Why does a "video producer/multimedia design" guy offer DJ services?!

I chose to market my DJ services with my video production business to save on the costs of running and marketing two seperate businesses. Besides, music is one of my favorite forms of "media", so why not include it in my "Multimedia" efforts.

What kind of experience do you have?

I have been DJing in some form or another since I was 12. In middle school, I used to DJ my local elementry school's roller skating parties on Saturdays. From there I formed my own DJ business in high school, DJing high school dances and church youth parties in the Denver, Colorado area. In my junior college years, I switched to radio, working as a DJ for KWBH in southeastern Idaho and doing many MC duties for local community events. During my final 2 years of college at the University of Oregon and the next 4 years, I returned to the mobile scene, DJing for another local DJ business. There, I did shows all over the Northwest, doing weddings, corporate parties, high school and middle school dances, fraternity and sorority parties, you name it. Now, I am working on my own to establish my own business as well as partnering with Celebration Music to provide additional services. I now just focus on weddings and corporate/company events.

How can I check to see if my event date is available?

To check on date availability, please call me, using the phone number at the top of this page. I can let you know if your date is availble or what dates I still have open.

How soon do I need to book my event?

Soon! I am already getting calls for shows almost a year in advance. For instance, I get calls in December for weddings the following November. The earlier you book, the better chance you will have of getting an opening. Of course, if your party is a "short notice" event, still feel free to see if I am available. Never hurts to ask!

How can I download a copy of your song list?

Click on the "Download Song List" button above to go the the download page. Please be aware that you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to read this file. Please be aware that the song list represents many popular requests we get, not an exact look at everything I have. There are many current songs that I have, but may not be represented on the list. If you have quetions about which songs I may or maynot have, feel free to send me an e-mail.

Can I meet you before my wedding/event?

Sure! I enjoy getting to know my clients before the "Big Day". Send me an e-mail and I will gladly set up an appointment with you to meet in person and go over the whole process step by step.

When do I send a deposit?

I require a $150 deposit prior to "officially" booking any show. So the sooner the deposit is in the mail, the sooner I can get you on the list. The mailing address will be given when we work out all the details of the event. The rest of the balance will be due at the event.

Where do I send the deposit?

The mailing address will be given when we work out all the details of the event.

What is the difference in the Lighting System and Deluxe Lighting System?

The basic lighting system is a bank of 4 colored lights, hooked into a lighting computer. The computer controls the lights according to the beat of the music. This light bank is typically raised into the air providing light to each part of the dance floor. The Deluxe package includes 2 banks of lights (or 8 individual lights) on either side of the dance floor. Special Effect lights are also included in the deluxe package. Photos of the basic lighting system are available on my "Equipment" page.

What if I want additional equipment?

Just let me know when we make arrangements for the show. I will check availability and prices from my suppliers and get back to you with what the extra costs would be. Additional equipment can be things like: bubble machines, disco "mirror balls", black lights, fog machines, or exclusive special effects lights or laser effects.

What kind of music will you play?

Some DJ's have their own disticnt musical tastes and come prepared to play what THEY want to hear. I, on the other hand, know that your event, is YOUR EVENT. I will play whatever songs and styles you would like to hear. I ask that you download a copy of the song list (or request that I mail you a copy), then go through and highlight the songs you want to hear and send the list back to me several weeks before the event. That will give me a good idea of what you like and the kinds of music to bring. You are also welcome to bring your own CD's if you have personal favorites that you don't see on my list. Just make sure to pick them up from me before you leave.

Also please be sure to let me know of any music styles or specific songs you DON'T want played. I certainly don't like playing a song the family just heard at Aunt Bessie's funeral last week, during a happy wedding reception. Nothing like a dance floor of bawling people and having a ticked off bride, due to my playing a song I ignorantly chose. So give me that list as well!

Also, teenagers, take note: all my music is approprite for family audiences, in other words, there are no explicit lyrics. If someone brings me a disk with songs I have never heard or have the explicit lyrics warning, I will make sure to preview the song first to check for innapropriate material, and I reserve the right to not play music with those lyrics, even if requested (unless ok'd by the bride and the groom, but with grandparents around, don't count on them approving it!)

