISS toured California this November of 2009 and DJ Peace was there to support their final leg of the "Alive 35" tour.

Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, DJ Peace, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer

KISS rocked Staples Center and played an assortment of hits from KISS Alive and other albums including their newest release:

Sonic Boom which is available only at Wal-Mart and includes bonus material.

Still going strong in a tough economy and still "worth more"!

2009-11-21T17:53:00Z

Here are a couple of the latest FEEDBACK forms that came in for Me: Mark Peace Thomas. I am honored that couples are still choosing me after 20 years in business as a full-time Wedding Entertainment Director (DJ-MC-Event Director and more!).

Rock Soldiers secure the Grammy Museum

2009-09-17T05:27:00Z

It has been 20 years since Ace Frehley (Original guitarist for the rock band: KISS) has released a solo record. The Grammy Museum invited Ace to give an exclusive album preview Monday night 09-14-2009. The event was called "The Drop: Ace Frehley Anomaly" because it was the evening before his new compact disc "drops" in record stores and online. I spent most of my teen years obsessed with the imagery, magic and music of KISS so it was an event I could not pass up.

It was fun to listen to Ace because he has a distinctive Bronx New York accent, laid-back attitude with no pretense and he always seems to be quick to laugh at his life experiences. I very rarely buy C.D.'s these days but I did buy a couple to have signed by the "Spaceman". Here's an edited scan of the Anomaly 'mini-poster' inside the unique packaging. If you happen to be a Rock Soldier, retired or active, in the KISS Army... AT EASE... you can get a signed copy from Ace's website:

Risking being dishonorably discharged...here's an unauthorized photo I took from my FLIP Video camera:

If you are a fan of hard rock / classic rock, you will enjoy most of Anomaly. Tracks played at preview:

Outer Space

Genghis Khan (Ace's favorite)

Fox on the Run (Originally written and recorded by "The Sweet")

A Little Below the Angels (One of my favorites, probably because I'm mellowing out as I age... sort of)

Fractured Quantum (the 4th and final installment in Ace's instrumentals beginning with "Fractured Mirror" from his 1978 solo record, pictured below. It was the most successful of the four KISS solo records and included the hit: "New York Groove".)

Two more happy couples and I'm proud to be there

2009-09-17T04:52:00Z

Although the economy has had an impact on the disc jockey industry and most event professionals, I am staying consistently busy with referral business. Here are a couple of photos from August 29, 2009 and my most recent wedding on September 12, 2009...

09-12-2009 Wedding - Newlyweds: Cassie and Justin wanted their monogram featured behind them at their head table. Fortunately, they had a two-tiered head table which allowed me to place the light stand away from the wall to project it back. I then asked the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay A/V tech: Mark Eisenbeis for a table to place in front of the stand to make it safe for guests and staff. We moved the flat screen television from the cocktail hour into the main reception room and continued to show their slide show throughout the night. This event was referred by Mark and Rebecca Ferrell. Mark is responsible for teaching me how to be a better Master of Ceremonies and business person. He is the most influential teacher I have known and has helped thousands of disc jockeys nationwide!

08-29-2009 Wedding - Newlyweds: Joanne and Adam asked me to handle their ceremony music and microphones and as you can see... NO microphones and NO speakers can be seen. I pride myself in offering top-notch ceremony service complete with sound monitoring, lapel microphones and a clear shot for photographers and video professionals. I tend to have an eye for detail and continually come up with ways to enhance all aspects of my client's wedding. Joanne saw me handle her sister's wedding and asked me to be a part of her wedding.

Tip to the minister: Check your watch when you are "off stage". Friends and family may not be paying attention to you after you present the couple BUT we are taking pictures and video

Better Late than Never - A new record in Awesome history

2009-09-10T22:40:00Z

I received a letter from my former office in Pasadena, CA from Lorena and Antonio, Jr. The letter was an Awesome Entertainment FEEDBACK FORM from September 08, 2007. The postmark was August 03, 2009. ALMOST 2 years have past but Lorena still managed to fill out the comments page and get it back to me!! I'm guessing it was under a stack on her desk at home Here's the form and their comments...

