I've said many times before, you get what you pay for when it comes to live entertainment. At Big Eye, our prices include everything with no hidden charges for cordless microphones, DJ in a tuxedo, or full dance lighting. Taxes are also included. That's just the beginning though.
Real value is found when your guests leave the party thanking you for giving them a good time and with sore feet from dancing! The best feedback I ever get is when people say to me "I haven't danced like that in years!" or "I haven't heard that song since high school!". You have to ask yourself when looking for a DJ, what is important and what are you really getting for value?
Do you want a bigger company that hires and fires DJs regularly and pays them minimum wage? Personally, I've always felt more comfortable dealing with the owner when it comes to service providers. As the owner, I have a vested interest in your delight with my show. It is my reputation on the line and all of the people in attendance are potential future customers. I ALWAYS bring my best for you and your guests because my business depends on it!
There is just no way an inexperienced DJ can instinctively know what to play for diverse crowds. I grew up in the 70s during the hey day of AM radio, boogied the nights away in the 80s, was forced to listen to BackStreet Boys and Spice Girls in the 90s, and modern Top 40 and Hip Hop now.
It is that flexibility and experience that cannot be replaced by playlists or IPODs.
Lesson for today: make sure you ask the DJ about his/her musical experience and knowledge so that you are comfortable about their ability to adapt to you and your guests.
Til next time....
Showing posts with label disc jockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disc jockey. Show all posts
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
THINKING OF HIRING A BAND?
There are pros and cons to hiring a band for mixed events such as receptions or parties of any kind. Remember, the party is what your guests generally remember the most. I always advise my clients to plan the event around the guests and their diversity to make it truly memorable for the vast majority. Here is what I think about bands and personal events.....
Pros: As a guy who loves to sing and perform live outside of my disc jockey business, I love the energy and vibe in a room when the crowd and band feed off of each other and everyone is into the music. You can't replace that.
Cons:
1) Lack of flexibility. What happens when you have guests with diverse backgrounds and age groups such as a wedding reception or 50th birthday party? A band can't really change their playlists or the genre they play. They usually don't take requests either
2) Higher Cost. A GOOD 4 or 5 piece professional band is not cheap, nor should they be. You definitely GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR in the entertainment business.
3) Bands play sets. You are going to have to entertain your guests throughout the night between sets. If not, your guests will lose interest.
So, if your guests are all into the same music, around the same age and do the same thing in the same place....a band might be the way to go if you can afford it. Most events need a variety of music, and the flexibility to entertain based on the guests' individual and group preferences. For if it is not for the guests, then why do it at all? Just a thought.....
Til next time...
Pros: As a guy who loves to sing and perform live outside of my disc jockey business, I love the energy and vibe in a room when the crowd and band feed off of each other and everyone is into the music. You can't replace that.
Cons:
1) Lack of flexibility. What happens when you have guests with diverse backgrounds and age groups such as a wedding reception or 50th birthday party? A band can't really change their playlists or the genre they play. They usually don't take requests either
2) Higher Cost. A GOOD 4 or 5 piece professional band is not cheap, nor should they be. You definitely GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR in the entertainment business.
3) Bands play sets. You are going to have to entertain your guests throughout the night between sets. If not, your guests will lose interest.
So, if your guests are all into the same music, around the same age and do the same thing in the same place....a band might be the way to go if you can afford it. Most events need a variety of music, and the flexibility to entertain based on the guests' individual and group preferences. For if it is not for the guests, then why do it at all? Just a thought.....
Til next time...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A NEW ERA FOR BIG EYE ENTERTAINMENT
What is this 'new era'? Well, one thing is I've decided I will update my blog, for real this time! I've had some time to think about things since having inguinal hernia surgery on Monday. I needed to have it over with prior to a busy Christmas disc jockey season. Somebody has to lift those monstrous JBLs! What's happened since my last post? Hmmmmm......
1. Graduated from Royal Roads University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree. This was an insane undergrad programme where years 3 and 4 are jammed into 44 weeks, split into four quarters with only one week of stress relief (break) between. OMG, I consider this a huge accomplishment!
2. It was a huge accomplishment mainly because there were so many other things going on in my life, most of which I initiated. My personal life has changed dramatically and my happiness is reflected in my smile:)
3. I managed to complete the program despite a busy wedding season performing all over Vancouver Island....from Comox to Esquimalt and all points in between!
4. After watching Julia Julie recently, I've decided to cook every recipe in the Joy of Cooking! Just kidding:).....or am I?
5. Big Eye will expand his repertoire to include Karaoke hosting, and rebrand the company as Music Man Entertainment as of January 1, 2011.
OK, now that we've caught up, look for me to update this thing at least weekly and hopefully get a few followers. Ciao.
1. Graduated from Royal Roads University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree. This was an insane undergrad programme where years 3 and 4 are jammed into 44 weeks, split into four quarters with only one week of stress relief (break) between. OMG, I consider this a huge accomplishment!
2. It was a huge accomplishment mainly because there were so many other things going on in my life, most of which I initiated. My personal life has changed dramatically and my happiness is reflected in my smile:)
3. I managed to complete the program despite a busy wedding season performing all over Vancouver Island....from Comox to Esquimalt and all points in between!
4. After watching Julia Julie recently, I've decided to cook every recipe in the Joy of Cooking! Just kidding:).....or am I?
5. Big Eye will expand his repertoire to include Karaoke hosting, and rebrand the company as Music Man Entertainment as of January 1, 2011.
OK, now that we've caught up, look for me to update this thing at least weekly and hopefully get a few followers. Ciao.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Well, it's been a long time since my last input and there's so much to talk about. Another very busy wedding season is long over and I've begun to take bookings for this coming summer. Christmas season saw me travelling from Victoria to Comox and all points in between to bring my brand of Christmas cheer.
