The Sea by Alexander Steakhouse in Palo Alto (https://theseausa.com/home/)

Last Wednesday, I had a corporate event at the Sea by Alexander Steakhouse. This restaurant can hold multiple events at one time. (https://theseausa.com/privatedining/) My group were able to hang out in the outside patio then came in to our room. They also had a trivia team that led the group with a trivia session. I was able to hook up the trivia team into my system so everyone could hear their questions and their music. Once they were done with their trivia session, I had a karaoke machine hooked up to my system. I made sure I brought my 14 channel mixer to plug in my dj controller, two wireless microphones, two wired microphones and a channel for the trivia music.

Let me talk about the beauty of this location. I was able to have dinner during the trivia session and the food was the best I had at any venue. The food just melted in my mouth. The salmon and the roast beef were so perfect. The dessert was picture perfect and it was as good as it looked. At the end of the night a staff member helped me load up my suv with my dj equipment. We even had to take a flight of stairs! The best food and the most helpful staff at the Sea by Alexander Steakhouse in Palo Alto make it an easy choice in the peninsula area. It is a no brainer to have your corporate event (in house sound system and a built in projector) or private event at this venue. 

Dave and Busters as an Event Venue in the South Bay 

Dave and Busters (https://www.daveandbusters.com) is known as a fun place to have a good time with big screen tvs and to play video games. In Milpitas, they have a happening Dave and Busters where they can multiple parties at one time. They have multiple venue spaces and it depends on how big the party is. At Dave and Busters, they do have different packages offered with buffets and beverages and appetizer packages. In some packages, they give game cards to the guests. Some common questions answered: https://www.daveandbusters.com/party-and-event-venues/faq

I was able to communicate with the events manager to show me the venue before the event. I like to go to see where to park and unload and actually see where my equipment is going to be set up. She was awesome and was able to get me two tall tables to set up my equipment. I was able to set up 4 speakers and I was able to go as loud as I could without any limitations.  I was up on a stage and I had plenty of space for my equipment and set up my lights. The party started at 7 and the party-goers got the party going right away. The vibe was contagious and the staff was in a fun positive mood. They even helped me put my equipment away. I was in awe due to their awesome customer service. I was very happy playing at Dave and Busters. They venue was a big venue with a great staff that was easily assessable. I would definitely  like to play there again due to how professional the place was. 

Taylor Swift ft Brendon Urie ME!

LiL Nas X Old Town Road

Ava Max  Sweet But Psycho

Billie Ellish  bad guy

Sam Smith  and Normani  Dancing with a Stranger

Ally Brooke ft Tyga Low Key

Post Malone and Swae Lee Sunflower

Jonas Brothers  Sucker

BTS ft Halsey Boy with Love

Lil Peep and Ilovemakeonnen I’ve Been Waiting

Post Malone  Wow

Khalid  Talk

Meek Mill ft Drake Going Bad

J Cole  Middle Child

Mustard and Migos Pure Water

Rule 1: If you want to throw a fun party then you have to really know your audience. When you send out the invites make sure you use terms that would excite them. Be very detailed and specific so your guests know the deal from the start. 

Rule 2: Make sure your venue is easily accessible. People want it to be a piece of cake to get there so find a cool place with lots of parking. If it’s a formal event then you have a better understanding of the people that are going to the event and you know how many tables and chairs will be needed. Also make sure you have great communication with your venue. It is awesome when you call them or email them they get back to you right away. Nothing is more frustrating than an absentee venue manager. Some venues are all inclusive so that means they can do it all and less worry for the host. They can decorate and or host an open bar. Best ways to find venues is to ask other folks who secured venues before or you can trust strangers on Yelp. 

