Disc Jockey Blog

Mississippi cha cha slide

2012-01-30T13:50:00.003-05:00

The Video explaining THE Mississippi cha cha slide.

Just Like the Cha Cha Slide listen to the lyrics

Right foot stomp

Left foot stomp

You cha cha with your right (Foot)

You cha cha with your left (Foot)

You turn to the right

And move to the left

Back it up!

... and jump!

Repeat from the beginning

More to come! Greggie C is also going to compiling a Video Blog posted here as well for DJ Instruction.

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

Mobile Payment Reader Square Coming to Wal-Mart

2011-10-27T15:46:00.001-04:00

Square, a small credit card reader that can process credit card payments on a range of iOS and Android devices, will soon begin selling at Wal-Mart stores throughout the U.S.

The announcement marks a significant retail expansion for the device, which is already available at Target, RadioShack, Best Buy and approximately 200 Apple stores. Wal-Mart will bring its retail outlet total to more than 9,000.

The card reader itself, which plugs into the headphone jack of iPhone, iPad and a variety of Android devices, can be ordered for free at squareup.com or for $9.99 in stores. Those who purchase the device in stores can apply for a refund from Square online.

The low cost of entry has been effective in reaching the hands of Square’s target customers: small business owners who can’t afford to invest in credit card terminals. Some 800,000 devices have been shipped to merchants thus far, according to Bloomberg. The startup, which is now processing more than $2 billion in credit and debit card payments per annum, takes a 2.75% cut on all transactions.

Square raised $100 million in venture funding at a valuation of $1.6 billion this summer.

Mobile Payment Reader Square Coming to Wal-Mart

Google to Launch Music Download Service in 2 Weeks

2011-10-27T13:24:00.002-04:00

Google’s long-rumored music download service could launch within the next two weeks.

The music store will be an add-on to Google Music Beta, a free service that lets users upload and manage their existing music library in the cloud, “people familiar with the matter” have told The Wall Street Journal. Currently, access to the service is optimized for the desktop web and Android devices.

Like Apple’s iTunes service, songs will be available as MP3 downloads for about $0.99 apiece. The company plans to leverage its social network, Google+, to drive sales. Users can share songs with their Google+ contacts, who can then listen to those songs once for free with the option to purchase a download copy.

According to the Journal, Google is unlikely to secure rights to sell music from two of the four major label groups, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, which would inevitably frustrate users who are unable to find songs they might be looking to purchase. Other music services, including iTunes and Spotify, decided to delay their U.S. launches until they had signed agreements with all four label groups.

Sony is reportedly unwilling to sign because it believes Google doesn’t do enough to stem piracy on YouTube and its Android operating system. Warner Music is unmotivated by the lack of financial incentive; Google Music is free and generates no revenue on behalf of the record companies — beyond driving sales through the downloads store, at least — while Apple’s forthcoming music locker, a $25-per-year service called iTunes Match, will share proceeds with the record labels.

Google to Launch Music Download Service in 2 Weeks [REPORT]

Halloween Music, Can You add more?

2011-10-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

Here are just a few ideas for Halloween music can you add more in the replys?

Thriller
The monster Mash
The Purple People eater
The Munsters theme
The Adams Family Theme
Friday the 13th Theme
The Exorcist Theme
The freaks come out at night
Werewolves of London
Ghost busters
Nightmare on My street

What else can you name below in the comments section??

Planing Your Wedding Part One: The Basics

2011-05-20T14:48:00.001-04:00

"Planing Your Wedding Part One: The Basics"

BY DJ Tommy Mac & DJ Dollar Bill

So you've decided to get married! Congratulations!

By now you're starting to realize just how much planning and organization it takes to make a wedding day run smoothly, and are looking for some ideas and tips on the best ways to do things...that's why I'm here, to help you out.

Most wedding receptions today follow a pretty basic format, and while the order of certain events can vary from party to party, the general outline of events for the reception is as follows:

first hour: Cocktails - guests are just arriving, settling in, and helping themselves to some food and drinks. The Bride & Groom (along with the bridal party) may be there at that point, or may be off doing pictures somewhere and arrive later.

Once the bridal party has arrived and cocktails are over, what happens next?

The basic outline is:

Bridal party introductions

Bride & Grooms First Dance

Bridal party dance (optional)

Blessing of the meal (optional)

Toasts (optional)

dinner hour

At most reception halls I work at in this area, the caterers prefer the DJ's NOT to play dance music during the dinner service, as they wish the guests to remain more or less seated for easier service. There have been cases where there are longer gaps in time between courses and I have been asked to dance the guests for short spurts in between but this is usually a rare case. (Me personally I like to play Classics depending on your type of music you like; to keep guests heads bobbing, feet tapping, sing a long & a few may dance) I've noticed every crowd is different, some will dance during dinner & most wait til after cake cutting.

If there are 3 courses, i.e. Soup, Salad & Entree. I will do Parent dances ((Bride with father, Groom with mother) in between Salad & Entree. Approx hour after Bride & Groom receive their entree than:

Bouquet & Garter Toss (optional)

Cutting the Cake

The timing of these events varies from wedding to wedding, depending on both the timeline of the reception hall and the bride & grooms wishes. Your DJ can also help to coordinate all these events to make the day run smoothly, and in future posts I will go into greater detail with suggestions for the best ways to organize these events, as well as several different options and variations.

There will also need to be time set aside for the bride, groom, and family members to have pictures taken together. Make sure your photographer & DJ work together so that things don't get confused. For example, you don't want your DJ starting the cake cutting if the photographer is out in the lobby taking family portraits. A good DJ will always make sure the bride, groom, photographer, videographer and banquet manager are all prepared before starting any major event. Coordinating all these various events is a team effort and all contractors you hire should be willing to work with the others so that YOU don't have to worry about things the day of. If everyone is working together as a team and have coordinated their timelines beforehand, everything should run smoothly. I am not just your DJ....I'm your MC & Time Keeper (so you can let those of you with wedding coordinators, I got this :)

Keep in mind, there are no hard, fast RULES to what you must do at your wedding reception; some people enjoy things like the garter & bouquet toss, others feel that is not important to them and would rather skip it...the choice is up to YOU.

Some couples like to plan other special events for their reception, such as slide shows, or hire another entertainer, such as dancers, to perform at some point in the evening. Others have a family member or friend who they have asked to perform a live song for the bride & groom, either by playing live with an instrument or singing along to a musical track provided to the DJ.

While these things can be fun and add a special touch to your wedding day, keep in mind they need to be planned out accordingly at the proper times to make the day flow easily. Again, talking these things over in ADVANCE with your DJ, along with your banquet manager, will help things run smoothly.

In future posts, I will go into greater details on each of the special events of a wedding reception to give you a clearer understanding of why they are done and the best times to do them... or if you choose to do them at all.

Planning Your Wedding Part 2: Let's Talk About Music"

2011-05-20T14:42:00.001-04:00

Planning Your Wedding Part 2: Let's Talk About Music

A post Created By DJ Tommy Mac & Edited by DJ Dollar Bill

One of the biggest concerns, hands down, of any couple on the wedding day is what music should be played.

I generally run into two types of couples: Those who have very specific ideas of what they want and enjoy musically, and those who really have no clue and need my help.

Here are some helpful tips and ideas for you in arranging the perfect selection of music for your special day.

(note: while I will specifically be talking about weddings in most of these posts, they can be applied to any type of event as well)

First and foremost: Music selected for your wedding should be FUN. A wedding day is all about celebrating the union of two people and the joy of celebrating with family and friends, and the music selected should reflect that.

While there are no hard, fast RULES to any of it, in general the music selected should be fun and upbeat, appropriate for all age ranges (IE clean, no vulgarity or crude, explicit language) and lend it self to the joy and celebratory mood of the entire day...and of course, part of that celebration includes DANCING, so there should be plenty of songs chosen which are great to dance to.

Music, as with many other things in life, is a very subjective thing: what one person LOVES, another person HATES.

Keep in mind that, at your wedding, you will have a large variety of people there: Friends, family, co-workers...and not all of them will have the same musical tastes you do.

My general suggestion to my couples when selecting music is: allow something for everyone, try not to limit your music choices to just ONE style or era. You may LOVE todays latest club tunes or hip hop tracks, but think about whether your family or friends will enjoy hearing that all night long.

As your DJ, my job is to find the happy medium between what you, my clients, want, and what will make all the guests attending your special day happy as well.

I’m often asked how I as the DJ select the music that I will play for any given party, and my answer is simple: It’s combining selections from three different sources:

1: My Bride & Groom: The Bride & Groom’s requests take priority and are the basis for what ever else I chose to play through out the evening. I base my choices not only on their selections, but also what they have told me they do NOT wish to have played.

2: Guest requests: I am more than happy to take requests from guests, and as long as they fall into the appropriate guidelines I play as many as possible. Appropriate guidelines for guest requests are:

A: They meet with my bride & grooms specifications, IE are not on the “Do Not Play” list.

B: Are appropriate for the crowd: Unless it’s already been cleared by the bride & groom, a guests request for heavy metal or hardcore rap will NOT be getting played. Also any songs in general that are just inappropriate for the day: Break up songs, depressing songs, or songs that are totally obscure that no one else has ever heard of, will generally not get played.

(there are exceptions to every rule: I Will Survive is one of the most popular “break up” songs of all time and is requested and played regularly at many weddings, for example.)

3: DJ Knowledge: As a DJ with 25 years of experience, I bring my own personal knowledge of what works best to get a crowd up, dancing and having fun, and use my client & guest requests along with that knowledge to fill in the gaps and make it all flow together.

I am more than happy to accept any song list requests from my couples, and encourage them to choose at least 10-20 songs they definitely want played. Leaves me wiggle room to feel out the crowd & take some guests request. (On a AVERAGE ONLY 10-15 songs are played in an hour) My job is that much easier when I don’t have to GUESS what my couples enjoy listening and dancing to.

So I refrain from long 50 song list, most events not that long & doesnt leave room for any requests or for me to play something that crowd will dance to (Classics Always work)

Ex. I had a couple wanted nothing but 80's music & provide ALL the music for dinner & dancing, (which I tried to talk them out of, but said it's YOUR day...your wish is my command...Musical Genie) 1/2 way through event they came to me & said no one's dancing. I advised them, they picked the music not me & to break the chains off & let me do what I DO. They said go ahead Dollar & I kept the dancefloor packed the rest of the night.

2nd Ex. A couple picked few songs that wasnt popular & it cleared my dance floor, I immediately faded out song & re-packed dancefloor. That comes with experience & bride's mother thanked me at the end for not letting entire song play.

That being said, if you find your list getting very long, I always suggest giving me a “Top 10” of your favorite songs that MUST be played, and then allowing me to chose and select the best cuts from the rest of your requests to fill out the party.

I also encourage the “Do Not Play” list; it is almost, if not as important, as your requests. Again it helps me to know in advance the types of songs or music you simply, under no circumstances, want to hear at your party, so that should a request for one come in I know how to handle it. (I'm your BLOCKER)

While I have suggested planning and choosing your music with your guests in mind, this does not mean you can not choose some of your favorite selections and artists to be played at your wedding that may not be considered “standard” wedding music.

I get plenty of couples that enjoy such music as rap, alternative rock, hard rock, country, etc. that would love to hear some songs from these types of groups but worry that they shouldn’t have them played because of how the crowd may react.

Again, that’s where I can step in and help, for instance:

Even some of the most “alternative” or “heavy metal” bands have at least ONE nice acoustic or piano ballad type song that may just fit in as a slow dance or at least something that can be played during dinner.

I’ve also encouraged hard rock fans to choose something from that genre for their introduction music.

Same with rap: While it can be tricky at times depending on the song, there is no reason why some of your favorites can’t get played at your wedding, even if it’s only you and your friends who may dance to it. Not EVERY song played HAS to get EVERYONE involved.

My usual suggestion for these types of things is to perhaps save them for later in the evening; many times the older guests will start to leave early or at least tire out and aren’t dancing as much, and that’s the best time to work in some of those “alternate” choices. I also always suggest that the bride & groom should make an effort to actually come out and dance to these songs to make it clear that this is something THEY enjoy and chose to have played at their wedding; if the guests see YOU out there on the floor enjoying it, perhaps they will rethink their stance on the music and loosen up enough to join you.

As I said earlier, there are no hard, fast RULES to what can and can NOT be played at a wedding; in the end it is up to you to make those choices.

Select what you like, be willing to compromise, take into consideration your guests, and most importantly have FUN with it...in the end, that’s what it’s all about.

After All It's "YOUR DAY" and a Celebration !!

BE PREPARED! Put together a Survival Kit for non-technical "Emergencies"

2011-05-06T11:51:00.000-04:00

This post also appears on my Wedding blog at HERE
You know MURPHY (the one with the "LAW)" HE loves weddings!

After many years in the wedding DJ business I have seen just about every kind of emergency, big and small, that can pop up during the course of a wedding reception. About 10 years ago I began carrying a Wedding Emergency Survival Kit with me to help out in case any of the typical scenarios (and some not so typical) happened at one of my weddings. The kit was so useful that for a time I actually sold a modified version on the web. I stopped producing the commercial version but I still carry all of the following with me JUST IN CASE! Now I recommend that you carry a TON of technical emergency gear (adaptors, cables, etc.) this stuff is for the OTHER emergencies. Why do it? You can solve a problem and save the day making you not just a GREAT DJ but a SUPER HERO that clients will always remember and will talk about for years to come! It's not only good business but hey...it's just awesome to be able to step in and help out to keep the day from taking an unnecessary turn for the worse.
In preparation for the upcoming wedding season I did an inventory. Here's what's in the kit right now......

Small sewing kit
Aspirin/Tylenol
Tweezers
Assorted Safety pins
Small scissors
Small can of hair spray
Hair pins
Tissues
Lint Brush
Cotton swabs
Band aids
Small snacks
Breath mints
Packaged Hair Brush
Small portable mirror
Hand lotion
Spot remover
Sanitary Napkins
Handkerchief
Clear nail polish
Nail file
Nail clippers
Extra earring backs
Baby wipes
Shoe polish
Scotch tape
Crazy Glue
Black Socks
White/Nude Panty Hose
5 "mini"umbrellas
Packaged Cake Knife & Server set
White Garter
Corsage/Boutonniere Pins
Pens / Paper
Multi-Tool (Screw driver, pliers, knife, etc)
Bulldog clips
Sharpie Marker
Small Fake Flower Bouquet
Mini Coloring books/crayons
Several simple small "toys"
Ass't Batteries (9v, AA, AAA)
Flashlight
Ball of String
Spool of fishing line

It's all there in one big duffel bag and ready at a moments notice! Many of these items are one time use and they are replaced after they serve their purpose. I get lot's of this stuff at dollar stores because in a pinch you don't need a top of the line solution you just need a solution...period!

Let em KNOW!

The key to the whole thing is making sure my clients know that I have this gear with me. I usually like to mention it to the Mother of the Bride, Maid of Honor and Best Man too so that very little time is spent "searching" for a solution to a problem so time isn't lost from the party. This is discussed in the final meeting with the client, it's in their "Welcome packet" but the most effective way is to just add it in during the line-up for the introductions. "hey everyone just wanna let you know that I have a ton of stuff for any "little emergencies" or problems that might crop up. If you need something from a safety pin to a breath mint come see me I just might have what you're looking for!" Simple but REALLY EFFECTIVE!

I have used EVERY item on that list at least once at some event and many made their way onto the list when a situation arose that I was not prepared for at the time. I expect that many more items will find their way into my Emergency Kit and that's just fine with me!

So am I missing something? Got a recommendation for something I can add? Let me know!

Video The Cupid Shuffle Dance

2011-05-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

The Video explaining the Cupid Shuffle dance. Song by Cupid.

The Cupid Shuffel Song: The Cupid Shuffel

To be in time with the lyrics start to the right on the first word od the first verse

4 Shuffle steps to the right

4 Shuffle steps to the left

4 kicks with your feet (right-left-right-left)

Walk it out - 1/4 turn to the right (4 count slow or 8 count fast)

Repeat from the beginning

More to come! Greggie C is also going to compiling a Video Blog posted here as well for DJ Instruction.