Peace Feelin the Blues after a Rock Doo Wop Wedding

2009-08-19T09:49:00Z

I was back at the Bowl on August 12, 2009 to witness three music legends: James Cotton, Dr. John and Buddy Guy. My friend, colleague and Blues aficionado: Mike K, joined me for this Hollywood Bowl concert event. I didn't know what to expect but BUDDY GUY was definitely the HEADLINER. His energy, humor, powerful vocals and guitar prowess helped me to remember why very few rock legends can touch the Blues Masters!

Attending concerts is just one of the many ways that I continue my music education which also includes XM Radio, movies, networking, I-Tunes Top 100 Chart and music videos (via DirecTV). The "50's on 5" came in handy for my wedding reception on Sunday, August 09, 2009 since it was the first time in a long time that I had newlyweds that preferred 50's Doo Wop and classic oldies as their main musical course. It started with pre-ceremony music featuring Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash and continued into the evening at the spectacular La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes Estates.

Here is a still photograph taken from my FLIP video camera during the ceremony. It was a nice surprise to find my friend and colleague, Reverend Clint Huftt, was marrying Lauren and Christopher on such a picture perfect day!

The newlyweds met on MySpace.com where Christopher first noticed Lauren's 51 Chevy! They both share a love for classic cars, tattoos and music! At the reception, the wedding party entered to Rancid's "Time Bomb" while the new Mr & Mrs Evans chose the Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl" for their Grand Entrance.

The couple's first dance was Johnny Cash - "I Love You Because" followed by the Father / Daughter Dance.

This FLIP video picture features Lauren and her dad dancing to Heartland's "I Loved Her First".

It was refreshing to play those Oldies but Goodies with some Punk and Alternative mixed in for good measure.

Crue Fest 2 report

2009-08-01T19:14:00Z

My wife and I joined the KLOS Blood Drive a few days ago and chose "Crue Fest 2" at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Ontario as our choice of free concert. I ended up buying a pair in "Loge" so I could sit although the lawn was pretty open so it probably would have been fine.

I attended with my friend, Rafet from Aldente Gourmet since my wife had other plans.

The first band we saw was Theory of a Deadman. They were OK and I did not realize that I've heard a couple of their songs on rock radio. The vocalist sounds like pretty much every other modern rock band today which seems to be the way the industry often does business.

Godsmack followed and set the record straight that they had not broken up and over the last ten years of touring their bones and joints were getting weary so they took a break to hang out with their families. The show highlights remain the song: "Voodoo" and an instrumental tune that I can't remember the name of but features lead singer, Sully Erna, on percussion jamming with their drummer, Shannon Larkin. We walked up to the lawn to watch a small group of guys 'moshing' around a fire created with toilet paper rolls and anything that will burn.

We Caught a little of NYC's Rev Theory on the 2nd stage and they were pretty tight. Here is a link to their video "Hell Yeah" if you want a ROCK for a moment.

Motley Crue opened their show with Vince Neil wheeling in Bassist, Nikki Sixx in a giant wheelchair contraption. Nikkie popped out in a full straightjacket and they ripped into "Dr. Feelgood" in a giant padded cell. After the song the walls became a 'ceiling' and the stage instantly became wider. The lighting was far simpler than their original "Dr. FeelGood" tour which featured a 'laser demon' welcoming the crowd and infamous drummer, Tommy Lee flying high over people's heads during his drum solo. Vince sounded great but did seem to have issues with breath control which is not unusual for many rock singers. It was fun to hear songs I grew up with but have nearly forgotten. They played the "Dr. Feelgood" album in it's entirety. My favorites from that album include title track, Kickstart My Heart and the hokey: "Without You". I called my wife during the love ballad and she hung up on me!! (probably because it was too loud to make out or at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it). My favorites that took me back include "Live Wire" from their first 'self-produced' album and "Wild Side" from the "Girls, Girls, Girls" record.

My cousin, Brian (The Lucky Leprecaun at O'Sheas , The Luckiest Casino in Vegas) hung out with Vince the next day while Vince promoted his tattoo shop, Vince Neil Ink. They were celebrating O'sheas 20th Anniversary Birthday party! Brian later attended the Motley Crue show at The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel. Here's a picture from O'Sheas.:

Now it is back to business as I prepare for a wedding at the Radisson Chatsworth.

My Wedding Seminar Review and Angeles National Views

2009-07-17T18:03:00Z

Angeles National Golf Club hosted my wedding seminar: "Awesome Weddings, secrets to a successful reception."

I'd like to say THANK YOU to the Director of Catering: Carrie Contreras since she put the event together.

