by Kristin Healy | Nov 29, 2015 | blog
Benway Entertainment: Frank Benway
Photo Credit: Erin Curran Photography
We had the pleasure of working with Frank during Kim and James’ wedding this past September at the New England Aquarium. He was a good friend of theirs who also offered his DJ services for their wedding. Not only was Frank fantastic to work with, but he kept everyone on the dance floor the entire night and really knows how to read the crowd. We look forward to working with Benway Entertainment again soon! In the meantime, get to know Frank.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Milton, MA and graduated from Milton High School. I then went on to Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I have been in the DJ business for 15 years. I first became interested in the DJ business as a middle school student, helping the DJ set up and break down our monthly school dances. By 8th grade, he was letting me DJ during some of the school dances. As a high school sophomore, I started DJ’ing professionally at local middle and high school dances. After a few years of learning the business, I was DJ’ing college events, private parties, and weddings across Boston and Southern New England.
Photo Credit: You Ought To Be In Pictures!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is watching my clients enjoy the most important day of their lives with their closest family and friends. After spending many months helping plan their big day, it is truly exciting to watch it become a reality.
How would you describe your style?
I take a lot of time to listen to my clients and make sure that the music I play at their wedding reflects their personality and style — I tell all of my clients, “it’s your wedding reception, not mine.” However, when a client asks for my input on their itinerary or a song selection, I am happy to share my suggestions with them. I work very hard to make sure that my client’s weddings remain classy, elegant, and fun. I think it’s important to engage the crowd and make announcements in an upbeat manner, while maintaining the elegance of a wedding reception. When the formalities are over and the dance floor opens, I put down the microphone as much as possible and let the music do the talking. People came out to have fun and dance with the bride and groom, not hear my voice all night!
Photo Credit: Barefotos Photography
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Two of my favorite comedies: Wayne’s World and Wayne’s World 2.
What’s your favorite quote?
“I’m the guy who does his job. You must be the other guy.” -Mark Wahlburg, The Departed
What makes you unique in your field?
I try to get to know each and every one of my clients on a personal level. In the months leading up to a wedding, I want to learn all about my clients – how did they meet, how did they get engaged, will the wedding be more friends, family, or both? This allows me to tailor my performance to them.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
At the end of almost every wedding I DJ, the couple comes up to me and says, “I can’t believe it’s over, it went by so fast!” My best piece of advice to every couple is to make sure to take some time during their wedding reception and enjoy it. They worked so hard for months or years to plan every detail of their big day — make sure to take time to enjoy each other’s company, look around the room and take lots of mental pictures, and make sure to get out on the dance floor with your family and friends!
Photo Credit: Sedman Photography
Click here to get in touch with Frank and to book him for your next event.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
by Kristin Healy | Apr 22, 2015 | blog
AUX Boston: Michael Phillips
We first worked with AUX Boston on Rachel and Drew’s wedding at the Cyclorama last May. We loved how easy Michael was to work with and his laid back approach to the day. He lets the music do the talking and remains discreet; announcing important things but otherwise focusing on keeping everyone on the dance floor! We look forward to working with AUX Boston again in June for Lydia & Henrik’s wedding at the beautiful Lyman Estate. Continue reading to learn more about Michael.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Acton, MA. It’s the suburbs, man. Spent some time in Burlington, VT and Dover, NH as well. For nostalgia’s sake, I always think about buying a house back in Acton and raising the fam there someday but on the surface it lacks the vibrant culture we’ve really been enjoying in Somerville and the city in general.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
AUX Boston started in 2013 after having some time to myself to figure out how to showcase my passion for seeing people react to music. Corny, right? But it’s always been such a huge part of my life – Right out of college I was working as a DJ in radio and after a nice stint in the office, I realized that I’m most comfortable not at cubicle but here, there, and everywhere… or the couch, because why not do work on the most comfy piece of furniture you own? I also co-own a karaoke business which has me meeting lots of people during the week (The People’s Karaoke) and helps pay the bills! I’ve picked up a good number of events & weddings in a short period of time so I know people like the product.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
All of it? Can I say that? Probably overused response, but very true. Ok, first thing that comes to mind – Creating playlists with & for those who bring me on as part of their team. I’m very hands-on when it comes to dialing-in the vibe of what a couple is going for musically because folks I work with typically have good taste & knowledge for music. In an abstract way, you get to narrate & produce a story with music all while making sure it’s unique to their style & vision. It’s rad. I also love working with the crowd and I actually get psyched when friends & fam come up for requests.
How would you describe your style?
For a second I thought this question was about fashion and almost decided to pass on answering but now that I think about a name for it, it’d be “kinda-sorta hipster” but I’ve been to Williamsburg & Bushwick (Brooklyn) to know that’s a huge over-statement. Okay, my style: Let the music do the talking. I have no problem announcing first dances, toasts, the shuttle’s coming, but other than that – Why is there a need to squawk over the jams?? I like to know the couple outside of their wedding world, even if its just a few short chats here & there, it definitely helps me establish the music that is connective and integrative to the celebration.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Hardly any guilt in this but I’ll say Cheez-Its and Cheer Wine (cherry soda).
What’s your favorite quote?
“If it’s not fun, why do it?” – Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s. It also was a bumper sticker I put on several cars I drove.
What makes you unique in your field?
It comes down to my background, my personality, and my connection to music. I grew up looking up to DJ’s in Boston Radio (i.e. – WFNX & WBCN) who sounded like & acted like people you’d want to be friends with. Then I started working as a radio “on-air personality” and discovered a lot of those DJ’s were salt of the earth folks who cared about the listeners and the music. I naturally have that same ethos and individuality which helps stand out as genuine. I love a good party too, so being there to support a couple in that quest is my motivation to nail it!
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
The little stuff adds up FAST, and sometimes you forget to include stuff like centerpieces, thank you cards, guest book, gratuities, etc. In terms of DJ advice – You might find a bit of emotional stress figuring out what to pick for your first dance (or other “spotlight” dances), but the trick is to pick those out as far in advance as possible without reservation because you’ll probably remember those moments of the day the most.
Learn more about AUX Boston: www.auxboston.com.
Cheers,
The Swank Team
