Bringing Families Together With The Grand Entrance

A marriage is the coming together of two families. From the wedding day forward they will be one big happy family. What we do as entertainers to prove this to the audience ingratiates our services to all who experience our performance(s).

As an enhancement to Peter Merry and Randy Bartlett’s personalized introductions, I like to choreograph the manner in which those being introduced walk into the room. Instead of just falling onto the dance floor, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, wondering where to stand, go, etc. There is a plan for each person, couple or group.

When I introduce the bride’s parents I have them stand on the dance floor. Then the groom’s parents come in and stand next to the bride’s parents. I say, “Two families that are now one” and the four parents hold hands, raise their hands over their heads (still holding hands) and then all four bow together.

It brings the house down and brings home the point that just like the bride and groom, the two families are now joined as one.

Scott Faver has established himself as the Game Master with DJs from across the country. In addition to entertaining clients whose names are household words, he continually crafts new games for his clients and the DJ industry. Scott is also the moderator of the Interactive DJ Forum at ProdDJ.com and hosts a weekly on line chat, every Monday, discussing games and activities with DJs all over the world. A big part of the reason DJs have come to recognize Scott as the Game Master might be his being in front of hundreds of them at numerous conventions, cruises or in their own living rooms with his Four Game Master DVDs. A seminar with Scott means one thing: standing room only and fun for all! he also writes the Master’s Series in the ADJA Newsletter and can be found right here on Mobile Beat’s On Line Edition on Game Master Mondays. You can also visit Scott’s web site.

Strategic Partnership Announced between ADJA & BMP

The American Disc Jockey Association and Bobby Morganstein Productions have announced a historic agreement to market music and training products produced by BMP to the DJ industry. Under the new agreement, ADJA members will receive a significant discount on the entire product line of BMP products. “As a result of this effort, the pricing has been reduced across the board to get these products out to even more DJ’s within our organization” says ADJA President Dr. Drax.In addition to the product offerings, the ADJA is pleased to announce the formation of a new organization and first-of-its-kind training program specifically geared toward the Mitzvah entertainer.

“We plan to do for branding and promotion of Mitzvah performers what we have done for DJ’s. We will create the gold standard that consumers can look to, to know that their Mitzvah coordinator knows not only what to do and how to do it . . . but why.” Says Dr. Drax.

Soon, the ADJA will announce the launching of a four day all inclusive Mitzvah Clinic to be held next year. This educational workshop will be designed to offer training that will take students through the history and structure behind Mitzvah events. Additionally, the training will feature detailed instruction regarding all Mitzvah related entertainment traditions. Candidates who successfully complete this training will gain valuable education and understanding in their pursuance of attaining needed introductory and advanced instruction in Mitzvah entertaining.

Graduates of this training program will be qualified for membership within the newly formed Mitzvah Guild, an organization focused on highlighting those individuals who seek the highest level of certifiable recognition for excellence as a Mitzvah entertainer.

Bobby Morganstein explains the benefits of this new alliance in this fashion . . . ”

The strategic alliance between BMP and the ADJA will mark the largest and most significant advance the mobile industry has ever seen in the ever growing Mitzvah event industry. Dr. Drax states, “By crafting these learning opportunities we significantly expand our global lead in the education of DJ’s, KJ’s and now Mitzvah entertainers. This will be just one more way in which the ADJA leads the industry in educational opportunities for its members as they build and grow their businesses!”

ADJA Webinars will mark an Industry first!

Two years ago the ADJA made industry history by being the first organization to record, compile and make available a library of professionally produced seminars on DVD for it’s members. As announced this past February at their national meeting in Las Vegas, the ADJA is right on track to unveil their long awaiting series of “Webinars” that were originally targeted for a Fall ‘07 launch date.ADJA President Dr. Drax states, “We have been working feverishly behind the scenes to make this educational avenue a reality. Our pro-active approach to securing this amazing technology for our members will further our position to lead the industry in offering the most desired and sound educational opportunities available anywhere!”

