American DJ MBLVX Recap - Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2010

Check out American DJ Group of Companies at the 2010 Mobile Beat Show (MBLVX) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tweet This Post 

Tom Talks Audio: What I Saw At Mobile Beat

Tom Talks Audio
What I Saw At Mobile Beat
Tom Freret, the indefatigable National Sales Manager of American Audio, never rests! Even when he’s enjoying himself at the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party at Mobile Beat, Tom is still busy learning. Tom spent a lot of time listening to DJs at our party and the Mobile Beat Show, so he can get a better understanding of where our world is headed in the way of audio. Here is what he learned:

So, did you have a good time in Vegas at Mobile Beat?

“Yes, I always enjoy going to these shows and our Customer Appreciation party was a blast. Every year, these things seem to be more fun. DJs are really like a big extended family, so this was really like a family reunion. But the show was more than a good time; it was a chance for me to learn about our customers and what they want.”

Can you elaborate on that point?

“Sure, when you work in an office and deal with product development teams like I do, you can run the risk of getting out of touch with your customer, the mobile enteratainers and DJs that use our products. These people are the reason we’re in business, so I always want to have a good sense of where they’re at and what they want. I go to clubs and have DJs as friends, I also visit a lot of dealers, but it’s not the same thing as being at a show with hundreds of DJs. It’s just a great learning experience.”

Ok - well what have you learned?

“The thing that jumped out at me is that the age of digital files is here without the shadow of a doubt. DJs are totally comfortable putting their music on SD cards and creating their shows with music software. There’s a comfort level among most DJs with playing, editing and mixing music from your computer that we didn’t see a few short years ago.”

Why do you think the ‘tipping point’ has been reached and there is now such great acceptance of digital performance tools?

“There are a couple of reasons. First, I think DJs and mobile entertainers recognized right from the start that there were tremendous advantages to digital performance tools, such as their compactness - you no longer have to lug CDs around - the access to a larger library, and the ability to manipulate music and sound. Second, I think the user-friendly features in products like our DP2Universal Midi Controller, convinced a lot of DJs that you didn’t need an advanced degree in engineering to go digital, so making the move from playing CDs to digital files looked a lot less scary.”

Can you tell us a little more about the DP2 Universal Midi Controller?

“I’ll be glad to. For starters, it’s a very user-friendly and very versatile digital controller, that we designed specifically to help DJs make a smooth transition from playing CDs to digital files. It really offers the best of both worlds, because it makes it easy to play and mix music from a computer, while still offering the familiar tactile feel of traditional CD player hardware.”

How is it user-friendly?

“Its dual player decks have a layout that’s just like a traditional CD player, with familiar features like a large jog wheel and 4 Hot Cue buttons on each side. The fact that the DP2 has a look and feel that’s familiar to DJs makes it very easy to get used to - in fact, doing things like loading tracks, loops, scratching and adding effects are as easy, if not easier, on the DP2 than they are on a traditional CD player. The DP2 also makes it easy to mix up tracks with its convenient on-board 2-channel digital mixer. In addition to the hardware, the DP2 package includes its own PCDJ DEX LE software, and it will also work with most popular DJ programs. So, it has all the tools a DJ needs for easy professional mixing.”

You mentioned putting a whole night’s worth of music on a single SD card. The SDJ-2 was one of the first products to make this possible for the average DJ, how is this product doing?

“We had a lot of great feedback about the SDJ-2 at the Mobile Beat Show. DJs value the convenience and portability this product offers. They can put their music on an SD card without having to worry about external hard drives, expensive laptops, or complicated software to learn. This system is easy to use, and since it can support high capacity SD cards as well as standard cards, it has the power that any DJ gig will require. Since it combines user-friendliness and powerful performance features, the SDJ-2 is sure to develop a loyal following among DJs - and that’s just what’s happened.”

So, do you plan on attending the Mobile Beat Show next year?

“I sure do - I’ll be there having fun - and learning a lot from my customers.”

Tweet This Post 

Jimmie and Rachel Got Married!

Jimmie and Rachel Got Married!
DJ Couple Ties the Knot at American DJ’s
Annual Customer Appreciation Party

When Jimmie Hontz Jr. and Rachel Welch exchanged their vows before a minister on their very special wedding day on Wednesday, February 10th, their wedding was traditional in every way; there were flowers, a tiered wedding cake, champagne, a minister…and about 500 DJs! Jimmie and Rachel, who are both DJs themselves, decided that the annual Mobile Beat Party would be the ideal locale for their special day, where they were sure to be in the company of people who share their passion for good music and good entertainment.

