Who is Rock The House?

December 10, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Answer: Creative Event Professionals

Rock The House was founded by Matt Radicelli in 1999 as a small, home-based business. Over the years, the company has developed into a full entertainment production service catering to more than 1,000 events each year. The secret to our success has been our unparalleled creativity and commitment to world class customer service. We have been recognized with nine CBC Magazine Connector’s Choice Awards, five SBN World-Class Customer Service Awards, and six International Special Events Society (ISES) Ohio WOW Awards. These awards are important bench marks because it shows consistent recognition of our industry leading products, services, and customer service.

In 2006, the company expanded beyond its walls and moved to a new home in Oakwood Village, Ohio. The custom-designed building houses offices, comfortable meeting areas, a demo room, an equipment warehouse, and a unique culture that stimulates creativity, close relationships, and a welcoming environment for both clients and staff. The 2011 acquisition of the wedding entertainment company, Selective Sound Entertainment, further diversified our talent pool with professionals with over twenty years of event entertainment experience.

There is always something to celebrate and our staff’s goal is to make your celebration memorable. Each member of the Rock The House team contributes his/her unique talents and personality to make up a diverse, energetic, and dynamic group. You can count on us to provide exceptional service and entertainment at every event. Find out more about what makes Rock The House special – www.RTHGroup.com

XBOX One Launch Party – Microsoft Store

November 22, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

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.

Neil Leeson & Be Seated Holiday Open House

November 20, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Starting The Holidays Off Right!

We were honored to help designer and florist, Neil Leeson celebrate the holidays with his clients and friends on November 19, 2013. His holiday open house showed visitors the latest in event design, rentals, and trends at their very spacious showroom. An event industry veteran, Neil knew just how to take care of his guests! Hors d’oeuvres, wine, signature floral mocktails, desserts and coffee made for a true holiday celebration. Neil’s Decor and Floral Retail Store also had a variety of boutique offerings that would make amazing holiday gifts (including Bacon scented Man-Candles!).

We were honored to be asked by Neil to accent his designs with lighting. Guests knew immediately they were at the right place with the red lighting accenting the building’s facade. Washing his showroom walls in light created the event atmosphere he was looking for that helped put everyone in the mood. Our wireless pin spotting lights accented the aspects of Neil’s design and Be Seated‘s rentals that he wanted to really pop. Tying everything together was new pieces of L’nique’s contemporary linens.

Working with someone like Neil is great because he knows exactly what he wants and we just make it happen. Working hand in hand with high level collaborators elevates everyone’s efforts and gives our clients the best possible experiences.

Team Member of the Month: Steve Tanruther

November 15, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

VP, CFO & MVP

rock the house

Steve is the true renaissance man within the Rock The House team! Having daily job responsibilities that range from chief advisor to founder/owner Matt Radicelli, managing the full financial state of the company, as well as being the IT guru and Technology expert. Steve also chooses to expand his role away from his desk by spending time in the warehouse, on events, and side by side mentoring staff members. He is one of the few people on this earth that that has the ability to walk his dogs and read 3 or 4 newspapers before breakfast, finish a very completed Profit / Loss Statement by lunch and then spend his afternoon 40′ in the air rigging chain motors for a large event in order to give the rest of the team a break, before a quick trip the Aikido Studio for a work out, a bite to eat at a new upcoming restaurant and then to House of Blues to rock out to a great band, and despite what Steve says about his dancing skills, anyone who has joined him for a night a Mega-80’s knows that he can bust a move with the best of them. We can’t even fit all of that in a sentence without it being a high run-on but Steve makes it all seem effortless.

October is always one of the busiest months of the year at Rock The House, and this year was busier them most. Steve made sure to embrace his role as SR VP by setting an excellent example for all staff by working hard to complete his day to day tasks and also stepping in to help all other departments. By participating in sales meetings, stopping to pick up equipment on his way from and too work, and helping to project manage events on the weekend he shows everyone that a title doesn’t exclude you from doing things outside your responsibilities. Through all this month he wasn’t just “doing” but he was stopping to teach, advise, and mentor newer staff members in the process working to build a stronger more well rounded RTH team.

