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!

How to Pick the Best Dj in the San Francisco Bay Area

In the San Francisco Bay, many folks plan all different kinds of events such as private events, weddings, and corporate events. Maybe years ago, you may have had buddies who dabbled in the dj field but you don’t know if they still are in the field. But you are throwing an event and you want a professional so who do you turn to?

Check previous experience

These days everyone loves looking at reviews. Check out the Yelp Reviews and Google Reviews. Take a look at their Facebook Business Page to see if they are doing events currently and if they post consistently.

Talk with them

Ask them how busy they are. A good dj is a busy dj. Yes, there are loads of djs out there but the ones that are working are the ones that are sought out. Communicate with the dj to get a sense of their professionalism. Ask them what is included in their dj package. Does the dj bring their own lights and microphones? How many speakers will they bring to the function?  How is their response time? Does the dj respond quickly or does it take days to email or call back?

Look at their Website

A good dj should have a website that talks about what they do and who they are. Does it look professional?

Listen to their mixes

A dj will have example of their mixes either on their website or a page dedicated to their mixes. You will get the vibe of the kind of music that he plays and style of mixing. Some djs can give out usb’s with their mixes and some can even give out cds.

Los Gatos Lodge is a great place for any social gathering. Typically, I set up by the patio area inside but this last function I was in a different room. The room had a mobile bar and there was plenty of tables in the room. On the side of the room was a long table for the buffet and the desserts. I was scheduled to come in the middle of their cocktail hour to set up and they already had a wireless microphone and music playing in their internal system. Los Gatos Lodge would be an ideal place to plan a corporate event or reunion since they can run sound without a dj in case they did not have one or wanted to save money that expense.

It was a 45-year reunion from a local high school.  It was the class of 1974. I do always ask for a list after I send a list of my own to chose from. Usually what I do then I go and look at the top songs of all the years they went to high school so I search from 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974. I just do not just include the disco but the rock songs. I remember one reunion I did one member said that back in the 70s people were into rock or into disco. I was able to play both. I was able to accommodate requests from the party people at the event. Sometimes that is needed to play a gem that the class jammed to in their younger years.

It was a fabulous party and a lot of folks were dancing to the fun songs they selected.

As for school events, the budget for school dances will not be as much as prom.  Typically it is held on campus to help cut on cost.

The question that comes often is what is the cost to hire a dj and what is included. The djs can bring multiple speakers and lights to fill up the gym. I have seen djs charge 100 to 150 dollars an hour for school dances. The dj has to get a playlist ahead of time so the dj can play the music that the students requested.

Schools should select djs that have edited music so they will not have their vice principal run to the dj booth demanding to change an inappropriate song.

Also on the checklist is to see the dj reviews on google and on yelp to see if they have done other schools and can see their successes.

It would be good to have the dj visit the school to show them where they are going to set up. Some schools are not labeled easily so the dj can be driving around and not knowing where to park to unload. Ideally they want to drive close by to unload all their heavy gear.

Last but not least please talk to your dj about their dj crew. It is good to have the dj have one helper but when they are bringing 3 to 5 people to do a 1 to 2 person job, it just is not professional and can be a liability to the dj company and to the school.

One of the most common questions we get is what is the cost to do a school dance. This question is a hard one to answer since there are many answers. In the San Jose area, there is a saturation of Djs. Silicon Valley is the mecca of tech so many folks dive in the technology functions of a dj. Long gone are the record players (Technics) that play 12 inch vinyl which took way more skill and more of a financial responsibility. These days it is so much easier to mix music with the sync button and downloadable music. This makes it easier for the buyer since they have so many djs to choose from.

Find out with the dj is legit. It may be hard to see which djs are professional when you first speak with them. Just be aware of djs who undercharge since they are cutting corners and why are they under valuing their service. A good way to detect the quality of the dj is to look up their online reviews. It proves what quality or lack there of service they have and the customer can feel confident in their pick.

Costs of Prom DJs

Since proms due have budget constraints, it is best to let the dj know to see if the dj can work with it or they can recommend somebody who can do it that that price. Since proms can be extravagant events I have seen ranges of 600 to 1200 for the 4 to 6 hour event. In different parts of the country they have different rates but when it comes to the Bay Area it is on the higher end.

Close to the SF Airport is a wedding venue for anyone who needs to have a reception in the San Francisco Area or the Peninsula. One can be married at a San Francisco church and do the reception in San Mateo since it is so close. They did have a nice courtyard area where people can have a small ceremony or if they wanted to have cocktail area. It was a beautiful day so it was nice to be serving drinks outside in the August summer. 

The wedding reception itself was small and very personable. Around the facility, they had up lighting that added a special aura to the room.  16 up lights were used to surround the whole venue. 

As the dj, I wanted to be close to the dancefloor and the Marriot made it happen. We were able to produce a pretty gobo to project. We did have enough space to include a 7-foot screen and a projector. 

What I liked about this place was we went a few minutes over and the staff was not rushing us out nor tell me to stop on the dot. They let me play the last slow song of the night. Also one of my favorite vibes of the night was the positive energy on the dance floor. The wedding had a mariachi for dinner but I provided the tunes for dancing and it consisted of Spanish music (cumbia and salsa). So the majority was Spanish music and the rest of the music was old school funk. The Couple knew how to have a good time and provided the positive energy in the room.

Best load in in the business! It is so easy for outside vendors to park in 20 feet way you can unload everything. Staff is on it and make sure they get the door open and they are always readily available in case I needed anything. Recently we had a birthday celebration. The Birthday girl wanted the night club theme with karaoke. Dave and Busters catered the event buffet style. The main venue area had a nice bar area also The karaoke was available the whole night and folks were able to partake on it. Behind the Dj area there is a huge screen with a projector up high so in case the dj wanted to mix videos or show the karaoke above that could be an option. There is a good size stage and a good sized dance floor. They had these tall round tables on the side of the dance floor so guests can leave their drinks there and they did have some party games they can get involved in. What was cool was the tables were not there then someone told staff in within in 3 minutes all the tables were out. That is what I call service.

This is a great place to throw a party. You have you own private area then guests can go outside to the main arcade area and shoot free-throws, take out zombies, or race your fellow party goer in a race car. It is the best of both worlds.

Great staff and many options for fun at Dave and Busters in Milpitas.

Old Town Road Lil Nas X Billy Ray Cyrus

The Git Up  Blanco Brown

Truth Hurts  Lizzo

Beautiful People  Ed Sheeran

Senorita  Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello

Bad Guy  Billie Ellish

Talk  Khalid

Same Blood  Aloe Blacc

I Don’t Care  Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber

Sucker  Jonas Brothers

Suge  DaBaby

You Need to Calm Down Taylor Swift

Cross Me  Ed Sheeran ft Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock

If I Can’t Have You Shawn Mendes

Look  Back At It  A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie