Posts

RTH Gives Back: Giannathon presented by KeyBank

Rock The House had the privilege to entertain at Giannathon – A family-friendly event which raised $25,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Foundation for childhood cancer research. The event honored the young hero, Gianna Andolina, and her amazing family who discovered Gianna’s leukemia diagnosis when she was only 3-years old.

12990887_464412003759038_1669827509206884161_n

Tracy Geagan
Documentary & Lifestyle Photography

Giannathon is the brainchild of Gianna Andolina’s parents, Julie and Adam. Gianna was diagnosed with leukemia on June 30, 2014 and began treatment on July 1, 2014. After making sure their daughter had the proper care at the Cleveland Clinic, Julie and Adam began researching childhood cancer to better educate themselves.”

The event, which was promoted as a “family friendly dance party,” was packed with youthful energy, love and support for Gianna and her family. We danced, played, and unapologetically celebrated life – just as Gianna has done through her courageous journey.

Giannathon FB1-4243-L

Tracy Geagan
Documentary & Lifestyle Photography

“We honestly could not have asked for more from Matt at Rock the House for our inaugural Giannathon. He was extremely engaging and had so many people on the dance floor throughout the event which is exactly what the event was all about — raising money for pediatric cancer and DANCING!”
– Jenna Zone Tucci (Gianna’s Aunt)

For more information about how to keep up with Gianna and her journey, follow Giannathon on facebook.

Giannathon FB-4282-L

Tracy Geagan
Documentary & Lifestyle Photography

Thank you, Gianna, for the inspiration. Can’t wait til next year!

Photo Credit:Tracy Geagan Photography

 

How To: Keep Your Guests Engaged at Your Next Corporate Event

From audio options to staging selections, planning a corporate event is no easy task for even the most seasoned professional. Obstacles like acoustics, inclement weather, and those ever so frequent technical issues shouldn’t get in the way of wowing your guests and giving your audience the experience they seek when dedicating a day, weekend or week to your event.

With modern event technology and audience participation products, corporate events have the ability to become once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests.

Here are a few ideas about how to give your next corporate event all you’ve got.

Be Socially Acceptable.

Give your guests a voice of their own with products like SocialCast!

Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 2.08.08 PM

High Tech Meets Text

Allow guests to interact straight from their SmartPhones with Text Live!

Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 1.58.30 PM

Set the Scene

Your guests won’t be able to look away when you utilize with show-stopping staging and lighting options!

IMG_3692-2

A Surprising Photo Op

Your guests can take their selfie-game to a whole new level by incorporating a mirror booth!

12991093_10154010482386420_3613266287768514064_n

Incorporate Snapchat’s GeoFilters

Give your tech-savvy guests an opportunity to show-off where they are! 

Custom Snapchat Filters

For even more ideas about how to keep your guests engaged at your next corporate event. See what our experts say below:

Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 2.31.34 PM

5 More Mitzvah Concepts to Consider (Part 2)

As we explained in Part 1 of this series, choosing just one event theme may be limiting to families who have a variety of interests and passions. However, in our experience, a theme or concept can be used a tool to make decisions easier to make and schematics simpler to plan.

With that said, here are even more Mitzvah concepts that are sure to WOW your guests and celebrate your son or daughter!

Bright Lights – Big Cities!

 

Considering a "Cleveland" Theme? Choose an iconic landmark as your venue! We'd suggest MOCA Cleveland or the Rock Hall.

Considering a “Cleveland” Theme? Choose an iconic landmark as your venue! We’d suggest MOCA Cleveland or the Rock Hall.

Large Cities (New York, Las Vegas, Paris, CLEVELAND, to name a few) are packed with iconography, fast-paced activities and characteristic atmospheres, food and people. Consider a city-themed event. This way, your son or daughter can celebrate their big day with their very favorite people… in their very favorite place.

Disco

The seventies brought us amazing music, daring dance moves, and best of all… the iconic disco ball. Groovy parents and crazy children alike will “totally dig” this far out trip through time.

Winter Wonderland

089_89

There are so many ways to recreate winter indoors with modern event technology. From winter-themed GOBOS, to bright white confetti cannons, your outdoorsy son or daughter will melt over this very cool Mitzvah Concept.

Just Dance!

 

Screen Shot 2016-04-13 at 9.24.09 PM

From black-light parties to club-inspired settings, events that focus on packing the dance floor are sure to please any crowd. Worried about getting guests motivated and moving all night? Look no further than our Party Motivators who are sure to pump up the energy at any given event.

