Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania (CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT)- Cutting Edge Entertainment in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania may seem like your ordinary mobile disc jockey company at first glance, but a closer look will reveal some pretty amazing things coming out of this small and unpretentious organization. One would never think that a DJ group would be a wellspring for raw talent, but Cutting Edge consistently hits home run after home run in regards to being the launch pad for some extraordinarily accomplished young performers.
In 1998, when Cutting Edge Entertainment hired Angela Trimbur and Monica Devlin as party motivators for their entertainment troupe made up of disc jockeys, dancers, actors, singers and musicians, they had no idea that it was to be the beginning of a trend. Angela, who at the time was a cheerleader for Neshaminy High School, auditioned for MTV's show 'Pop Stars,' made the show, and has pursued MTV driven semi-fame ever since with time spent on another MTV program, 'Road Rules,' as well as appearances on other television programs.
Later, in 2002, Monica Devlin first auditioned with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders. Not only did she make the squad, but she has served an unprecedented four years with the organization, but spent the last two as a squad captain, making appearances on radio and television and being the only Philadelphia cheerleader to be chosen for the 2005 pro bowl.
In a later audition in March of 2001, a young bright-eyed singer/actor/dancer by the name of Justin Guarini showed up and was quickly hired. Although Justin's time with Cutting Edge Entertainment was short lived, his reason for leaving was to go to Los Angeles for the premier installment of the hit show 'American Idol.' As most of America knows, he was the runner up in that season to none other than Kelly Clarkson herself, who is as of yet the most successful performer that franchise has put out.
That year set a precedent for Cutting Edge Entertainment. When 'Star Search' brought its audition to Philadelphia, they called Cutting Edge and asked if there was anyone that they should see. Several other television shows were buzzing with the name Cutting Edge Entertainment that year like Entertainment Tonight, Extra and Access Hollywood which all did features on the company.
While the American Idol buzz had everyone's attention, a few other young Cutting Edge performers slipped through the cracks. Justin Guarini wasn't the only Cutting Edge Entertainment performer to be signed to RCA records that year, as CEE performer/musician Nick Perri's band 'Silvertide' was also signed, with Nick playing lead guitar. At the same time, DJ Adam 'Bomb' Talasnick made the cover of XXL magazine in the re-creation of The Greatest Day in Harlem shot, (this being the Hip Hop version). Adam Bomb currently does production for the group 'Schoolz of Thought,' as well as being the opener for Jazzy Jeff, and headlining at Philly clubs like Denim, Wax and Zee Bar.
This year Cutting Edge Entertainment achieved the unthinkable when employee Brianna Taylor made it into the top 48 for American Idol. When some entertainment companies only dream of one employee getting within reach of that title, Cutting Edge has now accomplished it twice. Although Brianna was cut, the positive side is that she will be returning to the Cutting Edge organization, and continuing to wow audiences with her amazing voice and entertaining personality.
Much of the continued success and accomplishment of Cutting Edge Entertainment is due to the guidance the company's C.E.O., Craig Sumsky. Craig prefers the less pretentious title of 'Director.' Regardless of what he chooses to call himself, it is his wisdom in auditioning and training the cast of Cutting Edge that produces the continued success and caliber of individuals to come out of that organization. The staff at Pat's Music, local retail sound and music suppliers in Philadelphia teasingly refer to Sumsky as 'The Star maker,' and Justin Guarini has oft referred to Craig as sage, trusted advisor, and leader.
If you were to ask Craig Sumsky about his company, which has been in business since 1982, he would modestly refer to it as a mobile disc jockey company. Nothing could be further from the truth, but if the caliber of the average disc jockey is reflective of the talent that continuously comes forth from the organization then certainly Cutting Edge Entertainment must set the bar.
