CHAUVET Announces ‘Stay Connected’ Product Review Contest

HOLLYWOOD, FL - CHAUVET is launching a contest featuring reviews of its products by contestants via Internet social media sites.

Stay Connected contestants should post a video review of any CHAUVET product by video response on YouTube from June 1 to June 30, 2009 by going here:

Contestants will compete for prizes including the Vue 4.1 LED moonflower effect fixture for the top winner. Fifteen second place winners will receive an 18-inch by 36-inch personalized banner plus a Stay Connected t-shirt. Some 25 third place contestants will receive Stay Connected t-shirts.

Winners, who will be announced July 14, will be judged by CHAUVET staff using criteria such as originality and creativity, the product review itself and the videos with the most comments.

The VUE^TM series is a groundbreaking line of highly portable, DMX-controllable LED-fitted beam effects. The grand prize Vue^TM 4.1 is a 9-channel DMX 512 LED rotating moonflower effect that incorporates a controllable LED “S” shaped array, a compact and functional case design with adjustable bracket and a digital control display eliminating the need for dipswitches. The fixture’s suggested retail value is more than $300.

CHAUVET recently launched fan pages on Facebook and Twitter to broaden its marketing channels.

Issue #121 - The Kids Are Alright! Tools for Youth Events

Issue #121 is about to leave the printer and mail out to all the subscribers!  And it’s online now in https://members.mobilebeat.com for paid subscribers along with the digital version of the MBTop 200 - Check it out online at https://members.mobilebeat.com 

3 Keys to Successful Youth Events
Youth Music: a Positive Approach
How to Book More School Dances
Get Ready to Bubble!
Campardy Concept

Plus:
Rock Solid! MBLV.09 Show Recap
Time for Advanced Education
ProDJFile: Hannah Zaic
Pricing 101
Rock & Roll Redux, Part Deux
Ron Dante: Hitmaker Revealed

Reviews You Can Use:
Numark HDMix
Martin SCX800 Barrel Roller & Magnum 2500 Hz Hazer
Hercules DJ Control Steel
Send Out Cards
…and more!

Confessions of an Expo Junkie by Stu Chisholm

A multi-angle view of the Vegas event

You’re bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, your feet feel like you’ve been walking across broken glass, your arms and shoulders ache from carrying luggage, your buns have that numb feeling from too much time spent sitting in shuttles, trams and airline seats and your head swims with all of the raw data you’ve mined from seminars, books, demonstrations and good conversations with your DJ colleagues from around the country. You’re spent physically and the bank account is dry, yet you feel that the week ended all too soon and can’t wait until the next time. You hate to admit it, but the signs are obvious: you are a DJ expo junkie! I know. It happened to me.

At the Podium…

This year’s Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference In Las Vegas was a stand-out; one for the history books. Despite the weak economy that even has Las Vegas casinos in a tizzy, a hoard of DJs from around the country descended on the Riviera Hotel & Casino to enjoy hot deals on gear, see the legends of entertainment at the parties, take in the sights and sounds of the Vegas strip, and above all, improve their businesses by attending the numerous seminars, workshops and demonstrations. While I don’t have any stats at my disposal, from a personal standpoint, the show was an unqualified success!

This year I was in the unique position of experiencing the show from both sides, not only as an attendee, but as a presenter. On the Monday before the official open of the show, early arrivals were treated to a few bonus seminars by Paul Kida, Shawn Kelly, David Beal, and Rob Peters & Mike Fernino. Oh, yeah, and this new guy… me, Stu Chisholm.

Although I’ve presented a few small seminars for DJ groups and other organizations in my local area, this was my first major talk at the industry’s biggest annual DJ gathering. I’d prepared my speech, titled “Supplement Your DJ Income…WITH DJ INCOME!” well in advance, just as seriously as I’d prep for any major gig. Based on my new book, The Complete Disc Jockey, which also debuted at the show, I wanted to show how it applies to the soft economy and how it might prevent working DJs from abandoning the industry in search of a livable income. I’d even created my first ever Power Point presentation! I think I had even more fun than those in attendance, and maybe even did a good job since nobody had to be shaken awake at the end. My only regret is that it went by so quickly! There was a lot of material I just didn’t have time for. Directly outside of the main seminar rooms was the Mobile Beat bookstore where my book, and roughly 16 other ProDJ publications were being offered. (If you didn’t make it to the show, they’re all available online at the Mobile Beat bookstore!)