Thanks for reading about even more of our favorite Bar and Bat Mitzvah concepts! For more ideas about making planning an event that packs a lot of punch, follow us on social media! (links below)

For more Mitzvah Inspiration, subscribe to our YouTube Page.

 

Jewish Wedding Traditions Take a Modern Twist

As we prep for this weekend’s Jstyle Wedding Show, we reflect on some of our favorite Jewish Wedding Traditions that have stood the test of time. The history and depth of each culture is featured and celebrated  during milestone events like weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. However, you don’t always have to do your grandma’s hora – there are ways to take these traditions and amp them up with a modern mark. Here are some ideas to help you highlight your Jewish wedding traditions.

51727_875179481264_6776894_o

The Chuppah

Whether you choose a classic cloth chuppah, deck it out with decadent flowers, or do something ultra-modern, the Chuppah is the focal point of many Jewish Wedding ceremonies and should really shine. Add drama to your ceremony by adding a chandelier, some uplights or even spotlighting your Chuppah. This way, guests can focus in on the couple they are there to celebrate.

The Ketubah

Before the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom meet with their families to sign their ketubah. “The ketubah is a unilateral agreement drawn by witnesses in accordance with Jewish civil law” (Chabad.Org). Today, brides and grooms purchase Ketubot that display their personalities. Make sure yours really shines through your Chuppah by adding light to it.

See the beautiful, traditional wedding ceremony of Katie and Ethan in the video below:

2014-06-28 RTH DSLR Highlight from RTH Multimedia on Vimeo.

 

Breaking the Glass

As the Jewish Wedding Ceremony concludes, it’s traditional for the groom to break the glass by placing it under his foot and forcefully stomping down. Make sure this moment makes a big impact by utilizing the appropriate sound equipment. Ceremony sound systems are a modern-day product offering that ensures that every prayer, vow, and stomp is heard – loud and clear.

The Hora

The Hora, a traditional, celebratory circle dance is popular at Jewish weddings and throughout many cultures. The dance is a great way to kick off almost any event, as it gets nearly all guests on the dance floor. Today, some non-Jewish couples dance the hora at their weddings as it is the epitome of a crowd-pleaser.

Screen Shot 2016-04-05 at 2.00.40 PM

According to our very own, Nick Duvé:

“Jewish receptions are rich with traditions that have gone back generations. I especially love the Hora. It instantly brings an energy to the crowd and sets the tone for an amazing celebration. We have so many different versions of the Hora that can mix withalmost any wedding vibe.”

cleveland-akron-wedding-confetti

Read more about RTH “Wow” Weddings by clicking on the photo above!

From the ceremony to the reception to the after-party, there are so many ways to enhance your culture’s traditions with modern event technology. For even more info about Rock The House Weddings, click here!

 

5 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Concepts to Consider This Spring

While choosing a theme or concept for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah can seem overwhelming, thematic events can actually be simpler to plan than events with less focus. When you and your family choose a concept for an upcoming event, everything from the food to the photography instantly becomes easier to envision.

Read on for some awesome Mitzvah themes!

Sports

Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 10.44.35 AM

Sports themed Mitzvahs are sure to please the crowd. With so many sports-related activities to embrace, why not hit the ground running with this super fun mitzvah theme?

Beach/Pool/Cabana

Recreate paradise with a tropical event concept. From novelties to playlists and tiki bars to boot, there are so many ways to let the sunshine even in the middle of winter.

Candy

Your incredibly sweet son or daughter will absolutely crave a candy-themed party. From photo novelties, to candy bars and sweet-themed cocktails, your “peeps” would pay “100 grand” and love you too “pieces” after a candy-themed event.

Casino / Vegas

Raise the stakes and consider a casino theme for your son or daughter’s big day. With fun casino-style gaming stations, your guests are sure to win big on or off the dance floor.

Alice in Wonderland

Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 10.43.59 AM

Your guests certainly won’t be late for this, “very important date!” When you incorporate a nostalgic Alice and Wonderland Theme into the party. After all, “We’re all mad here.”

Hollywood Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 10.56.22 AM

Lights, camera, PARTY! Take Hollywood glamour to a whole new level with a Tinseltown-themed gala, red carpet and all.

