Karaoke Birthday Party for Jim

After the morning Illegal Sign Clean-up, I had a Karaoke Party to do that night.  This was a 75^th Birthday for Jim.  His children and wife planned this Surprise Party for him.  And was it a SURPRISE!!  About 70 family and friends joined Jim for this Special Day.

There was a great Prime Rib Buffet followed by a Roasting of Jim by family and friends.  With my help, they put together a short video entitled, “The life and times of Jim”.  After all this, we started the dancing and the Karaoke.  The Karaoke was the big hit of the show and almost everyone sang one of their favorite songs.  A great time was had by all.

Guys can sing Karaoke too!

Community Illegal Sign Clean-up

Last Saturday, The Sound Spectrum chipped in to help clean up some of the Illegal Signs posted in the West San Jose.  This was part of Councilman Pete Constant’s program for community clean up.  About 80 people showed up for the morning event including adults, teenagers and kids.  We were instructed by the San Jose Code Enforcement people and then hit the road after some donuts provided by The Sound Spectrum.

We were able to collect a whole truck load of Illegal Signs.  This is just the first of many community clean up events started by Pete and supported by The Sound Spectrum.

Community Illegal Sign Clean-up

The DJ as a Jukebox

Yesterday I received a call from a perspective Bride for a show this summer. We talked about my services and experience I had at the venue she was using. After a few minutes, she asked me if I would play the music from a list she would provide. Of course I said I would and she then asked if I would play “only” the music on her list?

I agreed but then asked her why she wanted to hire a DJ when she could record and play the music herself? She told me that she could but they didn’t want to “mess” with the equipment and they also needed a MC. I remained her of the experience and knowledge a good DJ could bring to the event and to not take advantage of that would be a waste of resources. She acknowledged the usefulness of the DJ but was afraid that the DJ would not play the music she wanted.

Her fear was based on past experiences. While attending past weddings, she was distrusted by the poor choice of music played by the DJ. She believed that the only way to insure her music was to demand the DJ play her list! This is very understandable I said. I then asked her to consider that the DJ at those other show may have had instructions to play a list of music from their client. Since everyone has a different taste in music, that music may have just been what the bride wanted.

I told her that I would play her music for her but she would receive a greater value for her money if her worked with the DJ to insure her music tastes would be addressed along with the tastes of her guests and the ability of the DJ to “adjust and manage” the music selection to please everyone at the Wedding. A good DJ will be sensitive to their clients tastes first and then those of the other guests. After all, good DJ will enhance your event and not restrict it due to a limitation in music selection.

What do you think about “programming the DJ”?

Valentines Day Breakfast

Since I missed Valentines Day with my wife, this morning I fixed Eggs Benedict and Champagne for her.  This is her favor breakfast.  I also gave her a little card with my love. 

With all the rain here in San Jose today, looks like it will be a quite day on the computer catching up on many old jobs.

Valentine Wedding and Vets

Yesterday was a very busy day.  I did two shows.  From Noon till 2pm, I play free music for a local American Legion Valentine Luncheon.  They really enjoyed all the “oldies” I played just for them and the free price. I don’t often get an opportunity to play all those Oldies.  I love to help our Vets.

Later, I did a Valentine Wedding for Jeff and Beverly.  Jeff noted that he would never forget their Anniversary and could celebrate two Special Days at one time.  Of course all the Bridesmaids were dressed in RED.  A greet time was had by all and we ended up going one hour overtime because everyone was having such a good time.  Today, Jeff and Beverly are in Hawaii for their honeymoon.

The Ladies Wore RED…

 

Wicked – The Show

Yesterday, my wife, daughter and I saw Wicked in San Francisco.  WOW!  What a great show.  Everyone should see it.  My daughter talked me into going.  At first I didn’t know if I would like it or not.  Boy, was I wrong.

If it comes to your area, go see it.  If anyone else has seen Wicked, what did you think of it?

The iPod vs. The DJ

There is no question that economic times are tough. Everyone is trying to save a dollar anywhere they can.  Many Bride and Grooms are turning to their iPod for relief instead of hiring a DJ.  This would also allow them to program all of the music they want into their iPod for automatic replay.  If your guests have iPods, then they can join in the performance.  Using your home stereo, a couple can save a lot of money.

On the surface, this sounds like a great idea.  However, once you realize all that is involved for a Wedding Reception, you may discover that the saving was not worth the trouble!  A good Professional DJ can provide what an iPod can’t.  A real person to MC you’re wedding!  They can also “read the crowd” and adjust the music to keep the dancing going.  They will announce and direct all the activities like the Cake and Carter.  Some DJ’s offer special ways of doing these activities that create fun for all.

Do you want to be playing around with your iPod during the Reception while your guests are waiting to dance?  Remember, it’s your wedding and not your job.  The cost of a DJ may not be as expensive as you think.  In these hard times, you may be able to negotiate a great deal.  Check around first. 

Do it yourself iPod Disc Jockey

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