…and In the Seats

When Tuesday rolled around, I was once again just another face in the crowd, taking in excellent seminars by Andy Ebon, Jim Cerone and Jorge Lopez, and attending the national ADJA meeting with host and President, Dr. Drax. As with all expos, I faced the difficult task of having to pick and choose between seminars, selecting topics that best suited my business needs, skipping less pertinent presentations. What impressed me the most as the show progressed was the stunning array of topics! While the focus was definitely on business, marketing and the economy, other topics ran the gamut from remixing and editing, wireless mics and controllers, a DMX workshop and electrical power management, to website design and optimization, games, and an interactive improv workshop to add a touch of comedy to a performance. All in all, one of the most power-packed groups of seminars I’ve seen. I only wish I could’ve seen them all!

On Wednesday, hundreds of DJs were lined up, chomping at the bit for the dealer’s rooms to be opened. Somehow I managed to be first in line as the rope was dropped and we poured in to grab up all of the tremendous freebies and great deals from everyone from American Audio to Yamaha. It was a bit like those crazy brides at those bridal shop sales! Some of the best prices I’ve ever seen anywhere were being offered up. I’m sure that many dealers were amused when I would answer their quote with, “Is that ALL?” I’m also sure I’m not the only one who spent too much.

Feast of Booths

Some of the highlights from my perspective were the amazing new lasers from BlissLights, who were offering compact, battery-powered versions of their “spray” lasers including a neat little hand-held version for just over $50. LED lights were the name of the game in the Chauvet, CheapDJLights and DJS rooms, where my friends grabbed-up a (hand) truck load of ‘em! Demonstrating a neat rope game for DJ Zone, Paige Vanderpool had visitors tied-up and getting up-close ‘n’ friendly! (You’re a patient guy, Sid!) There were plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” coming from the X-Laser booth, and DJ Sparky B was on hand offering up hourly specials at the ADJ/American Audio booth. If road cases were on your list, Odyssey and SKB were offering amazing show specials, and a newer company, Marathon Pro Audio, was showing off some interesting new case designs, too.

Promo Only, TM Studios and Top Hits U.S.A. were all handing out sample CD and video product and great incentives to sign up. Next, you could take those discs over to the Denon display where DJs crowded in to scratch, beatmix and otherwise play with their latest hardware. Not to be outdone, Pioneer was across the room demonstrating their new line of media controllers. In typical Pioneer style, these all boast an on-board array of special effects usually available only as add-on processors. They also had an excellent offering of video-capable products for the VJs in the house.

My friends and I also spent some time (and money) with DJ Skirts, Frankenstand (who was handing out the best Velcro ties I’ve ever seen!), Froggy’s Fog, GCI, Numark (great demos!), SixStarDJ.com, Skeffingtons (with amazing tux shirts!), Screen Works and Windy City Novelties (who made us blink, glow and flash). What truly impressed me the most was how all of these dealers were supporting the industry every bit as much as they expect DJs to support them! Low prices were beyond low, often going into the sub-basement, and freebies, give-aways and extras flowed freely. I, for one, appreciated them even more since the economy has been every bit as tough on the vendors WE rely on. Truly commendable!

On Party Patrol

At the end of each day, and not to be missed, were all of the special entertainment and parties that have become a signature of Mobile Beat shows. To get attendees introduced to Las Vegas-style entertainment, Monday night’s Welcome Party featured the Dueling Twins Piano Show. This ain’t for the Liberace and Jazz crowd. These women (extremely HOT twins, Kim and Tamara Pinegar) threw down thundering renditions of everything from “Johnny B. Goode” to “Baby Got Back.” (Yes, on pianos!) A gracious Dr. Drax invited my fellow Michigander, Lane O’Neill of Acclimated Sounds, and I to catch all of the action from the V.I.P. area and our ears are still ringing!

Tuesday night concluded with the ProDJ Showcase featuring three music legends: Ron Dante (former lead singer of “The Archies”), Otis Day & The Knights (of Animal House fame) and the original white boy rapper, Vanilla Ice. To mobile DJs who spin oldies, Ron Dante holds a special place in our hearts, as his song “Sugar Sugar” has remained a staple at almost every party. He also sang on the song, “Tracy” by the Cuff-Links, which I once used for a friend’s wedding reception. (You guessed it: Her name was Tracy.) Otis Day & The Knights gained national fame when they appeared in “Animal House” in 1978, and they’re still going strong! They pounded-out a high-energy set of oldies, funk and soul, all with a definite rock & roll edge that younger bands might envy. The evening was capped-off with Vanilla Ice who sounded as if almost no time has passed since his last hit way back in 1991.

