Knowledge base

Hiring a Professional DJ
Which will be remembered by your guests- the food or the entertainment(whether good or bad )? Of course, the Entertainment/DJ. Do you want the "cheapest Dj" to be in charge of the Most Important day of Your life ?

In order for you to make a value judgement in selecting just the right DJ/Entertainer, there are certain questions you should be asking.

1) Who will the DJ be at my party/ reception ?
There are some very large DJ companies out there who employ a large number of DJ's.
Additionally , there are "smaller" companies who are nothing more than "brokers"who bid out the jobs (er.. parties) to the cheapest available person.
Frequently,they have no idea as to who will do your party until it's near "partytime".
This is bad because a
Professional DJ and a Host need to communicate.The Host will need the DJ's input while formulating the "Plan" so that it can be understood by all for it's execution.
I am always available to meet with customers and a consultation is just a phone call away.

2)What kind of professional training does the DJ have in Emceeing,Musicology,Sound Reinforcement and Function Coordination?
Have you ever asked a DJ about a song that you knew was an oldie but the DJ thought you were from Mars and was talking a different language because he didn't have the foggiest idea of what you were talking about ?
I have worked as a Professional DJ
in the very tough New York area market for nearly fifteen years and the Florida market for the last seven. No one has all the answers but at least I'm open to suggestions and I know I'm still learning.

3)What is included in the Price?
Many companies charge extra for set-up & tare down of the DJ's equipment.Do they perform the duties of an
Emcee/Party Coordinator ? Is the use of a Wireless Microphone included?

I always include :
A Wireless Microphone at
No extra charge
Set up & tare down is included!!
My Emcee/Party Coordinator skills are always at the disposal of the
customer at No extra charge !

4)Does the DJ take requests?
Ask about the music selections.Some companies specialize in certain music.
Will they be able to meet yours and your guests needs?
Will they take requests from you and your guests?
It's not very reassuring when a DJ brings all of 25 Cd's because that's all the "company" allows them to have and is therefore unable to take requests.
I always bring more than 5000 songs to each performance and I definitely do take requests.
I also Honor the Hosts instructions regarding the playing of inappropriate music.

5)What is the ability of the DJ to keep the music going, in case of equipment failure?
Many companies say they supply back-up equipment but very few of them actually have it on site at the DJ's disposal.
I always carry a back-up system with me at all times including a duplicate Amplifier.

6)Is there a written contract ?
Do Not Hire a DJ without a Written Contract.
With DJ Joe Jackson , there is always a written entertainment agreement.

7)Does the prospective DJ company carry Liability insurance?
Many venues require this type of insurance for thier protection and yours.
DJ Joe Jackson carries a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy.

After asking all these questions and receiving satisfactory answers,

Now, YOU can ask "How Much"