I am in the process of updating my website with new pricing, services and playlist examples. Feel free to contact me through the site or by phone if you have any suggestions.
See you later!
I am in the process of updating my website with new pricing, services and playlist examples. Feel free to contact me through the site or by phone if you have any suggestions.
See you later!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
It's been awhile. After a very busy Christmas party season, the time is now to focus on the upcoming summer wedding season. A few tips for people searching for the right DJ for their wedding.
A. Make sure the DJ is a professional who is holding a valid AVLA license to play music. There are disc jockeys on Vancouver Island who are not licensed with the Audio-Visual Licensing Agency of Canada.
B. Make sure that the DJ meets with you at the earliest opportunity and presents a proper contract for the event. While it won't do you any good if he skips town, a proper contract and event planning sheet usually means that the DJ knows what he/she is doing and is prepared to put their reputation as a professional on the line. I received at least 3 inquiries last summer at last minute because their DJ was nowhere to be found.
C. A professional DJ will normally insist on a monetary deposit to 'reserve' your date for you, along with the contract. This is a first come first serve business and most professional DJ's are busy enough that a reservation is required. Beware of fly-by-night operations. Get a receipt for any money you give a DJ.
D. Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding playlists, what the DJ will wear, knowledge of the venue etc. Also, a good experienced DJ will be able to offer advice regarding music selection for first and second dances, garter and bouquet protocol and the need to keep on schedule. You don't want to 'lose' your audience, especially older/younger guests who may have to leave early. You don't want your guests to miss out on all the fun involved in the bouquet/garter toss or any other things you have planned.
TTYL
DJ Big Eye
A. Make sure the DJ is a professional who is holding a valid AVLA license to play music. There are disc jockeys on Vancouver Island who are not licensed with the Audio-Visual Licensing Agency of Canada.
B. Make sure that the DJ meets with you at the earliest opportunity and presents a proper contract for the event. While it won't do you any good if he skips town, a proper contract and event planning sheet usually means that the DJ knows what he/she is doing and is prepared to put their reputation as a professional on the line. I received at least 3 inquiries last summer at last minute because their DJ was nowhere to be found.
C. A professional DJ will normally insist on a monetary deposit to 'reserve' your date for you, along with the contract. This is a first come first serve business and most professional DJ's are busy enough that a reservation is required. Beware of fly-by-night operations. Get a receipt for any money you give a DJ.
D. Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding playlists, what the DJ will wear, knowledge of the venue etc. Also, a good experienced DJ will be able to offer advice regarding music selection for first and second dances, garter and bouquet protocol and the need to keep on schedule. You don't want to 'lose' your audience, especially older/younger guests who may have to leave early. You don't want your guests to miss out on all the fun involved in the bouquet/garter toss or any other things you have planned.
TTYL
DJ Big Eye
Thursday, December 4, 2008
EVERYBODY READY FOR CHRISTMAS
Well, tomorrow is my official retirement from my old government job with the Navy. I'm ready for new things. Most exciting though is running my own disc jockey company while getting ready to start another business as a consultant with Investors Group here in Duncan. Busy, busy, busy!
Christmas is only a few weeks away. Our house looks like Santa's playground.
Wedding season is coming faster than you think. I still have a few dates left. Book soon or you'll miss out on Vancouver Island's best!
Christmas is only a few weeks away. Our house looks like Santa's playground.
Wedding season is coming faster than you think. I still have a few dates left. Book soon or you'll miss out on Vancouver Island's best!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
CALENDAR IS FILLING UP FOR 2009
A professional disc jockey is one who has a written contract, meets with the client to answer questions in person, and gives the client a sense of comfort knowing that their event will be in good hands. Once the big day arrives, the DJ will be set-up and ready to go at least an hour before the show (in case something is wrong and needs to swap equipment), and is dressed appropriately for the type of party.
Big Eye wears a tuxedo for wedding receptions....a jacket and tie for any other occasions. I believe it shows respect for the clients and their guests who have usually taken the trouble to look sharp for the occasion.
Look for future tips on how to make sure your event is done right!
Big Eye wears a tuxedo for wedding receptions....a jacket and tie for any other occasions. I believe it shows respect for the clients and their guests who have usually taken the trouble to look sharp for the occasion.
Look for future tips on how to make sure your event is done right!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Leafs Lost ..... Again! Book your DJ for Summer 2009
Leafs are starting to stink consistently. Should have seen this coming I guess. Hard work only gets you so far. If you can't score on the PP in the NHL, it's a lost cause.
Oh well, Big Eye Entertainment is gearing up for a nice christmas season. It'll be good to see a bunch of old friends at the military events while meeting new ones here in Duncan. Remember to book me early for your wedding, birthday party or any occasion for Summer 2009. Dates are filling up fast! I noticed last year that I was getting inquiries a few weeks before weddings. Don't put it off because it might be you, your guests and an IPOD plugged into a home stereo. Bummer! A professional, experienced DJ can make or break your day. Your guests may not remember the food but they will remember if their feet are sore the next day from dancing all night. Remember to check out the website www.bigeye.ca
Give me a call if you've got any questions or use the contact form.
Oh well, Big Eye Entertainment is gearing up for a nice christmas season. It'll be good to see a bunch of old friends at the military events while meeting new ones here in Duncan. Remember to book me early for your wedding, birthday party or any occasion for Summer 2009. Dates are filling up fast! I noticed last year that I was getting inquiries a few weeks before weddings. Don't put it off because it might be you, your guests and an IPOD plugged into a home stereo. Bummer! A professional, experienced DJ can make or break your day. Your guests may not remember the food but they will remember if their feet are sore the next day from dancing all night. Remember to check out the website www.bigeye.ca
Give me a call if you've got any questions or use the contact form.
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