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.

BWADJ had the pleasure of providing sound, entertainment, and some lighthearted comedy for a recent company party at the beautiful Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose. Serving areas like San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, and Santa Clara, I brought the vibes and fun to an unforgettable company function.

A few weeks back, I was asked not only to DJ the event but also to sprinkle in some jokes and a short monologue—something most DJs might shy away from. But I was excited to go the extra mile! From fun shout-outs to the marketing team, sales team, warehouse crew, accounting, and purchasing departments, everyone felt included and celebrated.

The evening started with some Christmas music and some pop tunes during dinner, setting the festive mood. As the night progressed, the team got involved in interactive games like:

• Musical Candy Canes – A holiday twist on the classic game of Musical Chairs.

• Marshmallow Toss – Where team members tried to shoot marshmallows into buckets.

• Shake-Off Competitions – A hilarious team showdown that had everyone cheering.

To keep the energy high, they also hosted a White Elephant gift exchange.

After the games and laughs, it was time for the real fun: the dance floor! We turned up the energy with a mix of hits that got everyone on their feet. The crowd was having such a great time that we ended up going 30 minutes extra.

This corporate party was more than just a company event—it was about bringing teams together, celebrating their hard work, and creating lasting memories.

  About 5 years ago I did the 45th year reunion for Leland that we celebrated at the Los Gatos Lodge. I do remember it was a good time when I looked up their playlist from their first event I did for them. This list was a little different from the previous party since it was all old school. Last time, they had some current hits sprinkled in. This year we had the party in Villa Regusa in Campbell. Downtown Campbell is not the easiest place to park but there is first floor parking in the garage. You have the option of taking your do gear up the elevator or take it up the stairs. There was another function but it did not interfere with the function we were having. I was all set up and I was playing 30 minutes before schedule.

  So getting music for this class was a good time. I looked at 1968 19691970 1971 1972 1973 and 1974. I found the best rock hits and dance hits. I always ask for a list to make each event custom. Then I combine all the songs on my computer. I strive to play all their songs on their list while incorporating songs I feel that would enhance the event.

  The night started with some words with the host then the comedian started. Comedian was a pro who also graduated with the Leland class. He was a very funny guy who connected with the crowd who had the crowd laughing the whole time.

Black and White Affair can you do an event on a weekday? Not a problem. Can you do it at noon? We can do it. Did we mention it is for 800 people? Only 800 people will be attending in Santa Clara, we got you. That is how we do it. We were emailed recently about doing this event and we didn’t flinch. They wanted to make some announcements and play old school music. They made sure we had insurance and added them to our policy for their protection. They had 5 LLCs and we added them all. They also had invited some food trucks so it was a festive time.

 We welcome corporate events when they call us. We take pride is quick and prompt responses since we too operate like a corporation. Time is of the essence. We show up in advance and create the vibe for the event. We make sure our music is appropriate and loud enough for everyone to hear but not to loud that it disrupts people conversation if its dinner time. We judge on when to go loud or if it needs to be background music.

 The stage was small so we had the presenters be the main attraction as we spread out the speakers in front of the stage to cover more area. The dj set up behind the stage but can still see what was going on so they can read the crowd. We love events like this because the employer is showing appreciation to their employees.

We had two SJSU graduates throw a celebration in San Jose. I arrived an hour early and I was all set up and ready to go with 20 minutes to spare. So what do I do? I start playing the jams. I did notice a lot of older latinos there so I went with the old school Spanish music. We went with the cumbia classics. When it my true time to play, I started with their playlist. It was a lot of reggaeton plus with some hip hop. I was playing as many of their songs as I could since I want it to be as custom as can be.

They were good hosts and multiple people were asking me if I ate or needed a drink. I felt at home with the crowd. They were into the same music that I was into. I felt I was with my right crowd. I was playing hits from the 2000s and 2010s. The folks were singing along with the songs. I felt I had them when I was playing bay area anthems and I felt the energy. We. were hitting hard with the cumbias then going to 2000s sing-along pop then hitting up with some bay area classics. I loved the energy in the room plus I was playing like a minute of a half per song.

They had a mechanical bull that got a lot of attention. I have never seen a mechanical bull at a private party but it was a huge hit. It was just funny seeing if people can get on it themselves without any help and to see how long they will last on the bull.

From the first announcement to the last, wedding music planning  plays an instrumental role in making a wedding memorable. With many weddings under our belt, we understand how essential it is to have the perfect music plan on your special day. That’s why we want to give you with knowledge: the top 10 mistakes wedding DJs often make, so you can be confident in making the right choice for your wedding dj.

