Wee B Chillun Blog

The old song said that when summer’s here the time is right for dancing in the streets.  When the warmer weather arrives, the dancing can be taken to the streets, a park, the beach and elsewhere.  Because the warm weather season in Canada is relatively brief, we cherish the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, particularly at social functions.  There’s nothing quite like a get together with friends in the backyard or a company picnic or a banquet with nature as the backdrop .  Just like many indoor events, music can also provide that extra special addition to the festivities.  I have been on hand for many such events and have always found them among the most enjoyable at which to play.  The atmosphere is more casual, even at official gatherings.   While dancing is sometimes part of it, often the music simply provides an added dimension - the icing on the cake, if you will.  An added advantage to having a disc jockey service is if there are announcements to make there will be a PA system at the ready, particularly useful if your event is spread out.

So, what sort of outdoor events will music work for?  The answer is, almost any kind you can imagine.  I have had the pleasure for a few years now to play at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival which attracts visitors from various areas to that beach.  After the first year, the organizers asked me to extend the hours I played because they noticed how different everything felt once the music stopped.  Once a lifeguard there said they should have music at the beach every weekend during the summer.

Of course, that leads to another important aspect which is the type of music played.  The right disc jockey will ensure that music used is appropriate to the event and the kind of crowd in attendance.  Or, it may help to add to the atmosphere the planners are trying to create such as a classic car show.  Along with viewing the artifacts of another era, the music of that time adds even more flavour since it stimulates more senses.

So if you are planning to host an outdoor event, along with the food and other necessary gear, consider how your event might be enhanced with professionally presented music, specially selected to help you and your guests enjoy even more one of the great things about summer.

Having done disc jockeying for several years and talking about it with clients and other people I’ve heard many tales and horror stories of their past experiences.  It’s important feedback in learning more about what some businesses consider good service vs. how their clients view it.  I’d heard this one before but after hearing yet again recently I’m still amazed at the number of disc jockeys that see requests as an unnecessary frill.  Some people have told me the disc jockey they encountered at a previous event stated specifically when asked that he/she “doesn’t play requests”.  To me that would be similar to the venue they’re in saying they don’t provide food or set the tables.  If a disc jockey is not playing for the crowd, then what exactly is he there for?  Another story I heard recently involved wedding guests asking the disc jockey for certain songs.  He frantically searched his i-pod and concluded he didn’t have them after all.  Not knowing what’s in your library is perhaps an issue for another entry but this incident underlined the importance of proper preparation for an event.  In the case of a wedding it’s even more crucial which is why I always meet ahead of the date with the bride and groom to discuss their hopes and questions about the music for their special day.  Since the dance usually comprises the biggest chunk of the reception, it can make or break the evening for the wedding party and their guests.  What song do they want for a first dance?  Are there any other special dedications?  Sometimes a certain piece of music is needed that involves a past story involving one of those at the wedding.  There might be a particular song that the bride or groom would like NOT be played as it is attached to an unpleasant memory.  These are all essential considerations that need to be established beforehand in order to minimize the potential for disaster.  An experienced disc jockey has the knowledge of what songs work best forany occasion and  reads the floor for signs of which direciton to head in next.  DJ’s, save listening to only your favourite songs for the car or home or, keep ignoring requests often enough and those will eventually be the only places you’ll be playing tunes.

It was one of those annual mid winter parties put on by a local law firm for their clients and friends to come out and beat the blahs.  The atmosphere is casual with some door prizes and lots of opportunities to mingle.  Because the firm putting on the event has a connection, a band provided much of the music for the evening. Prior to their performance and between their sets it was my pleasure to entertain the group.  My overall observation is we complemented each other well.  We each had our repertoires but checked beforehand to avoid any duplication.  We also played vastly different sets but the particular crowd just wanted to dance and between the band and myself we ensured as many people were satisfied as possible.  There are lots of songs that a dj wouldn’t deem danceable. but when interpreted by a band, these songs can take on a different feel altogether.  Likewise, a band is limited to the number of songs they have learned and rehearsed but a good dj will have lots of different music  on hand to satisfy almost any crowd. 

   I write this as an example of how dj’s and bands do not have to be mutually exclusive.  true, it can run into some money and I don’t suggest it for every event but if the focus of your evening is dancing, it might just fit the bill.  When planning your next event, whatever it may be, always feel free to ask ahead about how we can help make it shine.

So, you’re planning a big function such as a wedding or special anniversary.  There’s lots to consider in making it happen, not the least of which is the cost.  Naturally you’re trying to keep spending from getting out of hand at every step of the way.  If you want this event to include music and dancing there are choices to make.  Nowadays it’s easy to find music and play it without a human being mixing it together.  It’s convenient,  involves minimal expense and usually a laptop or ipod plugged into a sound system.  However, there are certain other points to consider before formulating your final plan, particularly if you’d like people to dance.  While you may well have an extensive collection of tunes are they the ones that practically pull people out of their seats?  Have you placed them in a somewhat blocked off order so that they’re not rocking out for  one song, then slow dancing, then doing the chicken dance all within a 10-minute period?  Are you always available to find certain songs that might get asked for or do you wish to be able to look after guests needs or maybe just be able to socialize a bit?  A quality professional disc jockey can look after all those issues for you.  From experience they know which songs go over the best for dancing and overall enjoyment.  More importantly they understand how to play to the type of group and read their reactions.  He or she can easily accommodate requests and make smooth transitions between songs, not to mention genres and tempos.  They can also work with you to come up with a rate that’s reasonable for the length of time their services are required. (If they aren’t flexible about the price, shop around.)  So once again, when you put careful planning into an event, make sure you consider what can be one of the components that can potentially make or break your gathering.  If you have further questions, give us a shout and we will be more than happy to help make your event memorable for the right reasons.

Many people may not think about it but having a professional disc jockey at your house party can make a difference. It provides a wide selection of music combined with the knowledge of what to play where and, of course, flexibility in responding to on the spot requests. It also frees the host(s) from worrying about what to put on or having to change discs or fuss with players.
Naturally, there are some things to consider such as spatial availability and the layout of the rooms. However, there are often ways to work around these. This past Hallowe’en I worked with a couple who were hosting such an event for the first time and we were able to work together to figure out speaker and equipment placement. After that, moving some furniture either to a wall or to another room also created just the right amount of space for the number of guests they were expecting.
I really enjoy playing at these parties since one does feel a sense of oneness with the group, feeling much like one of the guests which, in turn, helps me to help everyone enjoy themselves. More people are choosing to stay home for events such as New Year’s Eve, but the party can still be as much of a celebration with just the right choice of music. Feel free to enquire if you have further questions.