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

The 2011 DJ Expo

2011-04-29T13:47:00.000-04:00

Registration for the 2011 DJ Expo in Atlantic City is open! Don't forget that members of the US DJ Network can also attend the 14th annual "Poor DJ's Dinner" on the Wednesday night of the expo for great (cheap) food, networking, and more before we take in the DJ of the Year Awards and hit the big parties!

The 2011 DJ Expo

Twitter....Facebook.....What the !!!!

2011-04-26T16:33:00.001-04:00

I cannot tell you how many people have made the following statement to me in the last 3 months...

" I don't get (Twitter, Facebook)!"

It's a pretty universal feeling. I tried to step back and think of the best way to sort of encapsulate what these SM forums are and how they are different from one another. I have settled on this....

Facebook is the equivalent of being invited into someone's livingroom and having a seat on their couch. Twitter is the equivalent to booking a hall and offering free admission to anyone who's interested in hearing what you have to say.

So what do I mean? Well let's look at them separately.

Facebook - If you are invited to a friends house to hang out and offered a seat on their couch...how likely would you be to launch immediately into a sales pitch about your DJ business? Would you be more likely to ask them how they were and what was going on with them or would you dominate the conversation with info on what was happening in your world? Most likely it would be a more natural conversation. A back and forth with each of you showing interest in what the other had to say. That's Facebook in a very simplified way. We "friend" people on Facebook. Our interactions there should be of a more friendly nature. When you are interacting with potential clients you want to act like you're at a friends house chatting. Showing genuine interest in what they are saying and what's going on in their world. Commenting when appropriate on there status updates (wedding and non wedding alike) without acting like a stalker. When (and if) the conversation comes naturally around to weddings offer your expertise but refrain from selling yourself. After all if they know you are a DJ and they have need of one they'll be likely to inquire of themselves. Once they open the discussion then fire up your sales pitch but only after you're invited to.

A couple caveats - Doesn't your Mom, your best friend, and your wife already think you're the Greatest DJ in the world? Your past customers already benefited from your awesome specials and the current clients are anticipating your service but have paid their deposit and aren't concerned that "DATES ARE FILLING UP FAST!" These are more than likely the people on your friends list (don't get me started on what value following every DJ in America does for any of us) So FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE STOP POSTING THIS INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK! How many times can we read about "Another GREAT event, for another GREAT couple, at another GREAT venue...blah...blah...blah" PUKE! Instead what made THIS reception unique? What happened that made this event unlike any other? What was interesting? I hate to say it but several of my fellow well respected DJ colleagues are hidden in my news feed for essentially spamming my wall with this type of repetitive posting. Again consider WHO you are making these statements to. Give em something worth reading!

Twitter - You have information about what makes your business the most unique, best value, most exciting WHATEVER DJ service in your area or perhaps in the whole wide world! Twitter is a great place to demonstrate this knowledge and these attributes...but hold on! Before you go racing off to Tweet about your current "promotion" or "latest gear purchase" consider who's listening. Who are your followers? What information will they find interesting and how can you communicate it to them in a way that will keep them interested and MOST IMPORTANTLY will encourage them to share that information with their followers! This is the goal! RT (ReTweeting) is a MAJOR goal on Twitter. Getting people with followers different from your own to repeat what you have said to their followers is a powerful way to get the attention of folks you might not otherwise reach. So twitter is the Hall you book and then you open the doors and invite people in to hear what you have to say. People will come in at first with their own agendas. They want YOU to listen to them. They are looking for you to RT what they have posted. If you follow other DJ's don't expect to close ANY sales using Twitter. They aren't going to help you out. If however you follow all the banquet managers, venues (yes venues have their own Twitter accounts), planners, photographers, florists, cake designers, etc in your area and you find ways to communicate to them useful information you will raise your profile in their consideration. If you take the opportunity to figure out who in that group is offering great information and RT that info to your followers you will become even more influential to those folks.

A couple caveats....don't RT any blog posts that you didn't read! The worst thing is to see a DJ RT something from a planner and then to read the article where the planner disses DJ's. Your reputation is at stake protect it and only promote the vendors that prove their quality.
Don't simply Tweet your own self serving information over and over. You will find yourself talking to no one. Instead post interesting articles you read on-line or genuine honest opinions about local wedding resources. If you blog Tweet your postings, and do it 3 to 4 times in a day. People access Twitter at different times so if you only post at 10am and someone doesnt sign on till 7pm they aren't likely to scroll back to see that tweet. Instead try using one of the SM dashboards like HootSuite, Tweetdeck, or Seesmic to schedule the posts to appear at 7:30 am, 12 Noon, 7:30pm and 11pm (these are generally high traffic times on Twitter. Those who see the posts multiple times will simply ignore them. They are the most engaged and they will be used to this.

A word about Friends/Followers - This isn't a contest or a race to the most. I asked this question on Facebook the other day... "Once EVERY person on Facebook has "liked" your fan page...then what?" Seriously...what is the point of having 1,000,000 friends or followers if none of them are paying attention. We have all "liked" things on Facebook for little reason other than that it was soooooo easy to do. Tell me though...do you return to all those pages and participate on them? Do you stay engaged in the conversation swirling around the funny video on your cousins page or did you watch, hit the like button and move on? Be honest. If you are honest you'll soon realize that a "like" is worthless by itself. A like that is accompanied by engagement...ahhh now that's something else. On Twitter it's even worse. I know of a DJ who just celebrated his 100k followers on Twitter. A close examination of his follower list and you can see he is being followed by about 95,000 twitter bots!!! Those aren't people just programs...he is talking to software! His Klout score (one of the metrics used to determine influence on the web) is low meaning he's not a "force to be reckoned with...he's just a dude who collects followers. If that's what you want I can show you how to get there but you'll be wasting your time 100% guaranteed.

The goal here with all SM is to convert the influence and interactions to $$$ yes? Then make sure there's ALWAYS some SOCIAL in your Social Media activity!

Video The Cotton Eyed Joe Dance

2011-04-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Video explaining the cotton eyed joe dance. Song by The Rednex.

More to come next week!

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

Work FOREVER! (If you've worked in the past!)

2011-04-19T14:35:00.001-04:00

There's a lot of time, money and energy invested in trying to capture new clients in the DJ world. There are an endless array of marketing options, seminars, workshops and videos that promise to show you how you can find clients and then sell them on your services. Many of these are fine strategies and well worth your time and investment. Some...well...not so much. However there is one really easy, highly effective and relatively inexpensive way to have future clients find you and enthusiastically book your services.

So you wanna know what it is?
Your past clients.

Turn past clients into evangelists for your DJ service!

Yep...it's that simple. There they are. The folks who are best positioned to help you locate and sell future customers on your service are the folks who have experienced the value that you provide with your services!
Think about it....provided that you made your previous clients extremely happy...there is no one better positioned to promote your services. Not even YOU!

Testimonials work. Don't believe me? Look at the success that WeddingWire.com has achieved in the heretofore completely Knot.com dominated wedding portal world. What did WeddingWire do differently to come virtually out of nowhere and capture such a massive online market share? It focused on reviews from real Brides & Grooms. It allowed couples to read through reviews from other couples who had already taken the leap of faith with a particular vendor and get a glimpse into what their experience was. The site has become one of the most dominant marketing placements for wedding services currently available. Now as fantastic as WeddingWire is there's a more direct way to leverage this type of one on one, word of mouth referral power.

Earn it then Ask for it.

The goal is to exceed...not meet...expectations!

Uh huh. That's how. I know that appears to be really simple and honestly there is more to it than that. It actually starts with something really basic but within the reach of every single DJ. Actually caring about your clients and their events. I mean genuinely seeking to understand what it is that your clients want from your services and from their event in general. It starts by making yourself accessible to the client. Make sure your clients know that you are ready and willing to work with them at every step along the way as they plan their event. Be certain they have your email, phone numbers and understand that you WANT them to contact you with any thoughts questions or concerns. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! It gives the clients a sense of ease when they know they can get in touch with you when they need to. Answer emails and phone calls as quickly as you can (obviously you can't take calls during another event or during a meeting but you can get back to the customer and let them know what the delay was) I find that offering my cell phone number and an invitation to text me is a quick and easy way to answer many of the simple inquiries that my clients will have. Talk about a positive customer service experience! When you reply to a customers text message in real time...well service like that is rare...you know it from your own experience!

Exceed the expectations!
The easiest way to accomplish this is by asking a ton of questions. Information is power and it's also the key to over delivering on every single clients expectations. By having clients identify what they are trying to achieve through their events you can go point by point through ensuring that you do everything necessary in the planning and then during the event to not only meet those expectations but....and this is important...to exceed them.

The 3 "touches"

One strategy to employ at every event is what I call the 3 touches. Three separate times during every event I locate the client, physically turn them around to get a view of their entire event (you can do this casually by coming along side them and then just pointing to the center of the room) and ask these specific questions..

So how are things going so far?

Is this how you expected things to be going at this point?

Is there anything different that I could do to make the event better right now?

Listen carefully to the answers and look for clues in the body language of the client that indicate the level of honesty that they are giving you with their responses. Often times clients don't want to be insulting or have a desire to avoid potential confrontation during their events even when they are not satisfied with the way things are going. You need to be aware that a simple "Everythings great" is not enough unless it is accompanied by a relaxed posture, a big smile and a relative ease that says that they have relaxed into enjoying their event. If the client gives you feedback on ANY aspect of the party that is not to their liking take immediate steps to gain control of that situation and to turn it to the clients expectation. Sometimes this has more to do with other services that are being provided on behalf of the client. It could be ANYTHING. Remember that the whole is always greater than the sum of the individual parts. If one part is "broken" it can drag all the others down with it. Find ways to address any situation to help deliver to your client the experience they were seeking for their event. Do this at the beginning, toward the middle and about an hour before the end of the event. Rephrase the questions so as not to become "annoying" and take any steps necessary as indicated by the clients response to not only meet, but again I say, EXCEED their expectations. I also make sure to take anywhere from 1-3 photos at every event of the client having a good time. (We'll use these later so do not skip this step. It pays huge dividends. We're not talking spectacular photos...just snapshots...in fact I most often times just use my phone!)

Now that you're certain that you have a clear understanding of what the client wants to achieve and you've taken the time to confirm that you are making that vision a reality you have positioned yourself to leverage their fantastic experience with your DJ services into referrals by taking some very simple but highly effective steps to turning past clients into evangelists for you company. In the next blog post I'll discuss the strategies employed to get your past clients to bring lots of future client to your door! Subscribe to make sure you don't miss this info!

Video The Apache Dance

2011-04-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Video explaining the Apache. Song by The Sugar Hill Gang.

More to come next week!

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Why you may not need "The top spot" on Google Search

2011-04-13T14:55:00.000-04:00

Much energy, thought and effort is put in to securing the TOP spot on Google, Bing and Yahoo search results. While this was an important consideration for Web 1.0 when customers were new to the web and had not figured out how to use the medium we are now dealing with web savvy consumers. Todays web researcher is more intuitive and has a more acute BS detector which is set for a very low threshold. While SEO (search engine optimization) does need to be a part of a effective overall marketing strategy it is becoming less and less a priority to simply capture that top spot as a means to success. Here's why....

SEO...It's part of a larger picture
Truthfully though I am starting to think (realize) more and more that SEO is less and less effective. SEO for natural placement and discovery is akin to print advertising in years past. Remember those Yellow pages ads where everyone wanted to add "AAA Disc Jockey Service" in order to get that first phone call? THAT is todays SEO thinking only the web offers much more opportunity to engage and inform than the Yellow Pages ever did. That's good and bad. Top organic search placement now feels more like gambling than strategy. You are hoping that you are placing the right "bets" (keyword distribution, reciprocal links, relevant content, etc) and that those bets will pay off in higher natural search placement eventually leading to sales. The problem is that the recent estimates on the number of small to large firms making SEO placement plays for payment put SEO at a $19B industry. We are all getting calls and emails from companies who claim to be able to put us at the top of the natural search results for various keywords. If this can/could be accomplished all your SEO efforts are worthless if a competitors SEO ranking company still gets him/her ahead of you in natural search. Consider this...no matter how much SEO anyone dumps into their website thanks to paid search results on Google, Bing and Yahoo paid advertisers will always come up above them on any keyword relevant search. If you believe that the results of the Cornell University "Heatmap" research on clicks from 2006 still holds true (which in itself is questionable) those who are paying for placement at the top will still always capture the majority of the clicks. If you feel this research still holds true then get into the CPC game and save yourself a lot of anxiety. Just be prepared to shift a large portion of your marketing budget to this end.

Now add to that the fact that most people still feel that the sales funnel to "conversion" success (getting from click to booking in our case) hangs on the so called "last click" when all other metrics are equal (same service options, similar pricing, equal prior brand awareness) So showing up at the top means the consumer search will start with you, but the consumer will desire at least one comparison and unless they recall your website and or brand as being in some way superior they will go with the last comparable click through as the end to their search. This makes being at the top a less desirable place. The emphasis on being the first name that a consumer sees has diminished as people have learned to use the internet to research rather than as a simple resource for names, telephone numbers and pricing. If your website isn't "up to snuff" you will not benefit in anyway from top placement. Even if your website is entertaining, informative and engaging in all likelihood the customer is going to want to have something to compare it to. This means they will be clicking on the next listing in their search results regardless.

I am not suggesting that you ignore SEO entirely but I am saying that you should worry less about getting to that top spot. Consumers will seek out multiple companies to compare and contrast. Your goal should be to rank well (first page) and then to provide a dynamic site that makes a lasting impression.

Consider yourself
Think about your own internet search usage. If you are seeking a product or service where do you start? Let's assume for the sake of consideration that you have decided to use the internet to search out a service. You type in your search to your favorite engine and get 1000's of returns. You click on the first organic listing and the company seems qualified and their pricing is within your budget. Do you stop there? I don't. I want to see what else is out there so I go back to the original search results and click on the next link from a different company. I then compare the information on that website with the information I gathered from the first. If the service options are the same and the pricing is better I move them up to top consideration but i begin to wonder if their may yet be a better deal. so back I go to the results for another comparison. I stop when I feel I have a good idea of what the costs should be in comparison to the service offered and the budget I have in mind. If that first click didn't blow me away and the last click offered equal service for the same cost...I place my call to the page I am looking at. No reason to return to the previous sites. If the purchase is one of importance I may seek out personal referrals (posting to Facebook or Twitter "Anyone ever heard of or used __________") or look into online services (similar to Wedding Wire, etc.) that offer testimonials. Including these type of 3rd party authoritative resources on your website will enhance your credibility and further encourage internet searchers to remember your service as they seek to compare your options and pricing.

So now what?
I think it makes more sense to make sure that what a client sees on our websites is motivating and memorable. Your website needs to out do the competition in every way to remain memorable. The ranking or the order in which it was clicked is far less important than the level of interest and engagement that the customer experiences when they are on the site. Working to make your site engaging and "sticky" (makes people take actions that keep them on your site longer) is a much more effective strategy than simply trying to catch them first. Including items that are searcher friendly will yield big returns in brand retention. This can be as simple as a Facebook or Twitter follow or "like" button, a link to your blog that lets people subscribe, or on the extreme a plug in or graphic that compares your offering to the competition. If you can offer something that no one else is offering you give the consumer a reason to return to your site once they have completed the research phase of their planning. I HIGHLY encourage opt-in email opportunities that will allow you to reconnect with those who have visited your website. These can be as simple as a monthly or bi-weekly newsletter sign-up, a Top 10 Tips download, or even an exclusive deal. Integrating Social Media opportunities into these offerings can further increase your chances to re-engage with a customer in the exploration phase. For example offering an "Exclusive" deal to those who "Like" your Facebook business page or who follow you on Twitter. Just make sure that you remain active and engaged in these mediums. An untended social media outlet can result in your appearing to be absent something no customer wants. content on social media should NEVER be advertorial (this looks and feels spammy) but rather should contain useful information for the customer. I have read and agree with using a 60%-40% content strategy where you post 60% of content from outside sources and 40% original content that you create. This strategy is maintainable without being overly time consuming. Finally ENGAGE these social media contacts on a PERSONAL level. Welcome new fans by name and start a conversation with them. Give them reasons to return and interact (polls, contests, etc) and when the participate RESPOND! That's powerful marketing that is alive and can grow into a sale or booking.

