On April 25, I had the distinct honor of providing music and emceeing the Quinnipiac University Gala at The Glasshouse in New York City. This prestigious event brought together more than 200 supporters for an evening of celebration and fundraising—and what a night it was.
A longtime friend referred me to the event organizer, and from the moment we connected, we began planning every detail. Months before the event, we did a site visit to explore the Glasshouse, a striking venue in New York City along the Hudson River . With its modern design, built-in LED video walls, high-end audio and lighting system, and an open-air terrace, it’s the perfect setting for any upscale event.
We decided on a five-piece jazz band for the cocktail hour, led by my go-to saxophone player, Duke. He and his talented group set the mood with smooth jazz that perfectly matched the black-tie-optional vibe. The band’s sound was distributed through the Glasshouse’s in-house audio system, filling the venue—including the outdoor terrace—with elegant ambiance.
After the cocktail hour, I welcomed guests into the main dining room where the evening continued with music, a fabulous dinner, and heartfelt speeches from a few honorees. Then came the centerpiece of the evening: the fundraising paddle raise. As the music host, I had the pleasure of leading this high-energy portion of the program. The generosity of the guests was overwhelming—they raised over $1.2 million in support of student scholarships, faculty excellence, innovative programming, and capital improvements for Quinnipiac University.
Once the fundraising concluded, it was time to celebrate. We transitioned into full party mode with a high-energy DJ set near the dance floor. While the venue’s built-in sound was excellent, I added a bit of reinforcement for the dance area along with some additional lighting to elevate the experience. I brought out my drums, and Duke stayed to play sax alongside me as we took the party to the next level—and even requested we go an hour overtime!
It was truly a pleasure and an honor to provide music and entertainment for such a meaningful event. If you’re planning a gala, fundraiser, or corporate event in New York or beyond, let’s talk about how DJ Live can help create an unforgettable experience.
Until next time,
Richie Gagliardi
Founder, DJ Live Entertainment
