This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being part of an unforgettable 50th birthday celebration at Dante Robere Vineyards in beautiful Livermore, California. Arriving about an hour and fifteen minutes before the festivities began, the vineyard was already bustling with energy and anticipation. The staff greeted me warmly and asked whether I’d be setting up indoors or outdoors—after a quick check with the event coordinator, it was confirmed that I’d be indoors for the main event.

Dante Robere Vineyards offers a gorgeous setting, and their outdoor patio was packed with guests enjoying wine and dinner under the spring sky. The organizers asked if I could run a speaker outside so the music could be enjoyed throughout the space—and of course, we made it happen!

The birthday honoree came prepared with a playlist packed with classics. We kicked off the evening with a mix of '80s pop for the dinner portion, setting a nostalgic and upbeat tone. Guests were swaying, smiling, and enjoying every minute of it.

As the sun set and the party moved back indoors, we transitioned into a full-blown '90s dance party. From hip hop to boy bands, the old-school jams had everyone on their feet, reliving memories and creating new ones.

It was a night filled with laughter, dancing, and great wine. Dante Robere Vineyards proved to be the perfect venue—its blend of rustic charm and modern amenities made it ideal for celebrating life’s milestones.

If you're looking for a Livermore winery to host a birthday party or special event, I highly recommend checking out Dante Robere. Great vibes, stunning views, and a team that truly knows how to help make magic happen.

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.

Record shopping in San Jose has evolved significantly over the years, blending  old school with modern challenges like inflation. Here’s a recap of my recent visit to some of the city’s prominent record stores and a look back at some all-time favorites.

Streetlight Records Streetlight Records remains a staple for vinyl enthusiasts in San Jose. Their collection of vintage vinyl is vast and impressively organized, making it easy for visitors to browse through decades of music history. However, the stark reality of inflation hits hard when you see new albums priced at $40 or more. Personally, I’ve shifted toward DJ compilations, as they’re more space-efficient and offer a curated selection of tracks. Overall, Streetlight earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 for its organization and selection.

On the Corner Music Next, I visited On the Corner Music, a much smaller shop. While the store’s decor features old gear that adds a quirky charm, the limited space for records makes for a crowded shopping experience, especially with just five people digging through the crates. The lack of organization means serious digging is required, which might appeal to hardcore vinyl hunters but can be off setting for casual shoppers. I’d rate this spot a 1.7 out of 5.

Record Barn and Memories of the Past Driving by the now-closed Record Barn was a bittersweet moment. Once a haven for vinyl lovers, its closure marked the end of an era. Reflecting on my favorite (the best record shops) stores, Knight Sounds and Hit Factory stand out. Knight Sounds offered hours of browsing joy while you chatted with Carlos, while Hit Factory’s knowledgeable owner, Danny, always had the tracks you needed.

Final Thoughts For me, the best record stores offer curated compilations that deliver great value. As the vinyl scene continues to change, the joy of finding hidden gems and reliving musical memories keeps the culture alive.

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!

A few weeks ago, we received an exciting call from a local company looking to shake up their routine. They typically host a lunch event during the workday but wanted to do something fresh and fun after hours, inviting employees and their plus-ones to join. Their idea? A lively corporate DJ event at the Burbank Marriott.

We were thrilled to bring their vision to life. The company booked a room equipped with speakers and a mixer, and we seamlessly connected to their system for a quick and efficient setup. Our mission was clear: provide a night filled with energy, music, and lots of dancing.

The team specifically requested plenty of line dances, and we delivered! From timeless classics to upbeat old-school hits, the dance floor was packed all night. To make the evening even more special, we created a custom line dance tailored to the company’s name. It was a hit!

The evening wasn’t all dancing, though. The company’s big bosses took the opportunity to address the group, blending business with entertainment in a way that felt organic and engaging. It was a memorable night where team members bonded, celebrated, and enjoyed an unforgettable experience together.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate event in Burbank, a DJ can add the perfect mix of fun and professionalism. Whether it’s line dances, old-school vibes, or something entirely unique, we’re here to make your event extraordinary. Let us transform your gathering into a night to remember at the Burbank Marriott or any venue of your choice.

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.

Are you planning a corporate holiday event in the San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, or Gilroy areas? Last week, we had the privilege of DJing a massive holiday event for Lockheed Martin at the renowned Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.

The Tech Museum is an incredible venue for any corporate gathering. What makes it stand out is its interactive exhibits, which you can explore while enjoying the festivities. Located across from Christmas in the Park, it’s in the heart of the city, but the museum staff made parking stress-free—an essential perk during the holiday season.

This event was nothing short of spectacular. Since it was a large-scale party, we set up a 6-speaker system on the bottom floor. Impressively, guests on the 3rd level could still hear the speeches and music perfectly. One highlight of the evening was a heartfelt retirement speech followed by Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” – an energetic send-off for a well-deserved farewell.

We played a mix of everything: holiday classics, well-loved hits, and songs everyone could sing and dance to. Compared to last year’s flat, sprawling venue, this year’s dance floor was the perfect size. Guests were up and dancing by 8:30 PM, and the party didn’t slow down until the event wrapped at 11 PM.

If you’re looking to host a corporate holiday party that’s engaging, fun, and perfectly soundtracked, you need the right Bay Area DJ. From intimate gatherings to big celebrations, we’ll set the mood and keep the energy flowing.

Contact us today to make your next San Jose corporate holiday event one to remember! Call Black and White Affair Dj Services.