A “Webinar” is an “on-line” seminar that is broadcast “live” and immediately accessible to those with the proper access authorization. ADJA members will be permitted to access valuable educational content from noted industry leaders. Participants will enjoy a variety of educational topics to include; marketing, advertising, sales, talent, self improvement, business management and financial planning, to name a few. The technology will allow for real time interaction, including “Q and A” based upon time constraints and speaker discretion.

The first series of “Webinars” are expected to feature such popular and respected leaders as; Mark Ferrell, Bryan Dodge and Michael Port. Attendance will be limited and available to ADJA members on a first come, first served basis. Members are encouraged to watch for an announcement soon regarding the first set of scheduled dates.

Focusing their attention clearly upon offering the finest educational avenues of any national DJ organization, the ADJA is establishing a proven track record of pioneering efforts designed to incorporate the most technically advanced methods of education for the benefit of their members.

Wedding Standards and Standard Weddings by Mark Johnson

Somehow, the same songs keep bringing joy to reception dancefloors

I recently performed for a wedding that would certainly qualify as one of the least stressful weddings ever. It went off without incident or complaint and it was certainly a pleasant surprise to miss out on the myriad of possible problems that could have arisen.
The groom was pretty laid back, booking my services within two months of the actual wedding. Usually such short-notice weddings involve the bride being pregnant but that wasn’t the case. They had just forgotten to book a DJ when they were taking care all of the other reception items.
The bride was Chinese and her parents and other family members were flying in from China for her PhD in Electrical Engineering graduation ceremony in May and staying until the wedding. The groom was also a PhD in EE as well. Perhaps this inspired their nonchalant attitude.

Reception Mystery
They had returned my DJ agreement and deposit in a timely manner but during the weeks preceding the date, they were very elusive, leaving me with many unanswered phone calls and un-replied-to emails. I left plenty of messages and didn’t get any non-deliverable messages via email.
Apparently neither the bride or groom had ever attended a wedding before and her parents were pretty clueless on the activities that occur during a typical “American” wedding. The civil ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were all being held at the same Holiday Inn location. Logistically it was pretty easy, as I could set up one speaker for the outside gazebo ceremony, another speaker in the cocktail room and my main system no more than 20 feet away in the reception room.
The hotel manager had pretty much planned their entire evening. 5:30 to 6:00 for the ceremony, 6:00 to 7:00 for the cocktail hour and 7:00 to 11:00 for the dinner and reception. I had gleaned these tidbits by contacting the hotel directly and asking the right questions, since I could not contact the bride or groom.
When I asked about the elements of the reception, ie introductions, cake cutting, garter, bouquet etc, she mentioned that she usually leaves it up to the DJ, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the delivery of food. These particular elements went without any problems, as I basically facilitated each with the bride and groom being positioned in the right place at the right time. Thank goodness I carry spare garters-they didn’t have one.

Instant Music
Musically, they didn’t even have a first dance song chosen or any songs chosen for any parent’s dances. Thus, relying on my copy of the Mobile Beat Top 200 list, I picked those first three songs. It was at that point that I wondered if I could perform for a complete wedding using songs only from that list.
After the introductions and first dances, I weaved in and out of the slow and fast portions of the reception using exclusively the songs on the Top 200 list. Sure enough, with each passing song and the joy it generated, it further illustrated the absolute value of the songs on that list.
Towards the end of the reception, realizing that I had kept true to my little Top 200 plan, it really struck me how the general public still has a great fascination for these time-honored songs. This bride’s non-existent playlist was in sharp contrast to the kinds of playlists that I’ve received for other weddings.

