I had a  quincenera event in Saratoga this past Saturday at a banquet Hall (http://ilcsaratoga.org/hall-rental/). I have done all Spanish parties before but a quincenera is very similar to a wedding. Like the grand entrance for the wedding party and the bride and groom, thequincenera court and the quincenera are announced. Like a wedding, a quincenera does not have mandatory events. It is all based what was planned. We did not do the crowning of the quincenera since she already had a crown. During the party, the queincenera was presented with a doll. We had cake cutting on the timeline. One of the biggest event is the waltz by the court. Usually it takes months of practice. They have a formal waltz then often they have a surprise dance which is more modern and hip. There is an event called the changing of the shoes. This is when the dad gives his daughter new shoes as a symbol of the daughter going through a transition. Then after we had the father daughter dance. Just like a wedding, we had toasts and thank you speeches planned out. Our last event was the Last song meant for the Dad, Mom and special people. 

The banquet hall was attached to a church. It was decorated with nice drapery. I had a very good playlist that the quincenera gave me. On the list there was not too many spaniish songs. A good tip is to have Spanish music ready for the quincenera. I had a lot of cumbia, and banda for the night. Overall it was a fun night. A mariachi started the night then I was able to finish it. 

Dave and Busters as an Event Venue in the South Bay 

Dave and Busters (https://www.daveandbusters.com) is known as a fun place to have a good time with big screen tvs and to play video games. In Milpitas, they have a happening Dave and Busters where they can multiple parties at one time. They have multiple venue spaces and it depends on how big the party is. At Dave and Busters, they do have different packages offered with buffets and beverages and appetizer packages. In some packages, they give game cards to the guests. Some common questions answered: https://www.daveandbusters.com/party-and-event-venues/faq

I was able to communicate with the events manager to show me the venue before the event. I like to go to see where to park and unload and actually see where my equipment is going to be set up. She was awesome and was able to get me two tall tables to set up my equipment. I was able to set up 4 speakers and I was able to go as loud as I could without any limitations.  I was up on a stage and I had plenty of space for my equipment and set up my lights. The party started at 7 and the party-goers got the party going right away. The vibe was contagious and the staff was in a fun positive mood. They even helped me put my equipment away. I was in awe due to their awesome customer service. I was very happy playing at Dave and Busters. They venue was a big venue with a great staff that was easily assessable. I would definitely  like to play there again due to how professional the place was. 

Recently played at Gilroy Gardens located in Gilroy. I was able to contact the manager and she was very helpful and made sure she was available to guide me in the venue.  With the helpful staff, I was able to go through the employee entrance. Load in was very simple.  I asked in advance for a table and they gave me an extension cord. Once I arrive I asked for another extension cord and they were on it. I brought my big boy speakers and asked for a little barrier so dancers do not put their drinks or purses on them. This was done with little heads up and they were on it.

The coolest thing of the night was I left a mini table behind and I called the manager after midnight and she picked up and told me she would call security to locate it and text me if they find it or not. I just love the follow through. The manager even offered to drop off the table at my location San Jose once it was found. WOW. With teamwork, they found my table in the big park and I was able to get it back.  This is how this venue treats vendors and I was very impressed. I was very impressed with their customer service. I was working with 2 banquet managers and both of them went beyond the call of duty. 

Overall it was a pleasant experience. While I was playing my music students were dressed to the nines and it seemed like everyone was posting their experience on social media. The lights and the elegance made it a very special night. The park offered unlimited games and rides for the party goers. Students were able to win prizes that whey were proud of. Students seemed very excited and happy. Gilroy Gardens is an excellent place to have your party! 

A few weeks ago, I did a prom in downtown San Jose. The Tech Museum was the venue. When you think of the Tech Museum, one thinks of hands on activities of interesting concepts. Every few months they do change the theme so if one goes a few times a year then they do not see the same exhibits twice.

If you do not know, the Tech Museum can be an event venue that can be rented out. Three floors were used for the prom. One floor had the appetizers and fantastic food and drinks. The middle floor was the dance floor. And the top floor, prom goers could get their hands on the Tech toys, which drew lots of interest.

I was in awe of how helpful the staff was.  They helped me secure VIP parking and were very accommodating with the logistics with the location. I even got a phone call from the events manager to get important details.