From Fringe to Mainstream (Hip Hop Weddings and Events)

“Don’t you dare play that evil, filthy so-called music. Not at my daughter’s wedding!”

 Very often, when a new musical genre begins to take hold, it can take ten years or more to reach mainstream acceptance. What we now call Classic Rock was once known as “that Hippie garbage” by those who didn’t understand it. Contemporary music was rarely heard at weddings or social events before the 1970s.

We recall a story told by a friend about his Bar Mitzvah reception. It was back in 1967, during the legendary “Summer Of Love.” His parents had arranged for a three piece band to play at the affair: accordion, clarinet, and a drummer (who played only with his brushes). Would you like to guess at the hippest song played that day? It wasn’t Light My Fire, the then-current hit by The Doors. Nor was it anything from The Beatles’ new Sgt. Pepper LP. It was the theme from the Broadway musical “Hello Dolly.”  A safe choice for Grandma and Grandpa.

Now fast-forward to 2013, and take a look at this:

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-dERbuc8NQ [/embed]

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake performed a brilliant history of Hip-Hop music. Once upon a time considered “too ethnic.” Once upon a time not even considered to be “real music.”  But it’s real enough today to be used as mainstream nostalgia. People are generally far more open-minded about dancing to contemporary music than they were in the past. Whether it’s Hip-Hop, Alt-Rock or any other genre, you can usually find something to fit your crowd’s comfort zone. OK, maybe not Speed-Metal, but you know what we’re trying to say.

At Excel Entertainment, we have the largest selection of music in the entire New York metro. Whatever your tastes, we know how to get your guests on the dance floor. Our expert blend of music, lighting and pacing will make your party the affair of the year.

For more information, call Excel’s Jason Frankel at (973) 320-3241.