Monique and Emily’s Dance Party - Martin Johnson House Wedding

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Emily and Monique wed on the picturesque cliff at the Martin Johnson House. 

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These two were married after 25 years of partnership ... so wonderful!

Monique and Emily met more than two decades ago when attending the University of California - San Diego. It was only fitting that they returned to La Jolla (they currently reside in Georgia) to marry one another at the Martin Johnson House on October 13, 2016.

This perfect evening (weather, food, ambience) was shared with many family and friends, including Monique and Emily’s two amazing kids who definitely got many of the guests dancing. Their ceremony and reception all took place at the Martin Johnson House, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Scripps Pier. It was a magical night.

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Here’s their setlist:

Dinner

• Beyonce - XO
• Craig David - Officially Yours
• Echosmith - Bright
• Mindi Abair - The Joint
• Frank Sinatra - I Get A Kick Out Of You
• Little Big Town - Girl Crush
• Levi Hart - My Kind Of Night
• Crystal Bowersox - Midnight Train to Georgia
• Bobby Darin - Beyond The Sea
• Magic! - No Way No
• Jessie J - Flashlight (From Pitch Perfect 2)
• Pentatonix - Can't Sleep Love
• Charlie Puth - One Call Away
• Daya - Hide Away
• The Delfonics - La-La Means I Love You (Remastered)
• Martin Page - In The House of Stone and Light
• Michael Jackson - Human Nature
• Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You
• Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amour
• Allen Stone - Bed I Made
• Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
• Ray Charles - Ain't That Love
• Toploader - Dancing In The Moonlight
• Jack Johnson - Never Know

First Dance
Brad Paisley - Then

Open Dancing - First Set

• Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
• Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling!
• Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
• Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up (Hot Classics Remix)
• Earth Wind & Fire - September Pt. 2 (Select Mix Remix)
• DNCE - Cake By The Ocean (Riddler Remix)
• Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good (Select Mix Remix)
• Flo Rida - Low
• Michael Jackson - P.Y.T.
• James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
• Sade - By Your Side
• Kenny Chesney - You Had Me From Hello
• Rachel Platten - Stand By You
• Major Lazer f./Justin Bieber & MO - Cold Water
• Babyface - For The Cool In You

Anniversary Dance
Alan Jackson - Remember When

Open Dancing - Second Set

• Silento - Watch Me
• Pink - Get This Party Started
• Walk The Moon - Shut Up And Dance (Select Mix Remix)
• B-52's - Love Shack
• Outkast - Hey Ya
• Kungs & Cookin' On 3 Burners - This Girl
• Battle Beats - Scratch Sample Two
• OMI - Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Radio Edit)
• Sia f./Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills
• The Chainsmokers, Halsey - Closer (Select Mix Remix)
• Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing (DJDX The Fix Blend)
• Mary Chapin  Carpenter - Down At The Twist & Shout
• Meghan Trainor f./John Legend - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
• Natalie Cole - This Will Be an Everlasting Love

Last Dance
Isley Brothers - This Old Heart of Mine

Vendor Team
DJ/Master of Ceremonies: Justin Kanoya, DJ Kanoya Productions
Venue: Martin Johnson House
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
Caterer: Waters Fine Catering
Officiant: Ceremonies By Bethel
Photographer: La Vida Creations
Florals: Green Fresh Florals

Other weddings hosted by DJ Kanoya at the Martin Johnson House

2016 Pacific Arts Movement Chew The Scene - Brick Liberty Station

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The 17th San Diego Asian Film Festival takes place November 3-12, 2016.

Brick in Liberty Station was the venue that the 2016 Chew The Scene event took place. 

The Pacific Arts Movement’s Chew The Scene Event is a sign of two things … good food and the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is just around the corner. ‘Chew,’ which took place on October 11 at Brick Event Center, serves as the official kick off event to the festival, now in its 17th year.

The event combines food and drink tastings while giving attendees first opportunity in San Diego to preview the film festival’s lineup of films and programs. I was there to set the tone with music and lighting, in cooperation with San Diego Event Pros.

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Here’s a look at the setlist.

