WELCOME!
Serafino Graziosi Music and Entertainment is Montreal's full-service entertainment company, providing the Quebec and Ontario area with a wide range of entertainment options for all types of events. So unique is our approach that we aren't just DJs we are Entertainment Specialists.
Combining quality service and products with personal customer attention, we have become the top choice for thousands of individuals, corporations, schools, and organizations.
WEDDINGS
For over 20 years, from Italian, French, Jewish, Lebanese and more, Serafino Graziosi has been exceeding the expectations of brides and grooms with unrivaled entertainment.
Starting with a cocktail hour or dinner? We help brides and grooms create the wedding ambiance of their dreams. The classical sounds of Mozart and Brahms… the cool jazz of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra… the timeless love songs of Elton John and Bette Midler… Our DJs create whatever backgrounds newlywed couples desire for their special event.
When it's time to party, our Entertainment Specialists conjure whatever atmosphere the bride and groom desire, from simple elegance to all-out fun! Oldies, Motown, Disco, Club, Hip-hop, Pop, Country… whatever your musical tastes are, we're right there with you.
BAR/BAT MITZVAS
On the day your child is called to the Torah as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah you can count on us to provide the highest quality of entertainment for you and your guests.
From young children… to teenagers… to adults… to grandparents… our diverse music collection and enthusiastic DJs will entertain your guests to the fullest.
Our disc jockeys provide high-energy interaction along with all of the latest and hippest Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception contests and games… high-energy dancers will move and shake with your crowd throughout the reception… the coolest lighting systems will provide a dazzling atmosphere for you and your guests that pays tribute to the significance and tradition of the ceremony while fulfilling the partying desires of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and your guests.
We offer several different packages to choose from.
CORPORATE AND PRIVATE EVENTS
From the point of initial contact to the on-site conclusion of the special event, we put corporate clients at ease by providing prompt and courteous communication, clear and thorough proposals, and flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.
Whether you're looking for interactive, moderate, or conservative musical service, our corporate disc jockeys utilize whatever approach best suits your event, spinning music from a library of over 20,000 titles ranging from oldies to today's current hits.
We offer casino nights, corporate entertainers, sound reinforcement and production, and a wide range of other services to make your event complete.
If your function requires more specialized services, please contact our offices.
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE EVENTS
For two decades, our DJs have performed for dozens of elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities throughout the Montreal area.
Our music library of over 20,000 titles (including the most current hits), state-of-the-art equipment, and energetic deejays will make your school or college event one to remember.
Additionally, please inquire about many services we offer in addition to event disc jockeying, including incredible light shows, DVD music video mixing, entertainers, attraction rentals, and after-prom extravaganzas.Serafino Graziosi Entertainment is currently offering specials for multiple-event school or college bookings, please contact us for discount rates.
KARAOKE
Our professional karaoke services include a professional sound system, a television that intersperses song lyrics with attractive graphics, and an energetic and interactive disc jockey, who is passionate about music.
Our DJs take requests, introduce the "performers," and will even join in the fun to ensure everyone has a great time. We feature a sizable karaoke music library with titles and lyrics from many music genres including rock, pop, R&B;, country, oldies, standards, and many more.
Our DJs frequently add new songs and lyrics, making our karaoke one of the most diverse and complete systems.
Please contact us for information on booking karaoke as the main attraction or in conjunction with our many other services. Our DJs look forward to making you and your guests the star of your next event.
HOW TO HIRE A DJ
Do you remember when you first started to daydream about your wedding?
If you're like most brides, it was years before he asked you to spend the rest of your lives together.
It may have been while you were watching Cinderella, or when you were playing Barbie and Ken, or one Halloween where you dressed as a bride and everyone said, "Ah, she's so beautiful!" The significant thing about all these memories is that they were so perfect.
Now you're all grown up? no more make believe. You have a much clearer picture of what you want now than you did then. And, back then you couldn't possibly imagine how much work, how many decisions, and how much money it would take to create the wedding of your dreams. Well, reality time is here and it can be overwhelming! The first place to begin planning any wedding is to decide your budget.