We hope that staff members see what it is like to truly love what you do and to always keep your skills well honed. Steve spends most of his time in the office because that is where he is needed. Its second nature to jump in a lift to hang a lighting truss, mix a few microphones from a mixing console he has never seen, and has no problem helping with event positions that may not be the most glamorous, like running feeder, or packing a truck.

They say an elephant doesn’t forget, well we would put any elephant up head to head against Steve in a contest of institutional memory. He has been around from day one, and had a long career in AV before Rock The House. He is the guy on the team who had been there and done and makes sure we learn from the mistakes of the past. RTH Founder/Owner Matt Radicelli met Steve when he was leading the electric slide at a Twinsburg High School Dance in the early 1990’s. After a short conversation, Matt realized that Steve was also a touring sound engineer. For a company like Rock The House that spends almost even time working on Production and Entertainment you must have a leadership team that has spend time within each department. We at RTH also pride ourselves as a technology based company, and Steve makes sure to always stay on the cutting edge of technology from custom building the RTH server to managing all of the soft and hardware for all staff members, laptops, mobile devices, and work stations.

One question we ask ourselves of those we are considering for the Team Member of the Month is: “How does this person go above and beyond for Rock The House?” COO/Creative & Talent Director, Ryan Konikoff attempts to answer this one when it comes to Steve:

“If you would ask Steve this, he would say there is no such thing as going above and beyond, when something needs to be done, someone does it. If he is there he’ll do it – that’s how we grow and get better….so maybe that answers the question.”

Congratulations, Steve! You are the team member of the month on the busiest month of our busiest year…so far!

Key To The Cure

October 8, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Saks Fifth Avenue’s “Key to the Cure” kick-off party!

The “Key to the Cure” kick-off party is Thursday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Saks Fifth Avenue Beachwood store. Rock The House is proud to be the production partner on this important fundraising event.

Tickets can be purchased online for $50 which includes a $25 tax-deductible donation to Cleveland Clinic and a $25 Saks gift card to be used towards a future purchase. The kickoff party is your chance for a fabulous and fun evening out while supporting a great cause.

Enjoy complimentary makeovers, salon and spa services courtesy of Dino Palmieri Salon and Spa, Ladies and Gentleman Salon and Spa and ‘do Blow Dry Bar. Colin Lively, celebrity hairdresser, will also be on hand to give styling tips and demonstrate fall hair trends.

The event will also feature “The Best of Cleveland” food and beverage vendors including Washington Place Bistro, Sushi Rock, Crop Bistro, La Strada, La Dolce Vita, Saffron Patch, and more!

Each guest will leave with a goodie bag filled with treats from Panera Bread, Executive Caterers, Bonbon Bakery & Treat Shop, Anna in the Raw, Saks Fifth Avenue beauty samples, and more!

Complimentary valet will be provided.

Tickets for the kickoff may be purchased online at giving.ccf.org/keytothecure for $50 ($25 is tax- deductible).

The first 200 ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing for a beauty basket valued at over $1,000.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, call Hallie Bram at 216-292-5500 Ext. 202.

Team Member of the Month: Alex Kay

October 7, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

DJ & A Lot More

One of the most uniquely trained members of Rock The House is October’s Team Member of the Month – Alex Kay. Chiefly known as a DJ and yet he’s probably taken on every different entertainment position possible with RTH. His standing as a DJ is so well known because he’s furthered his career and training beyond the needs of most event disc jockeys. As a club DJ, Alex has his thumb on the pulse of the latest music almost before anyone else at the company. His suggestions for songs on playlists have become invaluable. He is the only DJ at RTH that uses Technics at signature events that require live mixing which in and of itself is really something.

Alex’s career has flourished for the same reason RTH has. He’s never satisfied with where he is at and continues to learn new skills that have taken him all over the country. As a lighting designer, he works with a broad range of event types at Rock The House including weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, and School functions. He’s applied his craft and love of live events as the lighting designer on multiple national tours with national recording artist Machine Gun Kelly. Alex picked up invaluable experience from those tours which allowed us to pick up MGK as a client.

