Somewhere in the deep, diverse melting pot of culture known to many as Chicago, a unique and rather magical place dwells. One quiet trip aboard a small elevator and, ding—you're there. Instantly, you are welcomed by a cornucopia of copious items and trinkets from yesteryears past. A silly simian on a static pogo stick smiles atop a painted wall. Such an urban wonderland can go by one name: The Catalyst Ranch. It was at this ever-lively venue that a couple named Rick and Heather were going to be joined in holy matrimony, with Fig providing music and audio for the wedding and reception.
I instantly had something in common with the couple du jour: Rick is a talented musician in a band, and Heather works for an advertising agency as a graphic designer. They were already after my own heart befire I had a chance to get to know them. Although I met them on the day of the event (as I was placed on this gig at the last minute), I find it really cool when you can discover some similar interest with your clients, as it opens a door to good conversation and creating more of a relationship with them—even if it's in the timeframe of five minutes.
I had the pleasure of working with Lucy, one of Fig's stellar deejays, on a gig that posed a number of challenges. First of all, Lucy's rig had to be used as both a source of entertainment and a sound channel for the photo/videographers to use. This is where the time-honored boy scout principle, "Be prepared," totally came into our situation. Chris (and her husband of the very same moniker) had a MiniDisc player that she wanted to use as a voice recorder for the ceremony portion of the night. Of course, you need the proper wires and such to make that happen. Thankfully, Lucy carried a mini-arsenal (for the MiniDisc player, surely!) of pins, connectors and other deejay doodads so that the portable player could pick up the audio and record it properly. Lucy definitely procured her "good scout" badge for that.
It is a common action for clients to provide special music for the deejays for their event. My task was playing cocktails and dinner. Rick, an absolutely avid music lover, equipped us with around fifty CDs from his collection. No typo there, friends—that is darn near the actual amount he gave to Lucy and I. Other deejays may think, "Do I look like your personal jukebox, dude?" That was not the mentality that I carried. During cocktails and dinner, I cheerfully blended tracks from India.Arie, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, The Brand New Heavies, Fishbone, and other hip, eclectic bands. I was flattered when a darling North Carolinan lady named Deanne (sp?) complimented me for my selections. "I'm really digging your groove, man," I remember her saying. I didn't think one of my faves, "Wishing Well" by Terence Trent-D'arby, would get any response. Such refreshment! Playing supplied or unfamiliar music is a joy, especially when you can find the right songs—and when the music all has some similarity, as well.
I can say with much fervor and confidence that Lucy and I delivered one helluva dance party. We were unsure at first if Rick and Heather wanted us to stay with their must-plays and keep the night going with their CDs, but by sheer grace, Rick gave us the go-ahead to go off the list. We did. Boy, did we ever. We threw on every single party favorite and dance track we could think of, and the crowd seemed to love every minute of it. There were "Soul Train" lines and rump-shaking a-plenty, as well as several guests donning the Catalyst Ranch's trademark hats and wigs. Even Heather, the blushing bride, was bouncing around the room as if she inherited the spirit of the Catalyst Ranch monkey's pogo stick. Similar to some of the gigs I have been this summer, the crowd did not want us to leave without playing one more song. We ended with a track from Rick's band, which was a fun, rockin' tune, but nothing more after that. It's always wonderful knowing that your crowd appreciates you, but you also have to stand your ground and keep with the contracted time.
The Catalyst Ranch is always a venue that induces a lot of excitement out of its guests. This one definitely required a lot of good music and communication to make it work. If you are searching for a fun time—as Heather and Rick certainly had—please check the Ranch out sometime. Just watch out for the smiling simians on static pogo sticks.
-Brent Rolland, Fig deejay
(Many props go to the friendly photographers, Chris and Chris, as well as Hearty Boys for their awesome potato and Creole bars. Pleasure working with you both!)
