For those of us in California, it’s hard not to feel the Spanish influence—especially when prom rolls around. From Latin-inspired dance moves to delicious Mexican food catering, a California prom is nothing without a little bit of Spanish flair. And what better way to add a dash of culture than with some music? Here are some great Spanish songs that are sure to make your California prom feel like you’re partying in Spain!

 “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William - This upbeat song packs the perfect punch for any prom playlist. With its contagious rhythm and bright guitar riffs, it's sure to get everyone on the dance floor. Plus, its upbeat lyrics will give your party a positive energy.

"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee - No list would be complete without this classic bop! It has an infectious melody that will have everyone singing along and a beat that is irresistible for dancing. It’s no wonder why this song was one of 2017's biggest hits!

"Bailame" by Nacho - This upbeat pop track is sure to be a hit with your guests. Its summer-like vibes will get everyone grooving and singing along in no time. Plus, its message of self-confidence is great for building up your classmates’ spirits before they head off into the world post-prom.

"Pa' Que Me Invitan" by Ozuna - Perfect for those who want something more laid back but still lively enough to keep people moving and grooving on the dance floor. With its slow tempo and relaxed vibe, it's perfect for winding down after an exciting night of celebration at prom.

Whether you want something fast-paced or laid back, there are plenty of Spanish songs that are perfect for setting the tone at your California prom. These four tracks alone should ensure that your guests leave feeling like they just stepped out a latin party! So don't forget these songs when you're planning out your playlist—your classmates won't regret it!

If you're operating a retail store, you know how important music is to a customer's experience. Hiring a DJ for your pop-up or retail store means you can benefit from a real-time response to customers' reactions. During lulls, a DJ can draw on a wealth of experience to keep customers engaged, in the evening hours an event DJ could play calming music to reduce stress.

Hiring a DJ for Your Retail Store in Three Steps

The purpose of a retail store DJ is to attract customers to your store and get them shopping. If they're not capable of doing that, then the DJ is no better than the radio or a Spotify mix.

For that reason, you should take into consideration three aspects of hiring a DJ for your retail store.

Listen to a Prospective Event DJs Mixes

To understand a DJ's knowledge of music, you should listen to sample mixes; two or three samples should give you an accurate gauge of a DJ's range.

Consider a DJ's Versatility

Hiring a retail store DJ in Los Angeles means you'll need someone who can develop ambiance that would be enjoyed by any shoppers. It also means that your DJ should be able to assess the types of crowds your store is attracting and choose songs that are appealing to that customer. In the beginning, your retail store DJ may not know shopper patterns and demographics, but over time, observant DJs will pick up on these patterns and home in on them to leverage better sales volumes.

Test their Ability to Emcee

A retail store DJ should be an excellent speaker and emcee. Using one, you can announce deals, launch new products, and even map the customer's path through the store.

If your DJ has passed the previous assessments, ask them to send a sample of a one-line phrase that includes terms and themes commonly used in your store. For example, "Today only, 25 percent off Frame jeans."

You're listening for clarity and conviction. The kind of retail store DJ that would entice you to check out the jeans.

Of course, your dialog will change to reflect your store or target demographic; alternatively, you could ask the DJ to create one.

What Type of Music Would Be Good for Retail Stores

Once you've hired a DJ, knowing the kind of music that you should be playing in your store or pop-up will give them a foundation they can use to create mixes.

80s Songs

80s pop music is often inoffensive, clean, and nostalgic. Even younger crowds appreciate some of the music as it seems vintage.

90s Songs

90s music is effective for the same reason 80s music is: it builds nostalgia, which triggers dopamine — the brain's happy hormone. Associating your store with this music will cause customers to — inadvertently — make a positive connection to your store.

Contemporary Music

If your retail store appeals to a younger audience, contemporary music will unlock dopamine in their brains when you're playing music relevant to their experiences.

Of course, there's more to being a retail store DJ than playing 80s music. You need to let the crowd — in this case, shoppers — direct the mix.

As a Los Angeles retail store DJ, I understand the impact a good mix can have on a business, and I aim to do what's best for your business. Please contact Black and White Affair. We are not a dj service but we are a Dj experience.

Society may have slowed down during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean everything has to stop – including your dreams of nuptial bliss. Especially now that the pandemic is waning, it’s time to get back to planning one of the most magical moments of your life. Choosing the right venue is paramount to making this happen. But, there are many pieces that must come together to make a location perfect. Today, Black and White Affair DJ Services has a few things you should keep in mind when it’s finally time to decide where to say, “I do.”

Your Budget

Your budget is one of the top considerations, especially if you're a young couple just starting out and will be paying for your wedding on your own. Luckily, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to throw a party everyone will enjoy. For instance, If you don’t have a nice chunk in savings, it might make the most sense to scale back and get married at home.

This money might be best put toward new paint, a gazebo, an outdoor kitchen, a new patio, or other upgrades that will enhance your wedding day as well as your quality of life. Whatever you choose to do, keep itemized receipts so that if you plan to sell your home; your appraisal may not account for upgrades if you can’t justify them.

