Today, I’m putting the finishing touches on a script for an hour-long program for a gala fundraiser this weekend. I’ve written all the announcements, crafted remarks and edited descriptions of the auction items. I’ve coordinated the live interviews and orchestrated the timeline. The lighting guys have their instructions and the slideshows have been proofed and submitted to the A/V company. There’s just one thing left to do—the music cues. This is the fun part for me. Picking the perfect song to introduce important people is a unique musical gift that I believe I have and take very seriously. I first realized I had this “gift” while planning my kids b’nai mitzvah. I selected songs for each friend and family member who was called up during the candle-lighting ceremony. One set of grandparents got a Beatles tune because my father-in-law loves them. “Walking on Sunshine” is my sister’s theme song so that was a no-brainer. Friends that moved out of town heard “Who Says You Can’t Come Home,” by Bon Jovi. This process takes forever, but it is a labor of love for me. I spend precious time (that I don’t really have) considering lists of song titles before picking out the right one. I listen to, and often look up, the lyrics to songs to make sure the sentiment is right. Sometimes, I’d finish the list, submit it to the DJ and then switch out a song (or 2) for another one I heard on the radio. I think I drove him crazy. But, I’m sorry. I can’t leave this important decision up to a DJ who doesn’t know the people in my life and let him pick random songs for them. And yes, I realize that no one (and I mean no one) being called up for the honor of lighting a candle is paying much attention to the song. But, that doesn’t matter to me. It’s the thought that counts. But, I digress (breathe, Elisa). Back to the gala, we need a song for a grand entrance, but not just any entrance. My bosses’ grand entrance into a room of nearly 1,000 supporters and potentially generous donors. This could be tricky and A LOT of pressure. I have a few ideas, but I don’t think they are going to like any of them. First, our musical tastes are quite different even though we are of the same generation. My team had some suggestions, but absolutely no one wanted to make the decision for them. I tend to agree with them, so I’ll take my special “gift” and sit this one out. To satisfy my inner DJ, I can still come up with what I think would be the perfect song. Some of the ones I’m toying with are “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire (great party song with a subtle tie-in to the cause); “I Got A Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas (gets the audience pumped and in the mood to give); or “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. (well-known, but maybe too obvious for a fundraiser). In the end, I’ll leave it up to them to decide. I think that’s what is called job security.