The most anticipated party of the show each year is the American DJ Customer Appreciation Party, and this year did not disappoint! DJ Sparky B acted as host, not to mention spinning more tunes than even he had planned, while presiding over a guest line-up of DJs who took turns pumping up the crowd. Another frequent fixture at Mobile Beat events is DJ Toad, who also took a turn on the 1’s and 2’s.

The grand finale, as always, was the many thousands of dollars worth of prizes that were given away. First, the ADJA offered-up two brand new Denon HDC-2500 media players and other goodies worth well over $2,000. Then Ryan Burger and Mike Buonaccorso of ProDJ Publishing stepped onto the stage in the dealer’s hall and opened up the floodgates, handing over a huge array of prizes, including a complete sound and lighting package that not only had all the bells and whistles, but a pile of lights to boot. And no, I didn’t win…again!

Throughout the show is the ever-present allure of Las Vegas, and it is nearly impossible not to take in at least one show, take a few spins on a slot machine or play a few hands of cards. (I even heard tell of a poker tournament for DJs, although I seem to have missed it.) The buffets are still fairly cheap and plentiful and there is always something to do, any time of day or night. As I write this it’s been less than 24 hours since I arrived back at home, but I’m so inspired by MBLV.09 that I’m already making plans for 2010! I suggest that you do, too, and bring home what your business needs to stay healthy and grow. See you there!

Pioneer ProDJ Mobile Beat Tour 2009 now has Frankenstand!

Dr. Frankenstand says “Taking the Mobile Beat Trade Show on the road is a Monster of an idea! Frankenstand stands behind this new adventure and is excited to show off its Powered Speaker Stands to all of the “villagers” along the route.” Frankenstands, the easy open, easy up, invented by a DJ for DJs, powered speaker stands are going to be showing their stuff at the tour and you want to be there.

Mobile Beat is touring the U.S. this August and September to instill a higher level of professionalism into the national DJ industry, spotlighting the educational focus of Mobile Beat Magazine and the Mobile Beat conferences. Each stop will consist of 3 to 4 hours of seminars, exhibits, demonstrations and more. Look for more details coming online soon and in the May issue of Mobile Beat Magazine.

Check out more info at http://www.mobilebeat.com/mb-tour/

MBLVX - $99 Passes - Say it’s so!

Recession? Taxes?

How About Some Good News?

MBLVX

February 9-11, 2010

Register For Your Pass TODAY or by April 20th and Save!

https://members.mobilebeat.com - Register NOW!

APRIL 15 means taxes ~ or maybe you were one of the fortunate ones who actually just got a return! But generally speaking, April 15 is not everyone’s favorite day…so Mobile Beat has a one time deal that will make the pain a little softer. How about $99 for a full 2010 Mobile Beat show pass?
Yes you heard it right…$99 for a complete MBLVX show pass for the first 200 people to respond to this ad.

We haven’t run a $99 special in several years, and once official registration opens for next year’s show, the lowest rate under ANY discount or special will be $149!!!!!! At the door is $269 so this is about a 60% savings. But to stimulate your economy, we are giving you FIVE DAYS to take advantage of this one time discount. It will NOT, we repeat this special will NOT be repeated at this price again under any circumstances for the 2010 show.

So what’s the fine print you ask? Well here it is: Registrations are non-refundable, non-transferable and limited to the first 200 respondents on the Mobile Beat website, for 5 days only (this starts now and runs through April 20th) - NO PHONE CALLS!

This is perfect for anyone that knows they are going, have gone to the last 5 years of shows without fail, heard all the excitement of last year and knew they had to be there, etc, etc. We have about 500-600 of you that fit in this category, so if you want to save some money, be one of the first 200!

https://members.mobilebeat.com - Register NOW!

Milos America (Truss Manufacturer) relocates it’s offices and warehouses

Ashland VA, April, 2009 - Milos America has relocated its corporate offices and warehouse to a spacious new building in Ashland, Virginia. The sales, design and distribution center for truss manufacturer Milos Structural Systems covers sales and support for North, Central and South America.