Too often this is done in hindsight with the realization that some things are just going to have to be eliminated or pared down. By starting with a realistic budget, you'll find yourself making better decisions with fewer regrets.
Unfortunately, when the money starts to run thin, one of the more common places couples opt to cut back is on their reception entertainment. This has often proven to be a disappointing mistake.
One way to think about your reception entertainment is to consider it to be an insurance policy on the rest of your investment. The fact is, it won't matter how beautiful your decorations are, how delicious the meal is, how artistic the cake is, if your entertainment fails to meet your needs and expectations. The entertainment is the one factor that can "make or break" your event.
While it's attractive to shop by price, just as with every other wedding service vendor, price alone is not the definitive factor in this decision. All DJ services are not equal. You don't want to rush into this important decision based simply on price. As a mobile disc jockey, let me point out a few things that you'll want to consider:
- Experience? The first thing to consider is experience, specifically with wedding receptions. A DJ who does primarily club work will most likely not have the variety of music that is necessary to perform at weddings, nor will he or she have the experience necessary to professionally emcee the reception events. A good reception entertainer has many responsibilities. He or she needs to be an event manager, know the kinds of music that will satisfy your guests and how to work well with other professionals. A reception is a coordinated effort between many professionals. You want someone who has had experience working with caterers, photographers, and videographers so that everything runs smoothly. One indication of an experienced reception DJ is that he or she will have a thorough event planner for you to complete or that will be completed with you during a planning meeting. This will cover everything from the names of your bridal party, songs to be played for your formal dances, special requests, songs to NOT play, and many other factors that will help things run smoothly.
- Music Library? This factor alone varies greatly amongst people who provide this service. Is their library all-digital or does it include cassette? Compact disc is the medium of choice for mobile professionals who keep their libraries current. In addition, while it can be expected that any DJ have a variety of music that includes several genres, are they really equipped to play the music that you and your guests want? How many selections does the DJ have? While 300-400 CDs may sound like a lot compared to your personal collection that will almost always be insufficient for a professional. Even if the DJ is using primarily compilation discs, they will most likely not be able to handle many of your guests' requests. For a reception you expect a variety of ages and music tastes. The budget DJ simply has not invested the amount of money necessary to provide you with a first class selection of music. Therefore, it is important for you to select a DJ who has invested in an extensive music library.
- Equipment? Your disc jockey should have high quality, professional equipment that is designed for mobile use and that is neatly cased. Cordless mics are also a nice touch for the blessing & the toasts. This is another feature that you don't find with a budget DJ. Although you might not be familiar with brands for professional equipment, it will not be the brands that you find at electronics stores. While it is highly unlikely that your disc jockey will experience any equipment problems, he or she should have back-up equipment readily available.
- Personality/Interaction? It is important for you to select a DJ who will provide the style and personality that you prefer. Do you want an energetic who will interact with your guests, or do you prefer that the disc jockey provide a more low key approach and only make necessary announcements? These are questions you should ask yourself, and the disc jockey. Make sure that you have a match between your needs and tastes to the ability and style of the disc jockey. A professional service will be capable of providing any style that you prefer. They will keep perspective and perform knowing that it is YOUR day and not their show.
- Appearance/Dress? Unfortunately, this is an issue that must be examined prior to hiring your disc jockey. If your wedding is a formal event, your DJ should be dressed appropriately in a tuxedo or formalwear. A DJ who is dressed casually will take away from the overall look of your reception.
- Contracts/Reliability? The importance of a getting a written contract from your disc jockey cannot be overemphasized. In a vast majority of cases where there have been last minute problems, there was NO written contract or the DJ was a "friend" of the family. You may have a very capable friend who has offered to provide you disc jockey services at a discounted rate. The most important social event of your life is NOT the time to mix business with friendship. What if the performance is not up to your expectations? Your reception is disappointing and a friendship is compromised. If you have no contract do you really want to take the chance of the DJ not showing up for your event, or canceling at the last minute? A written contract is imperative. You want it to clearly state who your DJ will be, what hours are covered, and what is included in the price. Often lighting and other options are available at an additional fee.