I'd also like to thank Paula at Premier Bride Magazine for providing a list of brides to contact. Paula also was the first to give me a review and said this about the presentation:

"Just a quick thank you for hooking me up last night. I always like to keep abreast of what’s happening in the wedding industry and up until then, I had not even heard of the Angeles National Golf Club. As always it was great to see you and I must say, you really did a great job with the seminar. It’s always nice to see someone who represents themselves so well. Congratulations on your expertise and your professionalism."

It was my first bridal seminar and I learned a lot of what I need to improve upon for future presentations. DJ Jeff followed my lead exceptionally well with the music cues given that we only went over the presentation together on the day of the seminar.

Thank you, Jeff!!

Unfortunately Jeff and I handled the DV-Cam which turned out to be a bad idea!

Here is a video clip of what we actually captured on the night of the seminar. A quick look at the beautiful views at Angeles National Golf Club with Awesome Entertainment's Wedding Entertainment Director: Peace and DJ Jeff:

http://markpeacethomas.com/2009/07/17/my-wedding-seminar-review.aspx

Angeles National is in Sunland, CA and boasts some spectacular views of the mountains. It is an awesome place to have a wedding ceremony, wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, prom, anniversary party. Stop by and visit Carrie, she would love to meet you.

A busy weekend - The price of Independence

2009-07-05T18:52:02Z

I hope everyone is enjoying their July 04, 2009 holiday weekend.

DJ Graham Silver referred The Chevy Chase Country Club to Awesome Entertainment on Friday since they had a last-minute need for an awesome entertainer. It was their member's July 04 pool party. DJ-MC Jeff agreed to handle the event. All went smoothly (of course) and the impromptu "cannonball contest" drew the adults with the 'kids'.

I was happy to stay with my family and shot video of "the boys" in their first parade. My wife is part of the "Temecula Valley Moms with Multiples" club. They were part of the July 4th festivities and the "July 4th parade video" is COMING SOON but for now enjoy this video which is featured on MattandLuke.com.

Matt sings his "ABCs". He loves to sing and is now learning "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas. Daddy "DJ Peace" has just mixed Matt and Luke a Dance CD loaded with sing-a-long favorites.

http://markpeacethomas.com/2009/07/05/a-busy-weekend--the-price-of-independence.aspx

Sunday I had a meeting with a prospective client and a final timeline/music meeting with an existing client in the afternoon followed by a night at the "Bowl". Here is a breathtaking photograph taken by photographer: Adam Latham.

I attended the Hollywood Bowl with DJ Jeff. The artists included Death Cab for Cutie, The New Pornographers and Tegan and Sarah. Death Cab did well but I was a bit disappointed with the 2nd half which featured the Los Angeles Philarmonic. It seemed to be thrown together quickly. The conductor was David Campbell (who probably scored the symphony parts). Mr. Campbell has a famous son: Beck and he is featured on KISS Symphony where he conducted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in full KISS make-up! I flew to Australia to see the KISS Symphony show which gave me an excuse to re-visit the Land Down Under. Australia features some of the friendliest people on the planet and some pretty big Potato Rockcods, too!

KISS is releasing a new album very soon which was recorded "old school" style: Analog, all band members playing "live" in a studio together and they wrote and played all their own tracks. The band is touring US in the fall with the city choices being based on voting by their fans.

B-52s and The Bowl

2009-07-01T06:45:00Z

My friend and colleague, David Jay, talked me into seeing The B-52s at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills last Friday. It is a great place to see a show and David ran into some friends that were eating which landed us seats just a few feet from the stage. Otherwise, we would have been standing the entire time since we chose not to have dinner.

The show was very entertaining and the music consisted of all their hits including Planet Claire, Rock Lobster and Love Shack. They sprinkled in quite a few songs from their new release: Funplex.

Here are a couple of photos that David took from our seats:

Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson sing their unmistakable harmonies.

Fred Schneider joins the ladies.

Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Ricky Wilson (Guitarist) and his sister: Cindy.

Grammy-Winner Adele performed at The Hollywood Bowl Sunday. Her favorite singer: Etta James was scheduled to appear but cancelled due to illness. Chaka Khan stepped in as the co-headliner with Janelle Monáe opening.

DJ-MC Michael joined me for this show with the hopes of seeing Etta James. We were both pleasantly surprised at Adele's 'innocent, quirky' stage persona and her ability to command the attention of nearly 18,000 attendees with just her voice and guitar. There is no denying her talent.

On Saturday, in between concerts, Awesome Entertainment supplied music for the Pasadena Hilton's open house. It was DJ-MC Jeff. and yours truly.

FREE SEMINAR: Awesome Weddings: Secrets to a successful reception on July 15, 2009

2009-06-23T17:33:00Z

FREE SEMINAR for Brides and Wedding Planners:

July 15, 2009

Angeles National Golf Club , Sunland

7:00pm: Live music for mingling, networking and talking with wedding professionals while enjoying complimentary Hors D'ourves and drinks provided by Angeles National.

8:00pm: Presentation by DJ Peace: Awesome Weddings: Secrets to a successful reception

RSVP to 951-244-8300

Example of mix of music for wedding 06-14-2009 with DJ Peace

2009-06-16T04:54:00Z

I was at The Castaway in Burbank, California last night. Awesome Entertainment is recommended by some of the Castaway crew and I have to say that working with their banquet managers and event staff is always a pleasure. They are courteous, flexible and accommodating which makes directing the wedding... a breeze!

I could not capture the whole night on video since I had a busy schedule for Meaghan and Bryan's wedding last night (06-14-2009). Jeff and I handled their wedding ceremony which included Carrie Underwood's "Ever Ever After" from the Disney movie: "Enchanted" for the couple's recessional. It worked very well.

The cocktail and dinner hour consisted of Michael Buble, Norah Jones, Sinatra, Ella/Louis with additional soft contemporary songs sprinkled in.

For dancing, the newlyweds wanted mainly Top 40 and some "Old School" classics but were open to requests BUT did NOT want any "hokey music" so when a relative asked the bride if the DJ could play the "Macarena"... she said: "No!"

Surprisingly, the bride, Meaghan, did ask me to play the"YMCA" so someone really special must have wanted it!

Requests ranged from Big N Rich and Michael Jackson to AC-DC and Lady Gaga. Grandma asked for "The Twist" for the older generation and well, who can refuse grandma?

Here's a quickly edited "music montage" of what I managed to capture during dancing. Most of it is the "late night" top 40 stuff:

http://markpeacethomas.com/2009/06/15/example-of-mix-of-music-for-wedding-06142009-with-dj-peace.aspx

My goal is to follow musical direction carefully and part of the reason I still love what I do is because each event is unique. Communication, planning and observation are three of the keys to a successful event.

I had Jeff mingle with the "shy side" of the room where he received some excellent information for motivating them to come to the dance floor. He also visited with some of the groomsmen outside and they were "battling" as MJ so he brought them inside for a "dance off" that the couple absolutely loved! I wish the video was a bit brighter but we shot it on my home DV-Cam... REMEMBER: we are not videographers!

See Jeff on video at the Awesome Entertainment Blog.

Here is a still photo from Terry Chan Photography. They were EASY to work with and had photos to us super fast:

An Awesome Love Story for Craig and Kim's reception at The Athenaeum

2009-05-25T23:43:00Z

Kim and Craig fell in love because they are always laughing together. This Love Story Clip which was presented by "yours truly"
DJ Peace of Awesome Entertainment and is a great example of their fun-loving nature and sense of humor! Their wedding was at the beautiful Athenaeum in Pasadena, CA and it was an honor to be their Wedding Entertainment Director.

http://markpeacethomas.com/2009/05/25/an-awesome-love-story-for-craig-and-kims-reception-at-the-athenaeum.aspx

Bob Wyar at Riviera Country Club in the Spotlight this week

2009-05-13T22:01:00Z

DJ Jeff found himself at The Riviera Country Club this last weekend on May 09, 2009.

Jeff handled The National Charity League's annual fashion show for the 2nd year in a row and then moved his equipment next door to assist me that evening for a wedding reception. Although Jeff was asked back by the client this year, Jeff and I would like to thank Mr. Bob Wyar (Wedding and Event Manager) at The Riviera Country Club for his confidence in Awesome Entertainment and his referrals.

Bob is an excellent event coordinator and he is often asked to sing at events because of his vocal skills.

Here's a picture of DJ Jeff and Bob from Riviera's Bridal Event in 2008:

My thanks to Jeff for working from 8:00am until Midnight on Saturday! He never lost his energy or enthusiasm.

Porras Wedding Consulting in the spotlight this weekend

2009-05-04T16:44:00Z

The weekend of May 02, 2009 was boosted by our friend and wedding consultant extraordinaire: Stacy Porras of Porras Wedding Consulting. We had three events because of Stacy and her assistant Tricia. I'd like to say "THANK YOU"!

Here is a photo from this weekend that features Stacy and the beautiful bride, The new Mrs. Katie Schut:

Their first dance was the classic "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf. Katie & Bragi's friends and family joined them for a pre-dinner dance set after their first dance:

Guests were invited to dance anywhere they desired since the dance area was limited and my motto is "The World is your dancefloor!". Here are a few guests who chose to get romantic in the aisle:

Notice the unique rustic setting and the tasteful chairs, tables and settings provided by
Classic Party Rents, another great recommendation from Stacy Porras.

Since my spotlight is on Stacy this week, here is one more shot featuring Stacy and our newlyweds
during their photo shoot at cocktail hour:

Another blog for Awesome Entertainment entertainer information, videos and updates

2009-04-27T20:28:00Z

Make sure you check out:
The Awesome Entertainment Blog
for more videos, disc jockey happenings and news.

Coachella 2009 with Morrissey, Leonard Cohen and McCartney

2009-04-21T18:37:00Z

This photo taken by my new friend: Anu. He wanted to see Paul ever since the album "Wings Over America" was released but had to wait thirty years for Coachella 2009. We were about 100 feet from the stage.

This year I made the trek to Coachella to see Paul McCartney... again (I've seen him at Staples Center twice). I love the atmosphere of Coachella: open-air, multiple stages, a dance tent, food vendors, artwork and unique people. I arrived a bit later than I anticipated so parking at 4:00pm turned into finally parking at 6:00pm. I chatted with a couple of the LOT 5 parking attendants for over an hour with the hope their boss would say "let a few more cars in"... but... it never happened so I jumped in my Honda Odyssey and made my way back toward the main gate. They let me though and I ended up parking very close to the entrance. Patience can pay off. I preferred to wait outside my vehicle than sitting in a line of traffic. I had actually picked up my ticket as I spoke with the staff at Lot 5. A group of ladies had an extra ticket because their friend was sick. They asked $75.00 ... take that Ticketmaster!

I made it in just in time to grab a Tri-Tip sandwich (more on that later) and to catch Leonard Cohen.: a singer with an unmistakable voice and a very talented band. Before Mr. Cohen began his performance, I met a newlywed couple and they chose "Dance Me to the End of Love" for their first dance song at their wedding a few weeks earlier. As fate would have it, Mr Cohen opened with their song!

My friend, David Jay, and I made our way over to the main stage for Morrissey. It took us awhile to get through the crowd since David's wife, Lisa, was holding us a "spot" about 5 rows from the stage and everybody was like "yeah, my wife's up there, too!". I much prefer to "chill" toward the back with the option to roam to other stages, tents, etc. Once I was entrenched for Morrissey and McCartney it would definitely not be worth fighting my way OUT and then back again. Unfortunately, I missed the 'mash-up' sensation Girl Talk which was recommended to me. I'll catch him another time.

Morrissey is another unmistakable voice and a talented song-writer. I've always enjoyed his dark sense of humor with songs like "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Panic" but his performance was a bit lackluster. He made a few looks of disgust and eventually commented on the smell of burning flesh which I felt was a bit odd, especially when he said that he hopes it is human! I understand if you are a strict vegetarian but if you are playing an outdoor music festival, wouldn't you assume there will be Bar-B-Cue!?! As I mentioned, I had just enjoyed a Tri-Tip sandwich and here was Morrissey telling me he'd rather I'd be burning.

I'm sure hard-core SMITHS fans will defend their fearless leader but I am confidant he lost potential fans and alienated quite a bit of the audience. I guess it makes life interesting, but it sure would have been a lot more fun to endure the standing, body-heat and shoving if he spent more time entertaining! There are also better approaches to bringing awareness to the masses. For those of you who are curious, check out Meat is Murder by The Smiths.

The main event for Friday night... Sir Paul McCartney. Paul always puts everything he has into his performances and tonight was no exception. Paul is one of the few artists that still gives you a two and a half hour show and NEVER leaves the stage. Even when his bandmates are taking a break, he will play guitar and sing or jump behind the piano and play a classic. McCartney is 66 years old and he has more chops and stamina than most of the young bands!