29/10/2017
Halloween always had been one of the biggest events of the year. Massive Fog shrouded dance floor, Brilliant white light strobing, and a dozen key, hot, Halloween videos splashed onto my 10 foot multimedia video screen. Of course dressing for the events with a simple, yet impressive costume was always the goal.
Of the events I used to do for Goodrich, New Lothrop, Mt. Morris, Clio, and several other Middle and High Schools, I performed annually for several years for a well known adult Ski Club (hint... based out of Mt. Holly) and their antics were "over the top". This group had monthly social events, beginning in the fall, that I DJ'ed for, and their Halloween event was always a "b***y" affair. Many of the costumes were "adult" and with drinks flowing it was a wild private party. Much like the Halloween events at the night clubs I used to DJ for too. It's hard to say, but if I was to guess, I probably entertained for close to 200 Halloween events in the 30 years I was in business
From 1983 to 1991 I was scheduled every year to entertain the major Halloween event held at the Flint University Club in downtown Flint where I entertained on a regular basis. One of the highlights was a haunted hall way, but the real fun began when it was time for the activity dances. Everyone from children to adults attended and participated. It was always a huge family event with the regular members.
After the University Club was closed (about 1996) and the Genesee Towers Building was reduced to a city park (2013) , I was invited by former members to entertain for their "lavish" parties for the Flint Golf Club for several years. The place was packed for Halloween. I had already been there for almost 3 hours preparing for the 4 hour event. Packing up and removing the show would take another hour and half. The Club's members and family were always responding extremely positive to the shows I put on for them.
The last Halloween party I entertained at was for Outdoor Adventures resorts. I spent 5 years (2005 - 2010) traveling to all of their resorts, entertaining on weekends during the summer when they were packed. It was at their New Years Eve party in 2010 where I severely re-injured my back attempting to move a rather large, heavy sub-woofer to re-position it during the party. The pain was excruciating and I had several hours left to stand and entertain, then remove my show. That was the beginning of the end for my entertainment service. I had a few shows in 2011 and 2012. By that time much had changed in the Mobile DJ world, both with number of clubs closed, the amount of advanced bookings, and the lower base pay rates our local economy could support.
Yes, I miss those days of "Bringing the Party". Back surgery this month (10/ 2017) may help me be able to go back to entertaining. It's been 20 years of back issues primarily from the abuse of moving, setting up and tearing down a major production of sound, video and lighting equipment. Who knows what the future will bring...