Carnival / Festival

Come one, come all and feel free to clown around at a Carnival Themed extravaganza featuring your son or daughter!

 

 

RTH Rocked the Connectors Choice Awards

Last week the team was humbled and honored to be recognized at CBC Magazine’s Connectors Choice Awards. Not only did we have a fantastic evening connecting with colleagues and friends, we took home the award for Corporate Event Entertainer of the Year.

16fa7196-80a6-427b-85e5-e8bfe31ad477

Here’s what CBC had to say:

Rock The House triumphed in the category of Corporate Event Entertainer of the Year. The Oakwood Village-based company has now won three times in the entertainer category and four times in the corporate event production category.“Our busiest year to date, Rock The House brought 1,800 custom events to life in 2015,” Amy Van Duyne, Executive Assistant to the CEO, said, “Our team of event producers and designers, talented party motivators, club-style DJs, dynamic emcee hosts, and our RTH Live! band created heartfelt and energetic experiences for corporate and social clients. Each event was completely unique and incredibly entertaining.”

12794724_10156555804950150_4742025719514745247_o

While many members of our leadership were abroad in China, the whole team communicated via text, email and skype, celebrating this incredible honor.

Thank you, CBC magazine, our supportive partners, our tremendous team and the Cleveland-area event industry for your ongoing support and love.

YOU ROCK. 

 

Rock The House Corporate Entertainer of the Year

RTH Brings 2016 Today’s Bride Show To Another Level!

We loved the 2016 Today’s Bride January bridal shows at The John S. Knight Center and Cleveland’s IX Center! The energy level at every show was beyond contagious. From attendees to exhibitors, everyone genuinely wanted to be there (us especially)! Our team had a blast participating in the shows and meeting hundreds of newly engaged couples from the Cleveland, Akron, Canton and surrounding areas.

The Fashion Show:  

The Today’s Bride fashion shows have become a ‘must-see’ attraction at the Today’s Bride shows and for the past eight years, we have been proud to be their exclusive entertainment and audio-visual partner.

At this year’s’ fashion show, Rock The House’s own DJ Flightz and MC Nick Duvé kept the energy going for both the models and the audiences.  Over 70 fashions from 10 different companies graced this years runway! Spotify even had a spike in tags that day from the audience searching for the amazing mashup mixes we selected.

Over 70 fashions from 10 different companies graced this years runway!  

Spotify even had a spike in tags that day from the audience searching for the amazing mashup mixes we selected.

Our Built-“Up” Booth:   

Now, as an exhibitor, we wanted to stand out from the crowd and be seen from all areas of the convention centers. So, we decided to build UP!  Yes, we were the first two-story exhibit at a Today’s Bride bridal show.

Today's Bride Booth

We incorporated marquee L-O-V-E letters, chandeliers and uplighting to create a fun and unique booth. The DJ spinning tunes on the second floor was the cherry on top (literally)!

The Today’s Bride Show Manager, Jennifer Fyffe, said it best:

“Rock The House, you set your own bar higher every year. This year was no exception. Not only did you win the Best Booth Award, you won Best-in-Show. Truly a show-stopper remembered by all!”

Oh, and the best part of it all? We’ve got it on video! Go ahead, check it out!

Rock The House Weddings is part of the Cleveland & Akron’s finest Interactive DJ, Entertainment and Production Company, Rock The House Entertainment Group, Inc.

Since 1999, RTH has exceeded expectations by providing amazing talent, cutting-edge products, and award-winning customer service.

Find out more about what we do by visiting our website or give us a call at 440.232.7625

SEE ALSO: Transforming a Tent with Lighting

Team Member of the Month – Travis Rose

A Perfect Balance of Leadership and Entertainment 

Travis Rose has been with the Rock The House team for only two and a half years. We exaggerate “only” because we wouldn’t have had our most successful years with out him. Travis has a skill set so vast there could be a book about it – MC skills, ability to DJ, knowledge of lighting, human resources, employee management, and sales are an example of just the first page.

Travis is a unique study, and we knew that from his interview years ago. When Travis was hired, we needed someone who could consult on events, and be an entertainer on the weekends. To prove he had the weekend skills, Travis showed us something that solidified the job for him.