So how do I get them there?
So if you're not getting discovered through search how are you getting customers to your website? Well I prefer a higher percentage of return than the gamble of SEO. That's why my business strategy relies on my past customers becoming EVANGELISTS for my brand. So how does that work? Ahhh...I'm glad you asked. That's the topic of my next post. Subscribe and you'll know when it's been posted!

Video Get down tonight Dance

2011-04-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Video explaining the get down tonight dance. Song by KC & The Sunshine Band.

Here is how to do:

THE GET DOWN TONIGHT LINE DANCE Song by: K.C. & The Sunshine Band

Begin on the first word of the first verse (“Baby Baby”)

Take 3 steps to the right & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps to the left & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps to the right & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps to the left & Clap (4 Beats)

Turn clockwise while going right (4 Beats)

Turn counterclockwise while going left (4 Beats)

Turn clockwise while going right (4 Beats)

Turn counterclockwise while going left (4 Beats)

Throw hands in the air and shake your body
“DO A LITTLE DANCE”

Cross your arms giving yourself a hug
“MAKE A LITTLE LOVE”

Drop to the ground spring up & clap twice
“GET DOWN TONIGHT”

Begin on first word of next verse

Continue from beginning

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Video Night Fever Dance

2011-04-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Video explaining the Night Fever dance. Song by The Bee Gees.

Here is how to do:

The Night Fever Dance Song: Night Fever - The Bee Gees

Wait through the introduction of the song and begin on the first word of the first verse (it is also the 1st Beat in that sequence)

(The John Travolta Finger Move)
Left hand on left hip, Point right hand up to the sky on the Right
Move hand and point down to the ground on the Left
DO THIS 4 TIMES

Roll your fists in front of you for a 2 count
Flap your wings like a chicken for a 2 count

With your Left foot step Forward, Step Back, Then Forward again
Turn Right (Counter Clockwise 1/4 Turn)

Step back 3 steps & Clap
Step Forward 3 Steps & Clap
Move & Spin (Clockwise a full turn) Right & Clap
Move & Spin (Counter Clockwise a full turn) Left & Clap

With your Right foot step forward to the Left side & Back Twice
Then while turning your Pelvis right Step Right while pointing your finger right Twice

Continue By doing the John Travolta Finger Move 4 Times and then on with the dance

GOOD LUCK!!!

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The Anniversary Dance or Multiplication Dance

2011-03-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

The Anniversary Dance is another great way to bring people to an empty dance floor. The Anniversary Dance can be done in many ways here is one:

1 - Starting with the longest married couples and working
your way down to the bride and groom.
2 - Starting with ALL the married couples on the dance floor
and working your way down to the longest married couple

(typically done in place of the "Garter & Bouquet").

I will typically do this before dinner
as a way to open / start my second set of then night if...
- The first set didn't bring many people to the dance floor
for whatever reason
- The bride and groom are looking for me to be very
involved, a lot activities, very lively, etc.
- The party / people need a good kick-start to get going
However, I will use this instead of the "WAFD" if...
- The crowd is on the older side
- There appears to be a significant amount of older married
couples
- The bride and groom are a fun couple, but not exactly
comfortable with a "fast dance" in front of all their guests
- A fast song might be too much for the guests right away -
I don't want to scare them away
- There are some family "situations" that make the
"WAFD" un-doable.
I will NOT do the "Anniversary Dance"
- If I'm aware of an older relative recently passing away
(could be uncomfortable)
- The bride and groom already want me to dedicate a song to
their Parents, Grandparents, Aunt & Uncle etc for their
Anniversary (it would be
repetitious)

Once I've decided I'm going to do the dance, I have to set
it up properly for it to be successful and the set up is basically the same as
the other two. The first thing I do is walk over to the B&G and let
them know that in 5 minutes / after this next song etc., that I will be doing
an activity to get things moving / people up and dancing. I do this to make
sure they stay in the room as they are the last and most important piece to the
activity. (nothing worse than inviting the B&G to the dance floor and
someone yelling out "The Bride is in the bathroom")

Next I walk out to the dance floor, and ask for everyone's
attention (it's very important to get everyone's attention for this activity,
because the instructions are very important and if you are unable to properly
convey those instructions to MOST of the guests, you could be setting yourself
up for trouble, as no one will know what's going on.) Once I have their
attention, here's my stuff...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the next dance we'll be doing is called the
Anniversary Dance and it's a very simple thing to do. As soon as I start
playing the next song, I would like all of the couples that have been married
for ***50 YEARS or more, to please make their way to the dance floor.
After which, I will then invite all of those couples married ***40 Years or
more out to the dance floor, and so on until we have all of the married couples
here tonight out on the dance floor. So once again, when I start playing the
next song I NEED ALL the couples married 50 YEARS or more to make their way to
the dance floor."

Once I have made my way back to my equipment. I
start the song and once again announce "Will all those couples
married 50 YEARS or more please make your way to the dance floor." It
is at this point you wait and see what happens. First off, if a couple
has been married for 50 years they're probably old and slow, so give them time
to get to the dance floor before moving on to the the next group (40 years).
Secondly, if you only get a few couples to come to the dance floor, it's time
to lay a little of your showmanship on the crowd and create one of those
moments that separate you from the average DJ. If I get 5 couples or less
out to the dance floor, I once again take mic in hand and make my way to the
floor. I walk over to one of the couples, politely lean in and ask them (off
the mic) "how long have you been married?". I then get on the mic and
announce "Ladies and Gentlemen ...54 years, how about a nice round
of applause." I then do this for every other couple on the dance
floor (hopefully picking the longest married couple last). By doing this little
bit of showmanship you are
1 - Creating a very special moment
2 - Honoring some special people (typically the B&Gs
parents, grandparents etc.)
3 - Grabbing everyone's attention and guaranteeing that the
rest of the married couples will participate
4 - Showcasing your talent (trust me, if done right, they'll
know who you are)

Once done with this step, I move off the floor back to my
equipment and announce "And now L&G all of the couples
married 40 years or more, please make your way to the dance floor" and
so on until you have everyone on the floor. Here's the order in which I proceed
1 - 50 years or more
2 - 40 years or more
3 - 30 years or more
4 - 20 years or more
5 - 10 years or more
6 - 5 years or more
7 - more than 1 year
8 - more than a day
9 - "all those couples married today,
please make your way to the dance floor" (obviously the B&G,
and usually
accompanied by a round
of applause without asking)
10 - "and last but not least all of those couples
who feel like they're married, are fooling around, can't stand each

other" etc (pick one or make up your own little funny punch line)

Once the song is over, I kick into one of the classic
wedding dance songs, because you have old and young people on the dance
floor and you want to keep them there.

Some quick little notes and thoughts about the
song and starting point. I always use the 5 minute version of "Always and
Forever" for my Anniversary Dance or "Through The Years", because the songs are classic known by
young and old alike and I need a good 5 minutes to pull this off properly.
While the song you choose is not as important, the length is. You cannot do
this properly in 3 1/2 minutes, especially if you do the part where you walk
out to the dance floor and honor the first few couples on the floor. As for the
starting point I used "50 Years" as an example, but I have started as
low as "30 Years", it all depends on the crowd. Before you start,
take a look around the room, if it doesn't look like anyone there has been
married for 50 years, back up a little. Better to be safe than start your dance
with nobody moving.

Make it your own and make it work. The B&G will be happy, the guests
will be impressed and everybody will be dancing. And what did you do? Nothing
more than take the initiative and play a song.

Video Grease Lightning Dance

2011-03-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Video explaining The Grease Lightning dance. Song by John Travolta.

More to come next week!

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What are some important question to ask your client you might have forgotten?

2011-03-28T06:00:00.003-04:00

What are some important question to ask your client you might have forgotten?

What are some important questions to ask your client that you might have forgotten?
Here are just a few, please ad more to the replys below:

Are the centerpieces being given away?

What is your introduction music?

Are there disposable cameras on each table?

What time is Video and/or Photo Done?

What time do you have the hall to?

Are there any special announcements, Birthdays, or Anniversaries?

Is There Anything I missed?

Boquet toss songs Can you add more?

2011-03-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Boquet toss songs Can you add more?

Bad Girls - Donna Summer
Where my girls at - 702
Calling all girls - ATL
Single Ladies - Beyonce
Girl all the bad guys want - Bowling for soup
Short skirt long jacket - Cake
Independent woman - Destinys Child
Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani
American Woman - Lenny Kravatz
Ladies night - Kool & the Gang
Supermodel - Rupaul
American Girl - Tom Petty
Cover Girl - New kids on the block (for a laugh)
Girls Gone Wild steel drum music
Girls Just wanna have fun - Cindi Lauper
Hot in Here - Nelly
Girls, Girls, Girls - Motley Crue
Lady Marmalade - Christina, Lil'Kim, Pink, Mya
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

Can You add any more? Please reply to this.

Garter Songs Can You Add More?

2011-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Garter Songs Can You Add More?

Many men - 50 Cent
Dude - Beenie man
Hard workin man - Brooks & Dunn
Just a giggalo - David lee Roth
Good old boys - Waylon Jennings (from the dukes of hazzard)
Men in black - Will Smith
Bad to the bone - George Theorogood
so many men - Miguel Brown
Macho Man - Village People
Real men of genius (for a good laugh)
Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top
It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
Country Boy'z - Tyra

Can you name any more? Please reply to this with them.

Bride and Father dances or Father Daughter Dances

2011-03-25T06:00:00.004-04:00

The following songs can be used for your Bride & Father dance.
CAN YOU NAME MORE?

The Times of your life - Lane and Nichols or Paul Anka
Through the years - Dorff and Panzer or Kenny Rogers
Turn Around - Belafonte, Greene, and Reynolds or Harry Belafonte
Thanks for the memory - Robin and Rainger or Bob Hope
My heart belongs to daddy - Porter
Thank heaven for little girls (gigi) - Lerner and Loewe
My Girl - Robinson and White or The Temptations
How sweet it is (to be loved by you) - Holland Holland, and Dozier or Marvin Gaye
Sunrise Sunset (Fiddler on the roof) - Harnick and Bock
Daddy's little Girl - Al Martino
Wind Beneath my wings - Siblar and Henley or Bette Middler
Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn
In my daughters eyes - Martina McBride
My little girl - Steve Kirwan
Butterfly Kisses...Bob Carlisle
In My Life...The Beatles
I Loved Her First - Heartland
Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) - Billy Joel

There are Hundreds more so PLEASE Reply to this and add your own!

Basic Blank Wedding Introduction Worksheet

2011-03-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Wedding introductions can be especially hard if you do not have an outline to follow or you read your notes that are not clear or you just scratched down while talking to your client so here is a sample for you. and the file is also attached as a plain rich text document.

WEDDING WORKSHEET

GROOM : _____________________________ BRIDE : ______________________________

LOCATION : _________________________________________________ DATE : ____________

Bridal Party Introductions

Parents Of The Bride : ___________________________________________________________

Parents Of The Groom : ___________________________________________________________

Bridesmaids Groomsmen

1 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

2 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

3 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

4 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

5 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

Flower Girl : __________________________ Ring Bearer : _____________________________

Maid / Matron Of Honor : ______________________ Best Man : __________________________

The New Mr. & Mrs : _____________________________________________________________

Blessing By : _________________________ Toast By : __________________________________

1st Dance : __________________________________By_________________________________
Song Title Artist

Bridal Party Dance : _____________________________ By ______________________________
Song Title Artist

Bride and father Dance: ___________________________By______________________________

Groom and his mother Dance: ______________________By _____________________________

Cake Cutting ? _______ Garter / Bouquet ? ______ Dollar Dance ? _____Centerpieces?_______

Announcements/Requests: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

INTRO SONGS: __________________________________________________________________

Video The Hand Jive

2011-03-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Video explaining the step in Hand Jive dance.

Here is how to do:

The Hand Jive (from the Movie Grease) Song: The Hand Jive

Slap both hands on your thighs twice

Clap your hands twice

Move right hand to left side (over top of left hand) while moving your left hand to the right side. Do this Twice

Move left hand to right side (over top of right hand) while moving your right hand to the left side. Do this Twice

With right fist over left fist bang them together twice

With left fist over right fist bang them together twice

Right hand (fist with thumb up) over right shoulder twice

Left hand (fist with thumb up) over left shoulder twice

START OVER

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Video The Dollar Wine Dance

2011-03-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Video explaining The Dollar Wine dance. Song by Byron Lee.

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Video The Maria Dance

2011-03-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Video explaining the Maria Line dance. Song Maria by Ricky Martin

Here is how to do:

THE MARIA LINE DANCE Song by: Ricky Martin

Move left foot first forward then back 1 step (8 times/Beats)

Take 3 steps right & Clap (4 Beats) Shake fists in front of you

Take 3 steps Left & Clap (4 Beats) Shake fists in front of you

With hands on Hips take 3 steps forward (4 Beats)

With hands in the air take 3 steps Backward (4 Beats)

Put Right hand in the air and turn Half way counterclockwise.
Circle your hand in the air while doing this (4 Beats)
EG: from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock

Put your left hand in the air and turn three quarters of the way around clockwise. Circle your hand in the air while doing this (4 Beats)
EG: 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock

START OVER

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Video The Stomp Line Dance

2011-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Video explaining the Stomp Line dance. Song The Stomp by The Brothers Johnson

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Mother son or Groom and Mother dance

2011-02-28T22:54:00.002-05:00

Here are some ideas for the Groom and Mother dance. There are alot so please reply to this and add more!

I am your child - Barry Manilow
A song for my son - Mikki Verrick
Summerwind - Mayer and Mercer or Frank Sinatra
I get a kick out of you - Porter
You're the top - Porter
You are the sunshine of my life - Stevie Wonder
Wind beneath my wings - Siblar and Henley Bette Middler

Wedding Ceremony Recessional Music

2011-02-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here are just some ideas of songs you can use for your wedding ceremony recessional music.

Priests' March, The Magic Flute - Mozart
Toccata, Organ symphony No. 5, Opus 42 - Widor
Trumpet Tune - Stanley
Rondeau, fanfares for Violins, Oboe, Bassoon, trumpets, and Percussions (Masterpiece Theater theme) - Mouret
Bridal March - Hollins
March No. 4, pomp and circumstance - Elgar
Radetzky March - Johann Strauss Sr.
Benedictus - Simon and Garfunkel

Please reply to this post and add some of your favorite Recessional songs.

Wedding Ceremony Processional songs

2011-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here are Just a Few Wedding Ceremony Processional songs

Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
Prince of Denmark's march - Clarke
Allemande - G Minor Suite - Pachelbel
Spring - The four seasons - Vivaldi
Apotheosis - Sleeping Beauty - Tchaikovsky
Music for a royal occasion - March - Handel
Air and Bourree - Water Music - Handel
Wedding March - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Mendelssohn
Wedding March - The Marriage of Figaro - Mozart
Wedding March - Bridal chorus AKA Here comes the Bride - Lohengrin - Wagner
Fanfare - Te Deum - Charpentier
St. Anthony Chorale - Haydn
Coronation March - Crown Imperial - Walton
Intrada - Sibelius

These are traditional and classical songs you can use.

Can you name any more in the comments below?

Wedding Ceremony Prelude songs

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Below are just some Ideas of Ceremony Prelude songs

Chant de May - Jongen
The Lors'd Prayer - Malotte
Adagio - Albinoni
Siciliano for a High Ceremony - Hoewlls
Wedding Day at Troldhaugen - lyric pieces Grieg
Largo - The New World Symphony - Dvorak
O Perfect Love - Burleigh
Benediction Nuptiale - Saint-Saens
Songs without words - #48 Mendelssohn
The Wedding Song - Paul Stookey

Video The Soul City Walk

2011-02-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

The Video explaining the soul city walk dance. Song got to give it up by Marvin Gaye.

Here is how to do:

The Soul City Walk

Music: Got to give it up - Marvin Gaye or The soul clty walk

Start by taking 3 steps back & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps forward & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps to the right & Clap (4 Beats)

Take 3 steps to the left & Clap (4 Beats)

With right foot step to the right & follow with the left

With left foot step to the left & follow with the right

Click heels together twice

Tap right foot forward 1 step twice

Tap right foot backward 1 step twice

Tap right foot forward once, backward once, forward once again.
Immediately turn ¼ turn counterclockwise while raising right knee.