“Tried and True” vs. “Variety Is the Spice of Life”
Without being specific, I’ve had one wedding dominated by Grateful Dead music and another by Contemporary Christian music. I also recall receptions wanting a high amount of classical music played throughout. Having advance notice of these song requirements helped deliver the music that they desired.
Sometimes I get an exact song list to be played during the dinner and dancing portion of the reception. I try to advise the bride that while I can usually weave in certain songs throughout the reception, to rigidly adhere to a list removes the possibility of adjusting to the guest’s reactions to the songs being played. Most of the time the brides are pretty open to my professional opinion regarding the playing of songs. My intent is to work within the style of songs presented by the bride. After all, it’s their party.
I’ve heard often about how mobile DJs sometimes distain the use of these lists in an attempt to become more creative. It appears that those DJs perform for many weddings and to be “different” they play different versions or remixes of the standards. Or they avoid the obvious standards altogether. Perhaps it’s entertaining to them, providing a break from monotony-but what about the guests?
To the guests, the fact that you played “Mony, Mony” yesterday or last week has no bearing on today’s reception. “Mony, Mony,” “Love Shack,” “YMCA,” “The Electric Slide” and many other “obvious” standards caused my “un-listed” reception’s dance floor to fill every time. The Mobile Beat Top 200 list certainly represents the best of the best. Not that I would bring 10 CDs containing only these songs. But a good ole’ standard wedding can be a huge success with only these wedding standards.

Mark Johnson is a long-time mobile DJ and has written for Mobile Beat for years, giving his insightful and often incisive perspective on many business and operational ideas. His articles grow out of his own experience and his observations of other DJs during his travels. Always providing an alternative view, his previous articles can be found at www.mobilebeat.com/archives.

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I wondered if I could perform for a complete wedding using songs only from the Mobile Beat Top 200 list.

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Editor’s Note: Look for the Mobile Beat Top 200 list online at www.mobilebeat.com and in the next issue of Mobile Beat Magazine

Weisz’s Web World

Over the years I’ve been asked a lot of questions about websites. The following are a few of the most common questions I’ve been asked. If you have a question about websites or anything to do with marketing your business online, send it to jim@discoverydjs.com for possible inclusion in a future column.How do I get my site higher in the search engines?
This is without a doubt the most common question I’m asked. The problem with this question is there is no easy answer. My best answer is if you want quick & efficient results, go with Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. You’ll show up in the search engines you’re paying for very quickly (within minutes or hours) and you can really target the phrases people will type in to find you. As long as you don’t go crazy overbidding for search terms and you bid for the right terms, you can pick-up a lot of good website traffic and potentially book a lot of business.

The longer (way too long for this column!) and more complicated answer is the old fashioned way…submitting your site to the search engines, paying a service to get your site on the first page and waiting weeks or months for your site’s placement to improve.

So, which method is preferred and will cost the least? If done right, I think PPC is the way to go.

Should I design my own website or hire someone to design it?
I’ve been working with websites for years, have taken several website classes and even designed a few not-so-great sites. My current website I had designed by a professional. After doing that, I would never design another site on my own. Just as we preach to leave it to the pros when it comes to DJing a wedding, we should take our own advice and hire a professional.

What if I’m on a tight budget and can’t afford a professional designer?
While a professional designer will usually yield the best looking results, there are a few other options.

Buy a template: You can buy a template, which gives you the shell of the site and then you add all your graphics, text, buttons, etc. There are a few websites that sell specific templates for DJs/the wedding industry or there are hundreds of websites that sell general website templates. To use this option, you’d need to know how to edit the template and maintain the site on your own.

Use a web-based site builder: A web-based website application will allow just about anyone the ability to create and maintain a website. There are some specific web-based solutions for DJs as well as numerous others that are offered by website hosts. I’ve personally had experience with GoDaddy’s ‘Website Tonight’ and it has worked pretty well for me. I would estimate the monthly cost for a solution like this would be $7-$15 a month, depending on how many pages you have.

Have a designer make you a template: This was what I did for my last website. You can do it if you’re looking to save money or if you are capable of putting the site together but you’re not a designer. I personally did mine that way for the latter reason because I can pretty much do everything except design the site
More questions next week. Again, if you have a question of your own, send it to jim@discoverydjs.com.

Website reviews…

will return next week. If you’d like your website reviewed in an upcoming column send your website address to jim@discoverydjs.com.
Jim Weisz has been a DJ since 1999, primarily serving the wedding and school dance markets. Jim is originally from Chicago, having lived there until relocating to Dallas in 2003 to take a position with JonesTM (formerly TM Century). Jim has spoken at several national DJ conventions about websites and has also written more than a dozen articles for Mobile Beat magazine about websites and a variety of other topics. Jim can be reached at jim@discoverydjs.com.

