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.

  About 5 years ago I did the 45th year reunion for Leland that we celebrated at the Los Gatos Lodge. I do remember it was a good time when I looked up their playlist from their first event I did for them. This list was a little different from the previous party since it was all old school. Last time, they had some current hits sprinkled in. This year we had the party in Villa Regusa in Campbell. Downtown Campbell is not the easiest place to park but there is first floor parking in the garage. You have the option of taking your do gear up the elevator or take it up the stairs. There was another function but it did not interfere with the function we were having. I was all set up and I was playing 30 minutes before schedule.

  So getting music for this class was a good time. I looked at 1968 19691970 1971 1972 1973 and 1974. I found the best rock hits and dance hits. I always ask for a list to make each event custom. Then I combine all the songs on my computer. I strive to play all their songs on their list while incorporating songs I feel that would enhance the event.

  The night started with some words with the host then the comedian started. Comedian was a pro who also graduated with the Leland class. He was a very funny guy who connected with the crowd who had the crowd laughing the whole time.

 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!

 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

 This is the 3rd year we are doing this event. Gymnasts in the area get a chance to let lose by an event thrown by USA Gymnastics. We knew it was a 90s theme so that is easy. We also knew it was a teen ager party so we pulled out our playlists from our proms and homecoming events we had recently.

  Double Tree hotel has been the venue all three times and they can host a cool party. We were in the courtyard so we were able to outside to have the party.

  So how do you prepare for a party like this? We figured that we will be outside so we can use a little sounder so we decided to bring the (big boy) 3 way speakers to make sure it reaches everyone and they can feel it. Plus, young folks want to feel the music.  So it was a 90s theme so we would do a quick mix of the 90s music but at the same time had to read to room to see if they needed more current hits.  And of course we listen to requests. Some ds do not listen to requests but we take them and consider them. Its funny since sometimes they make a request and the song is in the prepare list ready to go. I feel that happens a lot.

Again another fun party for USA gymnastics. We love the energy and how folks are able to get loose.

Schools should hire reputable DJs for their events for several reasons:

1.         Professionalism: Established DJs bring a high level of professionalism to school events. They are experienced in managing large groups of students and can handle the technical aspects of sound and lighting, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Djs should be used to students coming in asking for requests and being prepared by having the latest jams.

2.         Experience with School Events: DJs who specialize in school events understand the unique dynamics and needs of a school environment. They know how to engage students, keep the atmosphere positive, and navigate any challenges that may come up. They know they have to keep the party going but at the same time not to upset the vice principal!

3.         Safety and Appropriateness: Experienced DJs are well-versed in selecting age-appropriate music and content. They ensure that the playlist aligns with the school's values and guidelines, creating a fun yet respectful environment for students. Some songs maybe labeled clean but the content may not be so they know not to play that.

4.         Customization and Flexibility: Established DJs are used to customizing their performance to suit specific themes and preferences. They work closely with school organizers to tailor the music and entertainment to fit the event’s purpose, whether it's a dance, pep rally, or graduation ceremony.

5.         Reliable Equipment and Setup: Professional DJs come equipped with high-quality sound and lighting systems, which are essential for creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. They are prepared with back up gear just in case.  They also handle the setup and teardown efficiently, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that everything works correctly during the event.

  Weddings are not the same ole weddings from before. Back in the day everyone used the same venues and now that is not the case. People are now using Airbnbs as their unique venue. These locations can be more affordable than a typical wedding venue. It can provide an intimate place for family and friends for your special wedding day. A typical wedding venue has strict rules on how to décor your location but with airbnbs there is way more flexibility. Also with multiple rooms guests can have access to a place to stay and you have a place to hold the after party.

  I was part of a wedding in San Jose. It was a hot day and I was under a canopy. I was playing instrumental covers of the preceremony music. The bride had a surprise while her partner walked the aisle and sang the processional song as she entered. It was a beautiful ceremony then we all went   inside the house during cocktail hour since it was super hot. When it was time for dinner we ate outside while we played Spanish music.

 We did the grand entrance and first dance right after dinner. Then it was the dance part of the night. We did a lot of fun Mexican dance music and there were some great singers who wanted to serenade the couple with karaoke. The Brides had a great night and the intimate wedding was a really memorable moment. It was so intimate and it seemed like everyone really got to know everyone.

Lots of Spanish hits and lots of great memories.

  Birthday girl needed to have festive Spanish music but most of the night would be English. I was notified that I would be able to drive up the unload then drive back down to park. I made sure I left really early to avoid rushing anything. I was able to park down the street and climbed the driveway which was a long as a football field. It only took me 3 trips to bring everything up. It was hot but we were able to set up by the shaded area. I started up with old school and kept it old school till it was dance time.  I did play one track that was too danceable and the planner said not yet then I quickly changed out of it. Maybe I was too eager to get the party started but I just did quick mixing with old school classics. When it was dance time, it was time to play the Spanish music. In the middle of that we had to cut the cake and then it was speech time. There were numerous speeches of appreciation. Birthday girl had a 4-page letter thanking all the people who she wanted to acknowledge.

  My favorite part of the night was the 90s booty bass portion. MC Hammer and Ghost Town Djs. It seemed like the crowd was re living their college years! The guests were very appreciative and it was an overall good night. The hostess made me feel like a guest by always checking on me to see if I needed anything.