START OVER

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Ballroom Dancing List - Fox Trot - Jitterbug - Rumba - Waltz - ect

2011-02-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

Cha Cha:

Brand New Man Brooks & Dunn

Smooth – Santana ft. Rob Thomas
Dance With Me – Debelah Morgan

I Need To Know – Marc Anthony*
Friends In Low Places Garth Brooks
That Don't Impress Me Much Shania Twain
A Hard Days Night Beatles
Ain't To Proud To Beg Temptations*
Chain Of fools Aretha franklin
Do Wah Diddy Diddy Manfred Mann
Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha Sam Cooke*
Loco Motion Little Eva

Tea For Two – Tommy Dorsey*

Jitterbug:

In The Mood / Chattanooga Choo Choo / Pennsylvania 6-5000/Little Brown Jug – Glen Miller*

Take The A Train – Duke Ellington

Swing The Mood – Jive Bunny*

Rock Around The Clock – Bill Hailey & The Comets*

Jailhouse Rock / Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Presley

Mack The Kinfe – Bobby Darin

Sexy & 17 – Stray Cats

At The Hop – Danny & The Juniors

Foxtrot

Fly Me To The Moon/ I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra

L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

Fever – Peggy lee / Michael Buble

Your Nobody Til Somebody Loves You – Dean Martin

It had To be You – Harry Connick Jr.

King Of The Road Roger Miller
Beyond The Sea Bobby Darin
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Four Freshmen/ Nat King Cole
Mack The Knife Bobby Darin
Red Roses for A Blue Lady Vic Dana
There Goes My Baby Drifters
You Always Hurt The One You Love Henry Frogman
A Wink and A Smile Harry Connick Jr.

A Kiss To Build A Dream On – Louis Armstrong

Crazy Love / Have I Told You lately – Van Morrison

Triple Swing:

String Of Pearls / Tuxedo Junction/St. Louis Blues March– Glen Miller

Old Time Rock N Roll – Bob Seger

Runaround Sue – Dion

Still Rock N Roll To Be – Billy Joel

How Sweet It Is – Marvin Gaye

I Love You – Martina McBride

Im A Believer – Monkees / Smash Mouth

Im Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Proclaimers

Signed, Sealed, delivered – Stevie Wonder

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

This Kiss – Faith Hill

Rockin’ At Midnight - Honeydrippers

Foxtrot/Triple Swing:

Come Go With Me – Del Vikings

I Hear A Symphony – Supremes

Moondance – Van Morrison

Triple Swing/Hustle/Cha Cha:

My First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White

Foxtrot/Two Step/Single Swing:

Forever And Ever Amen – Randy Travis

Waltz

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Open Arms - Journey
Could I Have This Dance - Ann Murray*
Pocket Full of Gold - Vince Gill
A Lover's Prayer - Dion & Belmonts
Pretty Paper - Roy Orbinson
Rock & Roll Waltz - Kay Starr
Take It To The Limit - Eagles

Rainbow Connection – Muppet Movie

Viennese Waltz

Cant Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

I’ll Be – Edwin McCain

Delilah Tom Jones
Norwegin Wood Beatles
Scarborough Fair Simon & Garfunkel

Quickstep

Mr Sandman Cordettes
Summer In the City Lovin Spoonful

Rumba

Sway – Michael Buble’ *

A groovy Kind Of Love Wayne Fontana
A Summer Song Chad & Jeremy
And I Love Her Beatles
As Tears Go By Rolling Stones
Blue Bayou Roy Orbinson
Goin Out Of My Head Little Anthony
It's Now Or Never Elvis * (great one!)
Let's Get It On Marvin Gaye
My Cherie Amour Steve Wonder
Rain Drops Dee Clark
Under The Boardwalk Drifters*
I Cross My Heart – George Strait
Come Monday Jimmy Buffett
Best Of My Love Eagles
Slow Hand Pointer Sisters

West Coast Swing I Feel Lucky - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mother In Law Huey Lewis / Ernie K Doe
Duke Of Earl Gene Chandler
Game Of Love Wayne Fontana
Mustang Sally Wilson Pickett
Joy To the World Three Dog Night
Maggie May Rod Stewart

The Way You Make Me Feel / Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

This Love – Maroon 5

Mambo

Mambo Italiano – Rosemary Cloony

Papa Loves Mambo Perry Como
Tequilla Champs
Because You Loved Me Celine Dion

Samba

In the Summer Time Mongo Jerry

Jump In The Line – Harry Belefonte

Cuban Pete – Jim Carrey
Rhythm Divine – Enrique Iglesias

Aint It Funny – Jennifer Lopez

Kiss Kiss – Stella Soleil

Tic Tic Tac – Fruit De Passion

Merengue

Hot Hot Hot Xaviar Cougat/ Buster Poindexter
Wolly Bully -Sam The Sham & Pharohs
You Can Call Me Al -Paul Simon
La Bamba Los Lobos/Ritchie Valens

Suavemente / Tu Sunrisa– Elvis Crespo*

Salsa:

Refugio De Amor (You Are My Home) – Chayanne

Sin Tu Amor – Christian Castro*

No me Ames – Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony

Swing/Lindy Hop:

Crazy Little Thing Call Love – Queen

Candyman – Christina Aguilera

Sing Sing Sing – Benny Goodman

Swing:

Jump Jive & Wail – Louie Prima/ Brian Setzer*

You & Me and The Bottle Makes Three – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Zoot Suit Riot – Cherry Poppin Daddys

Tell her About It – Billy Joel

Crocodile Rock – Elton John

Two Step:

River Of Dreams – Billy Joel

Lady In Red – Chris DeBurgh

Thank You – Dido

Tango:

Blue Tango – Leroy Anderson

Objection – Shakira

Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Tony Bennett*

La Cumparsita – Julio Iglesias

Freestyle or Creat-a-Dance

2011-02-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

It is easy to freestyle dance. Take the song September by Earth Wind & Fire or Shake your groove thing, they are both excellent songs that you can use. Simply start out with steps to the beat (Ex. Step Left Then Right) and back & forth. There is Your first freestyle move! How about a step forward and then Back, or step back then forward (2 more different moves). Other moves include clapping your hands in the air or down at the ground, you can also try not clapping and just waving or for another twist sway your hands from side to side. Punching up and down can be two other moves. GET MY POINT! Now lets get real deep, While stepping sway your hips or put a little giggle into it or do a spin instead of a step or two. Steps can be done once and bach or for 4 beats You can choose what suits your needs best. Be creative and mix all these moves up, Create your own steps. Want more ideas, you can watch simple aerobics videos to get some real great ideas (as silly as it sounds). But remember the most important part of the freestyle dance…… You are involving most if not all of the prople on your dance floor or at your party. Use the people on your dance floor one at a time to demonstrate the moves to the dance you create, and remember have FUN!

Sets of Music for every Party Part 1

2011-02-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

Sets of Music for every party

Recently a DJ in Training asked me about music sets and asked me to draw up a bunch of sets so if stuck he would know exactly what to play. So I jotted some sets down and I am going to post them here so EVERYONE has access to them. PLEASE add more sets that you use in the comments section to help all of us grow as DJs.

BIG BAND

In the Mood - Glen Miller (There is also a Jive bunny mix or a mix By Frank Barbera That I prefer)
Pennsylvania 6-5000 - Glen Miller
Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman
Begin the Beguine - Artie Shaw
Chattanoga Choo Choo - Glen Miller
Moonlight Serenade - Glen Miller (SLOW)
Mambo #5 - Lou Bega (more current song)
Jump Jive an Wail - Brian Setzer Orchestra (more current song)
You & Me and the bottle makes three - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy (more current song)
Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin Daddys (more current song)

OLDIES 50's 60's

Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger (even though this song is newer)
Runaround sue - Dion
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis
The Twist - Chubby Checker
Let's Twist again - Chubby Checker
That's what I like - Jive Bunny oldies mix
Devil with a blue dress on - Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
Land of 1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett or The Commitments
Unchained Melody - Richeous Brothers (Slow)
Can't help falling in love - Elvis (Slow)
Summerwind - Frank Sinatra (Slow)
AT Last - Etta James (Slow)
Unforgetable - Nat & Natalie Cole (Slow)
In the still of the night - Five Satins (Slow)

MORE TO COME!!!!!!!!!!

Party Dances that Work with Kids Can you add more?

2011-02-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Party Dances that Work with Kids Can you add more in the comments section? PLEASE REPLY!

You can do:

Electric Slide
Cha Cha Slide
conga line
choo choo train (conga, come on ride the train, hot hot hot)
Chicken Dance
The Macarena
Greased Lightning
The Apache
Limbo
Cotton Eyed Joe

Don't be afraid to play them all especially if you are Djing a group of sixth graders or

younger. Find links on how to do these dances at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=discjockeystube

Instant Rim Shot On-Line Link

2011-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you ever wanted or looked for a rim shot (its a drum hit usually heard after a joke). Your search is over. The Link below will take you there.

http://www.instantrimshot.com/

if you want it as a sound effect just record it with audacity, cool edit or any other audio capturing program or simply record it using the headphone out jack of your computer.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning

2011-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Suggested Order of Events:

1.Guests Arrive

2.Cocktail Hour/Party games for the kids

3.Main Reception Starts (guests enter main room from cocktails, if cocktails in a different room)

4.Family Grand Entrance

5.Candle Lighting

6.Hora

7.Kiddush

8.Motzi

9.Toasts

10.Salad is served

(typically 25-30 minutes after Grand Enterance)

11.Guest of Honor/Parent Dance

12.Open Dance floor for a short period of dancing (usually group participation dances are done here)

13.Main Course

14.Host/Hostess Dance

15.Open Dance floor for a short period of dancing

16.Dessert

17.Open Dance floor

18.Grand Finale

Note: This is a typical bar mitzvah schedule and is only a suggestion. Every reception is different. This is your reception and it’s completely up to you and your family how you would like things to run throughout the night. Any event may be added, removed, or rearranged. Just let me know in advance and it will be fine.

Candle Lighting:

A memory candle for deceased relative(s) may be lit by the guest of honor. Typically this is announced by the Guest of Honor and is done either before the first candle is announced, or before the parent’s candle is announced. Alternatively, one of the candles on the cake can be lit as a memory candle as well. This would be announced at the time of that candle.

There are two main ways to have the candle lighting done. The first is the guest of honor lights each candle on behalf of their guests or the guest of honor will call each guest up and that guest lights the candles themselves.

The general order for candle lighting is as follows:

1)Grandparents

2)Aunts

3)Uncles

4)Cousins

5)Older relatives

6)Younger relatives

7)Friends of parents

8)Friends of guest of honor

9)Parents

10)Siblings

11)Guest of Honor

The usual number of candles is 14 (13 for their age and one for good luck). Try to group relatives and friends together to keep the amount of candles to 14 as best as possible. You can have interesting tidbits of information announced as the individual comes up to light the candles. It is suggested to write this in advance as to make sure that everything you want said is included.

You will also need to choose music to be played while people come up and light the candles. You can have one piece of music serve as background music to all of the candles, or you may want to match a specific song to each person or group of people lighting the candle. It is highly suggested that the songs be kept upbeat and fun, although a slow song can work just as well if appropriate to the person. The total ceremony is suggested to take about 15 minutes.

Hora:

The guest of honor is the primary person who is lifted in the chair. Other members of the family and special friends may also be lifted. Please let me know in advance who you would like to be lifted during this time.

Kiddush:

Kiddush is a blessing usually given by a rabbi, priest or religious figure. Let me know who will be giving this special blessing so I can announce it appropriately.

Motzi

Again, like the Kiddush the motzi is another blessing usually given by the same rabbi, priest or religious figure as the Kiddush. However, it can also be appropriate to have another person give this blessing. It’s all dependent upon what you want. Again, just let me know who will be providing this blessing.

Toast:

The toast is a short speech in tribute to the guest of honor. It can be given by anyone and is suggested to be no more than 5 minutes long. It is also appropriate to have more than one toast if there are multiple people that would like to speak. Typically, the father of the guest of the honor is the one who gives a toast. Please let me know who will be providing a toast for the event.

After the toast, some guests of honor take a few moments to say something in response to the toast. This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome everyone and to do any special acknowledgements, such as guests who have traveled a long distance or friends or family who have contributed in the preparation of the ceremony or reception.

Host/Hostess Dance:

This is a special dance that is done typically after the first course is served. A slow romantic song is highly suggested for this dance. It is also customary (although not necessary) to invite guests to join in part way through the song. If you would like guests to join in let me know so I can announce to them when the appropriate time to join will be.

Guest of Honor/Parent Dance:

This is another special dance that is done typically after the main course is served. Again it is highly suggested that a slow song be selected for this dance. For some people, this is a special dance with a mother or father, stepfather or mother, uncle, brother or close family friend. More than one dance can be done if needed. Please let me know what song and who will be dancing for this special dance.

Grand Finale:

Before the very last dance, I can organize the guests in a circle around the guest of honor, pass a microphone around, and allow each person to offer a special final greeting or best wishes message. This is just a suggestion and does not have to be done if you don’t want it. It is highly suggested that you once again thank your guests for coming and for helping celebrate this special day with you.

Suggested Group Participation Games include:

1)Cha Cha Slide

2)Electric Slide

3)C’mon N Ride The Train

4)Conga Line

5)Cotton Eyed Joe

6)Greased Lighting

7)Hokey Pokey

8)Macarena

9)Get Down Tonight

10) Shout

11)YMCA

12) Alley Cat

13) Booty Call

14) Mississippi Mudslide

15) Apache

16) Limbo

17) New Electric Slide

18) The Twist

Games/Contests

Here are a few suggestions for games. If you need more, please let me know.

Idea 1: The guest of honor fills out a questioner about him/herself and friends and family have to try to figure out the answers to the blanks. The person that has the most answers right is the winner.

Idea 2: Musical chairs

Option 1: with different ways of sitting each time (ie. Elbow on chair, bare foot on chair, etc.)

Option 2: in the dark with a strobe light and other lights

Idea 3: Freeze Dance Game: When the music starts everyone starts dancing. When the music stops, everyone has to stop. The last person dancing is out.

Idea 4: Multiplication Dance: When the music starts everyone dances. When the music stops I call out a number. Everyone on the dance floor then must form groups of people with that number. (ie. If I call out 3, three people have to make a group.) The winners are the last group standing.

Idea 5: Steal the Bacon

Two teams play against each other. Each member of the team has a number. Using glow sticks and glow necklaces everyone takes turns racing to the center of the floor to grab a glow stick when their number is called. If they can get the glow stick back to their side without being tagged they get to keep it for their team. If they get tagged the other team gets the glow stick. The team with the most glow sticks wins.

Idea 6: Balloon Games:

A variety of fun high energy games involving balloons. (see list below for complete listing of balloon games)

Idea 7: Human Knots

Have your group stand shoulder to shoulder in a circle. The group will be working through a challenge to untangle a human knot. Have each person stick their left hand into the circle without touching anyone. Then have them grasp the hand of a different person who is not standing next to them. This should tangle the group. Now have them work together to untangle the knot without letting their hands go.

Idea 9: Karaoke

Pick a song and sing to it. Groups or individual.

Idea 10: Coke/Pepsi

Divide group into two teams. Each person has a partner. If the word coke is said all the people on the left side have to run, tag their partners and get back to their spot. If the word Pepsi is said all the people on the right side have to run, tag their partners and get back to their spot. If the word 7 up is said, both sides have to switch. The last team back to their spot is out. The winning team is the last team standing.

Idea 11: Hula Hoop Contest

Each person is given a hula hoop. The person who hula hoops the longest is the winner.

Idea 12: Costume Contest/Mummy Wrap

Using props from the room, toilet paper, and the party pack gather kids into teams to decorate one member in the best costume. The winning team is the team with the most creatively decorated person.

Idea 13: Simon Says

Idea 14: Name That Tune

Using popular songs from the radio, have kids/team try to guess the song.

Idea 15: Game Show

Have trivia questions for the kids to answer. The kid/team that gets the most answers right is the winner.

Balloon Guidelines:

Why Balloon Activities?

* Balloons - in one form or another - have fascinated human beings for centuries.

* Balloons are incredibly forgiving and help in building people's confidence.

* Balloons are fun, portable, and inexpensive.

* Balloons add suspense to the atmosphere - there is a healthy sense of prolonged hope when playing with balloons!

