Following are a list of questions that you should ask any prospective
entertainer, and the response you would get from Music in Motion.
**How much experience will my entertainer have?
Since I play all my own shows, you are
assured that you will get 23 years experience every time you
hire Music in Motion. Beware of the company with multiple
shows that boasts 15 or 20 years of "COMPANY" experience.
Their main performer/owner may actually have that much and
be great, but chances are strong (especially in the small
talent pool in this area) that their hired hands have far
less experience. Furthermore, as the owner, I realize the
importance of bending over backwards to make everything run
smooth and be memorable. An employee punching a clock may
not take the show as seriously or truly understand the long
term repercussions of a poor or lackluster performance.
**Will the entertainer/DJ I meet be the one performing at my show?
Yes. Unlike many mobile DJ companies
that have multiple "canned" shows sent out on the
same night; I plan and perform all of my own shows. Beware
of the bait and switch that has you impressed with the entertainer
on the phone, but leaves you unhappy with a stranger at the
show. I only allow one show a night to insure that you have
my full attention and this way I can always start earlier
or play longer if need be. With my company you are personally
speaking to and planning with the one who will entertain you
- isn't this the way it should be?
How much help do you lend in planning the event?
This is one of my strong points. With
23 years experience, I have seen a lot of receptions, dances,
and parties. I would never push my ideas, but I definitely
enjoy helping to smooth the edges. I try to make every event
as special and perfect as possible and I am never more than
a phone call or e-mail away should you have a question or need a suggestion.
Due to the many conversations and relationships built, instead
of the standard handshake received by most hired hands, many
times I will get a hug from not only the bride, but often
her mother as well.
Is your company a business or just a hobby?
I have been performing for 23 years.
I have thousands of dollars invested, carry insurance, have
over 1500 compact discs, and it takes a 6 X 8 enclosed trailer
(packed to the walls) to carry everything from show to show.
I perform an average of 52 shows a year and I proudly put
my name on each and every one! It is definitely a business!
Will my DJ be knowledgeable on a wide range of music eras and age groups?
Yes. The majority of my functions now
consist of wedding receptions and corporate functions(over
50%), so I get lots of experience playing classic rock, disco,
and the crowd favorites like "YMCA," "Electric
Slide," etc. I also play a lot of school dances. I got
my start playing clubs and Greek college parties, so I am
well versed in beat mixing sets for high energy and dance
functions. Annually, I play several 40th and 50th Anniversary
celebrations, therefore my knowledge of the swing and big
band era is always kept sharp.
Is your show a good value?
This depends on your needs. I am not
the most inexpensive DJ out there, but you will get what you
pay for. When you pick a professional like a doctor, dentist,
or lawyer, do you shop strictly on price or do you hire the
one who will do the best job? Lower dollar shows bring poor
sound equipment, a limited selection of music, and most importantly,
a severely limited degree of experience. With me, you don't
just get a juke box that plays good tunes. I help you plan
and organize. I give you ideas and solutions to maximize your
event. I emcee your event by not only leading you through
the many phases, but by reading your guests and properly selecting
the appropriate (FUN!) songs, and leading (by example when
necessary) to get people involved!
Lastly, when compared to the hall, food, drinks, invitations,
decorations, outfits, flowers etc., your entertainer is what
keeps your guests there. A good entertainer is a protection
on the return on your investment. For example, at a (4 hour)
average reception, after the first hour or so, your food and
cake are done. This makes your entertainer responsible for
over 75% of the time, yet my fee isn't anywhere near 75% of
your expenditures (it is probably less than 10%). Furthermore,
look at the overall picture - what is your primary goal -
a dinner or a celebration? You should allot your money accordingly.
Do you provide a written contract?
Yes, this way everything is ironed out
beforehand and there are no surprises at the last minute. Also, after receiving the contract and deposit, I send out a party planner. This will help you to organize and ensure that I know exactly what your goals and intentions are. The planner targets not only what you want, but also scheduling, some specific song requests, and things or songs that you may wish to avoid.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Yes, even professional equipment can
fail. It is important to know that your entertainer is prepared
for any situation…just in case.
Do you have professional sound
and lighting equipment?
Yes, I have Peavey speakers and amps,
Denon mixer, dual CD players and cassette deck, and American
DJ, Martin and Chauvet lights and special effects. There is
a major difference between home and professional equipment.
Make sure your entertainer uses the best.
Will you listen to my thoughts,
concerns, and input?
Absolutely! I feel like my equipment
and I are tools to make your event special, memorable, and
personal. I have even developed a planner that I use to gather
pertinent information prior to your event to eliminate omissions
and complications.
What if my entertainer can't perform?
While there are no absolutes, I don't put performances in the job category of being able to simply call in sick. I have contingency plans through networking with other local DJ companies to handle problems should the need arise. This insures that you will always have a DJ for your occasion. Knock on Wood - but in 23 years of performing, I have never let anyone down!
Will the music be played at the appropriate level?
Being a professional, I have developed the knack of reading crowds and situations. This allows me to keep the dinner music in the background where it belongs, while knowing when to pump up the crowd when the dancing is in full swing.
Will my entertainer dress appropriately?
Yes, I always discuss with the host
how he or she wants me dressed. I wear anything from a tux,
to a coat and tie, to a logo embroidered button down shirt
with khakis, depending on the situation. I have even dressed
in costumes for theme parties like Halloween, sock hops, and
rodeo dances.
Does the set-up and/or tear-down
time effect the time I have paid for?
No, the time you purchase is on-air
time. It is from the time I start playing to the time I play
"Happy Trails."
Do you play requests?
Absolutely, this is your event! I know
the "must play" songs that will work and encourage suggestions
not only from you beforehand, but throughout the entire evening.
I am concerned with not only what you want, but also with
things you don't wish played.
Do you take breaks?
No! From the time I turn the key to the system and fire it up, to the time I play that last song, I will play continuously. My show is a lot like a roller coaster. It flows continuously from start to finish, but it will speed up and slow down and take many fun turns along the way.
How involved are you on the microphone?
I don't overdo it. I will speak and
announce new portions, interact (tactfully) with your guests,
and attempt to keep things flowing and interject some fun,
but I do not take over the spotlight! Once again, I am there
to enhance your good time, not to steal the show.
How far in advance should I book?
Although I have bookings that extend
over a year into the future, some folks call and are lucky
enough to find their date open only a few weeks prior to their
show. All of my dates are on a first come, first serve basis.
You are not assured a date until you have paid the booking
fee and received your signed contract back with my signature
and a receipt for your booking fee.
Will you have my favorite song?
No one will have every song, but with
over 1500 CDs ranging from the '20s to fresh releases, I will
have most. In the pre-event planning, I will inquire about
specific songs and/or groups to assure you that I will have
those. In the rare occurrence that I get stumped onsite by
you or one of your guests, I always reply the same thing:
"Next time you see me perform, ask again, because if it is
sold on CD - I will have it!"
