How do you set up a Sweet 16 Party?

I got a call month ago and the mom had no idea where to start. She did not have a venue so I gave her some suggestions. We could not book the dj yet since the date was not set in stone.

Once she found her location then we can talk about scheduling the events of the day. We were able to jump on the phone and figure out what events would fit on the special day. s

 We had a great party with a young lady with all her 130 guests in South San Jose. The party started at 4 and it went to 10. It was a good amount of time to celebrate the birthday. For the first hour and the half we played background music while folks had appetizers. Dinner was served and mom arranged a surprise by having a singer sing for 20 minutes at the end of dinner. After dinner, then it was open dance time with salsa and cumbia music as the main music of the hour. Then it was cake cutting time and then it was the major event time! Special people in the birthdays girl’s life were invited to the front. Mother did the shoe exchange and the brother brought a ring then later danced with the birthday girl. The birthday girl later danced with her step dance then it was open dancing. Open dancing was fueled banda, rock en espanol and it was instructed that most of the music will be Mexican music.

Not everyone can do Silent Disco. Most djs I have asked have never tried it and only seen it happen. A few actually own the gear. It is usually the bigger dj companies who do purchase the gear which can run from 3 to 5k. They have to buy the receivers and the head phones and the manuals it comes with. Or you can go through a rental company that can send it via mail and you can return it via mail. We have used two different companies and both the gear all worked the same.

What I recommend? Do I trust the djs who own the gear versus a dj who never has done it but you know they are good?

I am not saying big dj companies are bad but the quality of djs are a little different when it comes to smaller dj companies. I worked for a big company for a year and the djs were great people but they didn’t sleep, eat and drink dj life. A lot of them did not keep up with the latest music nor did they know about the latest gear. Out of the 8 djs maybe 2 can really mix like a club dj. With smaller companies, it is easier to make sure the djs are skilled. I worked clubs for years so I know how to quickly mix songs and get similar songs ready.  So my recommendation is get a dj that you know can get down and have them use the slient disco gear. Its easy to set up and it’s a higher chance they will rock it.

In 2016, we did a fun sweet 16 party in Morgan Hill. They were an awesome family and I remember how awesome hosts they were.  They made sure we had food which was so nice of them. We played in  heir spacious home and the set up was in the garage but we had a 3rd speaker in the outside. Then 7 years later, the family calls me up to do a monumental 90th birthday party.  This was an exciting event because we know Dad is 90 years old and can still dance up a storm. This time we took the party up North from the Morgan Hill Area to Half Moon Bay.

It doesn’t matter if your turning 10, 21 ,40, or even 90! We received a fun playlist from the family to make you to make you move! In this case it was a 90th b day party.  In the beginning it was a relaxed setting at first while the guests were having dinner and drinks, and out of nowhere, everyone rushes to the dance floor as soon as they hear that first dance hit of the night. This song that hit so hard was no other than 50 cents in da club (its your birthday) song. And of course the birthday man himself dancing away like he’s only 30, the night continued on till the very last second with the nights top hits mambo italiano by Dean Martin, Yeah-Usher, Titi me Prengunto-Bad Bunny, Cupid Shuffle-Cupid, and Cha cha Slide!

This was a truly fun party because of the fun music and the energy of the birthday boy.

  Marriage Enrichment Reunion in Chino Hills (Los Angeles Dj Serving Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena)

I was part of this event one more time. The first part of the night was dedicated to easy listening and we played songs by Kenny G which were mostly instrumentals. They also requested the Rat Pack such like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. For the most part, they were announcing winners for raffles and everyone eagerly waited for their number to be called.

  This group loved the slow songs so we had a few special ones that they enjoyed.  At Last by Etta James, Elvis Presley I Can’t Help Falling in Love and It’s a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong were slow song classics that got everyone to the floor.

We did a who has been married the longest contest where we excused folks who have only been married 5 years, then 8, then 15 then 20 and 25. The winning couple spent 65 years together so that by far was the longest than everyone in the building. We did a little country but most of the music was 80s music and the song that really got a good feedback was Standing Still by Elton John.

It was a good vibe overall for the event. It was held in the church hall which is super nice but they rarely have events there. It can easily be rented out for events but the church just does it for its own events. I believe they just want to keep it nice. People loved the old school music. They liked the disco and the 80’s classics. The hosts treated me well and it was a good event which everyone seemed happy.

Right off the 101, south of San Jose is a great spot to throw an High School Event in the lovely town of Morgan Hill. Coyote creek golf course has a nice venue with semi- outdoor covered area! It would be an ideal place to throw an event in the warm months of the year. It is a nice place to have a prom. It had a wonderful view of the course and meadow!  I was speaking with the coordinator of the dance and she was worried about the playlist. Her last dj was not following the playlist that she told him that they would like. We made sure we got all the songs they  wanted and built on what they requested. We just don’t rely on their selection but we add songs that would go with the flow. Tj Williams (A Gilroy High School) students knew just how to have a good time with variety of music including top hits of the night Baby-Justin Bieber, I just Wanna Rock-Lil Uzi Vert, Payaso del Rodeo ( again),  Low-Flo rida , and Hotel Room- Pitbull. As the night had reached its end, people did not want to leave. High School students still surprise me and inspire me with their choice of classic dance songs.  It proves that good music never dies.

  I was asked to be part of a 60th birthday part at Capital Club. It has to be one of the best views to have downtown at the spot. I made sure I made more time to get my gear ready since its on the 17th floor. Best bet is to unload everything in the loading zone and take it up the elevator. Then come back to your car and move it in the garage. One of the positives is that they validate your parking with no questions asked.

  I was able to set up with 20 minutes to spare. We were playing a lot of 70s and 80s music. The guest of honor did not show up till 620. I was playing for the other guests while they waited. It was a surprise event so we all got quite when she arrived. The food we exquisite and the host took care of me and made sure I had a chance to eat.

At the end of the night, the hosts asked his family to help me put my gear away. He insisted that I take the help. It was very nice of him.

 Over all it’s a good spot to have an event. The waiters are very helpful and did everything to accommodate me. I did have an issue with the coordinator. In all the years I have been in the business I had two times I have been disrespected by staff. The first time I was at a Night Spot called Willow Den where the owner asked if this backpack I was about to put away asked me if that was my backpack and then he kicked it and said put it away. I moved my backpack and played the rest of the night and he called me to do another event but I didn’t accept it. Even though the owner disrespect me I still did my job as I was supposed to. The second time I have not been treated nicely was by the coordinator at the Capital Club. I was wearing a dress shirt and black jeans and nice Jordans. Coordinator asked me if I had other shoes and I said I didn’t it and she mentioned a dress code. I told her I was unaware of it but I will follow it next time. About 10 minutes later she mentions it again in-front of the clients and the clients told me not to worry about it. Keep in mind the coordinator did not hire me, but she was thinking I was her employee as she shoved a few chairs and told me to move them. And of course since I had a job to do I did not put up a stink but did what I had to do. But she did make me feel uncomfortable with her tone of voice. I did get a glowing review from my client. I did reach out to management but did not get a response. So please if you do do book the Capital Club please do not ask for Julee Winterbourne. Everyone there is pleasant but Julee may disappoint you.

For those of us in California, it’s hard not to feel the Spanish influence—especially when prom rolls around. From Latin-inspired dance moves to delicious Mexican food catering, a California prom is nothing without a little bit of Spanish flair. And what better way to add a dash of culture than with some music? Here are some great Spanish songs that are sure to make your California prom feel like you’re partying in Spain!

 “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William - This upbeat song packs the perfect punch for any prom playlist. With its contagious rhythm and bright guitar riffs, it's sure to get everyone on the dance floor. Plus, its upbeat lyrics will give your party a positive energy.

"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee - No list would be complete without this classic bop! It has an infectious melody that will have everyone singing along and a beat that is irresistible for dancing. It’s no wonder why this song was one of 2017's biggest hits!

"Bailame" by Nacho - This upbeat pop track is sure to be a hit with your guests. Its summer-like vibes will get everyone grooving and singing along in no time. Plus, its message of self-confidence is great for building up your classmates’ spirits before they head off into the world post-prom.

"Pa' Que Me Invitan" by Ozuna - Perfect for those who want something more laid back but still lively enough to keep people moving and grooving on the dance floor. With its slow tempo and relaxed vibe, it's perfect for winding down after an exciting night of celebration at prom.

Whether you want something fast-paced or laid back, there are plenty of Spanish songs that are perfect for setting the tone at your California prom. These four tracks alone should ensure that your guests leave feeling like they just stepped out a latin party! So don't forget these songs when you're planning out your playlist—your classmates won't regret it!

  We had a fun event at the middle school. I do love playing in the South County area since I love the energy. As I drove close to the school all these young players were getting ready to play their softball games. This area takes their sports serious so it just made me happy to see the youngsters playing a fun sport.

  I pulled up by the cafeteria\ gym to unload my gear. It was so convenient since I was right by the door. Students were preparing for a play so I could not set up on the stage but I was plenty enough early to not stress about it. The students left the stage and I was able to set up with 20 minutes to spare. A few of the girls wanted to practice the Cupid Shuffle but after that I was playing all pop music before show time. As most Jr. high dances the girls were on one side and the boys were on one side. Everyone was pretty much dancing with their group of friends. I was following the playlist they gave me but students wanted specific songs so they would write them up on a notepad. (Lots of Spanish was requested) If I had it then I would play it and if I did not have it then I would make a note on the notepad. I did take a picture of the notes to see what I would bring next time. School dances are so fun for us to do please contact Black & White Affair to make your party epic.