FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions


Do you provide a written contract?

Yes. It’s extremely important that we confirm your event in writing. This guarantees you that I will show up and guarantees to me that you will pay me.

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Will you be DJ-ing my event, or will you be sending someone else?

If you hire me, you will get me. In twenty years, I’ve never missed an engagement. In the event of illness or an emergency, I know many excellent DJ’s who would be able to fill in. Should this ever happen, I will let you know as far in advance as possible.
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Will you meet with me in person?

Yes, we can have as many face to face meetings as you want. I am also available by telephone and email.
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Do you know the proper etiquette for my type of party?

I will come in formal wear (tuxedo) unless your event is a more casual event such as a picnic or pool party. I never drink on the job and always behave properly. I’m an adult, and I act like one.
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Do you take requests?

That is up to you. I’m happy to honor requests from your guests, unless you say otherwise. This is your party, you get final say-so on the music.
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How much of a variety of songs will you bring?

I carry nearly 20,000 tunes with me, from the 1940’s to the present, including jazz, rock, pop, top 40, hip hop, country, ballroom dance and ethnic music (salsa, cumbias, klezmer, polkas, etc.)

I subscribe to a DJ top 40 service that sends me out the latest hits every week, so my collection is always up to date.

I have purchased all of the music that I play. I do not use illegally downloaded or copied music.
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Do you use professional gear?

I own a sound and lighting company, so I have access to the newest, most up to date, equipment available.
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What do you do if your equipment fails during the event?

I always carry back up equipment with me so in the unlikely event that a mixer or power amp fails, I can replace it immediately.
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What does your equipment look like?

You can see all the speakers that I use here on Pro Sound's Website.   I normally bring the DAS DS112, QSC I282H, EAW LA212 or EAW VRM21 as speakers. Here is a photo of my small setup.
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DAS, QSC, and EAW? I’ve never heard of those brands and they aren’t listed on any other DJ’s website as acceptable professional equipment!

That’s not surprising. These speakers are very high quality and expensive. The EAW's cost over $1200.00 each. You can check out their websites for information on them. Most DJ’s will have JBL, EV, Mackie or Peavey gear. There’s not a thing wrong with those brands. It’s just that the DAS, QSC and EAW are better. They sound better.
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Do you hang a sign or banner?

No. I don’t even put out business cards.
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How long does it take for you to set up?

Depending on how difficult the load-in is, and how much PA and lighting your event requires, I need a minimum of 20 minutes up to 2 hours. I will ALWAYS arrive early enough to be set up and ready to go about 30 minutes ahead of your start time.

I have a watch, and know how to use it.
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Will you make announcements for us?

Absolutely. I’m happy to take care of all announcements that are needed.
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What will you do to involve my guests?

I will be as interactive and encouraging as you would like me to be. Sometimes hosts simply want background music and want their DJ to remain invisible. Sometimes they want a DJ that will get involved with their guests and do party games. Just let me know what type of atmosphere you want at your party, and that’s what you will get.

What I won’t be is an annoying, obnoxious chatterbox.

Remember, this is YOUR party - I’ll make sure that your party reflects your personal style, tastes and vision.
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Are you willing to play only the songs that I want?

Yes. You may pick out individual songs, or just song styles. Sometimes people choose every single song and the order in which they are played. (15-20 songs per hour) I don’t recommend that because every party flows differently and a good DJ will read your crowd and respond with correct musical selections for the moment.

Let me know your musical preferences. If you don’t want to hear “The Hokey Pokey”, I won’t play it.

You can download my complete song library (song titles, not mp3s) and choose the songs that you’d like to hear. The more I know about your desired songs, the better I can provide you with the party atmosphere that you want.

Download list sorted by song title
Download list sorted by artist
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What if the songs I want aren’t on your list?

If you let me know a few days in advance, I’m willing to get most any songs that you want. And if there is wireless internet available at your party location, I can download songs from iTunes on the spot!
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We want to do a PowerPoint presentation that we’ve put to music. Can you hook up the computer through your system?

Yes I can. Just let me know ahead of time so I can bring the correct cables.
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What do you need at the party site?

I need a 6’-8’ table. I can provide this, if necessary. If you want my table draped, you will have to provide the linens.

I also need a 20 amp circuit for the basic system, two 20 amp circuits for the medium system and four 20 amp circuits for the large system. This electricity needs to be in close proximity to my dj table.

It is a good idea to have the DJ table close to the dance floor.
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Can you turn down the music?

Yes I can. I have volume controls on my mixer and I’m not afraid to use them. I will not blast out your grandmother and drive away your uncles with excessive volume. In fact, I will play the music at a reasonable volume, until you tell me to turn it up! I can make it thump, but will wait for the appropriate time.
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Can we come see you in action?

Sure, as long as it is a public event. I won’t treat your private party as an audition for future jobs, so I can’t invite you to someone else’s reception. Remember that all parties are customized according to the wishes of the host. So if you stop by and we're all doing the Macarena or a Hula hoop contest, that's not necessarily what will happen at your party, unless you request it.
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My event is outside, anything special that I should know?

It is imperative that a tent or awning be set up for me. My equipment is electrical and needs to be protected from the rain and from the sun (to prevent overheating). Even if you are positive that it won’t rain, I need to be secure that not only will my equipment be safe, but that you and your guests will be too.

I can provide a tent for an additional fee.

*If you are having a party out in the middle of a field, please note that I cannot use electricity from a gas powered generator. The amperage is usually too low and too inconsistent.
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What is a typical itinerary for a wedding reception?