The 18,000 sq. foot facility is located near I-95 just north of Richmond. This central location enables same or next day delivery to east coast customers from New York to Atlanta. West coast customers also have the option of three day delivery while nearby port connections facilitate Central and South American deliveries. The new building is situated on four acres, enabling future expansion as needed.

Expanded inventory and a larger product range are immediately anticipated to meet the growing needs of Milos’ customers and in support of the successful QuickShip program. The company has settled into its new home as of March 30, 2009.

Milos America, Inc.

10520 Lakeridge Parkway, Suite A

Ashland, VA 23005

Phone: 800-411-0065

Fax: 800-411-0165

For additional information visit www.milosgroup.com or email info@milosamerica.com.

Empowering Your Dreams with the ADJA

The ADJA is proud to make the following major announcements regarding the Summer Show “Empowering Your Dreams” July 12-14th 2009 in Chicago, IL . We are extremely pleased to bring 5 major presenters to this conference all giving new seminar material to help you build your business.

Our Opening session Keynote Sunday night is Andy Ebon, Andy is a dynamic speaker & trainer that has built several thriving businesses.

His address on “Building and Keeping Relationships that Count” is a brand new seminar on how to better connect & build relationships with clients & colleagues alike. Andy will also present a new seminar called Facebook for Business. In this session Andy reveals a wealth of tips, tricks & secrets to success with social media sites.

Alan Berg from the Knot.com will be presenting “Understanding The Echo Boomer Bride & How to Market to her”. With more than 25 years experience in sales and marketing, over 18 in wedding related advertising, Alan Berg is uniquely qualified to help local wedding professionals achieve their goals. He is Vice President of Local Strategic Solutions and Director of The Knot Market Intelligence, the company’s Resource for Education, Information and Market Research. Come listen to him explain exactly how to reach & connect with this new emerging demographic.

Randy Bartlett will be debuting a completely new seminar called “Introduction to Introductions”
In this session you will learn more about the art of great showmanship & presentation to maximize the delivery of the introductions you perform at weddings, Mitzvah’s, corporate events & more. Building on the 1% solution program, come learn how Randy commands a significantly higher fee directly as as result of his abilities to create moments that just seemed to “happen magically”. This will be yet another not to be missed seminar.

Sean “Big Daddy” McKee will be presenting “Connecting Passion to Your Performance”. Anyone that knows or has ever been around Big Daddy, would tell you he is one of the most passionate performers in the industry. This promises to be a session you just won’t want to end.

Jeffery Craig will be presenting “Building The Million Dollar Business” In this seminar Jeffery will break down how you really grow a business. This seminar can help anyone at any stage of development to really start to focus on their business as a real business that can provide an income you can live on & retire from. Come learn from they guy who did it. See the website for more details on these & other awesome seminars at the world’s newest & freshest DJ conference!

As a Special addition, due to overwhelming demand for more information, both Andy Ebon & Jeffery Craig have both put together additional seminars that will be held the day after the conference ends on Wed July 15th. These will be priced at $99 and $200 additional respectively. Andy’s will be a 3 hour workshop specifically on “Blogging for Business Success”

Jeffery will be presenting a 6 hour workshop called “The Master’s Class”
In this all day seminar Jeffery will cover in detail how to take your current levels of business performance to the next level. This will offer hands on, one on one time to review your business plan & your business and marketing strategies.

The intent is to give DJs at all levels the opportunity to hear from the best & the brightest, and bring our industry closer together under the ADJA.

The theme for this year is “Empowering Your Dreams”. We would hope every attendee will leave feeling rejuvenated, empowered & feeling infused with more knowledge & opportunity than they could have ever imagined.

We will change the landscape for education WITH TWO TRACKS running simultaneously, one focused upon performance, the other dedicated to business, not merely a bunch of random overlapping seminars like at other conferences. Presenters will include topics on school events, beatmixing, music selection, marketing, sales, games, Quickbooks, growing your business, Mitzvahs, microphone skills, MC skills, weddings & much, much more. There will be over 20 seminars to choose from, introducing 7 brand new presenters. Coupled with an awesome Exhibit hall with over 30 companies showing off their latest & greatest gear, & awesome night time activities, this promises to be the don’t miss event of 2009.

The Summer Show & Conference is open to everyone. Registration for ADJA members is just $49 while non ADJA members can attend for the discounted rate of $149. There will also be a conference special for non members for $249 which will come with a year’s free membership in ADJA. That gives you the chance to step up to the ADJA for only $100! This is an awesome opportunity. Once again the ADJA leads the way in delivering the Summer Conference that everyone has been wanting for years.