The American DJ Customer Appreciation party, a signature event, has been held at the Mobile Beat show for nearly 10 years, and brings in around 500 guests. The couple, from Gardner, Kansas, chose this to be the venue for their not-so-ordinary nuptials. The top of the famed Las Vegas Riviera Hotel and Casino became the most romantic spot on the Vegas strip for the happy couple last Wednesday. Standing before a dreamy white altar, Rachel donned a sparkling white satin blouse and flowing black skirt, clutching a bouquet of roses as she exchanged vows with her future husband. Jimmie stood beside his bride and beamed with happiness in his dapper tuxedo and romantic red rose boutonnière. Two of the couple’s beloved children, Kaela and Shawn, were right alongside their parents to witness the event as the officiant led the unique ceremony. As per tradition, the pair cut their elegant cake in front of all their special guests and led a champagne toast as they began their happy new life together.

Lucky for the new couple, transportation was not necessary to their reception, as they were standing right in the middle of it! The party started as soon as the knot was tied, and this year’s show featured the incomparable and captivating DJ Kool, who wowed the crowd and rocked the party. There was food, fun and friends, and those who were there to witness the celebration will certainly remember the joyful event for years to come. Scott Davies, General Manager of the Los Angeles-based company explains, “We appreciate our customers; they’re like family to us. We’re very happy to show our appreciation for Jimmie and Rachel by hosting their wedding.” The guests toasted to a once-in-a-lifetime wedding event, full of warm happy memories that will last the new family forever.

Tweet This Post 

Mobile Beat Mania Strikes Vegas via American DJ

Mobile Beat Mania Strikes Vegas
Get Down On Top Of The Riv At The ADJ Party Feb 10

Clear you calendar and make way to a great time starting at 6:30PM on February 10th. That’s when what promises to be the best ADJ Customer Appreciation Party ever kicks off at the “Top of the Riv” the ballroom high above the famous Riviera hotel in Las Vegas.

Aside from breathtaking views of Sin City, the ballroom provides plenty of room to mingle, dance, eat, drink and have fun. That’s a good thing too, because the walls of the old ballroom will be pulsating with raw energy as we rock your world with a special guest star appearance by DJ Kool, who was featured on Mya’s single “Ayo!” from her album Liberation and on Will Smith’s hit 2005 LP Lost and Found, in addition to recording his own hits like “Let Me Clear My Throat.”

Hosted by the wild and fun loving Sparky B, the party will be serving up non-stop good times, along with free drinks, zesty good food and the chance to mix and mingle with your colleagues in the industry.

Of course - as cool as it is - the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party isn’t the only thing at the Mobile Beat Show. You’ll also find lots of great product exhibits, unbelievable deals on gear, informative seminars and a real good time. So come on - you’ve been through a lot this year. Don’t you deserve to have some fun? See you in Vegas! Click here to learn more about the show.

Tweet This Post 

A Wedding in Vegas DJ Style

LAS VEGAS - Most people today have a DJ at their wedding, but Jimmie Hontz, Jr. and Rachel Welch have done one better; they’ll have about 500 DJs on hand when they tie the knot in Las Vegas February 10th. The Gardner, Kansas couple will be saying “I Do” before a minister at the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party held atop the Riviera Hotel and Casino during the annual Mobile Beat trade show.

“We appreciate our customers; they’re like family to us,” said Scott Davies, General Manager of the Los Angeles-based company. “We’re very happy to show our appreciation for Jimmie and Rachel by hosting their wedding.” Jimmy and Rachel met when Jimmy DJed at her son’s high school graduation party. Since then, DJing has become a family affair - Jimmy, who has been a DJ for four years, is responsible for Rachel making a career change from school bus driver to DJ about a year and a half ago, learning the ropes from her fiancé.

Jimmy’s daughter Kaela and Rachel’s son Shawn, who will be standing for their parents at the wedding, represent the next generation of DJ’s, as both teens are following in their parent’s footsteps -Kaela has been DJing with her father for two years and Shawn is starting to learn the business. In addition to Kaela and Shawn, the couple has four other children between them, including two who are currently serving in the armed forces.
In celebration of Jimmy and Rachel’s marriage, American DJ will supply cake and champagne for their reception, as well as present the couple with a wedding gift of DJ lights and audio gear.

