Posts tagged bay area
Gilroy Art Walk (Bay Area Dj Serving Gilroy)

I was really looking forward to being part of the Third Friday Art Walk in Gilroy, one of the South Bay’s most vibrant monthly events. While the main DJ area was already booked, we still had the opportunity to participate during the author talk segment—which gave us a perfect break in the action to set up. We quickly organized two DJ setups and jumped right into some fast-paced mixing, bringing energy and spontaneity to the evening.

Held on the third Friday of each month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Third Friday Art Walk is hosted by 6th Street Studios & Art Center. This free, family-friendly event transforms downtown Gilroy into a hub of creativity, featuring local artists, musicians, performers, and small businesses.

Each month brings something new, with rotating themes and activities like open mic nights, interactive installations, and art exhibits. Visitors can explore “art stops” throughout downtown—ranging from galleries and outdoor spaces to local cafes—while enjoying live performances and cultural showcases. Past highlights include Folklorico dance, open DJ sessions, and vibrant vendor markets.

Even though we weren’t in the main DJ zone, being part of the Art Walk still offered a great platform to share music and creativity with the community. The mix of art, culture, and live energy made it a night to remember.

If you're looking for things to do in Gilroy or want to connect with local creatives, the Third Friday Art Walk is the place to b

Why Two DJ Setups Are Changing the Game at Live Events (Bay Area dj serving San Jose, Gilroy and Sunnyvale)

If you’ve been to a high-energy party or cutting-edge event recently, you might have spotted something different: two DJs with separate setups instead of one. This emerging trend is turning heads—and transforming live performances in a big way.

We experienced this firsthand. The first time we rolled out a dual DJ setup, venue workers immediately approached us, saying they’d never seen anything like it. They loved the energy and asked for our business cards on the spot.

So why is this setup catching on?

Double DJ setups bring unmatched versatility and energy. With two pros on the decks, rapid tag teaming becomes possible. One DJ can drop a track while the other lines up the next, ensuring nonstop momentum and zero dead space. If the vibe needs a shift, it happens instantly—no awkward transitions, just smooth, high-impact mixing.

Beyond seamless flow, creative collaboration reaches new heights. DJs can feed off each other’s energy, blending genres, swapping live edits, and crafting mashups in real time. It’s an unpredictable, electric experience that keeps the crowd engaged.

Visually, the dual setup also adds to the show. Watching two DJs interact, trade beats, and hype the crowd creates an immersive atmosphere that a single setup just can’t match.

Whether it’s a wedding, festival, club night, or private event, two DJ setups offer a next-level experience. This isn't just more gear—it’s a game-changer in live music entertainment.

As more people seek unforgettable event moments, expect this trend to keep growing. Two DJs. Two setups. One unforgettable vibe.

Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink: The Hottest Spot in San Jose

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!

Quinceañera in Seaside: A Memorable Celebration with Cumbia and More

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!

San Jose Record Stores: An Old School Journey Through Vinyl

Record shopping in San Jose has evolved significantly over the years, blending  old school with modern challenges like inflation. Here’s a recap of my recent visit to some of the city’s prominent record stores and a look back at some all-time favorites.

Streetlight Records Streetlight Records remains a staple for vinyl enthusiasts in San Jose. Their collection of vintage vinyl is vast and impressively organized, making it easy for visitors to browse through decades of music history. However, the stark reality of inflation hits hard when you see new albums priced at $40 or more. Personally, I’ve shifted toward DJ compilations, as they’re more space-efficient and offer a curated selection of tracks. Overall, Streetlight earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 for its organization and selection.

On the Corner Music Next, I visited On the Corner Music, a much smaller shop. While the store’s decor features old gear that adds a quirky charm, the limited space for records makes for a crowded shopping experience, especially with just five people digging through the crates. The lack of organization means serious digging is required, which might appeal to hardcore vinyl hunters but can be off setting for casual shoppers. I’d rate this spot a 1.7 out of 5.

Record Barn and Memories of the Past Driving by the now-closed Record Barn was a bittersweet moment. Once a haven for vinyl lovers, its closure marked the end of an era. Reflecting on my favorite (the best record shops) stores, Knight Sounds and Hit Factory stand out. Knight Sounds offered hours of browsing joy while you chatted with Carlos, while Hit Factory’s knowledgeable owner, Danny, always had the tracks you needed.