For more information see the ADJA website ADJAConference.com for more details.

ProDJ Files: Ken Millen

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Good morning. My name is Andy Powell. I’m with Pro DJ Publishing and Mobile Beat Magazine. I’m here today interviewing Mr. Ken Millen. Ken, tell us the name of your DJ company.

Ken Millen: It’s called GotMusic.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: And how and when did you get into the mobile DJ business?

Ken Millen: Well, many, many years I was — and still am — a musician and I was trying to figure out different ways to combine commerce and art; and a friend of mine knew a guy that was also a warmup man in television; and we joined forces, and that’s how I began my business.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Fantastic. Ken, what geographical areas do you serve?

Ken Millen: Southern California, but primarily West Los Angeles, parts of the Valley — let’s see, how can I be more specific? The South Bay area of Los Angeles, Venice, Santa Monica, Westwood, West L.A., Beverly Hills; those kind of regions. But being that I’m mobile, I’ll go out - I’ve gone as far as — which isn’t out of state — Disneyland to do things and parts toward Northern California as well.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: What are some of your favorite receptions? Would you rather do receptions or bar mitzvahs? What do you like to do?

Ken Millen: I like to do weddings, and I like to do basically surprise parties, birthday parties, and karaoke parties.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Describe what is unique about your service and your market niche.

Ken Millen: Well, what’s unique about my service is being that I have musical skills in playing piano, besides being a mobile DJ, I can perform live at the cocktail hour. And by doing that, there’s that extra little novelty, if you will, that people feel that they’re in, at that moment, the moment of the intimacy of first meeting up with everybody, having a cocktail or an hors d’oeuvres, hello, how are you, and then I can graduate or gradually go into anything from light jazz and dinner music or a little bit of light rock, anything that they want; and then elevate to eventually the evening of dancing and whatever they decide they want as part of their party, wedding, etc.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Now Ken, I met you at the Mobile Beat show in Vegas, and you do a little niche job on the side there that’s very, very interesting that a lot of mobile DJs might not realize that there’s opportunities for that’s kind of different. Why don’t you tell us a little bit what you do on Tuesday and Friday nights?

Ken Millen: Well, on Tuesday and Friday nights I DJ for the audience for some major television sitcoms that have become household names. One especially is “Two and a Half Men;” another one currently is “The Big Bang Theory.” And why it is Tuesday and Friday nights is because in spite of what others might think from being out of state, it’s difficult to get audiences. So on Friday nights — I don’t know why they picked Tuesday, but they feel that Tuesday is also a good night to get people out and to a show. It shouldn’t be difficult; all the tickets are free.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Walk us through a little bit of that. I’ve had the pleasure of going to one of these. It’s unique to watch you work and watch how the cast interacts and how you’re able to pump them up with your music and keep them energized. Tell us how you got into that and some of the favorite songs that you like to play for the cast members.

We’ll start with The Big Bang Theory. Is there anything that the cast likes to hear?

Ken Millen: Believe it or not, their current favorite is “We Want The Funk” — if I’m saying that right; it’s a little early in the morning — or “Bring On The Funk” by Funkadelic — Parliament. The lead, Johnny Galecki, said, “Would you play that at the beginning of the show? It’ll get us into a mood.”

Part of my philosophy, especially on these shows, is besides the audience, which is of course very important, my telltale that I’m getting through to the cast and crew, because they’re doing their jobs, is if I see somebody’s shoulders shaking or a head nod, I know that my music is going across the footlights and into their heads and ears, and I’m pumping them up. But the bottom line is you can’t have a ballad at all throughout the evening. It’s got to be up music; otherwise you’re defeating the purpose of the whole thing.

It’s going to sound silly, but I have an accountant friend who had a guy who was a client of his who was in the warm-up world, and this guy went on to do “Friends” and other shows. But he said, “Would you meet, the two of you?” And I said, sure. And I started with my double-tray Denon at that time, and he got me introduced. Eventually we parted ways because he went on to shows where they didn’t want a DJ, but I had already by that time after a year or so established myself and created, thanks to the help of him and the accountant friend, a niche where people were going, “You’ve got to get this guy because besides the funniness of the warm-up guy, he just also extends the energy to a level that is just, dare I say, magnificent.”