Spice Up Dinner

Spice Up Your Dinner MusicIt’s my belief that almost all really great ideas are revolutionary because of their simplicity. An idea that I’ve used over the years has recently come back to forefront of my mind, used in a new analogy that made it much clearer to me what a great idea this is. And we’ve touched on it in this column before: more variety in “dinner music”.

Last week, I saw (for the second time) Peter Merry’s presentation “The Best Wedding Reception… Ever”. The first time I saw this presentation was over a year ago, and prior to his publication of his book of the same name, and Peter’s Wedding Entertainment Director^TM guild. The topic of expanding dinner music selections was one small idea among those covered in this book, primarily aimed at brides. I won’t be quoting from the presentation, or the book (in fact, I don’t even have the book… yet - hint). But, for more information, visit www.weddingentertainmentdirector.com

Clients (especially wedding clients) often put together long lists of songs they’d like played at their event. How often have you looked at a list, thinking to yourself “how on earth do they expect people to dance to that?” In some cases, maybe they don’t, they just like the song(s) in question. Find ways to include at least some of their ideas into what you’re already doing. Doing so puts a subtle, yet distinct, personal imprint from the bride and groom into their wedding reception.

My bride and groom this past Saturday night had a couple of interesting sets of ideas that effected how the music was handled. One of them was: they wanted classic rock during dinner. They’re both fans of Van Halen. So, I put together two playlists - here’s one of them, which took care of the first hour and 20 minutes of the evening:

Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way (live)
Cars - Good Times Roll
Elvin Bishop - Fooled Around And Fell In Love
Zombies - Time Of The Season
Van Halen - Finish What You Started
Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle With You
Bruce Springsteen - I Wanna Marry You
Cheap Trick - Surrender
Styx - Too Much Time On My Hands
Sting - Message In A Bottle (acoustic)
Bad Company - Can’t Get Enough
Doobie Brothers - Black Water
ZZ Top - Cheap Sunglasses
Fleetwood Mac - You Make Loving Fun
Eddie Money - Two Tickets To Paradise
Paul McCartney & Wings - Maybe I’m Amazed (live)
Boston - Long Time
Heart - Barracuda
Eagles - Take It Easy
Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle
Billy Vera & The Beaters - At This Moment (live)
With few exceptions, I would be highly unlikely to play any of these songs during dancing. There are always more songs that people won’t dance to versus those they will dance to, so why not play songs the client will like, and/or whatever style they might prefer, instead of “the usual.” For these clients, it was fantastic. Songs that rock harder, songs that rock softer (but not to the point of John Mayer), songs of different vintages, and several songs that reflect a theme of being in love and even marriage itself.

Here’s another I put together yesterday - smooth jazz cover versions. This one will be great for many different client events, because it’s familiar, fun, not too “in your face” but not “elevator” either, and while the songs are familiar, it’s not “played out” because they’re redone in the smooth jazz idiom. They are almost all instrumental. Expect guests to be singing or humming along, in the course of this playlist.

Brad Mehldau Trio - Still Crazy After All These Years
David Wells - Strawberry Letter #23
Tom Braxton - Let’s Stay Together
Kenny G. with David Sanborn - Pick Up The Pieces
Kirk Whalum - Whip Appeal
Rick Braun - Groove Is In The Heart
Foreplay - Fields Of Gold
Jason Miles - Sexual Healing
Warren Hill - Low Rider
Nelson Rangel - That’s The Way Of The World
Tom Scott - Holding Back The Years
Wayman Tisdale - Get Down On It
Larry Carlton - Sleepwalk
Phillipe Saisse Trio - Lovely Day
Wayman Tisdale - Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
Brian Gallagher - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World
Jimmy Sommers - Take My Heart
Eric Darius - If I Ain’t Got You
While other genres of songs sometimes get covered, smooth jazz is in some respects what old school grew up to be.

Almost all the songs in the 2nd playlist example came from JonesTM’s Prime Cuts Smooth Jazz series, which brings me to:

Free stuff!