“When I was interviewing, I was asked if I had any skills as an entertainer. I knew I had to do something to impress everyone in the room. I have always thought I was pretty good at free style rapping, so I took that to the next level. I grabbed the remote, pretending it was a microphone, and jumped up on the table. About mid jump I realized I couldn’t curse in the interview, so I had to think quickly and choose a safe song to rap. I ended up completing an Incubus song and the room burst out in cheers and laughter. I had a feeling at that point I nailed it and had the job!”

dsc_7663

He was right. Travis has been entertaining on the weekends and keeping people in good spirits in the office during his time here. Recently Travis was given a promotion and now is the head of crew scheduling. He has risen to the top as an entertainer and become one of our greatest leaders. As a leader, Travis has the ability to motivate people and lead by example.

“Having fun is the most important aspect of the job. When the crew and guests at an event are enjoying themselves, it’s a win. I am always going to make sure other around me is having a great time. When it comes down to it, I am not afraid to be serious and business minded.”

COO & Creative and Talent Director Ryan Konikoff has worked very closely with Travis. They have grown together here at RTH and now share some of the same tasks. Ryan believes that Travis has a unique skill in working with clients from the very first introduction, to the completion of an event.

“Travis has a truly amazing rapport with his clients. It is common that when an evaluation comes back from an event not only will the client take the time to mention the amazing experience they had onsite working with our event staff, but also how special the planning and sales process was working with Travis. They mention he listened, he cared, and he was there for them every step of the way. This is something we hope all sales staff can learn from and try to mimic in their client interactions.”

dsc_7666

Travis has become a great advocate for our employees. He makes sure that their voices are heard and their issues are understood. He works with management and staffs to make sure all views are embraced. He is one of the main people we count on to help in the continuing success of Rock The House.

Team Member of the Month – Chad Goldberg

A Youthful Inspiration Within the Warehouse

Rock The House has always been a company that looks at its own employees to grow and take on leadership roles. We embody the spirit of advancement from within the organization. With a constant growth, we make sure that when new employees join the team they are the right fit. In this special case, we were able to groom one from the beginning.

Chad Goldberg is one of the younger employees at RTH. So young in fact, we helped with his Bar Mitzvah only four short years ago. On his special day he got a taste of what it was like to party with RTH and couldn’t let it go. He has now been with the team for two and a half years.  Chad believes in teamwork and knowing that events cannot come together single handedly.

rth team member, goldberg, chad, warehouse, production

“My favorite part of being part of this team is knowing that I can always rely on any other member of the team for help and to get our assigned job done efficiently.

Being part of the RTH team means, a lot since it is such a unique job. I get to come to work every weekend and see a tremendous amount of talent all come together and do what we love. Being part of the RTH team is like being part of a second family; we spend so much time together that we all get to know each other very well.”

Production Manager Ben Allison strongly believes in Chad’s abilities. So much so that he even lets him take the lead on some warehouse work.

“Chad is a motivated, self reliant, team player. He does what is needed to get the job done and supports his co-workers, all while soaking up anything and everything he can learn. He is important because seeing a young face striving for so much and achieving, inspires and motivates others. I hope that people can draw from his positive attitude and leadership mentality.”

Chad began at Rock The House as a shop assistant. Performing manual labor such as moving road cases, sweeping the shop, wrapping cables, and every other task you can image in a production warehouse.  His perseverance has pushed him to where he is now. A lot can happen in two and a half years, and with his head held high, Chad will become even more valuable as years go bye. His passion for event production is unmatched when it comes to his age group.

dsc_7935

“The thing I enjoy most about contributing to clients events is seeing their initial reaction when they walk into the venue and putting forth my best effort to make it an enjoyable, memorable event.”

We truly enjoy having Chad around the shop and office. He is always eager to help out and his thirst for learning will take him far.

XBOX One Launch Party – Microsoft Store

Celebrating Gaming at Beachwood Place

Microsoft pulled all the stops on November 21, 2013 at 10:00pm EST all over the world as they released their next level of console, the Xbox One. No true product launch is complete without music, lighting, food, and energy and Cleveland was no different. The launch party in New York City featured a live performance from Macklemore; the LA party lucky attendees saw DeadMau5; and Cleveland fans at the Beachwood Place Microsoft Store were entertained by Rock The House!

Countdown to the Xbox One Launch

Hats off to the Microsoft Store because they did it right. Pizza, Pepsi products, Doritos…they know gamers! With giveaways, raffles, and game testing, these gamers got the true launch party experience. By adding “Xbox green” lighting to wash the walls and live mixing, the whole experience got elevated.