RTH: Working For Humans Since 1999

June 26, 2015/in All Posts, DJ Akron, DJ Cleveland, Gay Weddings, Weddings /by mhadder4561

June 26th, 2015: A day that symbolizes the biggest civil rights victory for same-sex couples in U.S. history. In an unprecedented ruling, the United States Supreme Court extended the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states. This landmark decision will bring the topic of same-sex marriage to the forefront of many conversations amongst friends, family and co-workers. Personally, this decision is something that I have been looking forward to for over 10 years.

This morning as I sat in my car and heard the news, I was unsure of how I would react. As someone who’s been blessed with being in a same-sex relationship for over 10 years, my partner and I have both been anticipating this day. I expected feelings of happiness and quite possibly a sense of relief, but I never imagined the outpour of emotions that would immediately follow. My eyes teared up as I thought about how all types of committed relationships now share the same basic right of marriage equality.

Now, while I understand there are many obstacles surrounding marriage equality and the access to basic human rights, I want to focus on something equally as important. Every loving couple, whether you are LGBTQ or straight, deserves to enjoy that one special day. They deserve that one special wedding; that one special song to gaze into each others eyes and proclaim in front of their loved ones and the State that they are committed to each other. “To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for rich or poor, in joy and sorrow, for as long as we both shall live”.

This is a triumphant day, not just for me, but for the Cleveland wedding industry! Working in this field for over 15 years, I have had the honor of performing at over 500 wedding receptions and have been a guest at numerous others. Being able to share in that special day in any capacity is a testament to the perseverance, dedication and true love between two people.

I am proud to stand up for equality; not just for LGBTQ wedding equality, but for everyone. I am proud of who I am and for what my partner and I have endured to have “that one moment”. I am proud to have made the decision to work for a company like Rock The House that not only embraces equality, but is on the forefront of welcoming ALL couples to our family… and has done so since it was founded in 1999.

It’s what we do. It’s what we’ve always done. Cleveland Wedding DJ Entertainment, Live Bands, Lighting, Photo booths, and Videography – We would be honored to help you plan your special day… The one you’ve been waiting a lifetime for.

Sincerely Yours,

Nick Duve, Marketing Manager

Rock The House Family of Companies

Rock The House Adds 4 ISES Wow! Awards

April 30, 2015/in All Posts, Corporate Production, Disc Jockeys, Industry Professionals /by mhadder4561

Dale McDonald Photography

On Friday, April 17th, the who’s who of the local events industry congregated in Columbus, Ohio to celebrate the 4th Annual ISES Ohio WOW! Awards. Cameron Mitchell Premier Events hosted the assembly, and the Ivory Room of Downtown Columbus provided the illustrious setting. Representatives from more than 20 Ohio based event and entertainment groups and corporations were present.

ISES, which stands for the International Special Events Society, has a Cleveland chapter that’s been active since 2008. The 100 plus member organization hosts events throughout the year designed to help companies like Rock The House grow and expand their reach, all while giving back to the special events community.

Dale McDonald Photography

“Our events have allowed our members to learn more about how to market their business in the 21st century, how to explore green and organic options for more sustainable events, how to accommodate different ethnic and cultural traditions into their events, what trends to watch for in the future, and so much more!” – ISESCleveland.com

Dale McDonald Photography

Also, as with any business, ISES imparts the importance of networking and community outreach. With the multitude of representatives from like minded organizations always in attendance, these events provide a stage for just that. Representing Rock The House was Founder & CEO – Matt Radicelli, COO – Ryan Konikoff, and Executive Assistant to the CEO – Amy Van Duyne.

This year RTH proudly captured four WOW awards, including:

2015 Best Corporate Event with a budget over $150,000
2015 Best Social Event with a budget over $75,000
2015 Best Entertainment Production with a budget between $25,000 – $75,000
2015 Best ISES Event Volunteer Collaboration

“It was a pleasure to hang out with other members from the ISES Columbus and ISES Cincinnati chapters, and we were proud to bring four awards home for ISES Cleveland!” – Amy Van Duyne of Rock The House

The ISES Event Volunteer Collaboration recognition was bestowed upon Rock The House and some of their associates for an event called ‘A Mammoth Night of Networking.’ Rock The House partnered with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Event Source, Solus Lighting and Executive Caterers to make that night a huge success.

Rock The House also expresses a special congratulations to our sister company, Zone Entertainment, who came home with three additional WOW awards!

Over the years Rock The House has impressively collected 13 total ISES Ohio WOW! Awards. With the company rapidly growing, it doesn’t appear they’ll be slowing down anytime soon.

Team Member of the Month – Travis Rose

November 20, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

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!”

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.”

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 – Sean Tyrrell

October 1, 2014/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

A Helping Hand When You Need It the Most

Rock The House is a living, and breathing machine. The people within the company are always going to keep the heart beating and the joints moving. Every so often we bring on an employee who takes us from a jogging state to a full on sprint. That is exactly the bolt of energy that Sean Tyrrell has given to keep up our pace.

Sean has been with RTH for a little bit over a year now. He considers this a team and rarely calls his tasks ‘work’ since someone is always willing to help out. Holding a mantra of being friendly to everyone you meet while working has led him to some memorable events. Being a dancer and a production technician gives him an unique edge as an entertainer.

We asked him his favorite memory from working at Rock The House:

“I was working photo magic at a Mitzvah but it didn’t stop me from dancing with some of the kids at my booth. The other dancers started a dance circle to show the kids what they’ve got. The looks on all the kids’ faces were priceless. I was called out to the floor and I did a slow motion head-slide that slowly sped up with the song. The atmosphere of that party was unreal!”