1. Bad Equipment Setup:

One of the most common mistakes is not bringing appropriate equipment. It’s vital that the DJ’s setup is professional, with backups for essential gear. You wouldn’t want the music to stop due to technical glitches. It can happen and the professional DJs know this. They are fully prepared and have backup equipment ready to go, just in case. I believe in back ups to your back ups.

2. Ignoring The Couple’s Playlist:

Every couple is unique, and so is their wedding playlist. A DJ should never ignore the bride and groom’s music preferences or play songs that have been on the doo not playlist. Many DJs will often ignore the playlist and play what they think works. This is only okay if YOU are okay with that.

Remember, this is YOUR wedding and you should be in charge of what is played on your big day, not the DJ. I know this may sound weird, but we truly believe this. Yes, we’re experts and know what to play to keep people dancing. However, we want to fulfill your vision of your wedding day, so we let you decide what we play. All pro DJs should do this (but they don’t).

3. Poor Volume:

Whether it’s blasting music during dinner or a too-soft first dance song, improper volume levels can mess up the mood. It’s crucial for a DJ to understand and adjust to the venue’s acoustics and adjust the volume throughout the evening. This is done with proper sound checks through out the night.

4. Lack of Interaction with the Crowd:

A good DJ and MC does more than just play songs; they engage with the guests. From reading the room’s energy to making announcements, an MC and DJ’s interaction can make or break the wedding vibe.

It’s important to note that, again, we believe that every event is about the couple, and not the DJ. So we’re never going to be obnoxious and talk too much on the microphone, or try to steal the show. You are the star of the show, not us!

5. Not Being Adaptable:

No matter how well-planned out things may be, weddings can be unpredictable. A top-notch DJ should be flexible, whether it’s handling last-minute song requests or adjusting to schedule changes.

A good DJ is also going to know exactly how to handle a situation where the schedule is off. They should be able to know what to do to get back on track and save time, as needed. Professionals should always look at your tentative timeline and see where adjustments may be needed, and suggest any changes that may be helpful. Some examples could be dinner being too long for the amount of guests you’re expecting, or starting the pre-ceremony too early, etc.

6. Playing Overly Explicit Songs:

Weddings typically have guests of all ages. It’s a significant misstep to play explicit songs, especially without the couple’s consent. Clean versions or more family-friendly tracks are always a safer bet.

If you want to hear the explicit songs, a good idea would be to perhaps wait until later during the dance, when the older relatives or those with kids are gone.

7. Lack of Professionalism:

Arriving late, dressing inappropriately, or being unprepared are signs of unprofessionalism. Couples should seek DJs who treat their wedding day with the seriousness and respect it deserves.

Your wedding day is every bit as important to us as it is to you. This should be the case for EVERY vendor you hire.

8. Not Coordinating with Other Vendors:

Your DJ should be in sync with the photographer, caterer, and event planner/coordinator. For instance, they need to know when it’s time for the bouquet toss or cake cutting to ensure they play the right song and create the desired ambiance.

We always make sure everyone is aware of what’s happening before it happens. This helps your vendors and you know what’s happening throughout the evening. Vendor communication is key.

9. Missing Pre-Wedding calls:

A pre-wedding consultation is essential. It’s an opportunity for the DJ to understand the couple’s vision, discuss song choices, and get a sense of the wedding’s timeline.

It is absolutely critical for you to talk with your DJ before your wedding. It can be online or in-person, but it definitely needs to happen. If you have a hard time reaching your DJ, or he/she is slow to respond, even before you book, be careful hiring this DJ!

10. Not Having a Diverse Playlist:

A diverse guest list means a variety of musical tastes. It’s not a good idea to stick strictly to one genre or era. A diverse playlist ensures everyone gets on the dance floor at some point.

Of course, if you absolutely want to hear only one genre, you can ask the DJ to do this and he/she should accommodate your request.

In a Nutshell:

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and the right music plays a significant part in that. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can make informed decisions and ensure that the music at your wedding is nothing short of perfect.

If you’re looking for a DJ who avoids these pitfalls and prioritizes your vision, Black and White Affair is here to help. With our years of experience and dedication to excellence, we promise to make your wedding soundtrack unforgettable. Call us today and let’s make it memorable.

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Crafting the perfect playlist for your event is both an art and a science. It can be tricky to get just the right mix of songs that will keep your guests engaged, entertained, and dancing. But with some planning and careful consideration of genre-specific tracks, you can create a dynamic playlist that will deliver the ultimate experience for everyone.

