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.

A few weeks ago, we received an exciting call from a local company looking to shake up their routine. They typically host a lunch event during the workday but wanted to do something fresh and fun after hours, inviting employees and their plus-ones to join. Their idea? A lively corporate DJ event at the Burbank Marriott.

We were thrilled to bring their vision to life. The company booked a room equipped with speakers and a mixer, and we seamlessly connected to their system for a quick and efficient setup. Our mission was clear: provide a night filled with energy, music, and lots of dancing.

The team specifically requested plenty of line dances, and we delivered! From timeless classics to upbeat old-school hits, the dance floor was packed all night. To make the evening even more special, we created a custom line dance tailored to the company’s name. It was a hit!

The evening wasn’t all dancing, though. The company’s big bosses took the opportunity to address the group, blending business with entertainment in a way that felt organic and engaging. It was a memorable night where team members bonded, celebrated, and enjoyed an unforgettable experience together.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate event in Burbank, a DJ can add the perfect mix of fun and professionalism. Whether it’s line dances, old-school vibes, or something entirely unique, we’re here to make your event extraordinary. Let us transform your gathering into a night to remember at the Burbank Marriott or any venue of your choice.

For the second year in a row, we hosted an unforgettable corporate event at the prestigious Capital Club in San Jose. However, this year’s celebration was bittersweet, as we learned the venue will be closing its doors at the end of the year.

The Capital Club has been a beloved spot, and I personally have had the pleasure of playing five times over the past two years. Known for its stunning panoramic views and lively atmosphere, it was always bustling with activity. On any given day, you could see 3-4 events happening simultaneously, a true testament to its popularity.

Our party was a great celebration. The evening kicked off with an array of delicious appetizers followed by a mouthwatering dinner spread. As the night progressed, we filled the air with festive cheer, spinning Christmas tunes and popular pop hits that had everyone humming along.

One of the evening’s highlights was the heartwarming segment where the boss read employee-written speeches—each one filled with appreciation and personal reflections. Afterward, the fun ramped up with a White Elephant gift exchange, which brought plenty of laughter and surprises.

We wrapped up the night with a light dance session, bringing everyone together on the floor to celebrate the season and the memories we’ve created.

As the Capital Club prepares to close, we are grateful for the incredible moments and events it has hosted over the years. Its elegance and charm will be missed by many, but the memories will live on.

Whether it’s corporate events, holiday parties, or personal celebrations, this venue has left a lasting impression on San Jose’s community.

Here’s to the Capital Club—thank you for the memories!

Are you planning a corporate holiday event in the San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, or Gilroy areas? Last week, we had the privilege of DJing a massive holiday event for Lockheed Martin at the renowned Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.

The Tech Museum is an incredible venue for any corporate gathering. What makes it stand out is its interactive exhibits, which you can explore while enjoying the festivities. Located across from Christmas in the Park, it’s in the heart of the city, but the museum staff made parking stress-free—an essential perk during the holiday season.

This event was nothing short of spectacular. Since it was a large-scale party, we set up a 6-speaker system on the bottom floor. Impressively, guests on the 3rd level could still hear the speeches and music perfectly. One highlight of the evening was a heartfelt retirement speech followed by Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” – an energetic send-off for a well-deserved farewell.

We played a mix of everything: holiday classics, well-loved hits, and songs everyone could sing and dance to. Compared to last year’s flat, sprawling venue, this year’s dance floor was the perfect size. Guests were up and dancing by 8:30 PM, and the party didn’t slow down until the event wrapped at 11 PM.

If you’re looking to host a corporate holiday party that’s engaging, fun, and perfectly soundtracked, you need the right Bay Area DJ. From intimate gatherings to big celebrations, we’ll set the mood and keep the energy flowing.

Contact us today to make your next San Jose corporate holiday event one to remember! Call Black and White Affair Dj Services.

Looking for the perfect DJ for your teen party or family event in the Bay Area? I recently had the opportunity to spin at a party for two teens in Fremont. Serving San Jose, Fremont, Morgan Hill, Sunnyvale, and Gilroy, I specialize in keeping the energy high with lots of current R&B, some pop hits, and even some of 90s R&B for that old school vibe.

The Event at Massimos Restaurant

The party took place at Massimos Restaurant, where the setup was cool and intimate with an open bar and a fun photobooth for guests to enjoy. The food was fantastic, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. It was one of those events where everything just clicked.

One thing that stood out? How impressed the staff were with my efficient setup and breakdown process. While the DJ from the previous night needed 2 hours to set up and 2 hours to break down, I only needed 20 minutes to get the music going and the party started. I was done playing at 9:05 PM and out the door with my gear by 9:35 PM.

A Night of Music and Dancing

The vibe of the event was a mix of dining and dancing. While the teens enjoyed the modern hits, I also made sure the grown-ups could hit the dance floor with some R&B classics. It’s always fun to see everyone—from teens to adults—get up and move to the beat.

If you’re planning a party and need a Bay Area DJ who can cater to diverse crowds, play the best in R&B, pop, and throwbacks, and ensure a stress-free setup, I got you.

Contact me to book your next event—let’s get the party started!

 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.

 I was fortunate enough to be part of a very unique wedding in Saratoga Foothill Club.  Typically, I also do the ceremony then the reception but they had that base covered. They got married indoors and the ceremony was in the reception hall. The officiate did not need a microphone and the pianist only played one song twice. He was practicing before the ceremony and it was the song Mad World from Donnie Darko.

 I was on at 5 but I wanted to set up before the pianist.  I put my speakers on each side of the stage then I taped down my cabling. Once the ceremony was done we moved the piano to the back of the stage. Bill was the venue overseer  and he was very helpful. He turned down the  lights when we were doing different events at the wedding. We did cocktail at that time and it was a mix of jazz and yacht rock. the dance

The couple did not want a grand entrance. They wanted a quick one minute first dance and the bride and groom danced for a minute then they danced with their parents. Eventually we did the toasts Then we played dinner music which consisted of jazz and soft rock.

We just had a bouquet toss and a married couple dance to see who was married the longest. Then they share their secret to a long happy marriage.

During the dance portion of the night we did Korean and Persian songs. We are not familiar with the music but we got their suggestions and made sure we had those picked songs.

We recently wrapped up our sixth and final homecoming of 2024, and this one was truly a cool event! Taking place in Koreatown, the event brought a lively, cultural flair that made it a night to remember. Held outdoors on the school campus, the setup was as unique as the energy of the evening. 

The event featured a delicious setup of tacos and pasta, creating a perfect mix of comfort food and flavor for students to enjoy while dancing the night away. Our DJ booth was set up on the second floor, overlooking the bottom floor where the students filled the space with excitement and movement. This setup not only allowed for great sound coverage but also provided a cool vantage point to see the crowd’s energy. We had the lights on the 1st floor which was close to the  dancers.

Ahead of the event, we were given a playlist that leaned heavily on Latin music and hip-hop, which fit the vibe of the crowd perfectly. While we already had most of the tracks in our library, the requests throughout the evening made it clear that bachata was the star of the night. In fact, by the end of the event, we realized we’d played fewer than 10 English songs, as the students kept asking for more bachata hits! 

If you’re planning a homecoming or school event, let us create a custom playlist that matches your vibe and keeps the dance floor packed all night long. Reach out to us to make your next event unforgettable!