So that’s how that got started. And then you get to know some of the producers. And over the years — and I won’t be so egocentric that I started it — but I was one of the early pioneers, if you will, that was one of the first doing this and creating this niche in the business. I created the name just because it was unique and they were all used to the years gone by of anybody from David Letterman on down warming up audiences.

And, “Music? We’re a fun show; a funny show; what would we need music for?” I sold them on the fact that after a while, people want to hear something other than the spoken word or something that’s familiar to them and want to kind of move a little bit and not feel intimidated in their seat. So that’s how that got going and I’ve been doing it for over 12, 13 years.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Moving on to Two and a Half Men, which is a huge hit, currently in syndication, what are some of the funny anecdotes that you might have over the years that you’ve worked on that show, or Charlie Sheen’s or Jon Cryer’s favorite songs?

Ken Millen: They’re all, whether it’s because of their age or not, Charlie Sheen loves classic rock. And he is a guy that keeps the cards close to his chest. So whenever I get him to move to something, whether it’s Creedence Clearwater [Revival] or The Doors or something of that nature; if it’s Hendrix even — which is not to put down to Mr. Jimi Hendrix — it’s a thrill. He is one of those shy, kind of quiet guys.

Jon Cryer, on the other hand, he looks like he is the dance hall rat of all time. He is a fabulous dancer, and on occasion he forgets that there’s an audience there, and a song — I can’t even think of it, but it’s more probably along the lines of disco or a current hip-hop song, that type of a thing, he’ll lose himself to the music and he’ll just start dancing up a storm. And let me tell you something: this guy can dance.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Now, you do work on a third show during the summer. Can you tell us a little about that show?

Ken Millen: That show is The Bill Engvall Show, and that one’s on the TBS Network. The other two are on CBS. That is with comedian Bill Engvall, obviously, and he plays a therapist who can solve everybody else’s lives with his practice but his family life is a little bit in upheaval all the time. And it’s really a clever show. He clearly is into — I mean, he likes as his theme song, I think, you talk about energy — he loves Katrina and the Waves’ “Walking On Sunshine.”

He loves to come out to that song. So we’re not talking current for some of these guys. They’re used to what they were coming up in the clubs with and stuff like that. But it’s a fun group. They’re very grateful to be on the air, and they’re going into, I believe, their third season starting March-April this year. And it’s unique to the people in television because there’s rarely summer shows. I mean, I know school systems can be year-round; at least it is here in Los Angeles, besides summer school. But TV usually stops in March-April, and this starts in March-April and goes through until late July-August. And the reason for that I feel is because he has figured out his schedule and he comes off the road to do this.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: I see. Now, you said you pioneered this. Are there any shows that you’ve worked in the past — these are three hit shows that you’re currently working on — but are there any shows in the past that you’ve worked on that some of our listeners and readers might remember?

Ken Millen: Let me see. What would entice the reader or listener that I worked on in the past? I worked on “The War At Home,” which was a big hit for the Fox Network. I also did a show for CBS, “Still Standing.” I did a very short stint on the show, “Joey,” which was a spin-off from “Friends.” I also worked on “King of Queens.” Am I forgetting anything?

There was a show that I truly loved that didn’t last very long called “Rodney,” which was Rodney Carrington, who’s a very funny man who combines comedy and music.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Oh, yeah. Rodney’s one of my favorites.

Ken Millen: And he was fantastic and user-friendly; all the above. It was, again, about a guy who wants to go into show business who has a typical 8-to-5 job and a homestyle life. But this guy was just a gem to work with.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Now, working within the industry, has that provided any additional leads for you in your wedding industry or some of the parties that you’ve done?

Ken Millen: Yes. It leads to — there’s always the wrap party, which is the end of the year. So I’ve done many of those for the various shows. There’s the Christmas party. And as you’re questioning here, I’ve done a couple of weddings for people; private parties as far as summer parties, that kind of thing. In fact, the Engvalls have said that we’re going to do a party and I’m always ready with my equipment; just give me the call. I think they want to do a karaoke party in the near future.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Oh, that could be scary.

Ken Millen: Yes, it can.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: So with all the business that you have, do you currently advertise? How do you promote your business within the L.A. area?