Alex lists one experience with his last tour as one of his favorite with Rock The House.

“I think one of my favorite RTH memories is either when Steve and Ryan (RTH CFO & COO) drove to Detroit before a MGK show to deliver a Platinum Spot lamp. After the show we had a chance to go out for dinner.”

What Rock The House means to Alex is evident in his words:

“What I enjoy most about my contribution to our clients events is creating an atmosphere thats ideal for them. Whether its draping an entire room, building a giant stage and filling it with an awesome lighting rig, or just setting up something basic for a small wedding; as long as our clients are smiling thats all that matters. Being part of RTH has meant a lot to me. I’ve learned a lot of things that have undoubtedly allowed me to further my career to lead larger events and go out on tour, and also made some good friends through working at RTH.”

Alex’s passion for pushing to get better and better is something that the whole company benefits being around. He looks at every part of our operation and is always thinking about ways we can do more for our clients. We’re lucky to have someone who lives and breathes entertainment and we’re all made better by his contributions.

Greatest Best Man Speech – Aaron Kutz

October 3, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

You’ve Never Seen A Speech Like This!

This is the greatest best man speech of all time!

On September 28, 2013 RTH VP of Sales Jeff Kutz married his best friend (and newest member of our familly) Sharon. The wedding reception was held at the Marriott Key Center in downtown Cleveland. Jeff’s younger brother Aaron wanted to do something extra special for his best man’s speech. Here’s what we all came up with!

Enjoy!

This video has been shared and viewed 1,000s of times since it was uploaded this week!

As featured in:

96.5 Kiss FM – Greatest Best Man Speech Ever!

Cleveland Scene Magazine – A Best Man Speech That Doesn’t Suck

Cleveland’s Simchapalooza 2013

October 1, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

CLEVELAND’S 17th Annual Simchapalooza

Sunday, November 10, 2013

If you are planning a party or special event, you will want to attend Cleveland’s FREE Event Planning Expo on Sunday, November 10th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the event’s new venue – Landerhaven. Rock The House is proud to, once again, be the presenting sponsor of this fabulous event hosted by our friends at Party 411 Events

This dynamic tradeshow/event/entertainment showcase features food tastings from some of Cleveland’s best caterers, original and creative ideas, products and services for the basic to the ultimate celebration.

Over 70 vendors will show off what’s new in their industry and the latest in trends for planners looking to create memorable and exciting occasions of all types and sizes—from milestone celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, benefits, galas and corporate events as well as Bar & Bat Mitzvahs and Quinceañeras.
The event also includes fabulous one-day discounts from many of the vendors, all day entertainment and demonstrations as well as a silent auction featuring popular items and services you can bid on from the expo vendors.

The expo and showcase is produced by Sherri Foxman’s Party411 Events sponsored by Party411 Events, Rock the House, PNC, Landerhaven and the Cleveland Jewish News.
The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, contact Sherri Foxman or Kathy Pahr at (216) 514-8411.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Greater Cleveland Chapter of Hadassah. Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, promotes health, education, social action and advocacy in the U.S. and medical care and research, education and youth institutions in Israel. It is the largest women’s, largest Zionist and largest Jewish membership organization in the United States.

Amy Van Duyne Joins The Rock The House Family

August 19, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Welcome To The Team

We’re proud to announce that Amy Van Duyne has joined the Rock The House family as the Executive Assistant to Founder/Owner, Matt Radicelli.

“This isn’t an easy position to succeed in.” Says Matt. “This job is all about keeping me moving as efficiently as possible. I’m really happy Amy chose to join our team. She gets it.“ says Matt.

Her job also includes “other tasks as needed” which will include design, market research, business analysis, project management, and anything else that will help advance the growth of RTH.

Amy describes it best, “I’m like a battery in a fan, I keep things running and it’s a lot easier than spinning the blades yourself.”.

