Family

August 2, 2015  by

Everyday Heroes

In our life we are blessed by people that inspire us to be more than we had ever imagined for ourselves. The everyday hero does not wear a cape, shoot webs, or save the universe from imminent danger. These are the people who touch our hearts with a smile, who give their lives to their passionate purpose, who serve other’s because they are called. My everyday hero is my younger and only brother, Andre Lawhorn. Today, he’s achieved the great success in the US Army Reserve of ascending to the rank of Sergeant Major. This is no small feat. After wars and deployments that keep us waiting for his return, Andre has stayed committed to a dream that been a part of him since we were kids. My brother used to wait up for me when I went out as a teenager just to make sure I got home ok. I knew then that his love and dedication to wife, family, and country is unwavering. In the age of internet muscles and bravado he still believes in a hand shake and one’s word, which is rare. Some would call it an old school approach to dealing with life, but I honor Andre’s principles and values. He’s my everyday hero for remaining true to himself, gaining respect through action, and treating others with dignity. Congratulations, Sergeant Major Andre Lawhorn, we salute you.IMG_4990

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July 11, 2015  by

Love is Love

As I reflect on this wedding season, Charizma Entertainment has and will always support the bonds of love that compel the desire to marry. This past June I’ve had the privilege to do my first, and I hope of many same sex weddings. Congratulations to Katie and Jen, our lovely brides, who in the midst of planning their wedding were also working on their doctorates. Seeing my ladies laugh and cry in the ceremony and dance the night away at the beautiful Morton Arboretum made my heart explode with pure joy. You see people are people and love has no boundaries.

Terry and Steve had a whole show planned in a different way at Mayne Stage, from the introductions to the exchanging of the vowels “AEI OU,”  they shared their video montages of the marriage at the Skokie court house and a snapshot of their life as a couple. What blew me away was how Terry and Steve shared the journey of the relationship as if you had a front row seat. Their family and friends in attendance felt the love as they acknowledged every couple that were in the room. As friends and family toasted the guys it was clear again that love is love.

I recently emceed a wedding reception in Cleveland for my good friends at Rock the House Entertainment. The marketing director, Nick Duve, is a friend and colleague in our industry. I was with him when the news went viral on June 26, 2015, that the Supreme court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. Words can not touch the intensity of his feelings that day. What I do know is that it’s finally permitted for him to marry the man he loves. Nick’s words are real and I share this with you and hope you can grasp the magnitude that this decision means for a group of people who have waited for this a long long time.

Congratulations to all who are now able to marry the love of their life. I would be honored to be a part of your love story.

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June 21, 2015  by

Happy Father’s Day!

Today holds much significance in my life. For the past nine years Father’s Day has meant more to me each year that it comes around. My daughters have taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I’m sure you can relate.

Every morning I wake up greeted with the sweetest sound that any man could ever hear – “Good morning, Daddy.” You can’t tell me there is anything better than that to start your day. I have loved every moment of learning what a father really means to their children.

I understand that now what I say and do really matters.  Our children are watching us at every moment. Those littles eyes look back at you with a love and enthusiasm that motivates us as men and fathers to be better. Words like trust, honesty, respect have a different meaning when it comes to our children. I don’t know that it should, but it does to me.

The lessons I learn from my daughters are the simple ones that I will hold on to forever. I’ve learned that hugs are never-ending and I don’t even have to ask for them.  Teaching them the things that I love inspires them. Smiling builds confidence. A calm voice in crisis builds trust. Baby pictures makes you giggle. Family dinner does matter. Being together is all they need. Sitting on couch watching movies together is the best. For me on this day that’s all I want and everything I need.

Today (and everyday) our children will make us laugh, cry, smile, and most of all reflect. We can’t remember what life was like before them and wouldn’t start to imagine what life would be without them. Enjoy your children and enjoy the person you have become because of your children. The world is a better place because of this special love.

Happy Father’s Day!

P.S. Especially my father my mom Rubye

Photo 27

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March 2, 2015  by

A Quinceanera Celebration with Charizma

One of the coolest things about being in the event and entertainment business is no two events are ever the same. In essence, a mitzvah is a mitzvah and a wedding is a wedding, but each party has its own unique personality and character that is never duplicated. In addition, each group of people we have the pleasure of interacting with have their own set of traditions and ways of doing things that are special to them and very special to us. We pride ourselves on the ability to adapt to all of these situations and provide our clients and friends with our brand of Spontaneous Perfection no matter what.