I have a five pack of Prime Cuts Smooth Jazz cds (the last five back issues) to give away, courtesy of our friends at JonesTM! Here’s the question: who are the original artists for the first and the last song in the 2nd playlist? Email your answer to me at ThatDJ@aol.com with the subject line “Dude, I Know Those Songs”, along with your name, company name, mailing address, and phone number. Sumissions must be made by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, May 20th to be eligible. I will draw a winner from the correct entries on Monday, May 21st, and announce our winner one week from today!

Acesonic Announces 400-Disc Karaoke Changer

Acesonic Corporation announced the release of the NEW DGX-400, an All-In-One ultimate player that features a 400-disc changer. The DGX-400 plays all of today’s top karaoke formats including CD, CD+G, VCD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, and Dual Layer DVD.The DGX-400 supports connectivity of USB storage devices such as Ipods, flash drives, and has a built-in memory card reader to support play of MP3, WMA, AVI, MP4, DAT, MPG and even JPEG files, allowing users to play a variety of formats without the hassle of switching machines.

While there are other 400-disc players out in the market, the DGX-400 is the first to offer karaoke capability and direct access buttons on the panel to allow users to control the functions without using a remote. This player also offers Real-time Super Error Correction, which automatically skips disc read errors to prevent freezing during playback. This function works even if the discs are dirty, scratched or has minor cracks. Users will find this feature great so that they won’t need to replay the disc during an event or a session.

Karaoke enthusiasts will enjoy all the convenient features that this machine has to offer including a 14 steps key controller, echo controller, PC Keyboard input for easy text entry, two 1/4″ microphone inputs, a built-in karaoke mixer for karaoke or voice narration, a built-in microphone bass and treble controller and a disc library function that can organize disc by genre and library. With libraries of karaoke CDs, DVD movies, shows and concerts, music CDs, and image CDs growing rapidly, the new changer is the perfect way for people to organize their entertainment life.

For interested consumers, Acesonic’s retail partner, Ace Karaoke, will begin selling the DGX-400 online at www.acekaraoke.com starting in January 2007. Acesonic will be offering a special price of $549 which includes ONE free Acesonic microphone and ONE free disc pack of the customer’s choice. Dealers and wholesales are welcome to contact our sales manager to inquire about volume pricing.

For more information about Acesonic and the DGX-400, please visit www.acesonic.com or www.acekaraoke.com. For more product details and specifications please contact our sales manager Dan Wee at 888-893-7464.

M-Audio X-Session Now Includes Torq

M-Audio announced that its X-Session^TM Pro MIDI controller now ships with Torq^TM LE software, a streamlined version of the company’s popular Torq software for DJs.

Torq LE software includes many of the same features as the Torq application that is revolutionizing the world of digital DJing. Torq LE lets users mix digital audio files-including MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA and AAC formats-that reside on their computer’s hard drive. It provides easy access to these files through a quickly searchable database that can even interface with the user’s Apple iTunes library. Torq LE can also play songs directly from iPod music players, as well as record to an audio file for podcasting or CD burning.

The configuration and features of the Torq LE software parallel both traditional DJ setups and the controls on the X-Session Pro hardware controller. This powerful yet easy-to-use application has two virtual decks for cueing and mixing, complete with independent control of speed and pitch. Automatic beat-detection and synchronization allow for effortless beat-matching.

Torq LE software also features an integrated two-channel mixer with three-band EQs, level controls and three audio effects for each channel-all of which automatically map to the controls on the X-Session Pro. Headphone cueing, a large scrolling waveform display and a crossfader round out a formidable package. Torq LE works instantly with the X-Session Pro controller, ensuring seamless setup.

“Our Torq software has transformed the landscape of digital DJing,” says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “Torq LE delivers many of the same features and integrates perfectly with the X-Session Pro. The X-Session Pro is already a popular controller choice for artists working with a variety of music software. Now, the inclusion of Torq LE makes it a great solution right out of the box.”