Conducting Balloon Activities

Balloon games can be used as party games, fun fillers, energizers, icebreakers, or for longer trust-building, team building, and therapeutic sessions. Create a unique sequence for your group, using these 40 balloon game descriptions as a guide.

Time:

5 mins to 1 hour

Location:

Preferably inside. Balloons are susceptible to even the slightest wind which can be frustrating. Plus, there are fewer accidental balloon bursts inside.

Equipment:

Ideally, start with 2 to 3 assorted round 9 to 12 inch (medium to large) round latex balloons per person (deflated). The actual number needed depends on group size, the specific activity, and whether it involves bursting balloons. The best place to get balloons is at a dollar store or party store where you can get them in bulk.

Hygiene:

Only one person inflates each balloon.

Hyperventilation:

Can occur following quick, deep breaths from the top of the chest when blowing up balloons, leading to a lack of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the blood. Symptoms include lightheadedness. Encourage anyone experiencing this to sit down and to breath slowly.

Balloon Games: (can be done in any order)

Game idea #1: Balloons in a circle

Use a hula hoop or make a circle with tape or string. Divide up the group into even teams and give each team a bag of balloons. Tell them the object of the game is to get all the balloons in your bag to fit inside the hula hoop or circle. The team that completes the task the quickest is the winners.

Game idea #2: Over Under

Have teams line up in a single file line. Place a hula hoop or make a circle in the front of each line. Have one person stand in the circle and have the rest of the group line up behind that person. On go, have the participants alternate between passing the balloon over their had and through their legs. When the balloon gets to the back of the line, that person then runs to the front and begins the process of over and under again. The winning team is the first team to the very first member of the team back to the front of the line.

Game idea #3: Hot Potato

Have participants make a circle. When the music starts have the participants pass the balloon around the circle. When the music stops whoever has the balloon is out. Play until there is only one person left.

Game idea #4: Volleyball

Create a net by making a line of chairs across the center of the room or having two volunteers hold a limbo pole. It’s not necessary but a nice touch if you have a few blankets to cover over the chairs or pole to make a “real net.” Divide the group into two teams. Create three rows of chairs on each side and have participants sit in a chair. The game is played just like volleyball; however, you can only hit the balloon while in a seated position.

Game idea #5: Relay race

Have each team line up single file. At the other end of the room have a chair for each team. Have participants take turns hitting their balloon across the room, around the chair, and back to their team. If the balloon hits the floor, the participant must start over from the beginning. The winning team is the team that completes the game the fastest.

Game idea #6: Balloon Pop

Have each team line up single file. At the other end of the room have a chair for each team. On each chair place a deflated balloon. Have the participants take turns running to the chair, blowing up the balloon, then placing the balloon on the chair and popping it by sitting on it. The winning team is the team that completes the game the fastest.

Game idea #7: Balloons on the Wall

This game can be played either on a team or or' an individual basis. A large pile of balloons is assembled in the centre of the room and each player or team is allocated an area of wall. On the word 'Go!' each player takes a balloon, rubs it on his or her clothing to create a static charge and attempts to stick it on his or her area of wall. If the balloon sticks then the player can try it with another one. After a certain period of time the game is stopped and the team or player with the most balloons on its patch of wall is the winner

Game idea #8: Balloon Juggle

Challenge participants to keep all balloons (1+ per person) in the air. This gets the group moving and cooperating. Once they've got the hang of it, make it harder by adding in more balloons or placing restrictions e.g., no hands to keep balloons up.

For an added twist try this:

Ask participants to keep juggling the balloons, but to sort them into colors (works best with large groups).

Game idea #9: Name Game

Have the participants stand in a circle. Toss a balloon in the air and call someone's name. That person must catch the balloon before it touches the ground. If the person succeeds he/she then tosses the balloon up and calls the next name.

Game idea #10: Ankle Pop

Give each participant a string with a balloon tied to the end. Have the participants tie the other end of the string around their ankle. (Make sure that the string is long enough for the balloon to move around freely. On go each person will try to pop the balloon of other members in the game. The winner is the person who has defended their balloon and popped all the others balloons.

Game idea #11: How many can you hold?

Just like the description sounds. Have a contest to see who can hold the most balloons.

Game idea #12: Balloon marble

Blow up balloons, putting a small marble through the neck of each one before tying the end. This makes the balloons move in unexpected ways. Release into the group one more balloon than participants. The object is to keep the balloons up in the air. Play this in two teams, each side with an extra balloon. The team who lets a balloon drop to the floor first loses.

Game idea #13: Balloon Art

Have kids create a balloon scarecrow using markers, tape, and props from a party pack or things found in the room. The team with the most creative scarecrow is the winner.

Game idea #14: Stuff The Balloons

Divide the group into two teams and have each team choose one team mate to put on a baggy pair of pants and a baggy shirt. The object is to see which team can stuff the most balloons into the shirt and pants of their designated team mate in just two minutes. Start your theme music and watch the fun. When the music ends, count the balloons each team has stuffed into their teammates shirt and pants. The team with the most balloons is the winner.

Game idea #15: Kaboom

Give each team a die (singular version of dice). Give each person a balloon. On Go, participants will take turns rolling the die. Whatever number they roll, that’s the number of blows they can do to their balloon. Once their turn is up, they pass the die on to the next person in their team. The team who can pop all their balloons the fastest is the winning team. If a player cheats, they must completely let the air out of their balloon and start over again.

Game idea #16: 16. Balloon Tower

Prep & Props: About 20 uninflated balloons per person, Plenty of tape, Stopwatch or timer, Tape Measure

This is a great game both for teambuilding and just for fun. Separate players into, preferably, 3 or more teams of about 3-10 persons each. Each team is given a pile of uninflated balloons and a few rolls of clear tape. Instruct the teams that they are to build the largest freestanding balloon tower possible in a certain amount of time. Give no further restrictions on the game. Start the clock, and everyone begins building the towers. When time is called, look at the towers (measure if necessary) and declare whose tower is tallest.

You can shock (and slightly annoy) the players by suggesting that it would not have been against the rules to combine resources with each other to make a much taller tower.

Note on location: Be advised that carpet works quite well, but surfaces like concrete tend to pop the balloons. Experiment ahead of time to make sure the surface is satisfactory

Game idea # 17: Closing Game

At the end of the time for games, put all remaining balloons in a big pile in the center of the room. Give each group a trashcan. Say to the group this is the final game. The object is to get the most balloons into your trashcan. The team with the most balloons wins. At the very end have one volunteer pop the balloons in the trash.

If this still isn’t enough for you, feel free to contact me and I’ll give you as many game ideas as you could possibly want and more.

Music Requests:

Please Provide in the space below all special songs you would like to have played during the night.

Song/Artists:

Dedications, birthdays, anniversaries or other special dances

Please list any special announcements you would like to have made. This is a great way to personalize your event and recognize someone special.

Additional Notes:

If there is anything else I should know to ensure your reception runs smoothly, please list the details here.

For example:

If you feel I need to be aware of any sensitive information regarding your event, family or guests.

If you are having a video presentation, a singer, musician, fraternity/sorority serenade, centerpiece giveaway, or any other personalized additions that will make your party unique.

Being Prepared. The Boy Scouts know what's up!

2011-02-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

What separates a solid DJ from a great DJ? Preparation and execution. This worksheet will focus on all of the commonly used techniques a great DJ will use to be
completely prepared for their performance.

The following are the “behind the scenes” responsibilities you should take note of.

Call your client EARLY! 2 weeks or more out and discuss date, time, location, music selections (first dance, parent dances, intro or cake cutting music etc.), party dances, special
requests and announcements and what your approach to the event should be
(lively, less-interactive, somewhere in between).
Create a burned CD of all of the most important selections (intro, first dance, parent dances, bridal party dance, cake, garter bouquet and special
dedications). By creating this one disc with all special dances in the order
will make it easier to manage the music and eliminate miscues (playing the wrong
song) and fumbling for the song.
Before the event date, check your collection to make sure you have the songs you need. Check to make sure the CD is in the sleeve. Pull it out to make sure
it's not cracked (last weekend a DJ pulled out the first dance and the CD had a
crack across it).
Leave plenty of drive time. Arrive 1 hour to 1 ½ hours before the start time. Take your time unloading and setting up. Rushing through a load in and set-up can
cause your performance to suffer. Before you leave the car, check your contract
and refresh yourself with the names of the bride and groom. Be prepared if you
happen to bump into them or family members. Also a plus to show the banquet
manager you are familiar with who you are performing for.
Greet the Banquet Manager to quickly go over place to set-up and time line of events. You must have a Pros T-shirt on and look professional.
Test your sound and microphone before guests arrive. Check your sound in front of the speakers. You sound should be bass-y and muffled behind your equipment. Don't
adjust from there. Evaluate the sound from the dance floor. Check your wireless
microphone. Walk out to the dance floor. Change the battery if the light is
dimming.
Organize your music. Lay it out on your table in the order it will be played.
Take a business card, turn it over and write the bride and groom's names on it and place it on your mixer in plain view to refer to during the evening. Refer to
the “bride and groom” by using their names, “John and Mary.”
Meet with the bride and groom about 20 minutes before show time to go over names and order. Also confirm whether parent dances will follow first dance or will be
after the cake cutting (most will opt to do them together at the beginning).
Rewrite the names phonetically if they are difficult to pronounce.
Go back to your equipment and recheck your cued music to make sure it is ready. Practice names over and over as you wait.
Return to the bridal party and assist the banquet manager in the “line up”. Go over names with each couple one last time and they are getting lined up. Return to
your equipment and wait for the sign from the banquet manager.
Hit Your Introduction...and off you go!

Thought for the Month
"The one thing worse than a quitter is the one who is afraid to
begin."

~unknown

Video YMCA Dance

2011-02-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Video explaining the YMCA dance. Song by The Village People.

Here is how to do:

THE YMCA DANCE Song by: The Village People

Starting with the first word of the first verse (“Young Man”)

PART 1
Point your finger strait out and count 3 as you move your hand to the right

Clap your hands

Point your finger strait out and count 3 as you move your hand to the left

Clap your hands

Continue this two more times & when the music changes.

Put your right hand out palm down straight out in front of you
Put your left hand out palm down straight out in front of you
Put your right hand up in the air
Put your left hand up in the air
Bring both hands down at the same time making fists & pointing elbows to the ground 2 xs
(The Moves above will Vary)

Continue with part 1 & at the end Do the Y.M.C.A with your hands in the air spelling YMCA

Continue with part 1 with the first word of the next verse and so on

HAVE FUN

More to come next week!

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

How many errors can you find in the bridal party intros?

2011-02-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

How Many errors can you find in this Bridal Party Intro. ?

Besides me saying Ladies and Gentlemen 1000 times!

Holiday mixers and contests - Lottery Ticket Giveaway

2011-02-13T11:00:00.001-05:00

Buy a couple of Holiday themed scratch lottery tickets, place a business card on each chair and put a number on the back of each business card. During dinner ask everyone to check their card, if they have the one with the number you call on it they could win up to (whatever the top prize is on the ticket you bought). Ask the winner to come forward. Have them scratch off the card while you wait, and emcee it. If they.... win GREAT! If not tell everyone to hold on to their card because there is going to be another drawing later. If you have another drawing that's fine, if you don't then your card is in their pocket.

Try this for any party or occasion.

Holiday mixers and contests - Santa Clause Line Dances

2011-02-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Have the boss or leader of the group start the dance off by wearing a Santa hat and strutting down Santa Clause lane. Use Elvis Prestley's version of "Here comes Santa Clause" for the dance.

Try the electric slide or your favorite line dance to Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helmes just do the dance a bit slower or speed up the pitch of the song.

Rudolph Locomotion: Ask the crowd to choose their leader. Then dress the leader up in antlers and a red nose. Ask RUDOLPH to choose his 8 tiny reindeer. After selecting them, set them up in a standard locomotion or choo choo train line. Send them into the crowd. Run run Rudolph is a Great song to use.

Holiday mixers and contests - 12 Days of Christmas!

2011-02-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

The 12 Days of Christmas

Ask the members of the committee to assist you in selecting 12 people to
assist you in this activity (or pick them yourself). After they have
been selected ask them to stand in a straight line facing the audience.
Inform the crowd that these people are the (insert their company name
here) Holiday Choir. Assign each of them an appropriate "day" of
Christmas. Ask the crowd to join you in singing the chorous to the 12
days of Christmas, then go to each of the people and ask them to sing
their day of Christmas. Going immediately to the next number down until
you reach "a partridge in a pear tree". Then immediately go to the
chorus again, then on to day two, and so on and so on. Make sure to
choose someone appropriate for the fifth day of Christmas (Five Golden
Rings). Don't allow people to just say their parts. Encourage them to
improvise, sing it loud! The most fun with this activity is the screw
ups, that will inadvertently happen.

Just in case you forgot, here they are:

The Twelve Days of Christmas

A partridge in a pear tree

2 Turtle doves

3 French hens

4 Calling birds

5 Golden rings

6 Geese a laying

7 Swans a swimming

8 Maids a milking

9 Pipers Piping

10 Ladies Dancing

11 Lords a leaping

12 Drummers Drumming

Christmas Time & Holiday Trivia

2011-02-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

The toughest point of any holiday bash is that awkward transition between the bosses ho-hum speech to the dance music. One of the better ways to smooth out that segue and get the whole crowd involved in your show is a trivia contest. You can take the simple approach and toss out a brain teaser between songs, or organize teams and turn it into a real production.

Here's a list of 20 holiday Questions that should (slightly) challenge any crowd. Expand beyond the list with some of your own questions, or try your own version of "Name That Tune" using old TV show and commercial themes. Seldom will you find a crowd that doesn't enjoy a dose of trivia.

For an added marketing twist, print up the questions (with or without the answers) on your letterhead and pass them out as give-aways.

TOP 20 HOLIDAY TRIVIA QUESTIONS

1. Who invented the art of giving Christmas presents?
2. Who sang Grandma got run over by a reindeer?
3. How many eggs are in eight quarts of eggnog?
4. How did red and green become the traditional colors of Christmas?
5. For what movie could you say that Santa won an Academy Award?
6. What is the average temperature of The North Pole
7. Where was I when "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause?
8. "The Gift of The Magi" was written by whom?
9. Name Santa's reindeer
10. Boris Karloff was the star of what TV Christmas favorite?
11. Christmas, Florida is closest to what major city?
12. What famous Christmas story begins with the line, "One dollar and eighty-seven cents"?
13. Name the most commercially successful Christmas Film.
14. Name 3 actors who played scrooge in the movies.
15. Name Bill Murray's Christmas classic.
16. "God Bless us, everyone!" is the end of what Christmas epic?
17. True or False: In South American countries, setting off fireworks is a popular way of celebrating Christmas.
18. The "Chipmunks Christmas song" came out in what year?
19. True or False: Christmas is not celebrated in the Philippines.
20. Name six of the all time top 10 Christmas songs.

THE ANSWERS

1. The three wise men
2. Elmo & Patsy
3. A dozen
4. In early times, Red apples decorated Green trees.
5. Miracle on 34th st. Edmund Gwenn played Santa and won an Academy Award.
6. 21' F
7. On the stairs
8. O Henry
9. Rudolph, Dasher, Comet, Dancer, Cupid, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen, and Dancer
10. "How the Grinch stole Christmas"
11. Orlando
12. "The Gift of The Magi"
13. "Home Alone"
14. W.C. Fields, Jim Carrey, Kelsey Grammer, Derek Jacobi, John Magquire, Jack Palance, Cyril Ritchard, Basil Rathbone, Michael Caine, and, Alastair Sim.
15. "Scrooged"
16. "A Christmas Carol" said by Tiny Tim
17. True
18. 1958
19. False
20. White Christmas - Bing Crosby, Silent Night - Bing Crosby, Rudolph the red nose reindeer - Gene Autry, Chipmunk song - Chipmunks, I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause - Jimmy Boyd, Little drummer boy - The Harry Simeone Chorale, Do they know it's Christmas - Band Aid, I'll be home for Christmas - Bing Crosby, Grandma got run over by a reindeer - Elmo & Patsy, Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

Special Thanks to David Varga for his help with these.

BONUS QUESTIONS

1. What is the single best selling song of all time?
2. Name 3 more names for Santa Clause.
3. What item of clothing was Ma wearing in "Twas the night before Christmas"?
4. What was the little girls name in "The Grinch who stole Christmas"?
5. Who did the voice of the original Grinch?

BONUS ANSWERS

1. White Christmas
2. St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas
3. Kercheif
4. Cindy Lou Who
5. Boris Karloff

The Twelve Days of Christmas

A partridge in a pear tree
2 Turtle doves
3 French hens
4 Calling birds
5 Golden rings
6 Geese a laying
7 Swans a swimming
8 Maids a milking
9 Pipers Piping
10 Ladies Dancing
11 Lords a leaping
12 Drummers Drumming

Have fun with these.

Going The Extra Mile BY: Tim Ewing

2011-02-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Going the extra mile BY: DJ Tim Ewing - US DJ Network

One of the things that I learned early on in my DJ career is the importance of being personal, approachable, and willing to go the extra mile. There is nothing a bride and groom appreciates more than a DJ who actually takes the time to listen and really evaluate their needs. I have found that the more organized and prepared a DJ is for an event, the smoother and better the party runs.

For this article, I will attempt to share a few little things that may seem insignificant to some, but that make a tremendous difference when it comes to the bride and groom. Most of the things I will share you may already know, but then again, it’s also good to get a reminder every once and awhile.

Brides love it when DJ’s call them in advance. The bride usually has a million things on their plate, and when a DJ can help alleviate some of that stress by taking away the musical responsibility, brides most times breathe a sigh of relief. I’ve found that brides appreciate a DJ that not only gets the musical requests that they want, but also takes the time to evaluate their requests, organize their requests, and put them together in a logical way that the party will flow beautifully and smoothly throughout the night. You’ll find that the more you pay attention to the specific requests, the easier it is to make the party a success.

Most brides and grooms usually struggle with their selection of their entrance songs, the garter/bouquet songs, and cake cutting songs. One way that you can go the extra mile, is to offer suggestions for each. By doing so, you’re helping to narrow down the choices for the client and also making it easier for the bride and or groom to decide what they want.

One of the biggest fears I’ve found that some DJ’s have is performing the entrances of the family members and bridal parties. The most common mistake is pronouncing the names of the people in the party wrong. This is something that should never happen, but often times occur more frequently than we would like. One way to fix this problem is to write out the names of each member being introduced phonetically. By doing this, it makes it easier to read the name correctly because it’s written the way it sounds. Another helpful hint is to have either the bride or groom pronounce the name of the person a few times out loud for you and then you repeat it back to assure that it is correct.

There’s no greater feeling than nailing the intros, having the first dances go smoothly, have the garter/bouquet go off without a hitch and the cake cutting song ready and looped. This is something that takes time to master, but is something that all DJ’s strive for each gig they do. One way to make sure that you have perfection each time is to have your music organized and lined up ready to go for the time it is needed. This can be done one of two ways. For those who still use CD’s, have each CD labeled with a sticky note or marker so that you know what the song is, what track number it is and when it is to be played. Another great hint is to put all the songs on one CD so the music is back to back. All you have to do is advance it each time the next track and you’re ready to go. For those using laptops, making a wait list with the songs ready to go would also be a huge asset for success.

Another no brainer, that I hate to even mention, but feel is important to mention is the importance of being on time. The company policy is to be there an hour early, however, sometimes if needed, it might be helpful to get there even earlier than that. By being set up and ready to go way in advance, that makes life easier for not only you, but for the wait staff as well. Also, this gives you time now to talk to whomever you need to talk with and get any final details that you need without having to run around last minute.

Something many DJ’s fail to remember that there are also videographers and photographers at their events. Some DJs will have special moments happen and they will never check to see if the videographers or photographers are ready to capture it. So, my suggestion to going the extra mile for this would be to be in contact with both the videographer and photographer throughout the night to ensure that you all are on the same page. Give the videographers and photographers a five to ten minute warning, so if they need to change film, or an SD card or change batteries, they have time to do so and still be ready. In turn it is also important to be in contact with the wait staff, preferable the maitr’d or one in charge to make sure that they are ready for each special event that takes place.
Having equipment working properly is essential to a successful party. There is nothing more embarrassing than having a microphone with a dead battery, a CD skipping or an electrical or technical malfunction. Though most of the time, technical difficulties are out of our control, but there are also ways to try to prevent them from happening. First, it’s important to always have fresh batteries as well as back ups. It’s amazing how quickly the life is drained from the batteries from usage. Second, always test the music you have before you play it. Like I said before there’s nothing more embarrassing than music stopping or skipping for a gig. Third, test your equipment before hand to make sure that all the levels are where they need to be. Though we can’t control everything, doing these little things can make a huge difference.

Dress to impress. You may not realize it, but your appearance is important. You are the one person that everyone is looking at once the party is underway. Make sure that your clothing is clean, neat, and that you’re groomed properly with combed hair. This is a great way to make a good impression. Remember, you’re not only representing yourself, but the Pros organization as well.

Finally, be ready and willing to go the extra mile even when it’s last minute. If a bride or groom decides to change a song, or add something unexpected to the event, do your best to accommodate and work it out even if it’s an inconvenience for you. For me, I hate more than anything having to say to a bride or groom, I am unable to provide that song or I am unable to do that for you, so I personally strive to do whatever it takes to make sure this never comes out of my mouth. A prime example of this: This past weekend I DJed a wedding for a Spanish couple. The bride had selected Daddy’s Little Girl for her father/daughter dance and wanted that to be their song. The night before the wedding, she called me up and said she wanted to change her father/daughter dance to a song called “Daddy” by TJ Loughran. I quickly found out that the only way to get this song was to order it from TJ’s website and that it would have to be shipped through the mail. Limewire, bear share, I Tunes, etc did not carry the song. Beings it was Saturday getting the CD shipped in time was impossible. However, I was determined to get the song for the bride. So I went the extra mile by researching the artist online. I looked for almost 3 hours until I found a phone number. I then called him personally and asked him if he could provide the song for me via email. To make a long story short, he sent me the song in email, I copied it, and the bride was nearly in tears that I went through such trouble to make her father/daughter dance special. Though these situations happen sometimes, and the easy thing to do would be to say, “I’m screwed” or “I’m sorry you’ll have to find an alternative,” try to think outside the box and go the extra mile and you’ll be amazed at what happens.

As I close, I hope that this has been helpful in seeing the importance of going the extra mile. You’ll find the brides and grooms will appreciate it, your company will appreciate it, and you’ll get satisfaction knowing that by going above and beyond the call of duty to make each event memorable and extraordinary. Plus the extra money you’ll make in tips always helps too. Until next time, keep doing a great job and remember that you can never go wrong by going the extra mile.

DJ Greggie C's Classic Wedding Mix

2011-02-11T22:07:00.001-05:00

Greg's WORKING wedding Mix Nov 1999 by djgreggiec

Are You A Good DJ or a Lazy DJ?

2011-02-11T08:00:00.003-05:00

Let's focus on the little things that separate the Good DJs from the Lazy DJs. Some of you will read this column and say to yourself,“I've been doing it my way for years and it works fine, I'm not going to change” and to you I say “That's a shame”. None of us are ever so great that we cannot improve.

Now we are going to tackle one of the many problems in making a good first impression at your party – Introductions. In the course of handling complaint calls from our clients, I've come to notice that one of the biggest problems DJs have with the introductions is the fact that they don't take charge of the situation. When do you start to take charge of the situation? During the phone call. While you are talking to the bride on the phone, it is imperative that you get the order of the bridal party and the correct pronunciations of their names. It is too hectic the day of the event to get all of this information correct and maintain an impression of professionalism. In addition, before you line up the bridal party you should be practicing the pronunciations of their names. This way when you do line them up and you rattle off the correct pronunciation of their names, they will be impressed. (GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION). There have been countless times where I have nailed the pronunciation of somebody's difficult last name during the line up and they turn to me and go “damn you're good”. (Yep that's right pencil neck, now listen up bridal party, I'm the man and I'm in charge)

Do not allow the catering staff to take your intro sheet and run off into the hallway to line the bridal party up unaccompanied (Go with them). If you don't go with them and there are changes or problems, you are going to be informed of them second hand and that is where the problems can occur. Take the initiative and line up the bridal party yourself, even if the staff offers to do so. However, if the staff insists on doing it themselves, go with them and be cooperative. As the staff lines them up, follow up behind and confirm the names yourself. Be a good DJ, not a lazy DJ.

The purpose of lining up the bridal party is multi functional. 1. Make sure you have the correct order for the introductions. 2. Confirm the pronunciations of names. 3 Evaluate the Child Factor (are they coming in, are they sleeping, are they coming in with Mom and Dad, are they screaming, are they being a pain, are they shy, etc). You need to be aware. 4. A last minute confirmation of the days events with the Bride and Groom. (First Dance, Toast, Grace, etc.) 5 Lastly, it allows you to get a feel for the Bride & Groom, the Parents and the Bridal Party and pump them up for the big day.

Leave nothing to chance when you walk out to the CENTER of the dance floor to do your introductions. If you do, then you leave open the possibility to make a mistake, look confused and make a bad first impression. You are the ring leader, this is your moment, be confident, be poised and be prepared. Be a good DJ, not a lazy DJ.

Google as Wedding Planner?

2011-02-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

This morning I was informed by a Wedding Planner friend that a new iPhone app offered to "Plan your Wedding" from your iPhone. She reacted with the same kind of disdain that we DJ do when you say "i-Pod wedding"

Fast forward to this afternoon and I am alerted on Twitter via Mashable.com that Google is now offering to help DIY wedding couples, well DIY!

Google Weddings is a dedicated page for couples looking to leverage the various Google products (Spaces, Docs, Picasa, Picnik) to help them plan their nuptials. The site is populated with a series of pre-formatted templates that can be personalized and distributed.

They've managed to get Michelle Rago the Queen of Destination Weddings to sign on-board as the "visionary" lending her design sensibilities and considerable clout to the endeavor. And to sweeten the pot they are offering $25,000.00 to one lucky couple to help them pull off their dream wedding.

So what do you think? Google in the wedding biz? Good thing? Bad thing? Discuss.....

What NOT To say to or ask a DJ

2011-02-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

CHECK BELOW FOR YOUR REQUEST

1. PLAY SOMETHING GOOD...SOMETHING WE CAN DANCE TO!

The D.J. has to play for more than one person...so, what you may hate
may be another's favorite song and EVERYTHING played here can be danced
to one way or another.

2. WOULD YOU PLAY SOMETHING WITH A BEAT?

BE SERIOUS! We know of NO songs played in a club that don't have some sort of a beat!

3. I DON'T KNOW WHO SINGS IT AND I DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF THE SONG, BUT IT GOES LIKE THIS...

Please don't sing for the D.J.! They have to put up with smoke-filled
rooms and dangerous decibel levels all night. Do them a favor and DON'T
give them a rendition of your favorite song!

4. EVERYBODY WANTS TO HEAR IT!

Oh sure, you polled EVERYONE in the club and, as their spokesperson, you are requesting the song.

5. I CAN GET LAID IF YOU PLAY IT!

If you are GOOD ENOUGH, you can get laid to anything!! (also been known as "buy the album and get laid for a month!")

6. I WANT TO HEAR IT NEXT!

The only people who can get away with that statement write the D.J.'s paycheck or tip him $50!

7. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANNA HEAR...WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

It's a lot easier for you to go have another beer and figure out what
you want to hear than it is for the D.J. to recite the name of EVERY
record in the booth!

8. HEY YO, NOBODY CAN DANCE TO THIS!

It is not advisable to say this when the dance floor is packed (but,
some people do anyway)! However, even if there is only ONE person on the
floor, it STILL contradicts the statement.

9. EVERYBODY WILL DANCE TO IT IF YOU PLAY IT!

The D.J. won't...I guess that blows a hole in that theory!

SOME ASSORTED THINGS NOT TO SAY

If you ask for a song and the D.J. says he just played it, DON'T SAY,
"Well, I just got here." It makes absolutely no difference. DON'T SAY,
"Is this the only kind of music you play?" If you go to a Chinese
restaurant, you wouldn't ask for Italian food. Rock clubs play rock,
alternative clubs play alternative, discos play disco, etc., etc.,
etc... If you ask for a song, BE SPECIFIC. DON'T SAY, "I wanna hear
something, anything but this!" Try going to the bar and saying, "I wanna
drink something, anything but this..." You can't complain if you're not
SPECIFIC. HOWEVER, if you ARE specific and the D.J. says he doesn't
have the song, DON'T SAY, "What?!! What do you mean you don't have it?
What kind of D.J. are you? Why don't you get into the wonderful world of
fast food! You obviously don't know what you're doing as a D.J.!"...

HE MAY SHOOT YOU!!!

Special Note

A nightclub D.J. gets very little respect. They are expected to play
everything for everybody. It is impossible to satisfy all to the people
all of the time, yet club jocks are expected to do just that. If a radio
jock tells his listeners a song is a hit, the majority of the people
think it must be "because they said so on the radio." However, 80f the
time, that same song was being played in a club long before the radio
DISCOVERED the NEW song. So, give the D.J. a break! The next time you
request a song, stop and

THINK before you speak.

And above all, if the DJ has one hand on the mixer, one hand on a TURNTABLE - wearing headphones,

DON'T BUG HIM OR HER!!! "

OTHER Things not to say to a DJ

when asking him for a song....

1) When are you going to play something good? - Firstly, you're saying
my music is crap. Secondly, you appear to expect me to read your mind
and work out what you like. I suggest you leave before I stab you with
this ballpoint pen. Sod Off!!

2) If you play XXXXX everyone will dance! - Nothing is guaranteed to be
further from the truth. If I play this track everyone will flock off the
dance floor leaving you stood on your own in the middle. Until you feel
stupid and leave. Having killed the atmosphere. Thanks a bunch.

3) Why you playing this shit? Nobody likes it! - That would explain the
packed dance floor would it? If you don't particularly care for it sir,
please wait 10 minutes and the music will change. To something else you
can whinge about.

4) Can you play XXXX in the next 10 minutes because I've got to go home?
- No. I'm trying to entertain those who are staying for the whole
night. I'm not going to destroy the atmosphere I've cultivated to play
The Village People at 9:30. You want to hear it, you wait until 11:00ish
when it'll actually go down well.

5) Have you got any dance music? - Would that be House, Garage, Trance,
Hard House, Disco, Euro pop, Hi Energy, Techno, Vocal House, Drum n Bass
(ugh!) or Happy Hardcore?

6) Can I have a look at your CDs? - No. They are the tools of my living.
They are arranged in a specific order. They are also a convenient size
to hide under a jacket as you leave. You thieving little pikey.

7) What have you got? - Look, I carry over 250 CDs, with over 5000
tracks. I’m not about to list them for you. And no, you can't look. No.
You can't press that button either.

8) When are you going to play something recent? - Oooh. About 30 seconds
ago. And I'll probably play some more as soon as I've played some 70s
for your Mom. Patience is a virtue. Now sod off.

9) Can you play [insert heavy metal tune]? - No. This is a wedding. You
are the only person in this room who actually like to make his/her ears
bleed. I know you have a bedroom wall full of their posters and you
tattooed the lead singer's name on your arm with a compass and ink. But
believe me, no one else likes them. And, contrary to your firm belief,
the sight of you standing alone in the middle of the dance floor
flicking your long greasy hair backwards and forwards, killing off your
remaining brain cells, will not make young women weak at the knees.
Queasy in the stomach maybe.

What your DJ actually replies; "Certainly. I'll try and fit it in if I've got it."

Bride and Father dance list

2011-02-09T22:58:00.002-05:00

The following songs can be used for your Bride & Father dance CAN YOU NAME MORE?

The Times of your life - Lane and Nichols or Paul Anka
Through the years - Dorff and Panzer or Kenny Rogers
Turn Around - Belafonte, Greene, and Reynolds or Harry Belafonte
Thanks for the memory - Robin and Rainger or Bob Hope
My heart belongs to daddy - Porter
Thank heaven for little girls (gigi) - Lerner and Loewe
My Girl - Robinson and White or The Temptations
How sweet it is (to be loved by you) - Holland Holland, and Dozier or Marvin Gaye
Sunrise Sunset (Fiddler on the roof) - Harnick and Bock
Daddy's little Girl - Al Martino
Wind Beneath my wings - Siblar and Henley or Bette Middler
Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn
In my daughters eyes - Martina McBride
My little girl - Steve Kirwan

There are Hundreds more so PLEASE Reply to this and add your own!

Top 10 Virtual Jam sessions or mixing sites.

2011-02-09T21:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick post from our friends at wired.com on the top 10 virtual jam sessions or mixing sites where you can actually mash up songs or create new ones.

Top 10 Sites for Virtual Jam Sessions

Indaba Music
Swap tips on mixing, mastering, and distributing your work, and access a

slew of tools for artistic collaboration. You can also participate in

remix contests, which occasionally feature such A-listers as the Roots

and Yo-Yo Ma.

Jamglue
Upload your songs and watch as Jamglue's huge community of mixologists
slices, dices, and reshapes them. Or play producer and rework jams by

the likes of T-Pain, R. Kelly, and MC Lars.

Kompoz.com
This site enables songwriters and musicians to come together as virtual
bands. Got a cool guitar part? Record it, post it, and ask your fellow

Kompozers to supply the rest.

Minimum Noise
You've recorded a solid tune, but it needs ... something. A Fender

Rhodes, perhaps? Post a description of the accompaniment you seek and

what you're willing to pay. Choose the best submission and buy the

rights to use it.

MixMatchMusic
Lay down tracks with musicians around the globe using a Pro Tools-like
recording and mixing interface. MixMatch also hosts a marketplace for

the resulting works, with 85 percent of licensing revenue going to

artists.

Rifflet
Calling itself a recycling bin for rock 'n' roll, Rifflet lets musicians
contribute unused bits and bobs—a cool drumbeat, say, or unfinished

song—so others can use them to craft new pieces.

SoundCloud
Looking for feedback on a demo? Post it here. Soundcloud's music player
lets friends—or the community at large—leave text comments pegged to

particular spots in a song's waveform.

Tune Rooms
Jam with other musicians by uploading your tracks to a browser-based
sequencing interface. Or sit back and watch the next big hit get

developed by the crowd. Artists retain rights to their material and can

sell it offline.

WeMix
Megaplatinum rapper Ludacris cofounded WeMix as a place for aspiring

hip-hoppers to post vocals, beats, and songs. Members then critique,

build on, and remix the tracks. The best works could be released on

Luda's label.

YourSpins
Geared toward mashup artists, this site hosts contests with music by
talent such as Sia, Natasha Bedingfield, and Lil Mama. Take a song's

separated parts, rework them, and post your mix. You can also generate

ringtones. (YourSpins.com is currently out of service.)

Square – Accept credit card payments with your mobile phone

2011-02-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

Still looking for a solution for accepting credit cards? Not happy with PayPal for any number of reasons (I personally LOVE Paypal but hey that's me!) Well check out Square, Inc. It will allow you take a credit card payment with or without the card present (different fees apply) from any iPhone, Android mobile device.

Square is a revolutionary service that enables anyone to accept credit cards anywhere. Square offers an easy to use, free credit card reader that plugs into a phone or iPad. It's simple to sign up. There is no extra equipment, complicated contracts, monthly fees or merchant account required.

The most useful part of this is the ability to swipe a card anywhere, anytime.

Even if you don't use it for your business you can use it for garage sales, bake sales, fundraisers, whatever.

For research purposes I signed up and less than 48 hours later my "card reader" is on the way! When it arrives I'll post some in hand pics and run a transaction to give you some useful feedback.

Square – Accept credit card payments with your mobile phone

The Singing Wedding Gram

2011-02-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

This is an activity you can include the bridal party in or any group of people, but the Bridal Party works best. Durring the end of inner you ask the entire bridal party to line up (Boy girl, boy girl) in front of the bride & groom. Have them interlock arms and hand them a lyrics sheet you have copied with the words to a Cute wedding song. I use Going to The Chapel by The Dixie Cups, but you can use whatever song you want. Just make sure you copy the lyrics for the people. You start the song have them sway back and forth and sing the song as you take your cordless mic and put it in front of each person in the line as they sing a bar or two of the song. You can build up the hype and call it your gift to the bride & groom. At The end have the audience give all of them a round of applause.

The Lyrics to Going to the Chapel are as follows:

CHORUS

Goin' to the chapel, and we're, goin' to get Ma-aa-aried,
Goin' to the chapel, and we're, goin' to get Ma-aa-aried,
gee, I really love you, and we're, goin' to get Ma-aa-aried,
goin' to the chapel of love.

1) Spring is here The-e-e shy is blue,
Birds all sing as, if they knew,
Today's the day, we say I do,
and we'll never be lonely anymore, because we're

CHORUS

2) Bells will ring, The-e-e sun will shine,
I'll be his and he'll be mine,
We'll love until, the end of time,
and we'll never be lonely anymore, because we're

CHORUS

Technorati Tags: dj, disc jockey, disc jockeys, djgregc, djgreggiec, dj greg c, dj greggie c, singing wedding gram, wedding, wedding idea, activity

Dealing with a Banquet Manager or Caterer

2011-02-08T13:00:00.002-05:00

Dealing with a B.M. (Banquet Manager) or Caterer can be one of the most important duties you face as a Disc Jockey. Since these managers do numerous parties each weekend it is a great idea to MAKE them LOVE YOU! This can sometimes be a very difficult task because not every person we meet is NICE! But having a B.M. on your side can increase your repeat business as well as have an EXCELLENT reference for your future clients.

The following list will help keep you on the B.M.s GOOD side:

1) Be there 1 HOUR or more early – Being Late will show them that you are not a professional.

2) Meet with B.M. as soon as you arrive – items to go over:
* Where is the closest power outlet & where tables are?
* Where can you unload? (Always ask this!!!)
* Is your attire appropriate to load?

3) Treat their hall with respect – when loading & unloading Equipment
* Keep doors closed in summer & winter to save Electricity
* Do Not Scuff The Floors or Walls with your Equipment.
* DO NOT ASK TO EAT! Ask what kind of dinner is being served, sit-down or buffet, is cake bagged or for Desert?

4) Don’t blast music during your sound check – Be as quick as you can.

5) When lining up bridal party invite B.M. with you & introduce him.
If they haven’t been introduced yet….

6) Always let B.M. know your every MOVE – Intros, Cake, garter, bouquet, etc.
* Ask if now is the right time to do it
* Always go along with their way of doing things.

7) At the end of the party Remember to say GOODBYE:

This is a good time to ask if he liked your performance, if they recommend DJs, if they have a house DJ, or do they want you to be their house DJ! In any Case always be POLITE and make sure you exchange Business Cards. If they don’t have one you SHOULD ALWAYS write down the B.M.s name, the name of the Hall, and the address or city you are in. Then follow up the following week with a courtesy call that might get you more business. Thank You cards with your business cards are also an excellent Idea. Remember, just like any other job we don't always LIKE the people we sometimes have to work along side, but that doesn't mean we don't treat them with respect and professionalism.

If you have any other suggestions please add them here as a reply!

Video The Macarena

2011-02-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Video explaining the Macarena dance

More to come next week!

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

Blogging from my Android phone

2011-02-08T02:01:00.001-05:00

The best part of technology is when it is actually not just available but useful and integrated into your routine. That's why I was psyched to see that Google finally released Blogger for Android. I downloaded the app days ago but promptly forgot I had it...that is until now.
I think this means you can expect more posts...more often. They'll probably be shorter but I promise they'll be useful. Well at least as useful as anything I post here.
Starting right after this rather innocuous post!

The DJ Slideshow

2011-02-07T21:47:00.004-05:00

The DJ's Slideshow

2011-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

D.J. Checklist for Party Activities

Multiplication Dance (marriage)
Line Dance
Locomotion / Train
Slow Dance (ladies/gentelmans) Choice
Circle Dance
Musical Chairs
Twist Contest
Balloon Pass
string Pass
Freeze Contest
Simon Says
Spotlight Dance
Trivia
Air guitar contest
Lip sync contest
Dance contest
Limbo
Tango
Cha-Cha
Waltz
Charleston
Hokey Pokey
Bunny Hop
Dollar dance
Dollar Wine Dance
Polkas (Polish)
Irish Jigs
square Dance / Country
Hora (Jewish)
Tarantella (Italian)
Merengue / Salsa (Latin)
Chicken Dance (old & New)
Electric Slide (old & New)
Macarena
Calliente
Y.M.C.A.
Get down tonight Dance
Night fever Dance
Alley Cat
Blues Brothers
The Time Warp
Singing Wedding-Gram
Item Pass
The Hand Jive
Coke & Pepsi
Huggie Bear
Line Dance
The Stroll
Mummers Strut
Mexican Hat Dance
Who's Makin Love
The Bird
The Achy Breaky Heart or a 2-step
Name that tune
Jitterbug
Lindy
Hustle
The Unicorn song
The Maria
Shout
The Stomp
Step in the name of love
The Apache (Jump on it)
Mashed potato
Cotton eyed Joe
Strokin'
Mummy Wrap
Pick an item the crowd might have
sing a song for the bride and groom to KISS
Cha Cha Slide
Cupid Shuffle

This list is just about every thing we could think of that we do at different parties. If you have any suggestions please post them as a reply here. If you do not know how to do any of these dances or activities, check out our Youtube site at www.youtube.com/discjockeystube some of those videos are in our video section as well or you can Google the names of the dances or activities to find them.

How to do a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

2011-02-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

HOW TO DO A BAR/BAT MITZVAH

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are probably the easiest parties to perform at. Some of these parties can be more expensive than some weddings, but don’t let that bother you. Be ready to give your best (just like you do at all your parties). Bar Mitzvah (BOY) or Bat Mitzvah (GIRL) signifies at age 13 (Usually) that this boy/girl is passing from childhood to adulthood. In some cases your client might NOT want some or all of the Traditional activities associated with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah done at their affair, so it is good to ask them first what they want. If you are really lucky it will be just a party or record hop. It is really important that when you talk to your client that you know what you are talking about. So here is what you need to know.

Introductions: Usually after the cocktail hour, and before the blessing. The DJ Will introduce The Parents and the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs brothers and sisters (if any) and then The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Themselves. Sometimes Grandparents can be included too.

Blessing: The Blessing of bread. Motzi (Pronounced: HA-Moat-sea) and wine Kiddish (Pronounced: Kid-ish). The Blessing of the bread & wine is always combined & called just MOTZI. This blessing is usually done by the child’s Father, Grandfather, or Rabbi. Traditionally done after the introductions and before the dinner. It is the DJs job to get everyone’s attention for the blessing.

Toast: The toast is usually given by the Host (Father). It welcomes & thanks everyone for coming to the event. It is a good idea to remind the client of this on your client call. Traditionally done right after the Blessing.

Candle lighting Ceremony: Usually happens right after the toast but can take place after dinner. In some cases the DJ does the announcing in others the child calls up the people. The ceremony requires members of the child’s family & close friends, light 1 to 11 candles on the cake. The 12th & 13th candles are reserved for the child’s parents & peace or those who could not be here (deceased). Each candle can be lit by 1 person or a group of people. The order should be ascending representing the closeness to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For example friends of the family & aunts and uncles are generally first to light the candles while grandparents, brothers, sisters & best friends wait till the end. Background music for the ceremony can include a long up-beat instrumental or even the traditional candle lighting medley, or sometimes you must use a song for each candle. It would be a good idea to create a CD of these songs in order. After all the candles have been lit, Dim the lights & sing Happy Bar or Bat Mitzvah just like happy birthday but change the words. Then have the child blow out the Candles. Now is an Excellent time to start a HORA (Hava-Nagila) to get the crowd up & dancing. During this time you can call 4 strong men to help lift the child on a chair and parade them around the dance floor.

Parent Dance: The child might want to dance with their mother or father. Either they will pick a song or have you suggest one. Sunrise sunset from fiddler on the roof is a great Jewish father daughter dance, and for the mother son you could suggest Bette Middler’s Wind Beneath My Wings.

That’s it! Now when you talk to your client it may not all go this way but if they ask you, you now know the order! Once these formalities are over the party turns into a mixture of a 8th grade dance & a Wedding. Lots of music & ACTIVITIES for the KIDS as well as Music & Activities for the Adults are a great plan of attack. Activities such as Huggie Bear, Coke & Pepsi, Limbo, Air Band, & Twist Contest, you can even do Vinnies famous MUMMY WRAP! Dances like the Cha Cha slide & even the Electric slide work well too. Make sure YOU DO A LOT OF STUFF, unless your client says NO. Make sure your great personality shines and all will go well!

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY GUIDE

MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE,…….WILL EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS.

GOOD (AFTERNOON/EVENING) LADIES & GENTLEMEN, MY NAME IS ___________________

FROM THE PROS & ON BEHALF OF ___________ & ___________ I’D LIKE TO WELCOME YOU
MOTHER FATHER
TO__________________
NAME OF HALL

AT THIS TIME IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE OUR HOST & HOSTESS

______________ & _______________________ AND NOW OUR (Bar/Bat) MITZVFAS
MOTHER FATHER

BROTHERS & SISTERS _________________________________________________

Have everyone stand………….

NOW LADIES & GENTKEMEN LETS HEAR IT FOR OUR (Bar/Bat) mitzvah___________________

Have the entire family stand behind the cake. Arrange beforehand with the Photographer the best place to stand.
Write down the number of candles for the next section.

You may be seated…….. AT THIS TIME I’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE SOME VERY SPECIAL

PEOPLE TO LIGHT CANDLED IN HONOR OF OUR (BAR/BAT) MITZVFA. WHEN I CALL YOUR

NAME PLEASE COME UP AND LIGHT A CANDLE.

Suggested order of candle lighting follows. Fill in the Blanks. Some adaptation may need to be made. When introducing people say:”I’d like to call up…..or let’s have a nice hand for…or mat I introduce to you……

Maternal Grandparents ___________________________________________________________

Paternal Grandparents ___________________________________________________________

Great grandparents ___________________________________________________________

Great Aunts & Uncles ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Aunts & Uncles ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Cousins ________________________________________________________________

Candle lighting guide PAGE 2

Other Relatives ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Family or Parent’s Friends _____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s Friends _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Brothers & Sisters ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Mother & Father ________________________________________________________________

(optional) and now to light a candle in honor & memory of those who could not be with us today. (Turn down music a bit or play a special song)

AND NOW TO LIGHT A FINAL CANDLE _____________________________________________

At this point dim the lights sing happy Bar/Bat mitzvah have the child make a wish and then blow out the candles. Now is a GREAT time for a HORA (Hava-Nagila).

Any questions just place a question or comment here.

Just in case you need to do a Blessing

2011-02-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

This post is just in case you arrive at the hall and the Bride says, "Oh, I forgot the clergyman (Rev., priest, rabbi) won't be here. Can You say Grace? You don't want to SAY NO To Your Bride or NOT LOOK Like SUPERMAN so here is a little help:

Roman Catholic

"Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen"

Protestant

"Bless O Lord, this food to our use, and us to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others, in Jesus' name. Amen"

Jewish

"Lift up your hand toward the sanctuary and bless The Lord. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who bringest forth bread from the earth. Amen"

Eastern Orthodox

" O Christ our God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art Holy, both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen:"

This is from an old List I Dug Up!

If you have any more we would all like to know them so PLEASE post them as a reply Here!

Peace, Love, and God Bless You!

Greggie C

What is an Aniversary or Marriage Dance?

2011-02-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

The "Anniversary Dance", wedding or marriage dance can be done one of two ways:

1 - Starting with the longest married couples and working your way down to the bride and groom.
2 - Starting with ALL the married couples on the dance floor and working your way down to the longest married couple (typically done in place of the "Garter & Bouquet").

This month I will be talking about Option #1. As with the other "Dance Floor Openers", I will typically do this before dinner as a way to open / start my second set of then night if...
- The first set didn't bring many people to the dance floor for whatever reason
- The bride and groom are looking for me to be very involved, a lot activities, very lively, etc.
- The party / people need a good kick-start to get going
- The crowd is on the older side
- There appears to be a significant amount of older married couples
- The bride and groom are a fun couple, but not exactly comfortable with a "fast dance" in front of all their guests
- A fast song might be too much for the guests right away - I don't want to scare them away
- There are some family "situations" that make the Aniversary dance un-doable.

I will NOT do the "Anniversary Dance"

- If I'm aware of an older relative recently passing away (could be uncomfortable)
- The bride and groom already want me to dedicate a song to their Parents, Grandparents, Aunt & Uncle etc for their
Anniversary (it would be repetitious)

Once I've decided I'm going to do the dance, I have to set it up properly for it to be successful and the set up is basically the same as the other two. The first thing I do is walk over to the B&G and let them know that in 5 minutes / after this next song etc., that I will be doing an activity to get things moving / people up and dancing. I do this to make sure they stay in the room as they are the last and most important piece to the activity. (nothing worse than inviting the B&G to the dance floor and someone yelling out "The Bride is in the bathroom")

Next I walk out to the dance floor, and ask for everyone's attention (it's very important to get everyone's attention for this activity, because the instructions are very important and if you are unable to properly convey those instructions to MOST of the guests, you could be setting yourself up for trouble, as no one will know what's going on.) Once I have their attention, here's my stuff...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the next dance we'll be doing is called the Anniversary Dance and it's a very simple thing to do. As soon as I start playing the next song, I would like all of the couples that have been married for ***50 YEARS or more, to please make their way to the dance floor. After which, I will then invite all of those couples married ***40 Years or more out to the dance floor, and so on until we have all of the married couples here tonight out on the dance floor. So once again, when I start playing the next song I NEED ALL the couples married 50 YEARS or more to make their way to the dance floor."

Once I have made my way back to my equipment. I start the song and once again announce "Will all those couples married 50 YEARS or more please make your way to the dance floor." It is at this point you wait and see what happens. First off, if a couple has been married for 50 years they're probably old and slow, so give them time to get to the dance floor before moving on to the the next group (40 years). Secondly, if you only get a few couples to come to the dance floor, it's time to lay a little of your showmanship on the crowd and create one of those moments that separate you from the average DJ. If I get 5 couples or less out to the dance floor, I once again take mic in hand and make my way to the floor. I walk over to one of the couples, politely lean in and ask them (off the mic) "how long have you been married?". I then get on the mic and announce "Ladies and Gentlemen ...54 years, how about a nice round of applause." I then do this for every other couple on the dance floor (hopefully picking the longest married couple last). By doing this little bit of showmanship you are
1 - Creating a very special moment
2 - Honoring some special people (typically the B&Gs parents, grandparents etc.)
3 - Grabbing everyone's attention and guaranteeing that the rest of the married couples will participate
4 - Showcasing your talent (trust me, if done right, they'll know who you are)

Once done with this step, I move off the floor back to my equipment and announce "And now L&G all of the couples married 40 years or more, please make your way to the dance floor" and so on until you have everyone on the floor. Here's the order in which I proceed
1 - 50 years or more
2 - 40 years or more
3 - 30 years or more
4 - 20 years or more
5 - 10 years or more
6 - 5 years or more
7 - more than 1 year
8 - more than a day
9 - "all those couples married today, please make your way to the dance floor" (obviously the B&G, and usually accompanied by a round of applause without asking)
10 - "and last but not least all of those couples who feel like they're married, are fooling around, can't stand each other" etc (pick one or make up your own little funny punch line)

Once the song is over, I kick into one of the classic wedding dance songs, because you have old and young people on the dance floor and you want to keep them there.

Some quick little notes and thoughts about the song and starting point. I always use the 5 minute version of "Always and Forever" for my Anniversary Dance, because the song is a classic known by young and old alike and I need a good 5 minutes to pull this off properly. While the song you choose is not as important, the length is. You cannot do this properly in 3 1/2 minutes, especially if you do the part where you walk out to the dance floor and honor the first few couples on the floor. As for the starting point I used "50 Years" as an example, but I have started as low as "30 Years", it all depends on the crowd. Before you start, take a look around the room, if it doesn't look like anyone there has been married for 50 years, back up a little. Better to be safe than start your dance with nobody moving.

Make it your own and make it work. The B&G will be happy, the guests will be impressed and everybody will be dancing. And what did you do? Nothing more than take the initiative and play a song

DJ with NO Arms

2011-02-03T21:32:00.002-05:00

The dj with no arms. Don't ever think you have is so bad!

Check out how he lights his cigarette!

Introduction Song Ideas

2011-02-03T02:00:00.003-05:00

This past year we heard a lot of "I Gotta Feelin" by the Black Eyed Peas for introductions. There's no doubt it's a great song but how many weddings can you use the same old, same old before it begins to feel stale not only to you but to the guests and more importantly to the Bride & Groom. So here is a list of just a few introduction songs you may have forgotten or may never have considered, if you have more to add please add a comment below.

Derb - by Derb. This was my suggestion last month and I received a lot of feedback from the DJs. And YES it's Derb by Derb. It's an instrumental club song. I like it because it's not over used, has NO lyrics, it pumps up the intros and gives people a beat to clap to.

Sirius - Alan Parsons Project
Rock & Roll Part 2 - Gary Glitter
Fanfare for the Common Man - Emerson, Lake and Palmer
The Best Thing - Relient K (mainly for the Bride & Groom)
For lower energy events (which I do a lot of) "Breezing" - George Benson.
For lively events "Kernkraft 400" - Zombie Nation
Let's Get This Party Started - Pink
Jock Jams - Let's get ready to rumble remix (has a upbeat instant party faves - gets the crowd instantly in the mood)
Gimme some lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
I love Ce Ce Pennison's - We've Got A Love Thang or Finally
Jazz instrumental version of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You"
Pump it up - Danzel
"Let's Get Loud", "Pump it up" - Danzel or depending on the crowd "My First, My Last, My Everything" - Barry White.
Eminence Front - The Who (Especially the beginning intro)

Each couple or crowd is somewhat unique, use it to your advantage. Heck grab something from the 80's if that's what it calls for.

I play a nice upbeat jazz song for the parents or grandparents or anyone not in the bridal party. For the bridal party I play "Let's get it started" - (Black Eyed Peas)

Special Mentions:

"Brooklyn Heights"-Down to the Bone...a great smooth jazz funk, that starts out slow for about 30 seconds so I can get in my "Welcome to Wherever Catering, for so & so's wedding my name is Bob from wherever, then it gets into a mid-fast funky beat for 5 more minutes.

"Rise"-Herb Alpert...this late 70's slow disco Latin groove never ages and it is 7 minutes long!

"Get a Move On"-Mr Scruff...great dance/jazz hybrid that was used in a car commercial about 7 years ago.

"Do, I Do"-Gerald Veasley...I've been slowly squeezing Stevie Wonder's "Do, I Do" into more shows, this is an awesome smooth jazz version of it.

"Love's Theme"-Barry White (Love Unlimited)...Many moons ago the Pros practically mandated that we use this as the B&G fanfare, it works even better as a bridal party intro.

"Sweet Escape (remix instrumental)"-Gwen Stefani...sets a great tone for drunken, scratch that, high energy wedding parties.

"Green Onions"-Roy Buchanan...great blues remake of the Booker T classic

"Sing, Sing, Sing (Swing Kids Version)"-Benny Goodman...just a classic all around swingin' instrumental

'Breezin'"-George Benson...another old Pros standard, still works great for low key weddings.

"Salsation"-David Shire...Yes Virginia, there are other songs on Saturday Night Fever besides Bee Gees songs and Disco Inferno. Want a great Latin beat behind your intro, this is the one.

My final thoughts. We have some great suggestions above, but don't get stuck on the old stuff and/or the stuff you've been using forever. Keep it fresh and interesting. Ideally you want ENERGY from the intros. While light, easy music is OK for those occasional weddings, you generally want pumping, energetic music to get the party started right. This is your first impression - make it a good one and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Always keep an ear out for something interesting, you never know where you'll find a great intro song. Also, while songs with lyrics will work, try to stay away from them. The MOST IMPORTANT thing about doing your intros...are the intros. Don't let what you have to say get lost amidst the lyrics of a song.

Some other suggestions:

Get Ready For This - 2 Unlimited
Children - Robert Miles
Austin Powers Theme
Swamp Thing - The Grid (banjo meets club, for those country weddings)
2001 a space odyssey theme (It is called Thus Spake Zarathustra)
Rocky Theme - Gonna Fly now by Bill Conti
Crazy Love - Beyonce (lyrics, but workable especially for the B&G)
Beautiful Day - U2 (lyrics, but workable especially for the B&G)
Boogie Bumper - Big Voodoo Daddy

Everybody Want Some ( Van Halen)
Frankenstein- Edgar Winter
I need a Lover- John Cougar
The Music sounds better- Stardust
Intro of "pretty Women"- Van Halen
Land of Confusion- Genesis (looped)
Get the Party Started-Pink (looped)
Start me Up-Stones (looped)
Tequila-The Champs
Tattooed Parents- Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead) Looped when beat kicks in @ 16
Bridal Party- Misirlou - Dick Dale (Made popular again in Pulp Fiction)
Maid/Matron of Honor & Best Man- Intruder ( Van Halen)

This is one of my favorites.......I loop Whole Lotta Love in the beginning @ 8 on CD, then on my PC, I cued after the spacey part when the drums/ guitar come back part (2:32) That was AWESOME! Pulling this off live isn't for beginners. Only the brave at Heart

Layla - Derek & The Dominos - cue it up to where the piano and extended jam part kick in.
Happy Organ - Dave "Baby" Cortez - an oldie but goodie, perfect for parents or grandparents.
Crazy In Love - Beyonce ft. Jay -Z - this one is a perfect bride & groom intro piece.
First Tube - Phish - funky, rockin', and long enough for those really BIG Bridal Parties.
Paradise By The "C" - Bruce Springsteen - an instrumental jam from the Boss, I had a groom request it once and have kept it in the loop ever since.
In Da Ayer - Flo Rida (instrumental version)

Use Google Latitude for peace of mind

2011-02-02T14:16:00.003-05:00

Are you a multi-op? Do you have more than one DJ out on the weekend? Then you have probably experienced the anxiety of wondering whether or not your DJ has arrived at their party on time. Did they get stuck in traffic? Are they running behind because they left too late? If so consider leveraging the power of Google to give yourself some peace of mind.
Google Latitude is a product that will let you keep tabs on "friends" who have signed up for the service and have GPS enabled smartphones. Take a look at the video and then scroll down for a break down on how this can help your multi-op DJ business.

By installing Latitude on their phones (available for Android, Blackberry, and iPhone) you can keep track of the progress of your crew as they make their way to their gigs. If the DJ's have Android phones you can set up automatic check in locations based on their venue address and receive instant notification when they arrive. There's even a history setting which will allow you to keep tabs on all of the trips you've taken. Sure to be a BIG help at tax time when you're trying to figure out that all important mileage credit.

Store your past location history, view and manage it with Google Maps, and see a dashboard of interesting information, such as trips or frequently visited locations.

Google has made the Latitude API available so that you could have your local developer integrate this functionality into your own program, or perhaps your own company phone app.

What you don't have a DJ company phone app? No worries....that's the topic of my next blog post.

Subscribe and stay in the loop or download the DJ's Toolbar and keep up on ALL the major DJ websites and blogs! It's easy, FREE and Spam/Malware/Spyware free GUARANTEED! (click the banner below to install now)

Top 21 Bits of Advice. Can You add more??

2011-02-02T08:00:00.003-05:00

1) Contact your clients at least 1 to 2 weeks before the party to go over information
2) Get great directions before you leave
3) Arrive AT LEAST 1 hour prior to your party's start time
4) If you tell your client you're gonna do something. DO IT!
5) Save ALL your DJ Related receipts (Tolls, equip, music, batteries, tux cleaning, etc.)
6) Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you
7) DO NOT Keep our equipment in your Car Overnight
8) Review your schedule regularly
9) Hand out your Business Cards at Every party
10) Mention Your Name & Your Companies name at your party A LOT
11) Make sure you have all equipment, music, clothes, party items, etc. before you leave your house
12) Check your area & make sure it is clean before you leave your party
13) SMILE and Always be polite and courteous
14) Never consume alcohol or do drugs
15) Work well with other Professionals at your Party (Banquet Manager, Photographer, or Videographer)
16) Always say good-bye to your client at the end of the night. TIP!
17) Keep an open mind: Always seek to improve as a DJ/Entertainer
18) Never argue with your client or guests at a party
19) It is not a good idea to let people look through your music. Just ask what they want instead
20) Only YOU can make your party GREAT! Live up to your potential.
21) Know who the "players" are.Just because someone says they are the Mother of the Bride doesn't mean you should be doing what they are telling you the bride told them. Ask your customer if anyone is designated to be able to give you additional direction on the day of the event. If the client wants to assign authority to another person thats fine but well intentioned family and friends can ruin a party for your client with one bad piece of direction or advice.

DJ Greggie C's Classic Wedding Mix & Pod Cast

2011-02-01T19:44:00.003-05:00

djg

Video Step in the name of Love

2011-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Video explaining the step in the Name of love dance. Song by R. Kelly.

More to come next week!

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

The Top 25 Things a DJ should have can you name more?

2011-02-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

The top 25 things a DJ should always carry with them - Can you add more?

1) GPS or Maps
2) Tuxedo with extra shirts & ties
3) Extra Headphones
4) Duct Tape
5) Flashlight
6) Hand Truck
7) Business card holder
8) Several 3 to 2 AC Plug adapters
9) Speaker wire connectors & extra speaker wires
10) CD Cleaner
11) CD lens cleaner
12) Equipment Cases (rubbermaid etc.)
13) Cell Phone or Calling Card
14) E-Z Pass
15) Clean Collard shirt for set up
16) Date Book
17) Music Subscription (Promo only, X mix, prime cuts)
18) Emergency tool kit
19) Portable CD Player
20) Extra wires, plugs Cords, Fuses, ECT (Emergency Kit)
21) Spare bulbs for lights
22) A black table cloth.just in case they don't provide you with one
23) 3 socket to 1socket AC adapter
24) Extra screws for stands & speakers.
25) Velcro cable ties (keep things neat and avoid tangling. Use them to secure your wires behind your speaker poles and lights for a sharp, clean impressive look)

Free Open source Digital DJ Software

2011-01-31T17:25:00.005-05:00

Mixxx is free, open source DJ software that gives you everything you need to perform live mixes. Mixxx's advanced mixing engine gives you complete control over your live mixes. Hot cues, looping controls, and our high fidelity EQs let you mix and remix with more control. Create your own MP3 DJ mix today! Why invest your time building your music library with expensive commercial DJ software, when it costs you a hundred dollars to upgrade every year? Through our open source license, Mixxx will always be free, and you'll never be locked in. It is fully midi capable and works with most every controller even The Serato Scratch Live Box. Check out the website at: http://www.mixxx.org/

Free Legal Mash Mixes

2011-01-31T17:16:00.003-05:00

People are always asking me where I get different mixes of music, especially the new fad (Mashed Mixes). Well Go Home Productions has a website that has tons of FREE MP3 downloads that are worth a listen. Go to: http://www.gohomeproductions.co.uk/ there you will find a list of songs and their explanation and links to download them.

Video The Mississippi Cha Cha Slide Line Dance

2011-01-25T01:36:00.001-05:00

The Mississippi Cha Cha Slide Line Dance

The Mississippi Cha Cha Slide. Yet another verson of the Cha Cha Slide.

More To Come Next Week!

Can't wait? Go to http://www.youtube.com/discjockeystube and subscribe to our videos, RATE THEM, and hey while you are there, leave a comment or two!

Live on Stickam - Thursday night

2011-01-21T00:12:00.001-05:00

We went Live on Stickam to do some sound and connection tests. Stay tuned for further live broadcasts by joining The US DJ Network at http://usdjnetwork.com or by becoming a fan on Facebook http://facebook.com/usdjnetwork

Backing up your Music and computer is the KEY to not loosing it all!

2011-01-18T13:33:00.004-05:00

I have said it before and i will say it again. BACK UP YOUR MUSIC EVERY MONTH if possible and while you are at it defragment your music drive and check it for errors. You can use the built in disc utility that comes with your computer. Just go to My Computer select your music drive (hopefully it is on an External Hard drive) and RIGHT Click it and select properties, now select the TOOLS Tab and there you will find error check and the defragmenter.

If you cannot get into the defragmenter that way you will have to go to the Control Panel, click The Administrative Tools Icon, then click The Computer Management Icon. This will bring up a new window called Computer Management. Click on Disk Defragmenter in the Left hand side Box and you will then be able to select the drive to defragment (it is usually NOT C - that is your computers main hard drive).