• Palm Trees - Casanova
• 99 Souls ft Destiny's Child & Brandy - The Girl Is Mine (DiscoTech Midnight Remix)  
• Outkast - Rosa Parks (Mister Gray & Michael Methods Twerk 130-104 Transition)  
• Zedd ft Selena Gomez - I Want You To Know (Amenzo Remix)  
• Wyclef Jean ft Avicii - Divine Sorrow
• Beyonce - XO
• Hailee Steinfeld f./DNCE - Rock Bottom
• Craig David - Officially Yours
• Zayn - Pillowtalk
• Magic! - No Way No
• Major Lazer f./Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley - Powerful
• Nicki Minaj - Pills N Potions
• Stevie Wonder - Superstition (Simone Nu Disco Remix)
• The Police - Walking On The Moon (J-Art & Madan Edit)  
• Ashanti - Foolish (Lemi Vice & Action Jackson Remix)  
• Kygo ft Parson James - Stole The Show (TWRK & Doobious Remix)  
• Marvin Gaye ft BJ The Chicago Kid - Whats Going On (New 2016 Version)
• ZHU - Generationwhy (Original Mix)
• Mike Perry f./Shy Martin - The Ocean
• Rihanna ft Drake - Work (Lost Kings Remix)  
• Chris Brown f./Tyga - Ayo
• Fifth Harmony - Write On Me
• Major Lazer ft Justin Bieber & MO - Cold Water (J Rythm BPM Supreme Remix)
• Charming Horses feat. Grace Grundy - Higher Love (Original Mix)
• Fetty Wap f./Snoop Dogg - Westside
• Kygo ft Ella Henderson - Here For You (DAO Remix)  
• Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (Mennska Remix)
• Discotron - Disco Ballin'  
• Chainsmokers ft ROZES - Roses (Adam Foster Remix)  
• Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Kandy Space Remix)
• Justin Timberlake - Let The Groove Get In (Wanna Be Starting Somethin' Remix)
• Don Bravo - My Love  
• Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling (Loud Luxury Remix)  
• Nina Simone - Feeling Good (Goldcash & RIVAS Remix)  
• Sam Feldt & Kimberly Anne - Show Me Love (EDX Remix)  
• Halsey - Colors (Blonde Remix)
• The Chainsmokers ft Halsey - Closer (Not So Typical Remix)  
• The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face (DJ Jam HeaterVille Remix)
• Palm Trees - Casanova (Intro Clean)
• Tori Kelly - Should've Been Us (Lost Kings Remix)  
• Kool & The Gang - Get Down On It (DJDX Extra Beat Edit)
• Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots  
• Pet Shop Boys - What Have I Done To Deserve This
• Wham! - Everything She Wants
• Babyface - It's No Crime (Hot Classics Remix)
• DJ Dan & WhiteNoize - Hey Ho  
• Kiiara - Gold (J Farell Remix)  
• A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (Remix)
• Adele - Send My Love (Country Club Martini Crew Remix)  
• DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
• DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air (Le Boeuf Remix)  
• Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind (Joey Negro Extended Disco Mix)
• The Police - King Of Pain (Edge Remix)
• Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream (Razz & Zack Martino Remix)  
• Joe Stone vs Montell Jordan - The Party vs This Is How We Do It  
• Music P & Marque Aurel - The Feel Good Funk  
• Ce Ce Peniston - We Got A Love Thang (Select Mix Remix)
• Mariah Carey - Emotions (Select Mix Remix)
• Calloway - I Wanna Be Rich
• Sia ft Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills (Xemi Canovas & David Pateo Mambo Remix)  
• Battle Beats - Scratch Sample Two
• Duke Dumont - Ocean Drive  
• Drake ft Majid Jordan - Hold On We're Going Home (Panic City Remix)
• Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake - Love Never Felt So Good
• Felix Jaehn ft Jasmine Thompson - Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)  
• Zedd feat Foxes - Clarity (Shoe Scene Symphony Nu Disco Remix)
• Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd - Starving (Select Mix Remix)
• Omarion ft Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko - Post To Be (Dennis Blaze Remix)
• Justin Bieber - Sorry (Mr Collipark Remix)  
• Lady Gaga - Disco Stick (Marc Stout aka DayDrunk Remix)  
• A-Ha - Take On Me (Kygo Remix)
• The Internet f./Kaytranada - Girl

Rachel and Doug’s Dance Party - Oceanview Wedding

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I had a an amazing time planning and DJing Rachel and Doug's dance party.

Rachel and I connected many months ago as she was in the early stages of her wedding planning. She had a genuine interest in wanting me to be “her wedding DJ.” When I learned more about her and Doug, each performers in the Dirty Dancing touring group, life long singers/performers and she was also a former Lululemon educator, I knew I wanted to be her DJ.