It wasn’t until the begging of this summer that Sean really proved he had what it takes to be in the spotlight on the dance floor and behind the scenes. He stepped up to take the lead on show load-in/outs, danced on high profile events, and operated photo systems for high profile clients. Many people may not see the depth in those tasks, but Sean understood how it was a direct reflection of Rock The House and how people see us.

Our Creative and Talent Coordinator, Ryan Konikoff, added his impression of Sean:

“Sean is the kind of guy you want working next to you, he’s fun and upbeat, but understands the company and clients’ goals and works towards those while keeping a positive demeanor. With a higher than average amount of bookings over the last summer, he has made himself available to help the team either as an onsite tech or staying late in the warehouse to make sure the shows are prepped and ready to go.”

A year ago we could not see how lucky we were to have Sean on our team, but now that he is here, we can’t thank him enough. We are always looking for the next rising star and a year can tell a lot about the people you have working for you. Sean proved he has what it takes to be a high profile member of the Rock The House team.

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.

Best of Cleveland Contest

October 4, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Win 2 VIP Tickets Valued at $300

You can win tickets to Cleveland Magazine’s Best of Cleveland event on Friday, October 11, 2013!

For more information on Best of Cleveland, click here.

Here’s what VIP Tickets get you:

Your ticket includes include samplings from over 60 participating 2013 Best of Cleveland Winners, live music from the 2013 Best Bands, a souvenir photo courtesy of Beachwood Plastic Surgery and two (2) complimentary specialty drink tickets along with access to the Spa West VIP Lounge. VIP guests enjoy exclusive cuisine from select participating 2013 Best of Cleveland Winners, open bar, valet parking, mini spa treatments courtesy of Spa West, a swag bag with souvenir gift, and other VIP benefits.

Here’s how you win:

1. Take a picture of the Rock The House logo in front of any place or thing you think is one of the Best of Cleveland.

2. Post it to either:

Rock The House Facebook Page
On Twitter with this hashtag – #RTHBOC
On Instagram with this hashtag – #RTHBOC
On Vine with this hashtag – #RTHBOC

The most creative entry wins! Winner chosen on Wednesday, October 9th at 5:00pm.

Low Res Image

Download the Rock The House logo below:

High Res Image

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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.

Rock The House Brings Conference To Cleveland

August 13, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Creativity Always Wins The Bid

The annual DJ / MC Entertainment conference “Think Tank” is held in a different city each year. The host helps facilitate an event that brings the best of the best in the world of event entertainment together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate.

This year, Think Tank member, Rock The House, created a video as our pitch to be the host city for this important event to our industry. Sure, we could have created a Powerpoint presentation and simply listed what makes Cleveland special…but that’s not our style. We’re in the creativity business and that’s how we won the hearts of these business owners.

There may be cities that shine a bit brighter than Cleveland, but none of them would welcome these event professionals with more open arms.

Team Member of the Month: Kurt Wick

July 8, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

Behind The Scenes Support

You probably won’t see Kurt at your event but he is making an impact on your party! Kurt has been with Rock The House for over two years and he has made a big difference in how we operate as a team. His supporting role across multiple departments allow the rest of the team to stay focused on their core objectives. His main job duties are to assist in employee compensation and benefits administration. Making sure our team members are taken care of financially by assisting human resources and accounting is an amazingly important role that touches everyone at Rock The House.

Kurt contributes to every department at RTH as described by VP/CFO Steve Tanruther:

“Kurt has introduced a level of analytics to our sales team that will provide them greater clarity into the trends that affect our market. He has also spearhead all of our employee benefits administration.”

Steve went on to say this about Kurt and his impact on the team:

“He has years of comprehensive analytical experience working in production scheduling and employee compensation. He’s always asking when and how he can help when he sees others in distress. He even helped some employees with their personal taxes in his spare time.”

We asked Kurt one memory he had of his time at that Rock The House that stands out and he gave us this great response:

“My favorite memory is actually a recurring event. Every morning, no matter how good or bad of a mood I am in, the first people I see at RTH always puts me in a better mood.”

Kurt is a perfect example of a true team player and what it takes to succeed at Rock The House.

A Prom To Remember 2013

April 9, 2013/in All Posts /by mhadder4561

A Magical Night of Hope

Rock The House is really proud to have helped create “A Prom To Remember” on April 5, 2013 at The Ritz Carlton. A Prom to Remember‘s mission is to provide the ultimate prom experience for teens who have been affected by cancer. Their goal is not only to provide them something incredible to look forward to, but also to give them an experience that will give them lasting memories. This event that helps provide hope, strength and inspiration.

We’re very excited that many Cleveland businesses offered their services to help make this event one of the best proms anyone could hope for. Guests arrived via limo to a red carpet walk where they had their photos taken and were interviewed by WJW/Fox 8 reporter Kristi Capel. Attendees ages ranged from 12 to 19 with a number of guests making repeat appearances. Cleveland Browns players Greg Little and Dan Gronkowski were both on hand to hang out and play games with the students as just one of the surprises this event had in store for the guests.

Thanks to Jane Knausz, Prom Chair, for these kind words on our participation:

“Thanks so much for DJing Prom 2014. I got a lot of good comments about the music, etc. You are a welcome addition to our team! As you could see, the kids had a great time. I was very comfortable with your music selection. And I did hear you making announcements about eating and hydrating! That was perfect. The kids have so much fun, they forget about that. And with their health, it is really important they take care of themselves.”

All of us at Rock The House are excited that we had the opportunity to provide the entertainment and lighting for this important event. Being able to do what we excel at for worthy recipients is at the heart of our RTH Gives Back program.

Check out these links that talk further about A Prom To Remember: