Posts tagged san jose
Middle School Dance in San Jose: Why Hiring a Pro DJ Matters

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!

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!

Prepping for a 4-Hour Vinyl DJ Set: The Art of Curating Your Collection (Bay Area DJ Serving San Jose, Oakland, and Fremont)

Prepping for a 4-Hour Vinyl DJ Set: The Art of Curating Your Collection

Preparing for a 4-hour vinyl DJ set in 2025 is a far cry from the days when I used to carry six heavy record crates to a gig. These days, I’m down to carry four crates. My arms and back will thank me later. The process has become an exercise in selection, as I’m faced with the challenge of narrowing down my collection of vinyl records.

In the early 2000s, vinyl was on its way out. While everyone else switched to CDs and then MP3s, I held onto vinyl, stubbornly resisting the digital revolution. By 2010, most of us had embraced digital formats, but I kept my records in case vinyl ever made a comeback. And though vinyl didn’t get lighter, its mystique never faded. The  experience of spinning a record on my beloved Technics 1200 turntables is something that MP3s can’t imitate.

When it comes to the music I’ll be bringing to my next set, the decision-making is just as tough. I’ve handpicked a selection of freestyle, 80s new wave, and some classic 90s R&B. No set would be complete without funk, so I’ve made sure to pack a few essential party tracks. But then, the dilemma: Should I take my 90s house records, or trade them for 2000s party anthems? I’ve always loved playing 90s house, but looking at the crowd, I’m betting the 2000s vibes will hit harder.

Ultimately, it’s all about reading the crowd and creating a memorable atmosphere. Whether you’re sticking with vinyl or moving into the digital realm, curating the perfect set takes time and intuition. I know I need to spend some time with my vinyl before my next vinyl show  but it feels good knowing I can  only play what I bring like the good old  days.

Corporate Event at Capital Club in San Jose: A Memorable Farewell (Bay Area Dj serving San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and Gilroy)

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!

Big Holiday Corporate Event at the Tech Museum – Bay Area DJ Services

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.

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.

San Jose Military Ball (Bay Area Dj serving San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy)

We recently had the honor of DJing a High School Military Ball in San Jose, and it was truly a great experience compared to your typical high school dance. Unlike the high-energy atmosphere of homecoming events we’ve done this season (five, to be exact), this ball had a formal and sophisticated vibe, making it a fabulous event.

The evening started with an award ceremony in a separate room, followed by a sit-down dinner—a rare feature for high school events, as sit-down dinners usually happen at proms. For the dinner hour, we were requested to play jazz music instead of the usual Top 40 hits or R&B, which added an elegant touch to the event. After dinner, the vibe shifted to two hours of upbeat dance music that kept the crowd on their feet.

What also set this event apart was the diversity of attendees. The Military Ball brought together a mix of age groups, creating a more inclusive atmosphere compared to the typical high school-only crowd. Though the event was more intimate with a smaller attendance, the energy was just as lively and engaging.

The venue, the Scottish Rite Center in San Jose, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. With plenty of parking and an easy setup process, it’s a venue we love working at. In fact, we’ve DJed there before for the San Jose State Softball team’s event.

Overall, the High School Military Ball was a refreshing change of pace—a classy and memorable night that reminded us why we love doing what we do. If you’re planning a unique event, this venue and setup might be just what you’re looking for!

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!