While she and Doug did the majority of their planning while touring the country and from their home in New York City, it always felt natural to connect with them and ensure all of the music and lighting details of their event were just right.

As an added bonus, I even got to play a couple of popular tunes from Dirty Dancing, which even included recreating that iconic moment with Doug lifting Rachel up during “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” ala Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.

Here’s a look at their setlist:

• Fourplay - Little Foxes
• Kenny G - Homeland
• Kirk Whalum - Playing With Fire
• Fourplay - Rio Rush
• Notorius B.I.G. - Crush On You
• 50 Cent - In Da Club
• Jill Scott - You Got Me
• Paul Hardcastle - Peace On Earth
• A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum
• Norman Brown - West Coast Coolin'
• Pamela Williams - Fly Away With Me
• ZHU - Generationwhy (Original Mix)
• Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (Mennska Remix)
• The Beatangers - Do The Funk
• Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind (Joey Negro Extended Disco Mix)
• Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
• Mindi Abair - The Joint
• Frank Sinatra - I Get A Kick Out Of You
• Ingrid Michaelson - Boys Chase Girls
• Beyonce - XO
• Craig David - Officially Yours
• Chantal Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home
• Zedd f./Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant - Find You
• Tori Kelly - Should've Been Us (Lost Kings Remix)  
• Harry Belafonte - Banana Boat (Day-o)
• Charming Horses feat. Grace Grundy - Higher Love (Original Mix)
• Chainsmokers ft ROZES - Roses (Adam Foster Remix)  
• Discotron - Disco Ballin'  
• Mike Perry f./Shy Martin - The Ocean
• Kygo f./Maty Noyes - Stay
• Mike Posner - I Took A Pill In Ibiza (SeeB Remix)  
• Major Lazer ft Justin Bieber & MO - Cold Water (J Rythm BPM Supreme Remix)
• Zendaya ft Chris Brown - Something New (Intro Clean)

Father/Daughter Dance
Carlisle, Bob - Butterfly Kisses
Harry Belafonte - Banana Boat (Day-o)

Mother/Son Dance
Carole King - Child of Mine

Open Dancing - First Set

• Dean Martin - That's Amore
• Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
• Al Green - Let's Stay Together
• Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling!
• Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk (Select Mix Remix)
• Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
• Daya - Sit Still, Look Pretty
• Drake f./Wizkid & Kyla - One Dance
• Timeflies - Once In A While
• The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face (Select Mix Remix)
• Kiiara - Gold (J Farell Remix)  
• Hailee Steinfeld, Grey, Zedd - Starving (Select Mix Remix)

Cake Cutting
Michael Buble - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

Open Dancing - Second Set

• Randy Houser - Runnin' Outta Moonlight
• Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
• The Contours - Do You Love Me
• Jennifer Warnes - I've Had The Time of My Life
• Zedd f./Foxes - Clarity
• Avicii - Wake Me Up
• Calvin Harris f./Ellie Goulding - I Need Your Love (Promo Only Nicky Romero Quick Edit)
• Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
• DNCE - Cake By The Ocean (Riddler Remix)  
• V.I.C. - Wobble

Last Dance
Gavin DeGraw - Follow Through

Vendor Team
DJ/Master of Ceremonies: Justin Kanoya, DJ Kanoya Productions
Venue: Oceanview Room
Coordinator: Wilmus Weddings
Photographer: Paige Nelson Photography
Cake: The Sweet Tooth Bakery

Other weddings hosted by DJ Kanoya Productions

Erik and Melanie’s Dance Party - Luce Loft Wedding

Erik and Melanie enter their wedding at Luce Loft in downtown San Diego.

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Erik and Melanie have their first dance as husband wife at their Luce Loft wedding. 

Erik and Melanie are a couple I met through the my workout group November Project. We’ve spent many early mornings running hills and executing not so perfect burpees. We’ve raced alongside each other and event traveled to Salt Lake City to run the trails of the North Face Endurace Challenge.

So things were a bit changed up on their wedding day, October 8, 2016. It’s always fun celebrating with friends and friends of friends. This party took place at Luce Loft in downtown San Diego, a great venue for anyone looking to put on an event with an urban flavor.

In addition to DJ and MC service, I provided uplighting and pin spotting (highlighting the cake and a custom piece of artwork).

Erik and Melanie partied at Luce Loft in downtown San Diego on their wedding day.