The Approved Vendor List

Now that you have your budget under control, it’s time to look at venues that fall within it. But, just because it’s affordable on the surface doesn’t mean that it’s right. Some venues require that you use their vendors, meaning the service providers can charge whatever they want.

Location

Location is another key consideration, particularly if you have guests coming from out of town. If you’re planning to get married well outside of the city center, know that there may be fewer hotels available for overnight lodging. According to The Knot, your out-of-town guests are responsible for paying for their own rooms, so try to be budget conscious and choose a location that has plenty of accommodations within half an hour.

Theme

Now for the fun part: choosing a theme. Make sure that your venue is the perfect backdrop for your vision. This might be a fairytale, garden, bohemian, rustic, or modern. If you choose rustic, a metropolitan hotel probably isn’t the right choice. Similarly, if you’re going for a modern look, a barn venue simply won’t have it.

Memorability

You will most definitely remember your wedding day, but if you are shooting for something a bit more unique than a traditional venue, think outside of the box. The Green Wedding Shoes blog acknowledges that there are many amazing places to get married throughout the United States: a treehouse, a towering bridge, an antique store, and a historic basilica are just a few ideas.

Time Availability

The vast majority of us will plan on getting married on a Saturday; it is, after all, the most convenient. But, you might prefer to say your nuptials on a Thursday or Friday evening or Sunday after church. Contact your preferred venue well ahead of time to make sure that you will have the availability that you desire. The same goes for if you plan to hold the reception on-site and party until the wee hours of the morning. The last thing you want is for your wedding coordinator to put the kibosh on the fun at 11 PM.

The People

Choosing a venue is one of the double-edged swords of the planning process. It’s incredibly fun, but also incredibly stressful. Now that the pandemic is mostly behind us, though, it’s time to make your dreams a reality. Hopefully, the tips above can help you make the most of your search. Whatever you choose, congratulations on your upcoming celebration!

Black and White Affair DJ Services focuses on bridging the gap between club dj and the mobile dj experience to provide custom playlists and tons of energy. Call 408-768-4904.

It maybe time to set up your Dj for your prom in the Bay Area. Proms are usually hitting at the end of the school year. I am seeing them set up Mid April till Mid May. Schools are picking those dates since they don’t want it to interfere with the ending of school. At that time the weather is getting warmer so people are setting up their parties. 

So what do you look for in a prom DJ? Make sure they have experience playing at schools. Playing at schools is a totally different animal compared to playing at private events outside of schools. The dj has to make sure the music is clean meaning that there are no profanity. Also a lot of students like having a dj that can quick mix. That means they can play a song for a short period of time and throw in another song so it blends perfectly. Long gone are the days where a dj plays the whole song from start to finish. It seems the only songs that can be played out like that would be songs to play during dinner or Spanish songs on the dance floor. 

Speaking of dinner, songs should not be slow songs to put students to sleep. They rather be songs that everybody knows and keep everyone excited and you start building it at the end of dinner so they go straight to the dance floor when its ready to party. 

I am all about playing good dance music but during proms a few slow songs need to be put in the mix spread out through the night. 

If you are looking to book your prom dj now please look no further than Black and White Affair Dj services. We have enough sound for any events and please check out our reviews. 

Plan a Backyard Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

Your backyard. It’s the perfect wedding location. You save money from not renting out an overpriced venue that comes with a whole list of rules that cramp your style, and you have absolute creative freedom to express your own vision and show everyone a unique event they’ll never forget.

There’s just one issue: It takes a lot of preparation. Everything from the landscaping to the catering to the bartending is up to you to arrange. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but you can do it with some guidance, even on a smallish budget. Black and White Affair DJ Services offers a few suggestions on how.

Prepare Rooms for Loved Ones

You only have enough room to accommodate close family for overnight arrangements, so make them feel at home with a little attention to detail. Above all, that means putting fresh linens on the beds in the guest rooms, before adding extra comfort in the form of pillows or comforters. Consider also leaving a basket filled with items like bottled water, toiletries, ear plugs, mints, and anything else that can make their stay more comfortable. 

Start Early in the Yard

Since the most important moments will take place here, it better look its best, and that means getting started on your landscaping months in advance if you want a new bed of flowers in bloom for the occasion. Also, don’t neglect to pull up any dead plants and keep the grass well watered so it’s lush and green for the big day. In some cases, you may even need to have dead or dying trees removed, especially if they’re safety hazards or could open up necessary yard space. This isn’t a task to handle yourself, so look for local tree removal experts who can quickly cut down and dispose of these trees. Remember to get several quotes, and check online reviews and ratings first. 

Install an Arbor or Pergola

Arbors or pergolas garden structures offer your guests a place to relax without leaving the party, and you’ll enjoy the shelter it provides, along with the elegance of climbing flowers climbing up the beams. Professionally built trellises cost around $471 for materials and labor, while a DIY one will cost about $275.