So, you know some of the criteria you need to consider. How do you go about gathering this information? Well, of course the best way would be if you have recently attended a reception and liked the DJ that performed. However, if this is not the case for you, the Yellow Pages and the internet are where to begin. Be cautious of splashy ads… the biggest ad and the fanciest website doesn't necessarily reflect the best quality.
Large multi-system corporations or agencies have the money to invest in advertising but that doesn't mean they've also invested in training, quality equipment, and solid music libraries.
Many DJ companies have lists of references and possibly even videos that you can view of DJs "in action." Remember that a great video can be more indicative of talented and creative editing rather than a talented DJ No one is going to show footage of an empty dance floor!
Another caution about videos is to NOT assume that the DJ you see will be the one who will actually perform at your reception. You have to ask! Often with large national chains, the video is professionally produced using their top talent. It's possible that the DJ on the video is not even in your area. Regarding references, please realize that no one is going to give references that are less than glowing. You must proceed with caution regarding anything you watch or read.
There is one great way you can decide if a DJ is right for you. Talk with him or her. Who would have thought it could be so simple! Over the phone, or better, in person, you can get a good feel for the persona and style of the person you are considering. Pay attention to your degree of comfort while in this person's company.
Listen to his or her voice tone and inflection. These will be good indicators of what you can expect in terms of professional performance. Pay attention to the questions that you are asked. This will give you an idea of both how organized and how tuned in to your needs and expectations he or she may be. Expect questions like where your event is located, number of guests you anticipate, and what type of atmosphere you are hoping to create.
What should you talk about? You want to be prepared with questions that address the criteria examined in this article. That means you have to ask yourself a lot of questions first. Most important, you need to ask yourself how much is quality entertainment at your reception worth to you? Comparatively speaking, you entertainment will be one of the least expensive factors in your reception. It will be worth investing a bit more for a top-notch DJ. It's one of the most important decisions you will make. Years from now your guests will still remember that your reception was fun!
Special thanks to Jolene Anthony for writing this informative article
Jolene Anthony was the owner & operator of Platinum Productions, a mobile full-service entertainment company based in Butler, PA. She also served as the "Assistant Dean" of DJ University, an online training resource for disc jockeys. She passed away in a car accident in February of 2001 and will be missed dearly.
LIVE MUSICIANS
The classic touch of a live musician can make your evening one to remember. Serafino Graziosi Music & Entertainment has live musicians to meet all your needs.
Just imagine having professional musicians at your wedding ceremony, adding that extra touch that no one will ever forget. Or a jazz duo to a quartet playing music for your guests during cocktails or even dinner! We can make it happen!
From solo artists to live bands, jazz crooners to big band sound, Serafino Graziosi Music & Entertainment has it all. Inquire about booking a live musician or band for your upcoming event. Booking dates will go quickly!
MUSICAL SUGGESTIONS
The bride & groom's first dance is always a memorable part of any wedding. You will find below a compiled list of songs for you to choose from for this important dance. We've also included Parent Dances and a variety of other specialty songs for the reception.
This list is updated quarterly, so check back often!!!
