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!

We had a party on the 17th floor in downtown San Jose. The Capitol Club is a scenic venue that can created bigger spaces if needed to hold functions. Love it that they validated my parking so I was able to save 12 dollars!

  We had it up and ready with 45 minutes to spare. We were starting at 6 but it was like 630 when people started showing up. We had some few Spanish songs and 60s and 70s songs for the cocktail hour. They had open bar for the party.

 At 730 they had a trio playing Mexican music. They sounded really good and their system was top notch. At the end of their set, they sang the Mananitas then sang Happy Birthday then went into La Bamba. Then it was my time to take over at 9:20. My goal was to keep everyone on the floor till 11. We were going with the Spanish songs from the list then I threw in some other cumbias. But what was the crowd favorite being the funk and disco. That is what got them. We finished the night with two sing alongs. Loved the fact that we were about to bounce around and jump into hip hop at the end then ended it when I love it that way by backstreet boys and Vicente Fernandez finished it off with volver volver.

  Staff were awesome at Capitol club. They were very accommodating. They set me up with power and gave me a cart which is a life saver since we have to use elevators.

 Recently got a call from a daughter who wanted to help throw a 60 year anniversary party for her parents.  I spoke with her then eventually I talked with dad to get his approval. They   just did not want a party with just music.  It was something more elaborate and needed more details and planning.

  I got there about an hour and 15 minutes early and I set up in about 20 minutes. Started playing instrumentals until five. Cocktail music was played till 540 and then the honored couple had a grand entrance and they danced to their walk in song. Groom said a thank you   then daughter did a toast. Then around 6 we had tables go to the buffet as we played dinner music. Then the bride and groom had a first dance then followed with the daughters dancing with their dad. They had a Richie Valens song for the cake cutting song. Then from 8 to 10 we had 7 dedication songs where people were dedicated songs and they were shouted out. The last song was a pretty Louis Armstrong classic. We ended up going an extra hour since people wanted to keep on dancing.

 It was a fun night since there was a good balance. We did play a lot of songs that the bride and groom liked to dance to then we would go with music that the 20 and 30 year olds would really get into. It wasn’t jut one type of genre.  It felt like we had two parties at one location. Its important to know who will be at the party so you can plan your music sets.

 We love us some Homecoming dances. Last week we were at Westmont High School and we did homecoming dance at their gym. Their playlist was very solid. It was all older music that truly hits.  We love playing for Westmont since we played at their proms the past two years.

 The following week we were at Independence High School and they had their function outside. They had a cool low-rider van that was a  photo booth. Their list was a long list that had a lot of hard hitting hits and some current ones too. It was a very strong high school dance list. Love the fact we can use the strong old school hits of Westmont and the very current list with the hits from Independence and use that will the next homecomings that we have planned for October. We have two more homecomings happening in October that we are excited for. We love the fact that high schools call us back to do their homecomings and proms. Doing high school homecoming dances are different from doing other   events.  Most events you play background music then you go for dance music. High school homecoming events is straight energy from the start to the end.   There is no break in the action.

 Most homecoming dances are held the day after the big game. There was one school we did events for that would have the dance right after the game so it was a late night!

Weddings are beautiful events to be shared with friends and loved ones. One of the most precious moments is the sharing of the vows. We make sure our bases are covered when it comes to microphones and weddings. We always do sound checks before the celebration. But at the same time when guests arrive the sound may not be perfect. With guests in between the receiver and the transmitter, the microphone and everyone having a cell phone can interfere with the signal. The other day we had a drone above the ceremony and we can hear the static coming through the speakers.  We had to improvise. We had the officiant plus the groom with lapels.  Lapels can be tricky at times. Best thing would to be the receiver as close as possible to the transmitter or have long antennas or even better   antenna fins so can have a further reach.  We had to turn off the lapels and used the wireless handheld which was right next to the officiant. It did sound so cleaner and louder. It is all about being prepared. But even before the ceremony even started I had around 50 feet of microphone cable on standby with a wired microphone for plan c. Its all about having back ups to your back ups to make sure the sound of the ceremony. Some say it is overkill but I do not believe so. During ceremonies most djs only use one speaker and I say not me. I believe in getting two speakers to  ensure  a more full balanced sound  and  we want guests to feel the  music  and the  powerful  words  of  the  offficiant.