Ken Millen: In the L.A. area, it’s usually nowadays more word of mouth. I don’t take out any ads. And of course I carry cards with me. And one of the things I learned at Mobile Beat is to keep a picture of yourself that’s not too silly on the card. It’s straightforward, and I have my logo. But as far as advertising goes, that card speaks reams for me. People in the TV business have been helpful. I grew up in the Los Angeles area, so people know what I do. And I also have been able to network with other DJs that are members of — I’m blanking at the moment, but out here it’s the Pacific DJ Association, which is connected to –

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: The American Disc Jockey Association?

Ken Millen: Thank you, thank you. So stepping into that has been a plus for me, too.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Where do you see GotMusic go in the next five to ten years?

Ken Millen: I would like to see GotMusic going more to the point of where the private sector were as strong as the television sector is for me. I know that seems cart-before-the-horse for most people that are reading this article, but I have a stronger television business or entertainment business than I do with weddings and other kinds of parties like that. I have all the applications that you would need to put on these parties and know how to do them in my sleep — but to the point where I could expand my crew and have two or three DJs working underneath me and with me and growing this mobile corporation.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Ken, I know you did a lot of things on TV, but is there anything on the big screen that you’ve moved on to? I know you sing, and piano, and play a little guitar. What else? Have you done anything on the big screen at all?

Ken Millen: Well, funny you should ask. Two years ago I got the opportunity to work with Sir Anthony Hopkins, who was “Tony” to everybody that’s worked with him. And I played a doctor in a very small budgeted film called “Slipstream” that he wrote, directed, and produced, and starred in, and it was a thrill and a dream come true. That can be had probably at a rental at most Blockbusters across the country. So I still keep a toe into that part of the world, besides writing songs and playing piano and arranging music for singers, and occasionally putting scores to small little films here or there, wherever I can; doing my DJ business.

I really try to make the occupation, which I would hope all of us out there do — it’s fun. And if you know me, I don’t have much more hair to pull out, but it can be more fun, but it can also be pulling out a lot of hair with some of the personalities you come in contact with. But I’ve always wanted to be in an occupation that’s got fun elements to it, and those are the kinds of things I seek out at all times. Life’s too short.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Well, you kind of led into my last question. If someone was to remember something about you, what would you want them to remember you by, or what your mantra is? What would you want that to be?

Ken Millen: You’ve got to have Ken. He also brings fun and life to anything he does. He’s a joy to be around. He always takes it up a step.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: As an attendee of a Mobile Beat conference, would you say that helped you grow your business? I know this year you can’t attend because the writers are not on strike.

Ken Millen: That’s absolutely true.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Tell us about your Mobile Beat experience, at a Mobile Beat show.

Ken Millen: I had a really great experience going to the Mobile Beat Las Vegas last year, ‘08. I tried to attend just about every lecture that there was and got plenty out of every one of them. I met a lot of interesting people. Everybody was high energy, and not in the sense where, please, get away from me. They were enthusiastic and positive and very conscientious about wanting to advance, wanting to increase their business. And it’s the networking, and that was the beauty of this thing.

I mean, a guy from Arkansas can say, well, I do this in my business. You go, geez, I never thought of that. And little techniques as far as computers now that are coming into play big time as far as mp3s and all that stuff. And you can get technologically crazy, but people broke it down. You made your own decisions as to what would work for you or what works best. Besides that, you could see at — what is it, the last day, usually, or close to it; all the different product lines that are sponsoring the event, what’s coming out in the future, what’s current now, and talks with the reps and get a first-hand look as well as education on how things work and why you might want to consider it to make your job easier.

So from soup to nuts, from how to make a presentation and try and close the deal, be it weddings or bar mitzvah, private party, corporate events; how to employ start-ups for getting people to dance or different games and strategies. I found it just so helpful and so eye-opening. I really am regretful that I can’t go back this year. This’ll sound bad, but I long for another writer’s strike, though it’d kill my pocketbook, because I’m going to miss all the great knowledge that one can get from it.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Well, Ken, I appreciate you getting up early this morning to speak with us here at Mobile Beat. We want to tell our listeners to listen up; we’re going to do more mobile Pro DJ profiles. I want to thank today Ken Millen from GotMusic, and the neat job that he does. Watch Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men on Monday nights on CBS as well.

Ken Millen: Thank you very much as well. Thank you.

Andy “Cubbie” Powell: Thank you, Ken.

Ken Millen: My pleasure.