Background

Amy earned her Bachelor’s in Education at Ashland University, then bolstered her special event resume with non-profit work for almost 4 years. During that time, she produced annual adult and youth conferences, organized national and international committees, and assisted the progress of a wide array of initiatives with only a limited volunteer support staff.

With a growing fascination with special events, Amy accepted a position in a floral studio; then decided to go back to school to earn a Certificate of Tourism, Convention, and Event Management. While studying in Indianapolis she gained valuable experience as a member of ILEA’s Indiana Chapter, working at Kahn’s Catering as a server, McNamara Florist, and managing a Pilates Studio.

After she earned her Event Endorsement, she was offered a position at Neil Leeson Decor Floral, one of the region’s most well-known and respected Floral & Decor organizations. Amy quickly worked her way up the ladder and eventually earned her position as Director of Weddings & Special Events.

“I really enjoyed working with the team at Neil Leeson. While I was there, I was able to help streamline the business, create internal and external controls, and really strengthen the brand. It was a really great team.” Says Amy.

RTH, Goals, & The Future

With aspirations of owning her own business, Amy decided to make a transition that would allow her to learn more about production and entertainment; areas she had not been exposed to.

Nick Borelli, Rock The House’s Marketing and Communications director adds, “I also chose a career here at Rock The House to learn more about live event production and entertainment. RTH has a really great culture; and for someone with Amy’s skill-set and drive, coming to work every day [at RTH] is going to feel like coming home – she fits right in.”

Most companies would think twice about hiring someone with aspirations of starting their own business but Matt sees it very differently:

“I’m an entrepreneur… and I have a lot of respect for anyone that wants to be in control of their own destiny – even if it means they want to start their own business. If we hire the right team members, compensate them fairly, and treat them with respect and dignity, there’s a good chance we’ll be partners in some sort of business endeavor someday.”

Amy is excited about the present but sees everything she does as experiences that are shaping her future:

“Working at Rock The House is a win-win. Not only does the company offer what I need to catapult my career goals, but I can also offer the team my knowledge and previous experiences that will help move the company forward as a whole. Whether I’m here for two years or 10 years, it is my goal to increase the company’s growth and make some great friends along the way.”

As a member of the ILEA Cleveland Board of Directors, Amy has already made a name for herself in the Cleveland event industry. She credits ISES with boosting her career goals by allowing her to network with the best in the industry, gain industry-specific education from peers, and connectivity beyond the region as a member of an international group of professionals.

Beyond Amy’s team goals, she has set personal goals for the next five years and beyond:

“One of my first goals is to obtain my CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) designation. It is not only a symbol of professional achievement, but it also shows the respect and commitment I have to the industry.”

Rock The House has always been a company full of ‘Rock Stars’ who are hungry for new challenges and are committed to pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our clients. This is why we know Amy will fit in perfectly in our culture and help elevate everything she touches.

:: Congratulate Amy today on her new position, or connect with her to find out how she [and Rock The House] can help to make your next event ROCK! [email protected]

WKYC Health & Wellness Expo 2013

August 16, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

WKYC to host Health & Wellness Expo

WKYC is playing host to an inaugural event, guaranteed to bring thousands of people downtown to the brand new Cleveland Convention Center.

The station is hosting their first annual Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 7^th. The event runs 10 am to 6pm and is free and open to the public and is presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Mace and The Dental Specialty Group.

The Expo will focus on all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and is designed to help Northeast Ohio residents learn more about their health in an informative and fun environment. Those who come to the Expo can get free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and skin cancer, just to name a few. A Health Forum Pavilion will feature panel discussions on trending health topics, plus a cooking stage with area chefs and a demo stage with the latest exercise and dance moves.

There is plenty of interactive fun for the whole family. Meet the WKYC-TV team and give weather and sports anchoring a shot. Or climb a rock wall, work on a golf swing, or kick around a soccer ball.

It’s fun, it’s free and it’s being held in the coolest new spot in Northeast Ohio! Check out the WKYC Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 7^th.