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!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of performing at a fantastic bocce party in Santa Clara. The event was a perfect blend of great music, laughter, and community, making it a truly memorable night for everyone involved.

Pre-Event Planning for a Seamless Experience

A few days before the party, I met with the hosts—Mom and Dad—at the venue to go over the event details. They provided the agenda, and we reviewed everything to ensure a smooth flow. This preparation helped me tailor the music selection to match the different phases of the event.

Setting the Mood with Live Instrumental Covers

As guests arrived and enjoyed cocktail hour, I played instrumental covers to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The soft melodies set the perfect tone for mingling and socializing.

Dinner with Fun Pop Music & a Bocce Ceremony

During dinner, we transitioned into upbeat pop music, adding a fun energy to the meal. Then came the much-anticipated bocce ceremony, where the crowd gathered to celebrate the game and its winners.

Hosting the Shoe Game & Getting Everyone Dancing

One of the highlights of the night was the classic Shoe Game! I had the honor of playing game show host, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged with laughter and cheers. Once the game wrapped up, we got everyone—young and old—on the dance floor. The mix of music appealed to all age groups, ensuring a lively and unforgettable celebration.

Book Live Music for Your Next Event

If you're planning a bocce party or any special event in Santa Clara, live music can take it to the next level. Contact me to create the perfect atmosphere for your gathering!

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.

Vinyl Is Way Different Than Digital

Vinyl DJing is a whole different ballgame compared to digital. If you can handle vinyl, transitioning to digital is a breeze—but the reverse isn’t necessarily true. Vinyl has a distinct feel that demands more precision and skill. For instance, while using the Technics MK7 turntable, I noticed a big difference from the MK2. The MK2’s speed control button lights up at standard speed, giving you a clear indicator, but the MK7 lacks this feature. It's a small but significant adjustment.

OG Bar in San Jose: A Vinyl DJ’s Paradise

San Jose's OG bar is the perfect setup for vinyl DJs. They go above and beyond with backup headphones, their own needles, and even decorative vinyl records that double as playable backups. Their Pioneer mixer is user-friendly, although I had a brief moment of confusion with the cue buttons—they’ve got two buttons above each channel. Once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing.

The sound quality was impressive. The speakers, complete with amps, filled the room with warmth, and you could occasionally hear the classic vinyl pop, which added to the atmosphere.

A Unique Venue Experience

What sets OG bar apart is its clever layout. The front area is a vinyl haven, designed for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. As you walk toward the restrooms, you’ll discover a second space called Alter Ego with different music and a more relaxed vibe. It’s essentially two parties under one roof, allowing guests to switch scenes without stepping outside.

OG bar isn't just a venue—it’s a testament to the artistry and culture of vinyl DJing. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just a fan of good music, it’s worth checking out.

Once you've explored the vintage offerings at Mantiques Shop, head over to Needle to the Groove, Fremont’s go-to record store. Mantiques has a record section  in front of the store. No new records but older used ones. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl collector or a newcomer to the analog music scene, Needle to the Groove is a must-visit for anyone passionate about music. With an expansive collection of vinyl records spanning all genres, from rock and jazz to soul, indie, and blues, you're bound to find something that speaks to your musical tastes.

What sets Needle to the Groove apart is its commitment to offering high-quality, well-maintained vinyl. The staff, who are passionate music lovers themselves, are always ready to assist you in finding that elusive album or introduce you to new music. With an ever-growing selection of records from local and independent artists, the shop provides a fresh, personal touch that larger stores simply can’t match. The store is small but filled of well maintained vinyl. They have signs  saying please treat the  vinyl nicely. Lots of sealed records there.

Why Fremont is the Perfect Destination for Record Shopping and Antiquing

A visit to Mantiques Shop and Needle to the Groove in Fremont is more than just a shopping trip — it’s a chance to connect with the past and present of culture, music, and history. Whether you're hunting for vintage home décor, looking to add to your vinyl collection, or just browsing for something unique, these two Fremont locations offer an unforgettable experience.

Fremont is becoming a true destination for those who love to explore the past through antiques and vintage goods, and for music lovers who seek the authentic sound and experience of vinyl records. Whether you're a local or visiting the Bay Area, make sure to carve out time for these two spots. You’ll leave with something special, guaranteed!

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.

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!

BWADJ had the pleasure of providing sound, entertainment, and some lighthearted comedy for a recent company party at the beautiful Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose. Serving areas like San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, and Santa Clara, I brought the vibes and fun to an unforgettable company function.

A few weeks back, I was asked not only to DJ the event but also to sprinkle in some jokes and a short monologue—something most DJs might shy away from. But I was excited to go the extra mile! From fun shout-outs to the marketing team, sales team, warehouse crew, accounting, and purchasing departments, everyone felt included and celebrated.

The evening started with some Christmas music and some pop tunes during dinner, setting the festive mood. As the night progressed, the team got involved in interactive games like:

• Musical Candy Canes – A holiday twist on the classic game of Musical Chairs.

• Marshmallow Toss – Where team members tried to shoot marshmallows into buckets.

• Shake-Off Competitions – A hilarious team showdown that had everyone cheering.

To keep the energy high, they also hosted a White Elephant gift exchange.

After the games and laughs, it was time for the real fun: the dance floor! We turned up the energy with a mix of hits that got everyone on their feet. The crowd was having such a great time that we ended up going 30 minutes extra.

This corporate party was more than just a company event—it was about bringing teams together, celebrating their hard work, and creating lasting memories.