Processional:
- Air (from Water Music Suite) - Handel
- Allegro Maestoso (from Water Music) - Handel
- Arioso - Bach
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel
- Blue Danube Waltz - Strauss
- Canon in D - Pachelbel
- Elvira Madigan Theme - Mozart
- Erev Shel Shoshanim
- Erev Ba - Shoshana Damari
- Guitar Concerto in D Major - Vivaldi
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
- Processional to Te Deum - Charpentier
- Romance (from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik) - Mozart
- Rondeau (Masterpiece Theater Theme) - Mouret
- Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince of Denmark's March) - Clarke
- The Four Seasons - Vivaldi
- Trumpet Tune and Air (in D Major) - Purcell
- Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride from Lohengrin) - Wagner
Ceremony Music Suggestions:
- Arioso - Bach
- Ave Maria - (Bach-Gounod) Luciano Pavarotti
- Ave Maria - (Schubert) Luciano Pavarotti
- Because - Placido Domingo
- Be My Love - Jose Carreras
- Canon in D - Pachelbel
- Cantabile in B-Flat Major - Chopin
- Cavalleria Rusticana (Prelude) - Mascagni
- Duettino (from Lakme) - Delibes
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (from the 9th Symphony) - Beethoven
- London Trio #3 - Haydn
- Minuet - Handel
- One Hand, One Heart - Jose Carreras/Kiri Te Kanawa
- Panis Angelicus - (Frank) Luciano Pavarotti
- Pavane Pur Une Infante Defunte - Ravel
- Romanza - Beethoven
- Sheep May Safely Graze - Bach
- The Four Seasons (Spring) - Vivaldi
- The Lord's Prayer - Malotte
Recessional Music:
- Air On The G String (from Orchestral Suite No. 3) - Bach
- Allegro Maestoso (from Water Music) - Handel
- Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (from Solomon) - Handel
- Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, Allegro - Bach
- Crown Imperial March - Walton
- Simon Tov
- First Movement (from Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F) - Bach
- Hallelujah Chorus (from The Messiah) - Handel
- Hornpipe in D (from The Water Music) - Handel
- La Rejouissance (Royal Fireworks Music) - Handel
- Magnificat in D, BWV 243 (Opening Chorus) - Bach
- Ode To Joy - Beethoven
- The Four Seasons (Autumn) - Vivaldi
- Toccata (from Fifth Symphony) - Widor
- Trumpet Tune and Air in D - Purcell
- Wedding March (from A Midsummer Night's Dream) - Mendelssohn
Father/Daughter Dance Suggestions:
- A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
- Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
- Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
- Daddy's Hand - Holly Dunn
- Daddy's Little Girl - Al Martino
- Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison or Rod Stewart
- Hero - Mariah Carey
- Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
- My Girl - Temptations
- Thank Heaven for Little Girls - Gigi Soundtrack
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
- Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
- What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
- You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
- Figlia Mia (Italian)
- Lauretta Mia (Italian)
Mother/Son Dance Suggestions:
- A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men
- Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
- Don't Know Much - Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville
- Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison or Rod Stewart
- Hero - Mariah Carey
- Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
- Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
- Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
- What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
- You're The Inspiration - Chicago
- Le Mamme (Italian)
- Portami A Ballare (Italian)
- Mamma (Italian)
Top 100 First Dance Songs:
- After All - Peter Cetera & Cher
- All My Life - Linda Ronstadt
- All My Life - KC & JoJo
- Always - Atlantic Star
- Always & Forever - Heatwave
- Amazed - Lonestar
- A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
- Back At One - Bryan McKnight
- Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
- Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
- Breathe - Faith Hill
- Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
- Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
- Colour My World - Chicago
- Could I Have This Dance - Anne Murray
- Crazy - Patsy Cline
- Don't Know Much - Linda Ronstant & Aaron Neville
- Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross or Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey
- Everything I Do - Brian Adams
- Faithfully - Journey
- Forever - Mariah Carey
- Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
- From Here To Eternity - Michael Peterson
- From This Moment - Shania Twain & Bryan White
- Groovy Kind Of Love - Phil Collins
- Grow Old With Me - Mary Chapin Carpenter
- Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison or Ros Stewart
- Hawaiian Wedding Song - Andy Williams
- Here & Now - Luther Vandross
- I Can Love You Like That - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
- I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
- I Cross My Heart - George Strait
- I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees or Mark Wills
- I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
- I Finally Found Someone - Bryan Adams & Barbara Streisand
- I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
- I'll Be - Edwin McCain
- I'll Still Be Loving You - Restless Heart
- I Love The Way You Love Me - John Michael Montgomery
- In This Life - Colin Raye
- I Only Have Eyes For You - Art Garfunkel
- It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr.
