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2009 Best of the Industry Awards, Illinois Meetings and Events

copy by Lauren Hurley
Whether they’re snapping photos, shooting video or mastering turntables, the team behind Fig Media love showing off its many talents. The boutique agency offers an interesting mix of creative services including event photography/videography, DJ’s and even Web and graphic design services. Many of the team members are multi-talented and can be found behind the lens or the DJ booth at any given event. Fig also boasts an impressive client roster from ISES and NACE to Lookingglass Theatre and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
(Chicago/773.338.1334/www.figgy.net)

“About a year ago, I sat down with DJ Dani Deahl to learn about her, her business, and her music. She is an awesome DJ and woman, and always has a plate full of projects. She recently connected me to the owners at the Dana Hotel’s Vertigo Sky Lounge. Vertigo is a sexy lounge, sitting on the 26th floor of the Dana, with an amazing unique view of the city. The lounge also has an outdoor terrace complete with fire-pit heaters. It is designed to feel like you are going over to a guy friend’s loft, with a chill atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, and a killer music collection.” ~ Megan Taylor.

Vertigo’s DJ line-up consists of all female DJs: Dani Deahl, Sadie Woods, Diskokitty,  Megan Taylor. The vibe is everything from classic rock to modern, with an electro edge.

“It is a great place for me to play some killer tunes and mix in some creative new hits as well. Check out Vertigo and check me out on Thursdays.” ~ Megan

In photo: Megan Taylor, photo by: Melissa Martens

Andrew Ettenoffer,

I am a chef and a DJ, and I am combining the two into a fresh new concept. The idea is simple – just like you pair food with wine, you pair music with a great meal. Consider the dark, raspy voice of Leonard Cohen – for example – his music styling evokes a mood that would complement a very particular menu. And that menu would not blend well with, say, the Beach Boys.

On May 7th, I brought this idea to Bluprint for a 5-course beer dinner. Half Acre Brewery brought the beer, Bluprint did the food, and Fig provided the “paired” soundtrack. Here’s the complete menu:

First Course
Blue Prawn Salad, Aleppo chili, local greens, and marinated lemon
Paired with Half Acre Xtra Pale Ale
Paired with established female alt rockers (Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco, Bjork)

Second Course
Fried Ipswich Clam, Boston lettuce, sauce gribiche
Paired with Half Acre Lager
Paired with feel good rock (Tom Petty, CCR, Chris Isaak)

Third Course
Country Pâté, bacon, pickled Illinois rhubarb, grilled toast
Paired with Daisy Cutter Pale Ale
Paired with Breakbeat stuff (Fatboy Slim, Wiseguys, Chemical Bros.)

Fourth Course
Venison Sausage, braised red cabbage, pumpernickel puree
Paired with Half Acre Baume’ Stout
Paired with Early punk (Ramones, Clash, Stooges)

Dessert Course
Sticky toffee pudding with bourbon ice cream
Paired with Half Acre Baume’ Vanilla
Paired with 50 and 60s R&B (Elvis, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry)

written by Joe Janes

Fig’s lounge deejaying is sweeping Chicago.

Most deejays at events and nightclubs are content to be a little out of the way. Sometimes tucked away in a corner, sometimes literally reigning over the dance floor. Almost always out of reach. These are usually deejays who play what they want and either you like them or you don’t. And if you don’t, it’s because you’re not cool.

fig deejays don’t play that way.

What distinguishes a fig deejay from most deejays is that they are in relationship with everyone in earshot. They are approachable. In fact, they wouldn’t mind it if you had a seat next to them and chatted about the music.  A new service fig exclusively offers is Lounge Deejays.  It’s as relaxed and as hip as it sounds.  The deejays spins tunes from a coffee table while seated on a couch. Partygoers are welcome to hang out, take a break from the dance floor or from mingling.

“There’s less boundary between the deejay and the audience. It makes the interface soft, welcoming and open. The audience sits on the same level as the artist and is open to the music collection. It allows for greater interaction and a partnership on what to play next. It creates more flow to your evening. It’s a lounge feel.” Says fig President and resident deejay, James Gustin.

Lounge deejaying creates an inviting atmosphere where people can let loose and enjoy themselves without barriers between you and the music and it can be adapted for larger venues and high energy dance floors.

call fig media for more details on the lounge deejay for your event.  773.338.1334

Check out DJ Megan Taylor at the CS Bridal Show at the Four Seasons Thursday March 26, 2009.