Why Byington Vineyard Is a Dream Wedding Venue in Los Gatos — From a DJ’s Perspective

As a wedding DJ, I’ve had the privilege of performing at countless venues across the Bay Area, and few compare to Byington Vineyard & Winery in Los Gatos. From both a professional and a guest experience standpoint, it’s one of the most breathtaking and well-designed venues for couples tying the knot.

First off, the setting is pure magic. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Byington offers panoramic views of vineyards, redwoods, and the valley below — the kind of backdrop that makes every wedding photo stunning. When I set up my booth, I can see the joy in guests’ faces as they take in the scenery. That natural beauty sets the tone for a relaxed, romantic celebration.

For couples, the layout and acoustics of the venue are ideal. The indoor barrel room delivers warm, rich sound for dinner and dancing, while the outdoor patio and lawn areas are perfect for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Power access and equipment setup are seamless, which means smoother transitions between moments — from “I do” to the first dance.

What I love most as a DJ is that Byington knows how to host a great party. The staff is professional, the timeline flows effortlessly, and the on-site coordination helps everything stay on track. When the couple is stress-free, the energy on the dance floor is unbeatable.

If you’re a bride or groom looking for a romantic Los Gatos wedding venue with world-class wine, unforgettable scenery, and a setup that makes entertainment shine, Byington Vineyard & Winery should be at the top of your list.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Welcome & Vendors
Kick off the day by exploring our local vendor market! Guests can shop, mingle, and enjoy upbeat country tunes while getting settled in for the festivities. It’s the perfect warm-up before the rodeo begins.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Rodeo & Auction
The main event starts with opening remarks  by one of the leads, followed by the National Anthem and a performance from the Gilroy Rodeo Flag Team. Watch thrilling demonstrations like Join Up, Hoga, and Barrel Racing. Don’t miss Pole Bending, Goat Tying, and a special singing performance by Elena. We had to  play the instrumental

After the action, the live auction begins—featuring horses such as Chula, Pongo, and Priscilla. Two students will share quick, heartfelt stories about their experiences in the program, adding inspiration to the evening’s excitement.

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Transition to Dinner
Guests will head up to the Party Barn to enjoy dinner and relax after the rodeo fun.

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Dinner, Speeches & Raffle
Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner while hearing from Rose and other special guests. Be sure to grab raffle tickets for your chance to win great prizes!

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Music & Dancing
End the evening on a high note with great music, line dancing, and laughter. Whether you’re a rodeo fan or just here for good food and good company, this event was a fun one.

If you're searching for the one of  the  best prom venues in San Jose, look no further than Coyote Ranch Event Center. We recently had the pleasure of DJing Westmont High School’s prom for the third year in a row—and it’s easy to see why schools keep coming back to this incredible location.

What makes Coyote Ranch such a standout prom venue? For starters, the spacious 33-acre layout provides endless flexibility. From open lawns to rustic barns and covered pavilions, there’s room to dance, dine, and create unforgettable memories under the stars. During this year’s prom, we set up on the main stage and used a unique speaker arrangement—six speakers positioned around the area—to deliver crystal-clear sound across the venue. No matter where guests were seated or playing games, the music was on point.

We also tried something new this year: two DJ stations and three DJs rotating throughout the night. This quick-mix format kept the energy high and the dancefloor packed all night. It was a huge hit with students and staff alike.

Coyote Ranch’s accessibility and ample parking make it an easy choice for schools looking to ensure a smooth, stress-free event. Plus, its natural beauty and private setting create a safe and visually stunning environment—ideal for any prom theme, from boho-chic to classic Hollywood glam.

With its versatility, charm, and proven success as a prom venue, Coyote Ranch truly shines as one of San Jose’s top event spaces. Whether you're planning a large-scale celebration or a more intimate prom night, this venue delivers.

Book early to lock in your date at Coyote Ranch Event Center—where unforgettable prom nights come to life.

 Overfelt High School Prom at Blanco Urban Venue – A Night to Remember in Downtown San Jose

This past weekend, we had the incredible opportunity to DJ the Overfelt High School prom at one of San Jose’s most stylish event spaces — Blanco Urban Venue. Located in the heart of downtown, Blanco offers a multi-level layout that perfectly suited the night’s festivities. From setup to the final song, everything went off smoothly, starting with quick and easy access to the parking garage for unloading.

The venue’s three levels brought unique vibes to the event. Students enjoyed a delicious meal upstairs in the elegant dining area, while the dance floor downstairs kept the energy high all night long. We brought the heat with a mix of Latin hits, hip hop, and a touch of pop — exactly what Overfelt's crowd wanted. One of the night's highlights was announcing the prom court, adding that special touch to an already unforgettable evening.

Blanco’s Great Room provided ample space for dancing under chic chandeliers, while the Rooftop Terrace offered perfect spots for sunset selfies and chill-out moments. This venue’s built-in style, full kitchen, and modern amenities made it an ideal setting for prom night.

Located in San Pedro Square, Blanco is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and late-night snack spots — great for both students and staff. Plus, it’s easy to get to with public transit and nearby parking.

Whether you’re planning a prom, formal, or graduation party, Blanco Urban Venue stands out as one of the best in the South Bay. Big thanks to Overfelt High for bringing us out — you made it a night to remember!

If you’re looking for the ultimate prom venue in San Jose, GlassHouse should be at the top of your list. We recently got to DJ Andrew Hill High School’s prom here, and let’s just say—it was next level.

First off, the vibe? Immaculate. GlassHouse has this modern, upscale feel with high ceilings, sleek architecture, and tons of natural light (perfect for golden hour prom pics!). It feels elegant without being over the top, striking the right balance for a night that’s all about fun and memories.

The space is huge—seriously, there was plenty of room for dining, photo stations, and a packed dance floor. The lighting and sound system are fully customizable too, which meant we got to kick things off with smooth R&B while everyone ate, then flip the switch into full party mode.

Once we dropped some Spanish hits, the energy went way up—everyone rushed to the floor. From there, it was all current hip-hop bangers and non-stop dancing until the very end.

Located right in downtown San Jose, it’s easy to get to and surrounded by great photo ops—both inside the venue and around the city streets. Plus, the GlassHouse staff knows what they’re doing. Everything from catering to décor setup ran smoothly.

Big shoutout to Andrew Hill—they brought the energy and made the night unforgettable. We’re hyped to work with them again in May!

If your school’s looking to make prom magical, GlassHouse San Jose delivers the perfect mix of style, space, and straight-up fun.

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.

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.