The Charizma crew had the pleasure of traveling to the Crowne Plaza Chicago Northbrook for a quinceanera, and it was nothing short of amazing. The room was electric, and everyone had smiles on their faces as traditional dancing and music happened all around. For this event, we provided a custom monogram for the dance floor, beautiful drapery around the room, incredible uplighting and of course DJ entertainment. As you’ll see in the video above, uplighting is a great way to really make your room come alive and interact with the music. When its a slow song, the lights scroll through colors slowly and completely change the feeling of the room, and when it’s everyones favorite dance song, the room explodes with vibrant colors and turns the energy all the way up.

No matter what event you have in store, Charizma is here to make it happen – from super traditional to ultra casual, we have a blast and make sure you do, too. We specialize in preserving traditions and taking the weight off of your shoulders so you can sit back and enjoy the incredible party that’s in front of you. If you’re considering entertainment for your next event, we truly appreciate you considering our family at Charizma.

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February 24, 2015  by

Lake Forrest Country Day School’s Father / Daughter Dance

The time has come yet again for Charizma to take part in the Lake Forrest Country Day School’s annual father / daughter dance! We love doing this event year after year because seeing the relationship between a father and his daughter is something that seriously pulls on the heart strings. Men dress their best for the little ladies in their lives, dancing and smiling in the moment – we wouldn’t miss that for the world (especially when the dads dance to Taylor Swift just to put a smile on their daughter’s face)

This year’s dance was Renaissance themed, and it was nothing short of a spectacle. There were entertainers dressed to impress everywhere (including Marz) doing flips, playing songs and putting smiles on faces. The reason we like themed parties so much is because it gives everyone a middle ground to really show off personal creativity – headbands, traditional hats, ruffles and tights – the whole nine yards!

Make sure you check out the video above to get a better feel for why we care so much about this event. Also, feel free to contact us regarding any questions about an event you may be having – we’d be happy to help in any way we can.

As always, we know you have a choice when it comes to entertainment, and we truly thank you for considering Charizma.

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January 8, 2015  by

Charizma rocks the Kanter family for a 2nd time!

Marz and the Charizma crew headed out to Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein for Hailey Kanters Bat Mitzvah! This was the 2nd party Charizma has done for the Kanter family and it was an absolute blast. Seeing the same faces of friends and family again years later is always a great feeling when joining a family for a special celebration. We started off the night with a little cocktail hour trivia to see how well Hailey’s friends knew her, then we moved it into the main room where we had the music pumping and the uplights shining. We’re not trying to sell you on an uplighting package, but it REALLY does make a huge difference. Having the ability to transform the mood and color of a room with a single click is truly something that will make your event that much more memorable.

For this event, a lot of the friends and family that came from out of town were from the Southern parts of the US so our music choices definitely had to be on point. We played a lot of country favorites and everyone had a great time singing and dancing along – there’s nothing a country crowd likes more than singing, thats for sure! The kids and adults were all super fun – we would do parties with the Kanter family over and over and over again.

We know you have a choice when it comes to entertainment, so we thank you for taking the time to check out Charizma and read our blog – make sure you inquire about our services for your next party, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs / Family 0 comments
November 5, 2014  by

Charizma Welcomes Arianna To The Family!

http://vimeo.com/110968686

Charizma Entertainment is proud to welcome Arianna to the Charizma Family! Ari is an extremely talented emcee and choreographer born and raised in Chicago. She has been doing parties for us as a dancer since she was 19 years old, so theres nobody that knows how to rock a party better than her!

We are so very excited to have this unique and charismatic individual on our team, and we know if you ever get a chance to meet her, you will not be disappointed. Please inquire about booking Arianna on your next party, but only if you want pure fun and excitement! We know you have a choice when it comes to entertainment, and as always, we thank you for choosing our family here at Charizma!

in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs / Family / News 0 comments
May 12, 2011  by

World Champion

To be a champion means so much to those whom are involved in the process. I, for one, love being the man, number 1 and World Champion. Not world champion to some sports team or corporation or organization but to my daughters. I have my own business which I give a lot to as well my clients who make me successful. I have a rule that when the garage door closes; IT’S ON!! I see those faces that greet me with unfiltered love and enthusiasm and I know that I’m the greatest in the world because I hold the title Daddy. This means everything to me for I’m the best in the world to them and I get to be who I want to be; simply a father. So when you come home from your day and you need to know if you matter, put it on, that championship belt, and remember that you are the worlds greatest to your daughters and sons and give them a reason think nothing else.

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