Rent the Extras You Need

This could be a long list depending on how many guests you’re anticipating. You’ll almost certainly need some chairs for the ceremony itself, as well as a few tables for guests to put food and drinks on during the reception. Then there’s the sound system and a generator to power everything, including the extra refrigerator in the kitchen for all the goodies you’re serving.

Block Off a Staging Area

It all revolves around the kitchen, as there could be no reception without food. You may also want to block off an adjacent room for additional prep space, and keep it hidden with some makeshift curtains so your guests don’t catch a glimpse of the magic happening behind the scenes.

Find the Right DJ

The most contained way to provide entertainment is with a DJ service. What’s crucial will be finding the right spot for the DJ to set up, as well as enough yard space for dancing. Depending on your grass, you may want to opt for a dance floor, but dancing on the lawn in bare feet can be just as fun. 

Get Clever With the Decor

This could easily suck up thousands of dollars if you’re not smart about it. That may mean ditching the flowers, as hard as it seems. As a writer with Money Crashers points out, candles are much cheaper and more romantic. 

Don’t Skimp on Drinks

Do your wedding toast with Prosecco, and your guests won’t know that it’s cheaper than champagne. As for the rest of the occasion, you can’t go wrong with beer and wine, though Bon Appétit has some ideas for signature cocktails that don’t require too much work as they’re made from just three ingredients. Ancho Reyes daiquiri anyone?

It’s bound to be a memorable occasion, so don’t forget to enjoy it yourself. After all, this is your day.

Image via Pixabay.

What goes behind setting up a playlist

Setting up a playlist can be difficult. Folks know how the words go but don’t know the actual name of the song. For example, folks will say Apple bottom jeans but in reality, it’s called Low by Flo-Rida and T-pain. But everyone knows what you are talking about. 

When you are setting up a playlist one has to think of the theme they want to have. Will it be an old school vibe or will it be all the new up and coming jams. Or will it be a mixture of new and old to keep the young and older folks happy.  Once that is established then they can get to work. Myself I like to set up around 25 songs per hour of event. I like to be over prepared since it is better to have more songs to work with rather than struggling to find a song when the other song is running out. Nobody likes dead air in an event. Music always has to be playing unless someone is doing announcements.

I like setting up my list two weeks in advance so to ensure I have all the songs that are requested. I may have to go to two or three sites to find the song and make sure it’s the correct edit. A lot of songs have many remixes that may not be the correct vibes the client is trying to portray.

 For the songs that I put in the playlist I do not stream but actually have the mp3 in the hard drive. Streaming is the new thing that is happening in the dj world but on the same note there is not guarantee there will be good Wi-Fi at the event.

Tips for your Bay Area Quinceanera (San Jose, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Sunnyvale, Oakland)

Plan the event close to the birthday and be warned that Saturdays may be busy especially now since weddings have been held back the past year and a half. Sundays and Fridays may be options and be open to that. Lots of venues are getting booked so get this done asap to secure the location. 

Figure out the budget and decide what is most important for your event. You would want to splurge more on what you find important. Is it the venue or the food or the entertainment?

Search for the venue to hold your event and base it on the amount of guests you plan to invite.

Spend the time to find the right Quinceanera dress. 

Look for the right entertainment. Do you want a Banda or a Mariachi plus a Dj? At the very least, always hire a dj since they can play multiple genres of music and make announcements and they know what happens at Quinceanera

Consider getting a videographer and a photographer to film the event. Lots of memories that need to be captured. Plus images can be shared with the Quinceanera so they can share with their social media. Quinceanera can be just as monumental like a wedding so it does require just as much planning such as a wedding. 

Black and White affair has been in the event business since 2004. We specialize in Spanish music and have do many English Events across the Bay Area. We help planning the right music at the right time. Let us make the event an easy and stressfree event. 

What Can We Do While the Pandemic?

Slowly places are opening up with restrictions. Eventually they will start opening wedding venues. When will it will it happen in California? We have no idea. It can be frustrating since in other states they are allowing it. California is conservative in that respect. But in the long run it just makes it safer for everyone.

Keep your guests in the loop about what is happening with your wedding and keep your vendors closer. Go over your music playlist and with all this time it will be flawless. Get your guests involved and ask them what they want to hear at the wedding and you can include the feedback on you playlist.

As your dj, I am keeping safe myself. I am home 23 hours a day. For an hour a day, I go on a run with a mask and filter on. I do see families walking without masks and I avoid them. I go through the backstreets so it is not busy. Anyone who comes to the door, I talk to them through the window. I have not mixed any households meaning I have not set foot in another house no anyone come to my house. 

 I have subscribed to a multiple music record pools to keep the music fresh and look for classics that will always be fresh. I also was pretty decent with making edits of songs but I have been honing my craft with edits by putting them out for other djs to use in their sets thus keeping editing skills up for your special song needs to be the way you like it.