The largest supplier of DJ gear, American DJ has been holding its industry party at the Mobile Beat show for almost 10 years. The party, which draws around 500 guests, has become one of the signature events of the Mobile Beat trade show.
“We’ve had a lot of things happen at our party over the years, but this is the first wedding,” said Davies. “With all these DJs at the reception, Jimmy and Rachel certainly won’t have to worry about having enough music - or fun. We wish them the best.”

For more information, contact American DJ at 1-800-322-6337, or visit the company’s website www.americandj.com or email info@americandj.com

Tweet This Post 

American DJ adds to the mix at MBLVX

Sponsored seminars:

American DJ Sound: Whether you’re a are looking for the most compact laptop DJ controller or a Table Top, CD/USB/ SD MIDI Ultimate Performance Tool. American Audio has your covered. American Audio will doing a seminar on the compact, professional DP2 controller and the Radius 3000 table top CD/USB/MIDI player/controller.

Tweet This Post 

More New Companies Jump on with MBLVX

Just recently signing in the last week to exhibit at Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2010 - http://www.mobilebeat.com/las-vegas-dj-show/:

DJTrivia.Com, Skrim King, The Pros Entertainment Inc., Colorado Sound n’ Light, Jukebox Jockey, EBA Design,
Beamz Interactive Inc., Namba Gear plus 4-5 more coming in the wings.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support in the last week of new exhibitors to the show and the return of several favorites, thank you!” says Ryan Burger of Mobile Beat Magazine.  ”And we’ll see you at the show in less than 3 weeks.”

Tweet This Post 

More gets added to Sensational System

More sponsors have stepped up to get their gear in the Sensational System Giveaway to be given out at 5pm on Thursday of the Mobile Beat Las Vegas DJ Show.

X2^TM XDR955 wireless microphone gives vocalists what they’ve always wanted: unmatched dependability, total simplicity, and superior sound. Its innovative digital technology solves problems that commonly cripple traditional analog microphone systems.  From Line6 - http://www.line6.com

Wireless Trivia System From Digigames TM110 Computer Controlled Trivia System with software. -

http://www.triviaproducer.com

Cases for the Sensational System Giveaway by Odyssey Innovative Systems - http://www.odysseygear.com - including
FZF2636 Stand, FZCD320 CD Case and others including
FZSLDC1, FZWIRELESS, LSTANDBLK

Be there at 5pm at the Mobile Beat Las Vegas DJ Show to win this plus all the gear announced previously!  For more info on the show check out http://www.mobilebeat.com/las-vegas-dj-show/

Tweet This Post 

DJ Kool Fills Slot at American Dj Party at MBLVX

Through a great connection with DJ Sparky B, DJ Kool known for his “Let Me Clear My Throat” track from 1996 will be performing at the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party at MBLVX - http://www.mobilebeat.com/las-vegas-dj-show/

A fusion of feel-good go-go music with hip-hop’s original block-party aesthetic led DJ Kool to the fore in rap’s return to the old school during the late ’90s. A veteran of D.C.’s go-go circuit who worked as a warm-up DJ for Rare Essence during the early- to mid-’80s, Kool began recording in 1988 and early on tried to inform the studio art of hip-hop with a live feel in keeping with his experience. His first album, The Music Ain’t Loud Enuff, used call and response much like early hip-hop and go-go (and also included the hip-house track “House Your Body” prefaced by a remarkably accurate monologue on the history of house music).

Kool took it to the stage in 1992 with the mini-LP 20 Minute Workout, recorded live in Richmond, VA, and released on Steve Janis’ CLR Records. By the time of 1996’s Let Me Clear My Throat, mostly recorded live in Philadelphia, the East Coast underground was buzzing about Kool’s way with a crowd. American Records won a five-way bidding war and reissued Let Me Clear My Throat early the following year; providing remixes of the title track were Funkmaster Flex and Mark the 45 King (whose funky underground hit “The 900 Number” was the basis for the title track in the first place), helping it climb into the Top Five on the rap charts. In mid-2000, he and Fatman Scoop released the remixed Rob Base classic “It Takes Two.” ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Interview just taped today with DJ Kool: (audio file coming online this weekend)

Ryan Burger: This is Ryan Burger of Mobile Beat magazine and we are here with DJ Kool, who’s going to be at the American DJ Party at Mobile Beat Las Vegas. Kool, introduce yourself and tell us how you got here.

DJ Kool: (coughs) Let me clear my throat. I’m the legendary DJ Kool, straight out of Washington, D.C. That’s that (202) area code.