Here’s a look at the setlist:

Cocktail Hour and Dinner

• Mariah Carey - Honey
• Fifth Harmony - Write On Me
• Fat Joe ft Remy Ma & French Montana - All The Way Up (Mr. Collipark Remix)  
• Toto - Hold The Line (Love Isn't Always On Time)  
• Lionel Ritchie - Easy
• Camron - Hey Ma
• Jason Mraz - Older Lover Undercover
• The Beatangers - Do The Funk
• Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud (G Duppy Reggae Remix)
• Magic! - No Way No
• The Illest - Truth Search
• Jason Mraz - Not So Usual
• Maxi Priest - Crazy Love
• Eric Hutchinson - All Over Now
• The Illest - Empress
• ZHU - Generationwhy (Original Mix)
• Allen Stone - Bed I Made
• Andy Grammer - Fine By Me
• Jack Johnson - Situations
• Donavon Frankenreiter - Free
• The Illest - Guitar Love
• Echosmith - Bright
• Pentatonix - Can't Sleep Love
• Ingrid Michaelson - Afterlife
• Anuhea - Higher Than The Clouds
• Zendaya - Replay (DJ Mike D Remix)
• A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation
• Emeli Sande - Next To Me
• Ja Rule - Always On Time
• Ellie Goulding - Burn
• Major Lazer f./Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley - Powerful
• Michael Jackson - Rock with You
• Kanye West - Good Life
• Jack Johnson - I Got You
• The Illest - Truth Search
• Jason Mraz - Make It Mine
• Timeflies f./Natalie La Rose - Worse Things Than Love
• Zendaya f./Chris Brown - Something New
• TLC - Creep (Select Mix Remix)
• The Notorious B.I.G. vs Suzanne Vega - Juicy Diner (Dr Fresch Nu Disco Mash Up)  
• Corona ft AObeats - Rhythm Of the Night (Hotel Garuda Remix)  
• R. City f. Adam Levine - Locked Away
• Justin Timberlake ft Jay-Z vs Biggie & Next - Suit & Tie (Too Juicy Blend)
• Stevie Wonder - Superstition (Simone Nu Disco Remix)
• Earth Wind & Fire - Shining Star (Hot Classics Remix)
• Brick - Dazz (Hot Classics Remix)
• Mariah Carey - Emotions (Select Mix Remix)
• Discotron - Disco Ballin'  
• Duke Dumont - Ocean Drive
• Mike Perry f./Shy Martin - The Ocean
• Fabolous - Into You
• SWV - Human Nature
• Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely
• Timeflies - Once In A While (Promo Only Intro Edit)

First Dance
I Got You - Jack Johnson

Cavazos Family Dance
The Delfonics - La-La Means I Love You

Mother/Son Dance
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine

Open Dancing - First Set

• Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Something (Select Mix Quick Trax)
• Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good (Select Mix Remix)
• Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations (Select Mix Remix)
• Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby (Select Mix Remix)
• New Kids on the Block - The Right Stuff (remix)
• Bell Biv Devoe - Poison
• Flo Rida, Robin Thicke, Verdine White - I Don't Like It I Love It (Select Mix Remix)
• Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk (Select Mix Remix)
• Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling! (Promo Only Intro Edit 1)
• De La Soul - Me Myself & I
• Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
• Silento - Watch Me

Cake Cutting
Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is

Open Dancing - Second Set

• PM Dawn - Set Adrift On Memory Bliss
• Avicii f./Zac Brown Band - Broken Arrows
• Zedd & Aloe Blacc - Candyman  
• Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
• Joey Arroyo - Rebellion
• The Chainsmokers f./Halsey - Closer (R3hab Remix) (R3hab Remix Instrumental - No Chops)
• Usher - Yeah
• Party Break - Montel Party Break
• The Chainsmokers f./Halsey - Closer (R3hab Remix Radio Edit)
• 69 Boyz - Tootsie Roll
• Sir Mix Alot - Baby Got Back (Funkymix)
• MC Hammer - 2 Legit 2 Quit (Select Mix Remix)
• Salt N Pepa - Push It (Mayeda Remix)
• Run DMC vs Jason Nevins - It's Like That '97 (Select Mix Remix)
• Freak Nasty - Da Dip (Select Mix Remix)
• Destiny's Child - Say My Name (Robin Riccio Remix)  
• Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (Select Mix Quick Trax)
• Pitbull f./John Ryan - Fireball
• Quad City D.J.'s - C'mon 'N' Ride It
• Panjabi MC - Beware Of The Boys
• Kiiara - Gold (J Farell Remix)  
• Dr. Dre - Next Episode
• Dr. Dre ft Snoop Dogg - Nuthin' But A G Thang
• Iggy Azalea - Fancy (Seize Where The Ladies At Edit)
• Mystikal - Shake Ya Ass (Select Mix Remix)
• R. Kelly - Ignition (Remix)
• Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
• Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
• Trick Daddy - Take It To Da House
• DNCE - Cake By The Ocean (Riddler Remix)  
• Calvin Harris f./Rihanna - This Is What You Came For (Promo Only Quick Edit)
• E-40 - Tell Me When To Go
• Too Short - Blow The Whistle
• Eazy-E - We Want Eazy
• Journey - Faithfully