In addition to shipping with new X-Session Pro controllers from this time forward, existing registered owners of X-Session Pro are eligible for a free Torq LE download from www.M-Audio.com/TorqLE.
About M-Audio

M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc., is a leading provider of innovative tools for today’s computer musicians and audio professionals. Founded on the belief that cost should never stand in the way of creativity, the company’s products deliver the latest production and performance technology at accessible price points. M-Audio has received numerous industry accolades, including Music Trades’ “Company of the Year” and “Fastest Growing Company” distinctions. The company’s award-winning and comprehensive product line includes PCI-, FireWire- and USB-based audio interfaces; USB/MIDI keyboard controllers, stage pianos, microphones and preamps, reference monitors; and DJ tools. M-Audio was acquired by Avid Technology Inc. in August 2004 and is now part of the Avid audio division along with Digidesign and Sibelius.

Cortex Unveils New All-In-One DJ Station

Integrating the power of its patent pending USB compatible technology with a mixer section and an iPod^TM Dock, Cortex, a part of GCI Technologies, announced the retail release of the dMIX-300 Digital Music Control Station, the first-ever compact, easy to carry, all-in-one mixing solution for the Digital DJ.
Sleekly designed and weighing only a mere 12 lbs, the dMIX-300 is sure to be the portable DJ media player of choice for the digital DJ on the go. Integrating Cortex’s patent pending USB compatible technology with a 2-channel audio mixer and a built-in iPod® Dock (suitable for all iPod® models), DJs can search, cue, play, pitch, mix and even scratch digital music files (MP3 or WAV) directly from their iPod® or any other external USB storage device!

Fully CBR and VBR MP3 compatible and boasting essential features such as iTunes playlist compatibility, two Tri Mode Jog Wheels for search or pitch bend, two 80 character dot matrix playback info displays, a rear mounted USB port for storage device sharing and external CD/DVD-ROM drive option, individual RCA outputs for Master, Booth and Record, and a USB keyboard connection offering faster search and navigation, the dMIX-300 delivers optimum functionality and unmatched control of your digital music files.

The mixer section comes fully equipped with a 3-band EQ per channel with Gain Control, blue “Fluid” diffused VU meters, cue fader, Master/Cue select for headphone output, 1/4″ mic input with 2 band EQ, Auxiliary Inputs for Phono or Line devices, ultra-precise Pitch Control with a range of +/- 24% and a 45mm SuperSmooth Crossfader with selectable cross fader curve.

Easy to carry, easy to use, and at an MSRP of $999.00 (street price approximately $600.00), the dMIX-300 is the ultimate digital music control station that is perfect for portable set-ups, permanent installations as well as mobile DJ rigs.

Cortex Unveils Digital Turntable

Headlining the HD Series of digital music controllers, Cortex, a part of GCI Technologies, is proud to announce the unveiling of the DJ industry’s first standard sized tabletop Professional USB-compatible Digital Music Turntable, the HDTT-5000.

Combining the sound and feel of vinyl with the convenience of digital music formats, the HDTT-5000 puts state-of-the-art power into the hands of professional club DJs and turntablists to cue, play, pitch, loop, sample and even scratch MP3 and WAV audio files in a similar tactile interface to a traditional vinyl turntable. Simply connect your digital music stored on up to 4 USB-compatible storage drives to the face or rear USB ports of the unit; easily search by artist, title, genre, even by words or phrases using the jog wheel or a USB keyboard and within seconds you’re ready to rock the house!

Loaded with the premium features that true professional DJ’s demand, including a Touch-Sensitive Digital Turntable Platter with Jog mode, ultra-precise pitch control (up to +/- 24%), Master Tempo, Key Adjust, 12 DSP effects, instant reverse, 4 sample banks, 4 loop banks, 4 hot cue points, plus iTunes Playlist compatibility, the HDTT-5000 is sure to usher in a new era of digital dj performance, making CD’s and laptop computers obsolete.

For the ultimate in creative DJ performance, accessing your digital music files easily from one array of storage drives, simply ‘daisy chain’ two HDTT’s together via USB and you’ve got the next-level professional digital turntable set-up that will be the standard in major clubs around the world and on the gear riders of the World’s top DJ’s.

At an MSRP of $1,499.99 (street price approximately $900.00), the HDTT-5000 is the professional Digital DJ’s long-awaited dream come true.

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