Total Event Resources/M&M Marscar @ Swissotel

Buenos dias!

Oh, no. I'm speaking Spanish. There must be something going on in my cabesa. Hee. Actually, the only factor that is contributing to this atypical effect is a recent gig that I did with my partner and friend, Erik Friedly. The Puerto Rican division of M&M/Mars, the company behind numerous famous candy specialties and pet food brands, was having a seminar at the classy Swissôtel to present new products and to celebrate their team and their success. We were hired by Total Event Resources to supply sound reinforcement and background music for these Spanish-speaking individuals.

The theme of the day was "auto racing;" that fact was highly apparent from the impressive decorations of real car tires, checkered flags, bright lights, and posters of famous auto racers posing with the hilarious red M&M from the commercials. All the attendees were clad in new baseball caps and sizzling-hot black-and-red track jackets, covered with a near-endless array of well-stitched logos of M&M/Mars properties. Wicked cool. The routine of the day was simple: Erik and I reinforced the clapping by fading in and out sounds of race cars. We played Latin and Reggaeton tracks for the introductions and walk-offs of the presenters as well. This was my first time ever playing Daddy Yankee—and actually feeling good about it.

I will be perfectly frank and honest in my opinion of this event: It was lohhhnnng. In a good way, of course! The gig was initially four hours long, but an extra five hours of agenda items were added on, making the entire event a total of nine hours. Holy frijoles…among other things. Erik and I used our break times very well, as we either ate or took time out to call clients or complete small assignments. Most of the day was like watching a Spanish broadcasting network; I kept looking around for a button on our mixer to turn on English subtitles (I wish our mixer had that option). I understood bits and pieces of the presentations. If anything, the only Spanish word that I instantly understood throughout the day was "Musica!" That was my cue to play music for the presenters and hosts. With all that said, the whole day went successfully well, and I ended the seminar with a dancy Latin set, including songs by Santana, Sergio Mendes and The Black Eyed Peas. Caliente.

So, maybe I could not understand everything that went on in this event, but I carried myself well and performed like a pro. Most importantly, I had fun, and I am certain the next gig I will be at will be enjoyable as well. Until then, hasta luego!

– Brent Rolland, resident Fig deejay