Planning the Structure of Your Playlist

The first step in creating a great playlist is to plan out the overall structure. Start by creating sections based on genre or vibe, like Pop & Dance, Electronic & House, Hip Hop & R&B, and Classics & Throwbacks. This will help you differentiate between each part of the night for your guests. Once you have these sections established, you can choose specific tracks to fit into each one. Make sure to pay attention to which genres are more popular with your crowd so you know what type of music they’ll be most likely to dance to. This way you can easily choose a few bangers from those genres to start off the night with a bang! Make sure you don’t use all your bangers so early. It is good to build it up. It does not make sense to  put all your songs right away  before everyone has arrived.

Break Times & Interludes

I went to a dance  to  chaperone  and the  dj  actually took a   break. That totally killed the vibe. As a professional dj, the show must go on. Most of the time, the music is on a  playlist so  no breaks are needed.

Creating a playlist for your event should be an enjoyable journey where you get to showcase your DJing skills and delight guests with tunes they love. With some careful planning and an eye towards genre-specific tracks, you can create an unforgettable experience that will have everyone jumping up from their seats and grooving all night long! So go ahead - get creative and make that party playlist shine!

One of the best ways to have a memorable wedding is to plan a destination wedding. It combines the joy of getting married with the chance of exploring a new destination across your country or even abroad! But, planning a destination wedding requires careful consideration and planning in the aspects of choosing a location, setting a sound budget, and making it easy for guests to travel and enjoy the event. In this article by BWADJ, we’ll explore the step-by-step process couples can take for planning a successful destination wedding.

Choose a Great Location

The whole point of a destination wedding is to host it at a great location. Hence, the first step will be to brainstorm the best locations and then rank them based on feasibility, cost, and preference.

• Weather: For those planning to host the ceremony outdoors, weather should be one of the first factors to consider. Research your destinations’ average weather patterns and temperature during your preferred dates. Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of locations that are prone to extreme weather conditions.

• Accessibility: Hosting a wedding on an island or mountain top are great ideas, however as the host, it’s important to ensure that all guests including seniors and those requiring health accommodations can attend your wedding. For this reason, it’s best to choose locations that are easily reachable by cars or public transportation.

• Preference: At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you have the freedom to choose the location that best meets your needs. Whether it be a place with which you have a personal connection or a destination inspired by your favorite movie, your preference should take priority while making a decision.

Set a Budget

Setting a clear budget is crucial for any wedding, but it becomes even more critical for a destination wedding, where expenses can quickly add up. As reported by Bankrate, the average cost of a wedding and reception as of 2022 stood at $30,000. Consider the following steps to establish a realistic budget:

• Research Local Costs: The cost of decorations, catering, and other wedding-related activities vary across locations. Conduct online research to ascertain how much you’ll be paying based on the location(s) you shortlist.

• Include Travel Expenses: Remember to account for the travel expenses of you and your immediate family, given that there is a high chance you will be traveling together. Additionally, flight and train fares constantly fluctuate, hence it’s best to book well in advance and take advantage of group discounts to keep costs low.

• Create an Emergency Fund: Unexpected costs and last-minute charges are more common than you think, as reported by Brides. Hence, it’s best to set aside an emergency fund of 10-20% of your total budget to safeguard yourself from surprise costs.

Save Money with DIY Invitations

While decorations, catering, and other big-ticket items are best left to the professionals, you can save a considerable amount of money by designing your own invitations. 

• Use Online Design Tools: There are various great online design tools using which you can create a great wedding invitation within a few clicks. You can also personalize it based on your theme, location, and other preferences. Click here to try one of the best tools for designing wedding invitations. 

• Share Invitations Digitally: Additionally, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on printing cards, consider sharing them via email or messaging apps. 

Help Guests With Accommodations & Travel Plans

Helping your guests with planning accommodations and travel will result in a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. 

• Negotiate Group Bookings: For close friends and family, consider getting buy-in from everyone to purchase a group package. This will result in considerable savings and an organized travel schedule. 

• Provide a Wedding Guide: Once your wedding plans have been finalized, consider creating a guide that encompasses all the information things guests should know, such as the date, ceremony schedule, best accommodation options, and more to keep everyone informed and on the same page.

When it comes to hosting a destination wedding, planning will be key. In addition to choosing a location, you'll need to create a sound budget and utilize the best ways to keep costs in check, by creating your own invitations and making group bookings.

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