Final Thoughts For me, the best record stores offer curated compilations that deliver great value. As the vinyl scene continues to change, the joy of finding hidden gems and reliving musical memories keeps the culture alive.

 

Latin Party in Santa Clara (Bay Area Dj serving San Jose, Palo Alto, Gilroy and Santa Clara)

 We had a Latin party at an apartment complex. When I got there, they were playing a blue tooth speaker then I was going to go from 9 to 12. They had a taco guy serving up the Mexican Food. We were stationed in the parking lot area. We did all cumbias and salsa music for the birthday party. We did not get any complaints. I talked to the host to see how he was able to throw a party with a dj and no one called to complained. He said he wrote a letter to all the neighbors around him. Here are some other tips on:

How to Throw a Party at an Apartment Complex?

1.         Rules:  Check into the lease to find out about the noise limit and how many guests can attend and the use of shared areas.

2.         Pick the correct spot: Look into having the party in the apartment or the clubhouse or pool area.

3.         Give the neighbors a heads up:  Like the party I did, the couple notified the neighbors via letter.

4.         Make the Guest list: Be reasonable with guest list and do not try to overdue it.

5.         Be Considerate with the Sound: Avoid having the dj bring subwoofers. Keep it at a good volume.

6.         Food and Drinks: Get easy finger foods and self serve drinks.

7.         Cleaning Up: Have trash areas easily to be accessible. Clean up after the party so to keep the neighbors in good standing.

With enough planning, you can have an enjoyable party that will not irritate the neighbors as much.

Take your Holiday Corporate Party to the next Level with a DJ! (Bay Area Dj serving Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, San Jose, Pleasanton and Livermore)

 An end of the  year  tradition  is the corporate holiday party that everyone looks forward to. Its an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the   team and increase morale and create memories. Do not forget to add a dj to truly transform the night into a fabulous experience. These are the reasons why having a dj is one of the best decisions you can make as a party planner.

Setting the Perfect Vibe

A good DJ knows how to read the room and curate the music to fit every moment. From soft background jams during cocktail hour to high-energy hits for the dance floor, the right music can elevate the mood and keep your guests entertained all night long.

Customized Playlists

When you hire a professional DJ, you can collaborate on a playlist that reflects your company culture and team’s preferences. Whether your staff loves classic holiday hits, top 40 tracks, or a mix of genres, a DJ can curate the perfect soundtrack by getting some ideas from the planners and the dj can build on the  list given to them.

Nonstop Entertainment

Unlike other forms of entertainment, DJs provide versatility and seamless transitions. They can be emcees, leading the evening’s events if needed, announcing speeches or raffles, and ensuring there’s no awkward silences.

A Unique Experience

A DJ can take your holiday party to the next level with add-ons like a light show, karaoke setup, or even a quick mix dance session. These extras can make your event stand out and create conversation for weeks afterward.

Why Hire a DJ for Your Corporate Event?

A DJ does not just bring music but they bring energy, expertise, and professionalism that sets your party apart from parties that lack a dj.

Ready to plan a holiday party your team will rave about? Book a DJ and let the music set the tone for an amazing event! Call Black and White Affair Dj Services.

Back to back Homecomings Dances in San Jose (Bay Area Dj serving San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale)

  We did back to back homecoming dances in San Jose. We do like doing high school dances. We do like them since we have an advantage compared to most other Djs. We compile the hottest songs that we get from all the high school dances that we do and mix it with the songs that the school requested. There are a lot of good songs out there to keep students dancing but the secret sauce is to play songs to build up energy and then mix into the next one quickly. It is crazy what the power of the quick mix can do with the energy of the crowd.

   We got to do Overfelt’s Home coming a few weeks ago and we had it indoors.  They gave us a good playlist and it was a good time. The following week we did James Licks homecoming dance.  The music was outside and the party was inside and outside. Loved the energy of the students. They were loving the edam music and loved the Latin music. There was a lot of Latin music played and danced to. As a dj, you have to be able to play and mix different genres.

  Both Overfelt and James Lick are awesome. They were very easy to work with.  Both sent over a dynamite Spotify list. Then the schools sent over maps of their school so we knew where to set up. It was just a really nice process and efficient.  Love it when schools are on top of it!