 Most of the weddings I do, we have a day of coordinator or I help with the planning of the events of the wedding. A lot of folks never really planned a wedding before so I give them suggestions and they listen too them and they choose what they like.  Sometimes we have a planner at weddings from the start so they are in the loop.

  I have the pleasure to work with a good wedding planner. Way in advance of the wedding she reached out and asked me if I needed anything for the wedding. She wanted to know if we had two lapels and if we needed special tables and linens. We already had everything so I thanked her for asking. I showed up the day before the wedding to check out venue layout and got to meet her in person. The next day before we set up I touched based with her with a few small music changes so she knew what was happening.

   We went over the procession of the ceremony so we had our cues in order.  There was a small change with dogs running in the ceremony so I was kept in the loop with that. Later in the reception she gathered the wedding party and it was my duty to announce them. Every time we hit an event on the timeline I checked in with the wedding planner to make sure dj and the other vendors were good to go. What was great was the good communication during the whole wedding.  I definitely recommend a wedding planner for weddings especially one that is very detailed and good with communication. Events by Nicki in case you want to find a planner who is on top of things. https://www.eventsbynicki.com

Real Life Weddings: Gilroy Wedding in a Venue like backyard (Bay Area Dj serving San Jose, Milpitas, San Martin, Morgan Hill and Gilroy)

 In 2016, I was hired to do a Halloween party in Gilroy. I do remember how much they decorated and it was a cool vibe. I was dressed like the 49er football coach Harbaugh. Then 8 years later I get a call that they want me to do their daughters wedding. I was impressed that dad remembered and appreciated how quickly I could mix out of songs. I said of course I will do the wedding.

 The house is beautiful and it has a nice swimming pool then in the back they have like a barnlike garage but its like for cars and very spacious.  The parents house could be a wedding venue and I was working with a wedding planner.  I went the day before to take a look at where the ceremony was going to take place. I was happy that we were in the shaded area.

Then we were shown our set up for the reception. There was a concern that we were right in the sun but I assured our host we will figure it out and not to worry about it.

 The following day we show up 2 hours before the ceremony and set up the ceremony system. Most ds use 1 speaker but we use two since it’s a better balance. We gave lapels to the minister and groom. I also had a back up wireless mic in the back just in case.

 After the ceremony they had a Frank Sinatra singer that sounded just like him.

 Our set up for the ceremony was we had our big boy speakers set up outside and connected some small speakers for the barn area. People were able to eat and listen to music and announcements. We did our first dance there and had dinner. It was a bit hot so we did everything outside.  We had our toasts and our special parent dances. Then it was party time. We were going with top hip hop from the 2015 to 2019. We go down with that music then we did a little old school from the 80s and 90s that the older folks appreciated.

Overall a fun time and a good vibe.

Why Booking Your Holiday DJ Early is Essential:

1.         High Demand in December: December is the busiest time of the year for DJs due to the holiday season.  It is by far my busiest month! By booking your DJ early, you increase your chances of securing your top choice before they’re fully booked. This early endeavor helps ensure that your preferred DJ is available for your event, avoiding the stress of last-minute searches and  anxiety.

2.         Avoiding Price Increases: As the holiday season approaches, demand for entertainment services increases, often leading to higher prices. Booking your DJ in advance can help you lock in a better rate and protect you from last-minute price increases.

3.         Customizing Your Event: An early booking provides more time to discuss and plan the specifics of your event with the DJ. This includes selecting the right music, going over special requests, and putting on any themes you have in mind. With plenty of time for preparation, the DJ can customize their performance to match your vision, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience for your guests.

4.         Reduced Stress and Better Planning: Securing your DJ early means one less thing to worry about as the event date approaches. It allows you to focus on other aspects of the party, knowing that entertainment is already handled.

5.         Pick  Black and White Affair to be your Holiday DJ!: We get holiday period!