How much do you use the microphone at an event?

As much as you like or even none at all. Some couples ask that I make all the announcements: from the arrival of the bride and groom, to dinner being served, to cake cuttings, toast, etc. Some couples wish to do things their own way and request that I stay silent. And some request that I be on the mic all the time leading the crowd in dancing games. Any way you go, I will be glad to accomodate your needs and wishes.

Do I pay for "set up" and "take down" time?

NO. The prices listed include the set up and take down time. There is no additional cost for this time.

How early will you arrive at my event?

I arrive an hour and a half prior to the start of the music, unless you need things set up earlier. Some receptions begin without music, and I hate to be hauling in gear through reception go-ers. So just let me know the schedule and what would work best. Typically, it is an hour and a half early, however. But please make sure that there is someone there to let me into the building!! Nothing like having everyone at the chapel, the reception hall locked tight and me stuck outside without a way in to set up until everyone arrives, finding me still outside!

What do I need to provide?

Please provide the balance due payment, a 6 foot or 8 foot table (usually looks best to have it wrapped with a linen that matches the rest of the reception, instead of just an empty table), and somewhat close proximity to 2 outlets.

What do you wear?

Again, it depends on the type of event you are having. Most of the time I will be in a white shirt , conservative tie or tuxedo vest and slacks. If you are having a Hawaiian Luau party, or a themed event, please let me know what you feel would be approriate for me to wear. I will also typically show up in a t-shirt and jeans for the set-up time (unless otherwise noted). Hauling all the gear in and getting all the heavy stuff set up is usually quite a workout. Once the gear is up, I will "freshen up" by changing into my dress clothes. So if you see me before hand and I am in a t-shirt, don't freak out, it'll be gone before any guests arrive!

What is the typical "wedding music format" you play?

My typical wedding format goes something like this: while the quests arrive I play slower "dinner music" or lite jazz, working to stay away from the downer breakup slow songs. This is usally at a lower volume allowing for dinner conversations, with me as background music. Once dinner is done, most bride and grooms will have the toast, followed by the cake cutting. Then it is off to the first dance song, the father/daughter dance and any other special dances you may want. After that point the dance floor is declared open, the volume is raised, the lighting is turned on and the music speeds up to a good dancing tempo (intermixed with slow songs, of course). I typically don't play the kind of music that would encourage dancing until after the bride and the groom take the "first dance". But, as with everything else, it is your event, and I can play whatever you would like to hear, in whatever order. Just let me know.

Can you make all anouncements or should a member of the wedding party be prepared to make announcements?

Typically, I prefer to make all the anouncements and lead people through the event. I have found trouble in the past when I start to hand of the microphone to anyone that feels they need to say something or "make an announcement", especially when there is alchohol involved. The typical exception is during the toast, and I will always council with the bride and groom before hand as to how we should handle that one and how many people they would like to speak.

Should I count on your eating at my reception?

In my past, I have known many DJs that go to weddings and just help themselves to all the food and drink they want. I personally find that very rude and unprofessional. I have made it a personal policy to only eat, if I have been specifically invited to do so by the bride and groom. Even with that, I have to find a break in the line and have a song long enough to allow me to leave my table, get some food and get back in time. So I may not always be able to eat, even when invited, due to the nature of my job. I also do not drink alchohol, even in my own time, so don't worry about my racking up huge bar tabs. But having a pitcher of ice water on my table is a very nice plus to any job!

What if you get sick?

I do have back-up DJs available through Celebration Music, in case I get sick or there is some kind of family emergency. I also try not to book shows during times I know I could have unexpected family events (i.e. no shows the month my wife was due). If there is a change of DJ due to any kind of emergency, you will always be notified as far ahead of schedule as possible!

What happens if there is an equipment failure?

I always bring back-ups for each major piece of gear. For instance, at each show, I will always have an extra amplifier, mixer and connecting cords.