How did I get here? Yo, man. I was born in the clubs, you know what I mean? I started rocking clubs back in, oh, late ’70s. I became a recording artist in 1986 with a song called “The Music Ain’t Loud Enough, Pump Up The Volume.” I’ve had 10 records 10 years in a row to hit the Billboard charts, from “The Music Ain’t Loud Enuff,” 1986, all the way up to the song that has the cough heard around the world, 1996, which is “Let Me Clear My Throat.” I’ve been here a long time, man.

Ryan Burger: Very cool. DJ Sparky B, being a good friend of mine, hooked me up with bringing you guys out to the show. Give me a little bit of the lowdown of what you’re going to do for all of us out there.

DJ Kool: Straight house party style. Little bit of old school, little bit of the current stuff, you know what I mean? Hip-hop, R&B, reggae; maybe a little go-go music coming out of Washington, D.C. But once again, straight house party style. No whole bunch of tricks or stuff like that. I love that part of the craft, but I’m just not that type of DJ. But big ups to all my friends, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Craze, and all those turntable-ists, you know what I mean?

But my thing is straight house party style; me, the crowd and the dance floor. That’s it. I ain’t got no whole bunch of tricks for you. I’m just trying to keep the mixes tight, keep the selection hot, and keep the party moving with my voice. That’s what’s up.

Ryan Burger: So you’ve got the mix going for the whole party. You drop in every once in a while, do your own tracks just as part of the show, or how do you work in “Let Me Clear My Throat?” How do you work in some of the other stuff?

DJ Kool: Well, pretty much just like what you mentioned a moment ago. I’m playing the hits current and recurrent and so on and so forth. But at some point during the program you will hear me drop in, “Let Me Clear My Throat.” You will hear me drop in “20 Minute Workout.” You will hear me do “It Takes Two.”

And I do these tracks live because I actually recorded them live. “Let Me Clear My Throat” was a live recording. “20 Minute Workout” was a live recording. “I Got Dat Feelin’” was a live recording, just to name a few.

As a matter of fact, “20 Minute Workout” was so loud to whereas I had a mobile recording unit hooked up in the club where I was cutting the record back and forth, the beat that I used for “20 Minute Workout” was the record was a record by Doug E. Fresh called “I’m Gettin’ Ready.” And I was cutting the breakbeat back and forth while I was on the mike, rocking the crowd. So that’s just the whole DJ Kool style, you know what I mean? Just live, live, all the way live.
Ryan Burger: Very cool. So what’s the future for DJ Kool? Continuing to do stuff like this, appearing in Vegas, Atlantic City? What do you got coming up in the next couple years?

DJ Kool: I got a few things coming up. I’m back in the studio and everything, getting ready to drop some more of those DJ Kool club [inaudible]. First and foremost, I do my records for the DJs, for the clubs. It just so happens that I’ve been blessed enough to have had my records wind up on radio and everything, and that is a blessing. But for the most part, just like I said. I’m going to go out and do my show for the clubs.
So we got some new DJ Kool stuff coming out this spring. The first single will probably be a song called “What’s Your Area Code,” which should just for the most part be a way so people can kind of represent where they’re from, you know what I mean? Like I’m from the (202), which would be Washington, D.C. If someone said if they were from the (803) area code, that would mean that they would be from South Carolina, and so on and so forth, you know what I mean? So it’s just a new way for people to kind of represent where they’re from.

Ryan Burger: Makes sense. Once again, DJ Kool’s going to be playing for us at the American DJ customer appreciation party. Thanks to DJ Sparky B, who I guess will get the privilege of introducing you to the stage.
That’s all I got. Thanks, Kool, for joining me.

DJ Kool: No problem, man. Thank you for having me. God bless.

Tweet This Post 

Maximize Revenue by adding ScreenBooth

Maximize Revenue by adding ScreenBooth- the Revolutionary Video Guestbook and Digital Photobooth!

ScreenBooth is the latest innovation that captures the sights and sounds of your events through digital video messages and photos. By following easy touchscreen commands, guests leave a spontaneous video message and take photobooth-style photos that will last a lifetime. Unlike a traditional photobooth, ScreenBooth can accommodate upwards of 17 people in one photo! Only your imagination limits what guests will do!

Event hosts get everything on a searchable CD and movie-style DVD. Guests receive a 4×6 printout of their photos with a customized border on the spot to commemorate the host’s special event.

By adding ScreenBooth to your offerings, you can maximize profits by offering ScreenBooth as an add-on to your current packages or as a stand-alone service.

For additional information contact Linda Kinsella 408.825.3039 or Linda@ScreenBooth.com Check out ScreenBooth’s website at www.ScreenBooth.com

Tweet This Post 

Next Page »