Last Dance
Best Day - Michael Franti

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Uplighting adds a dramatic element at Luce Loft. 

Vendor Team
DJ/Master of Ceremonies: Justin Kanoya, DJ Kanoya Productions
Venue: Luce Loft
Caterer: Wow Wow Waffle

Other weddings hosted by DJ Kanoya Productions

The Importance Of Surrounding Yourself With Life

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Meeting up with Rinny a few weeks after we returned her to the Barking Lot rescue shelter. 

Rinny's bed sits in the same corner, just unoccupied, unless I lay on it (it's big and comfortable).

I’ve never really considered myself a “dog person.” When I was young, I believe under the age of 10, my family had dogs on a couple of occasions. But most of my adolescent years were spent sans dog. My dog fixes have been relegated to indulging with my friends and their stories and pictures of their dogs.

As some know, my family adopted Rinny, an almost three-year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier in May. We also had to take her back to the adoption shelter after two biting incidents between her and my 10-year-old daughter.

Rinny was a part of our home and family for just three months. But three weeks after not having her in our home, I’ve realized just how important she was. And not just Rinny. Not just a dog. What I’ve realized is the importance that life, living, breathing, activation, moving … all of these things; the importance those things have when you occupy a space. 

The space could be your home or bedroom. It could be a park or an office cubicle. When we surround ourselves with living objects, we feed off that energy. It’s why there is music when you walk into the grocery store. It’s why random sculptures and art pieces are installed into public spaces. It’s the reason those feng shui books tell us to put a plant in a specific spot in our homes.

I’ve been “working from home” for nearly 15 months. We adopted Rinny nearly to the day of my one year anniversary of self employment. She quickly found her way into our hearts. But she also was cramping our schedule. Mine in particular. It was like having a toddler in the house all over again. Being away from home for more than a couple hours was out of the question.

I spent this past summer literally working from home, no longer a nomad at coffee shops around San Diego. If I was working in my office, Rinny was right there. When I moved to my DJ station in another part of the house, Rinny followed and would listen to music with me. When I needed to work in the garage, there she was, sprawled out on the concrete floor.

While I enjoyed her company, I also missed leaving the comforts of home to work elsewhere. It was my way of being around other people and being around their energy. That energy also included the sounds of the milk frother; the beeps of credit card machines; the hum of the music in the restaurant creeping past my earbuds and mixing in with the music in my ears.

With Rinny, I had her energy while I was at home. But more importantly, returning home to her I found an energy that I never knew was missing.

On the occasions that I or my family would leave her at home, we knew returning would always be an adventure. First there was her excitement of seeing us. Then it was looking around  to see what she may have chewed on. There was the inevitable fixing of couch pillows and area rugs that were tossed around. There was sweeping and cleaning of any small messes that she made.

Rinny's always overly excited greeting when I come home.

We were no longer just walking in the door and plopping down on the couch. We didn’t have to “wake” up the house -- open windows, doors, curtains, etc. Rinny was there the whole time keeping the house alive and warm.

I even noticed how much more alive the house was when my wife, Sheila, would return home from work. Rinny was of course excited to see her, but so was Sheila. And she would prepare to take her for an evening walk, which followed with refreshing her water and food bowls.

As humans we settle into a routine. And Sheila walking through the door doesn’t seem like an occasion to get excited and anxiously greet her. Or maybe it should be?

So here were are, a month into a dog-less life and walking in the door to complete silence is strange. Obviously being at home is a completely different experience. I’ve lost my shadow, the living, breathing thing that was giving me energy.

Rinny was never a barker. But man it’s really quiet without her around.

I think I may need to get a plant.