A few weeks ago, I received an email asking me to DJ a middle school dance in San Jose. The school provided a playlist with enough songs to cover about an hour and a half, but my set was scheduled for 2.5 hours. I made sure to play all their requested songs while also filling in the gaps with high-energy tracks that kept the students engaged and excited.

One thing became clear—these kids love a good mix of classics and trending hits. They had an absolute blast dancing to the Macarena, The Chicken Dance, Rich Baby Daddy, and Carnaval. Seeing them have fun and enjoy the music was an amazing experience. Even the staff took notice, mentioning that the energy was far better than past events where a parent DJed. In fact, one student even asked if a parent was playing, only to be told, "We have a real DJ today!"

Why Choose a Professional DJ for a Middle School Dance?

Many schools rely on volunteer parents who bring their own speakers and play music. While this is a budget-friendly option, here are a few things to consider:

·              Do they have access to the latest music? Teens want to hear the songs they love, not just a random playlist.

·              Can they curate a mix from multiple school dance events? A professional DJ has experience from various gigs and knows what works best.

·              Can they quick-mix to keep the energy up? A DJ who can seamlessly transition between songs prevents awkward silences and keeps the dance floor packed.

Sure, you can have a free DJ for "okay" results. But investing in a professional DJ guarantees a night that students will remember for years to come. So, for your next middle school dance in San Jose, make it special—hire a real DJ!

Looking for a fun and unique weekend activity in San Jose? Look no further than Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink! This vibrant outdoor roller skating experience is bringing the community together every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with great music, delicious food, and plenty of skating fun.

A Skating Experience for Everyone

Located off Second Street, Zip Gardens transforms into a fully functional roller rink where visitors of all skill levels can lace up and hit the floor. Whether you're a pro skater or just learning to balance, this rink welcomes everyone. Rent a pair of skates and groove to the music or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Families can bring their kids for a fun-filled evening, guiding them around the rink or cheering from the sidelines. If skating isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do!

More Than Just Skating

Zip Gardens isn’t just about roller skating—it’s a social hotspot with a variety of attractions:

• Live DJs: Twice a week, DJs spin the hottest tracks, creating an energetic and immersive experience.

• Food Trucks: Satisfy your cravings with a selection of mouthwatering street food.

• Craft Beer & Drinks: Enjoy a cold craft beer while soaking in the lively ambiance.

Why You Should Visit

Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink is the perfect place to unwind, have fun, and connect with others in San Jose. Whether you’re skating under the city lights, dancing to DJ-curated beats, or indulging in great food and drinks, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out—grab your friends and roll into the weekend fun at Zip Gardens!

The most talented high school debaters from across California recently gathered in Santa Clara for a high-stakes regional competition. Over the course of several days, elite teams engaged in rigorous debates, competing for points that could secure their spot in the National Championships.

A Battle of Wits and Words

During the day, teams from various high schools debated pressing topics, showcasing their research skills, quick thinking, and persuasive arguments. Judges scored each debate, and only the best-performing teams advanced, inching closer to the coveted opportunity to represent their school at Nationals. The competition was fierce, with students tackling complex subjects ranging from policy and ethics to global affairs.

A Chance to Unwind

Despite the intense debates, the event wasn’t all about competition. In the evenings, students had the opportunity to relax and socialize. With music, laughter, and camaraderie, participants could bond with their peers—many of whom they had debated against earlier in the day. These moments allowed students to take a break from the mental strain of competition, fostering friendships that extended beyond the debate floor.

Hosting a quinceañera in Seaside, part of the beautiful Bay Area, is always a special experience. I was fortunate enough to be called in just a week before the big day to DJ for this lively event, serving San Jose, Seaside, Monterey, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy. When preparing for any event, especially a quinceañera, I always ask for a playlist to get a sense of the vibe the hosts envision. Usually, this includes a mix of Spanish and English music. However, this particular celebration had a unique request: an all-cumbia playlist.

The request was clear — cumbias all night long! It was a fun challenge, and I made sure to tailor the music to the crowd. I kicked off the event by playing some old-school ranchera music during dinner to give the older guests something familiar. However, as the night progressed, the hosts asked for the party to fully embrace cumbias from start to finish, and that’s exactly what we did!

From the dance floor to the special father-daughter dance, we kept the energy high with a variety of cumbias, merengues, and even some salsa. After the cake cutting, I mixed in a few English songs, but we quickly returned to the beloved cumbia rhythms that kept everyone dancing all night long. The fun didn’t stop there — the energy was so contagious that we ended up extending the dance portion of the night by an hour!

Whether it’s a quinceañera in Seaside, Monterey, or anywhere in the Bay Area, providing the perfect soundtrack for such a meaningful event is a joy. If you’re planning a celebration, be sure to consider a unique playlist that reflects your family’s style and vibe — just like this unforgettable Seaside quinceañera!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of performing at a fantastic bocce party in Santa Clara. The event was a perfect blend of great music, laughter, and community, making it a truly memorable night for everyone involved.

Pre-Event Planning for a Seamless Experience

A few days before the party, I met with the hosts—Mom and Dad—at the venue to go over the event details. They provided the agenda, and we reviewed everything to ensure a smooth flow. This preparation helped me tailor the music selection to match the different phases of the event.

Setting the Mood with Live Instrumental Covers

As guests arrived and enjoyed cocktail hour, I played instrumental covers to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The soft melodies set the perfect tone for mingling and socializing.

Dinner with Fun Pop Music & a Bocce Ceremony

During dinner, we transitioned into upbeat pop music, adding a fun energy to the meal. Then came the much-anticipated bocce ceremony, where the crowd gathered to celebrate the game and its winners.

Hosting the Shoe Game & Getting Everyone Dancing

One of the highlights of the night was the classic Shoe Game! I had the honor of playing game show host, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged with laughter and cheers. Once the game wrapped up, we got everyone—young and old—on the dance floor. The mix of music appealed to all age groups, ensuring a lively and unforgettable celebration.

Book Live Music for Your Next Event

If you're planning a bocce party or any special event in Santa Clara, live music can take it to the next level. Contact me to create the perfect atmosphere for your gathering!

Open Format Vinyl Event in San Francisco: A DJ Experience

Recently, I had the opportunity to spin at an open-format vinyl event in El Chato in  San Francisco. Leading up to the gig, I was informed that one of the iconic Technics 1200 turntables was malfunctioning, which meant I had to bring my own. My first thought? "I already need to carry crates—now I have to haul a 1200 too?"

The night before, I prepped a four-hour digital playlist, only to stop and reflect: How often do I get to play vinyl these days? If I'm going to bring one crate, why not bring five? And if I’m bringing one 1200, why not make it two?

Despite the setup, we were ready to go well before our 4 p.m. start time. Originally scheduled to wrap up by 8 p.m., the vibe was so electric that we kept spinning until 9.

The crowd was treated to an eclectic mix of genres. We dropped funky grooves from the '80s, jams from the '90s, soulful house, and classic hip-hop bangers. It was a true journey through sound, showcasing the beauty of open-format DJing where anything goes and everything fits.

This event reminded me why I love spinning vinyl. There's something magical about the tactile connection with music and the energy exchange with a crowd when you're digging through crates, dropping needle to wax, and building sets in the moment.

In an age where digital DJing dominates, vinyl still has a way of captivating both the DJ and the audience.

Vinyl Is Way Different Than Digital

Vinyl DJing is a whole different ballgame compared to digital. If you can handle vinyl, transitioning to digital is a breeze—but the reverse isn’t necessarily true. Vinyl has a distinct feel that demands more precision and skill. For instance, while using the Technics MK7 turntable, I noticed a big difference from the MK2. The MK2’s speed control button lights up at standard speed, giving you a clear indicator, but the MK7 lacks this feature. It's a small but significant adjustment.

OG Bar in San Jose: A Vinyl DJ’s Paradise

San Jose's OG bar is the perfect setup for vinyl DJs. They go above and beyond with backup headphones, their own needles, and even decorative vinyl records that double as playable backups. Their Pioneer mixer is user-friendly, although I had a brief moment of confusion with the cue buttons—they’ve got two buttons above each channel. Once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing.

The sound quality was impressive. The speakers, complete with amps, filled the room with warmth, and you could occasionally hear the classic vinyl pop, which added to the atmosphere.

A Unique Venue Experience

What sets OG bar apart is its clever layout. The front area is a vinyl haven, designed for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. As you walk toward the restrooms, you’ll discover a second space called Alter Ego with different music and a more relaxed vibe. It’s essentially two parties under one roof, allowing guests to switch scenes without stepping outside.

OG bar isn't just a venue—it’s a testament to the artistry and culture of vinyl DJing. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just a fan of good music, it’s worth checking out.

Once you've explored the vintage offerings at Mantiques Shop, head over to Needle to the Groove, Fremont’s go-to record store. Mantiques has a record section  in front of the store. No new records but older used ones. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl collector or a newcomer to the analog music scene, Needle to the Groove is a must-visit for anyone passionate about music. With an expansive collection of vinyl records spanning all genres, from rock and jazz to soul, indie, and blues, you're bound to find something that speaks to your musical tastes.

What sets Needle to the Groove apart is its commitment to offering high-quality, well-maintained vinyl. The staff, who are passionate music lovers themselves, are always ready to assist you in finding that elusive album or introduce you to new music. With an ever-growing selection of records from local and independent artists, the shop provides a fresh, personal touch that larger stores simply can’t match. The store is small but filled of well maintained vinyl. They have signs  saying please treat the  vinyl nicely. Lots of sealed records there.

Why Fremont is the Perfect Destination for Record Shopping and Antiquing

A visit to Mantiques Shop and Needle to the Groove in Fremont is more than just a shopping trip — it’s a chance to connect with the past and present of culture, music, and history. Whether you're hunting for vintage home décor, looking to add to your vinyl collection, or just browsing for something unique, these two Fremont locations offer an unforgettable experience.

Fremont is becoming a true destination for those who love to explore the past through antiques and vintage goods, and for music lovers who seek the authentic sound and experience of vinyl records. Whether you're a local or visiting the Bay Area, make sure to carve out time for these two spots. You’ll leave with something special, guaranteed!