This was a night when it all came together - a nice venue, great vendors, and a crowd that really believed in audience participation!  Corey did a fine job as usual as our hostess at Albert’s in Belleville, and we had the pleasure of working with one of our favorite photographers, Joe Vavak.  Jenny and Dustin’s friends and family really enjoy a good party and they stayed actively involved for seven full hours of entertainment.

Immediately after the spotlight dances Jen’s grandfather started things off by singing the classic country song “Young Love” on my second microphone.  The participation dances filled the entire dance floor; in fact there were very few people in their seats during the line dances and chicken dance.  All of the musical requests from the guests we met right up till the last song and group hug during “American Pie.”

The St. Libory American Legion hall was packed with nearly 400 guests to celebrate with Kelly and Matt!  I recognized some of the friendly guests, since I provided the entertainment for Kelly’s sister’s wedding last year.  In addition to the traditional reception activities, Kelly also had some interesting ideas, like the “Newlywed Shoe Game.”  Immediately following the spotlight dances, Kelly and Matt sat back-to-back in chairs in front of the DJ stage.  Each held one of Matt’s black shoes in one hand, and one of Kelly’s white shoes in the other.  As I asked various questions like “who made the first move” and who has the wackier family,” the couple held up the appropriate shoe representing their answer.  The guests erupted in laughter during this spontaneous and fun game.  The volunteers at St Libory did a great job in hosting this large party, and the reception was a big hit with the family and friends that attended.

“Come Fly With Me” was the theme for Courtney and Josh’s wedding.  Josh recently completed his U.S. Air Force pilot’s training, so their first dance to ”Come Fly With Me” from Frank Sinatra was indeed appropriate.  From the ice sculpture of an A-10 aircraft, to the cutting of the cake with a military sword and the Air Force dress uniforms of Josh and several wedding party members, it was truly a patriotic evening. 

Nearly 300 guests joined the celebration, so fortunately there was plenty of room at St. Gregory’s Armenian Hall to accommodate the lively dancing crowd.  Best of luck to Josh and Courtney as they embark on their adventure, and I thank Josh for his service to our country. 

It was a great day for an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception, as long as you don’t mind a little rain!  The weather cooperated for the ceremony, but soon after a steady rain began to fall.  Danielle and john were not “dampened” one bit; in fact they danced in the rain for their bridal dance and the other spotlight dances.  They were rewarded for being such good sports; the rain cleared for dinner and dancing and everyone had a great time. 

Danielle and John did a great job preparing for their big day, and it showed.  They had all the details taken care of to transform their yard into the perfect reception site - Bully’s Barbeque; a wide array of chilled wine, beer and soft drinks in giant tubs; tents with tables and chairs; lights; a wooden dance floor; and of course great music! 

Hiring a disc jockey is like hiring any other professional – do your market research, establish some evaluation criteria, and hire the best value service provider. 

Let’s assume that you’ve done your research, and you realize that choosing the cheapest DJ from the phone book is not a good idea.  How should you select the best DJ to suit your needs?  What should you look for?  Which questions should you ask?  Here are some evaluation criteria for consideration:    

-       Experience.  How many years as a DJ / how many events has the DJ done?  Do not get confused with the number of years the company has been in existence.  A DJ company with multiple disc jockeys may have been in business for 20 years, but the DJ they send to do your event may be a rookie on his first job. 

-       Who is your DJ?  Is the actual DJ guaranteed, or will he or she come from a “pool” of DJs to be determined later?  Ask to meet your DJ, or request personal references from recent events.

-       Responsiveness.  Are phone calls and e-mails returned promptly?  You should certainly receive a reply to your inquiry within 24 hours.

-       Customer Service.  Is the DJ easy to deal with?  Is he or she knowledgeable and helpful?  Do you feel you can trust them to direct your event?  Will they offer to meet with you in person after signing a contract to discuss all of your event details?

-       Music.  Does the DJ have an extensive music library?  If the music is digital was it legally obtained?  Does the DJ have a vast knowledge of all genres of music?  Does he take requests at your event?

-       Equipment .  Is the music and lighting equipment of high quality and well maintained?  Is it professional in appearance?

-       Business Operations.  Does the DJ company run a professional business?  If so, they should have the following:

o   A business license

o   Liability insurance

o   A business phone

o   Professional business and marketing materials (website, forms, business cards, etc.) 

-       Contracts.  Does the DJ use a written contract?  A contract protects both you and the DJ company.  Normally a deposit or retainer fee is required to execute the contract; is the deposit reasonable?  Some companies ask for one half or even the entire invoice price when the contract is signed.  Do you normally pay for something in full before you receive it?

-       Professional development.  Does the DJ belong to any professional organizations that promote the entertainment industry like the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) or the National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME)?  Does the DJ attend conferences, seminars and association meetings to constantly improve their business operations and DJ performances?  Do they read trade publications to stay current in their profession?

-       Price.  Of course price is always a factor.  When establishing your price range, you should consider the importance of the event, the overall budget, and the prevailing rate for professional DJs in your area.  Unless your event is very informal and your budget is very low, choosing a “discount DJ” is usually a bad idea.  Sure, you could save $100 or so by choosing the cheapest vendor.  But there is a reason a DJ is charging less than the industry standard.  Chances are he is inexperienced and needs to improve before he can charge higher prices.  Or he does not operate a legal business, is not declaring his income for tax purposes, and is just trying to make a few extra dollars “under the table.”  If the DJ embarrasses you in front of your friends and family and everyone leaves the party early, was the savings worth it?

Consider these points when selecting your wedding entertainment, and your reception will likely be a big success!    

Christina and Ryan requested that we provide the music and sound for both the ceremony and the reception which required two DJ systems; the main system was set up inside the reception hall and the mini-system outside for the ceremony.

Both the ceremony and the reception took place at the Villa Marie Winery. The wedding ceremony was performed on an island on the lake.  What a beautiful setting for a wedding.  The parents and the bridal party preceeded the bride across the bridge to the open air gazebo.  Christina was a vision as she walked with her father to join Ryan while the guests watched from chairs on across the lake. 

After the ceremony the guests walked inside to enjoy the grandeur of the Tuscany Room for the reception.  This picturesque setting may have looked like Italy, but it was actually the Villa Marie Winery in Maryville, IL!  This venue just began hosting events this year, and my first experience with them was great.  The setting is beautiful, the room is magnificent, and the service is first class.  Christina and Ryan’s family and guests love to dance and party, so the dance floor remained packed all night.  It was truly a memorable evening! 

Nearly two hundred of Natalie’s family and friends gathered at St Cecelia’s hall to celebrate her quinceanera.  This is the Hispanic tradition of recognizing a young girl’s coming of age - her 15th birthday.  After celebrating mass and eating an excellent meal, Natalie moved to the dance floor and lifted her gown enough to reveal she was wearing sneakers!  But not for long; her father emerged with a pair of high heels carried on a pillow.  He replaced her shoes, signifying her transformation from a little girl to a young lady.  Natalie then danced with each of the special men in her life - her father, godfather, grandfather, uncle, and brother.  Several hours of dancing followed, and I especially enjoyed watching and participating in the Spanish music dancing.  Congratulation Natalie!

Looking For A Job:  The Perspective Swings

by Ken Petersen / reprinted from Disc Jockey News

School is over, and you enter the employment hunt.

Your resume has all the pertinent information in clearly defined sections:

- How to reach you

- Objectives

- Summary of skills

- List of education

- Additional training

- Certificates and accreditations

- Work experience

- References

You know the next step in the job search is to get the resume out.

You have a great cover letter that expresses how you found out about the job opening and sets up dialogue for scheduling the interview.

You take an extracurricular class or two on job interviews.

You have practiced the interview numerous times with friends, roommates, or maybe even a few family members.

You get the call - a company is interested.  It’s a company you have stock in, you speak well of to your friends, and you really want to work for this firm!

The appointment is set.

This is your big break!  You have been preparing and waiting for this moment.  You know you are ready; you have put in the work to make yourself the best choice for the position.  It is now time to show this company you know what you are doing!

You are excited!  You may even dress one step higher than appropriate for the line of work you are interviewing for.

You’re there on time - actually 10 minutes early.

You can already envision working for this firm.

The HR Department calls you in…

The only question asked is simply, “How much do we have to pay you?”

There is no greeting, no handshake, no welcome, no offer to sit down or get comfortable, no query about anything on the resume.  HR doesn’t probe about history, education, skill sets, references, or even if you are over or under qualified for the job…just a lone question:  “How much are you?”

You are on the spot.  You are the interviewee.  You need to answer that question.

Your mind runs wild.  “What about my qualifications; why aren’t they asking about those?  The entire labor pool is out there, and I know I am the single best candidate for this position.  Is this company really looking for the cheapest labor?  What if I say I want $xx,xxx per year salary?  The next guy in the lobby is wearing jeans and a T-shirt.  He’s got a ticket for the company to sign off from the placement referral service so he can continue to collect unemployment and furthermore he is clueless - I know he is going to ask for less.”

Many couples that are planning a wedding unknowingly do this daily to many service providers within the wedding entertainment field.

Engaged couples are at that stage in life where the job hunt is very fresh in their minds; either they are about to start the search, right in the middle of it, or were recently placed in a nice job environment.

Wedding entertainers (mobile DJs) can be thought of as the candidates waiting in the lobby (your lobby - you are the employer).  They offer a service and a willingness to work for you.  Some DJs position themselves for the menial tasks.  Others, the better ones, can become your right hand.

Wedding DJs have a resume.  It’s their marketing; a website, their printed materials, and informational e-mail.  They have references to check such as thank you cards, happy clients, and reviews found online.  There is a confirmable work history:  ask your other vendors and check training, accreditations, certificates, and associations.  What have they done to earn a spot in your wedding budget?

Have some fun; pay us DJs back with the same thing you are going through (or went through recently).  Scrutinize.  Find the right employees for your own “wedding firm.”

Want a truly “historical” event; why not plan it at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park?  It was a perfect day for Jenny & Jason’s outdoor wedding ceremony in front of the fountain.  When the guests entered it had been transformed into a beautiful reception venue.  Each table had been covered with beautiful white linens, wonderful centerpieces and surrounded by silver chairs. Family and friends were treated to a fabulous dinner and high-energy entertainment.  The crowd was fun and the setting spectacular; what a great way to begin your new life together! 

CONGRATULATION JASON & JENNY

ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER!!

We enjoyed being a part of this special moment in your life.

Batter Up!  Jessica and Lance were married on home plate at Busch Stadium; how cool is that?  I watched the ceremony from the stadium seats behind home plate, and then we all proceeded to the Cardinals Club for the reception.  Fredbird was on hand to greet all of the guests as they entered the room, and each place setting had a St Louis Cardinals baseball with the bride and groom’s name and wedding date on it.  What a great idea for true Cardinal fans!