- It's Your Love - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
- I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
- I Swear - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
- Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
- Keeper Of The Stars - Tracy Byrd
- Lady In Red - Chris Deburgh
- Look At Us - Vince Gill
- Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
- Love Can Build A Bridge - Judds
- Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse
- Love Of My Life - Sammy Kershaw
- Masterpiece - Atlantic Starr
- Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
- Moon River - Andy Willams
- More Than Words - Extreme
- More Than Words Can Say - Alias
- My Best Friend - Tim McGraw
- One In A Million - Larry Graham
- Only You - Platters
- Open Arms - Journey
- Power Of Love - Celine Dion
- Saving The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
- Sea Of Love - Honeydrippers
- Stand By Me - Ben E. King
- Still The One - Shania Twain
- Take My Breath Away - Berlin
- That's Amore - Dean Martin
- That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
- The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Through The Eyes Of Love - Melissa Manchester
- Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
- To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
- Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You - Roberta Flack
- True Companion - Marc Cohn
- Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
- Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
- Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker
- Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
- Valentine - Martina McBride
- Waiting For A Girl - Foreigner
- We've Only Just Begun - Carpenters
- What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton
- When I Fall In Love - Nat King Cole or Celine Dion
- When I Said I Do - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman-Black
- When You Say Nothing At All - Keith Whitley
- Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
- Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
- You & I - Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
- You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
- You Had Me At Hello - Kenny Chesney
- You're The Inspiration - Chicago
- You're Love Amazes Me - John Berry
- Your Song - Elton John
- You've Got A Friend - James Taylor
- You've Got A Way - Shania Twain
Cake Cutting Music:
- Cut The Cake - Average White Band
- From This Moment - Shania Twain/Bryan White
- Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - James Taylor
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - Marvin Gaye
- I Don't Want to Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
- I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher
- In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
- I Swear - John Michael Montgomery
- It Had To Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.
- It's Your Love - Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
- Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
- Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire - David Foster Orchestra
- Recipe For Love - Harry Connick Jr.
- Sugar, Sugar - The Archies
- That's Amore - Dean Martin
- Theme from "Jaws" - John Williams
- The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
- Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Bouquet and Garter Music:
- Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
- Bad Boys - Inner Circle
- Do Ya Think I'm Sexy - Rod Stewart
- Fever - Peggy Lee
- Gimme All Your Lovin' - ZZ Top
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cindy Lauper
- Guys Do It All The Time - Mindy McCready
- Heaven - Bryan Adams
- Hungry Eyes - Eric Carmen
- I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
- It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
- Jeopardy Theme - Studio Band
- Kiss - Prince
- Legs - ZZ Top
- Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
- Macho Man - Village People
- Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
- Oh Yeah! - Yellow
- Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top
- Theme from "Mission Impossible" - Danny Elfman
- The Stripper - David Rose
- Wild Thing - The Troggs
- U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer
- You Sexy Thing - Hot Chocolate
Last Dance:
- Always And Forever - Heatwave
- As Time Goes By - Johnny Mathis
- Closing Time - Semisonic
- Could I Have This Dance - Anne Murray
- December 1963 - Four Seasons
- From This Moment On - Shania Twain & Bryan White
- Good Night Sweetheart - The Spaniels
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day
- Happy Trails - Roy Rogers or Van Halen
- Hit The Road Jack - Buster Poindexter
- How Your Love Makes Me Feel - Diamond Rio
- I Cross My Heart - George Strait
- I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
- I Love The Way You Love Me - John Michael Montgomery
- I Swear - John Michael Montgomery
- I've Had The Time Of My Life - Bill Medly & Jennifer Warnes
- Lady In Red - Chris DeBurgh
- Last Dance - Donna Summer
- Looks Like We Made It - Barry Manilow
- Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet
- Mickey Mouse Alma Mater - Mickey Mouse Club
- Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
- The Dance - Garth Brooks
- The Party's Over - Nat King Cole
- To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
- Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden
- Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
- Valentine -Martina McBride
- Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
- What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
- You're Still The One - Shania Twain