Rule 3: Find the right dj.It is good to secure the venue first so you know the date and times you need a dj and you have to see if the dj is available. So rule 1 is to know the audience and Rule 3 is to find the right dj. You would want a dj that fits the occasion. Find the right dj to do the event and call or email him or her to get a vibe from them

Recently played at Gilroy Gardens located in Gilroy. I was able to contact the manager and she was very helpful and made sure she was available to guide me in the venue.  With the helpful staff, I was able to go through the employee entrance. Load in was very simple.  I asked in advance for a table and they gave me an extension cord. Once I arrive I asked for another extension cord and they were on it. I brought my big boy speakers and asked for a little barrier so dancers do not put their drinks or purses on them. This was done with little heads up and they were on it.

The coolest thing of the night was I left a mini table behind and I called the manager after midnight and she picked up and told me she would call security to locate it and text me if they find it or not. I just love the follow through. The manager even offered to drop off the table at my location San Jose once it was found. WOW. With teamwork, they found my table in the big park and I was able to get it back.  This is how this venue treats vendors and I was very impressed. I was very impressed with their customer service. I was working with 2 banquet managers and both of them went beyond the call of duty. 

Overall it was a pleasant experience. While I was playing my music students were dressed to the nines and it seemed like everyone was posting their experience on social media. The lights and the elegance made it a very special night. The park offered unlimited games and rides for the party goers. Students were able to win prizes that whey were proud of. Students seemed very excited and happy. Gilroy Gardens is an excellent place to have your party! 

Sycamore Vineyards in Morgan Hill

I was fortunate enough to play at Sycamore Vineyards in Morgan Hill. They are able to host ceremonies, receptions and private events. They were able to accommodate an inside ceremony or an outside in no time. I was set up inside then the weather cleared and within 15 minutes they were able to make the outside area ready and they were professional and made it happen!

The staff was very helpful. They did everything to make the event as enjoyable as possible. They let me know if there was anything I needed be sure to ask. They were easy to work with and kept me in contact before the wedding. During the wedding we were in constant communication to make sure the wedding went smooth as possible.

The outside ceremony area has a view of pretty vineyards. For the cocktail area people can play bocce ball that they offer at no cost while other venues charge to play the game. Inside the reception area was many wine barrels to give a nice touch. The venue offers their own food menu and I give it two thumbs up. The place offers their own djs and if other djs are brought it they have to have insurance and have to sign an agreement to follow the venues rules (such as professional attire and not having subwoofers). The manager was helpful with helping me find the right insurance.

Overall a very beautiful venue to have an event. They have everything inhouse and it best to go that route to keep it nice and easy. It is a good  all in one venue.

Lil Nas X Old Town Road 

Post Malone and Swae Lee Sunflower 

Jonas Brothers Sucker 

Post Malone Wow

Ava Max  Sweet but Psycho

Sam Smith and Normani Dancing with a Stranger 

Ariana Grande  7 Rings

Khalid  Better

Halsey  Without Me

J Cole  Middle Child

Blueface  Thotiana

Meek Mill ft Drake  Going Bad

21 Savage  A Lot

Lil Baby and Gunna Drip Too Hard

Billie Eilish  When the Party’s Over

The wedding is full of special songs for specific events. A romantic song is played for the first dance and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is played for the bouquet toss. After all the selected songs are played it is time for the Open Dance. At that time, I would throw on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to get everyone to the dance floor. That song would get everyone in the party mood.

Recently HBO started streaming Leaving Neverland which talks about the allegations of Jackson’s misconduct. So, the question for djs is : Should MJ be played at weddings or events?

About two weeks ago, I did a school fundraiser with just adults. I asked one of the hosts if it would be ok to play Michael Jackson it was a quick no. I always play Michael Jackson. There was a point of the night where I felt I could have thrown in some PYT and one guest asked for Thriller but I did not play it for that event.

He has been an icon and a staple for years. I believe that since the show was recent there has been some folks who feel strongly about MJ not being played. I have asked some people if they have seen the documentary but not many have seen it. There has been debate in Dj circles and both sides have valid points. After hearing both sides and putting in more thought, I do agree with the djs who say that it is up to the clients who hire you and they can tell you if that are comfortable with playing MJ.