The art of finding the right specialty D.J.

Many articles have been written about how to find a disc jockey or master of ceremonies, however not many write about specialty dj’s.

A specialty dj is someone who dedicates his time and energy to learn a niche in the wedding industry, because let’s face it, not all dj’s were created alike.

Among the lists of special moments in a person’s life there is the wedding, of course. Not only is it special, but in most cases very expensive. If you paint your house a different color, and you don’t like it, you can always repaint it, but if something goes wrong on your wedding day, you can’t recreate or relive the moment. DJ’s are often times under rated, and under estimated, for some reason the photography takes more priority to many, but what if the music was not good? Or the disc jockey that was hired to entertain didn’t have the right music? Bad news all around and people will remember it. Consider making a list of priorities and place the sound in your very own list, (in other words, don't rely on other people's experience), when it comes to the music.

You can find any DJ any day of the week, but in a calendar year there are only 52 weekends, and good entertainers are booked months in advance, so once a couple have made up their minds, it is advisable to find and book the dj right away.

Of course it is not easy, it’s like trying to find a needle in a hay stack, if there isn’t one recommended, by word of mouth, the phone book is the next step, providing you didn’t find one here. Do not dismay, there is always one available for you.

Furthermore, technology today has made it possible for anyone to be a music player, with music on the internet, MP3 players and easy-to-use equipment it has become less difficult to play amplified music. However, a wedding is not something you want to leave up to a rookie (I am sorry for those starting out) there are way too many details, that could possibly go wrong, and it is best to be in the hands of a seasoned professional.

When I look back at my own career when I started doing social events, back in 1985, I used to charge $200 per event, armed with two turntables, a mixer and a microphone I offered outstanding performances but my clients were mainly concerned in the cost of the music, they didn’t mind paying $800. For the cake, and $2,000. For the photographer.

Truthfully the key to whole thing is, finding someone who has the type of personality you want, because once again, not all are alike, there are cheesy performers, solemn, serious, jokers, and the list goes on. If when you meet with the person the chemistry hasn’t click on the first twenty minutes, forget it, it will not happen.

Don’t be shy to ask a million questions, and to be specific in telling him or her particular expectations. Tell him or her you want, and how you envision your event to be. Simply because there is more to be a Disc Jockey than just press “play”.

Don’t judge the book by its cover, and don’t gauge dj by how much they charge, because rates vary from state to state. Again, ask the dj this question before you say anything: What’s your specialty?

Congratulations on your engagement and I wish you the very best.

Regards,

Rig Galvez
www.basecdj.com

DJ Rig has been performing at a variety of events since 1985, and specializes in multicultural weddings, fully bilingual (English / Spanish) and one of the most professional performers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

http://www.latinmusicdj.com
Mobile Sound For All Occasions

http://www.latinmusicdj.com
Mobile Sound For All Occasions

RESOURCES
BUSINESS OF QUINCEAÑERAS • Costs: $3,000 to $25,000
• Size of industry: $400 million will be spent this year
• Number of Latinas who turn 15 every year: 400,000
• Upcoming expo : The 2007 Quince Girl Bridal and Quinceañera Expo is noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Reliant Arena, Hall D.
Source: Quince Girl and Strategic Events -->
Like most of her friends at the time, Pat Valdez, 40, didn't celebrate her 15th birthday with a quinceañera.
"My parents couldn't afford it," said Valdez, as she sat on her sofa Sunday with her only daughter, 14-year-old Selena, in their north Houston home.
But by saving and planning ahead, she and her husband can afford to throw Selena a quinceañera — a party and religious ceremony she estimates will cost about $15,000 and entertain 500 of the family's relatives, co-workers and friends.
As the U.S. Hispanic population grows, this coming-of-age event, akin to a sweet 16 dance and bat mitzvah, has grown into a $400-million-a-year industry that's spread among formal-wear companies, limousine services, party planners, banquet halls and caterers.
It's gotten big enough — some 400,000 U.S. Latinas turn 15 each year — that the industry supports two magazines offering tips and advice on everything from hair and makeup trends to "the best deals, steals and splurges for your 15th."
One of the magazines, Quince Girl, is hosting Quince Girl Bridal and Quinceñeara Expo this Sunday at Reliant Hall. Organizers are expecting 2,500 people.
"The growth of the quinceañera has been tremendous," said Cindy Benavides, president and chief executive officer of Dallas-based Strategic Events, which is helping Quince Girl do the expo. "Now it's back in vogue. They see the value of continuing the tradition."
So, too, does Houston's Wash Antique Limousine Service. It's showing off its 1932 Pierce-Arrow at the expo and will promote its fleet of seven vehicles because quinceañeras are one of its biggest moneymakers.
"It's a big market for us because we specialize in antique limos and they really like those types of cars," said Regenia Washington, manager at the company, which charges $100 an hour for a limo rental with a four-hour minimum, plus tip and tax.
And Laura Moreno, owner of John's Formal Wear & Bridal Boutique, will display an array of dresses at the event, including sequin-covered gowns.
"Girls like to sparkle," said Moreno, who took over the shop from her mother. "They want to be the princess of the night."
It's a costly tradition, with families spending anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000 on the affair, according to Benavides.
But despite the cost, these parties are gaining so much mainstream attention that Walt Disney World Resort is offering quinceañera celebrations, with theme parties such as the "Belle of the Ball" that can include a horse-drawn carriage and storybook entrance starting at $20,000.
To save some money, the Valdez family plans to purchase table arrangements and have Selena's photographs taken in Monterrey, Mexico.
Selena wants to make sure she looks elegant, and she's looking forward to dancing a waltz with her father.
"I'm excited and nervous, just about the way everything is going to go that day," the eighth-grader said.
Although the ritual symbolizes her daughter is becoming a lady, Pat Valdez still has plenty of plans for Selena — like college graduation — and she's saving for that, as well.
jenalia.moreno@chron.com

http://www.latinmusicdj.com
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