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ProDJ Files: Mark Evans

Ryan Burger: This is Ryan Burger, the publisher of Mobile Beat Magazine. We are here with another one of our Pro DJ Files, this time centering on the Detroit, Michigan area, with Mark Evans DJ Entertainment.
Mark is known for being a disc jockey for more than a couple years but also because of all his involvement in the work he does for Mobile Beat and for pro DJ, especially at the conventions. So let’s tell everybody all about you.

Mark Evans: What do you want me to say now? You just said it all. That’s it. Interview done.

Ryan Burger: Pretty much. Tell us how you got into this whole mess, with business going on, what, 30 years now, from what I understand.

Mark Evans: Yeah. This is my 30th year. I started in 1979. I was actually a dancer back in my teen days, and we used to go to the teen discos and I thought it was so cool to watch the DJs spin the discs up there, and I started watching them and one guy decided to pull me aside and teach me how to do it. Then from there, I started working in roller rinks; got into the club business in the ’80s; started into the weddings in about the mid-’80s, and kind of never slowed down from there.
Ryan Burger: Thirty years. I didn’t know that dancer stuff; okay. I thought I really knew you.

Mark Evans: Oh, you thought you did. I actually have a trophy somewhere buried in the basement fro a dance contest back probably about that timeframe, ‘79-’80 or something like that. Nowadays, I dance more like Michael Jackson. I think I was a little tough on the knees back in the day.
Ryan Burger: You’re in mobile DJ service currently. What kind of events do you do? What do you consider your target as to where you stick out in the big market that is Detroit?

Mark Evans: My area of expertise, I guess — I do family parties. That would be weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties. I really don’t do a lot of corporate events other than maybe a holiday party here or there. But I really focus on the family events; my primary market being weddings.
Ryan Burger: Okay. And you enjoy doing weddings? When it comes down to it, it sounds like you really want to be kind of involved with the group. You’re not just there to play tunes and disappear.

Mark Evans: Oh, absolutely. I am there to make sure people have a good time. I’m pretty interactive; not interactive as much as Scott Favor –
Ryan Burger: You’re not out there spinning on the dance floor. I got you.
Mark Evans: I don’t wear the flashy coats and spin around on the dance floor, no. But it’s whatever it takes to get people out in the dance floor, make sure they’re having a good time, make sure you acknowledge. One of the first things I learned actually back in the disco days was getting to know your people. You know, when you walk into an event you don’t have a lot of time to do that. You have to react fast to your clients, your crowd. Of course, when you have meetings with your clients, that also helps to get to know them a little bit. But when you can start kind of not really picking on people, but pick out people and have fun with them, they have a good time. They like to be acknowledged that they’re doing something fun on the dance floor. You can kind of say something about it. You don’t have to draw attention to them if they’re being dumb, but you want to make sure that they’re looking good, they’re dancing, doing something. If a guy’s out there trying to breakdance, say, “Here’s a piece of cardboard I’m going to throw out to you,” that kind of stuff.
Ryan Burger: Yeah, just little — it’s the job of the DJ not to be the center of attention, but to direct the attention to somebody. It sounds like that fits with you perfectly.

Mark Evans: You want to make them feel involved.

Ryan Burger: How far — I mean, Detroit’s got plenty of people so you probably don’t have to travel a ton, but where’s somewhere that you have traveled that’s a good distance from there?

Mark Evans: Oh, the other side of the state. Two years ago in May of ‘07 I drove to the home of Gerald R. Ford, as a matter of fact, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the other side of the state, to do a country wedding out in a park. It was a beautiful day, beautiful setting; it was about a three and a half hour drive, but it was well worth it.

Ryan Burger: How did they hear about you? Had they been to a local wedding? Is that how people hear about your company or do they hear about you on the Web? How do they find you?

Mark Evans: Actually both. A lot of it has to do with — well, with your help, learning how to do websites and Web marketing over the years. But word of mouth is still the most important. That wedding came because I had DJ’d his two other brothers’ weddings on this side of the state.
Ryan Burger: Okay. Your tools of your disc jockey biz — we’ll get into all the stuff you do for Mobile Beat and Pro DJ in a second, but your DJ tool set; what kind of equipment do you like to use? Do you get into lights? Tell me a little bit about that side of things.

Mark Evans: You know, it’s funny about lights, is that I have not done a show in years without lights. I’ve always had lights. I think your market will determine that. I know a lot of guys and gals that say they don’t use lights, they don’t need them, they never needed them; but in our market it’s always been there. For some reason, people assume you will have a lightshow there. Of course, we’re getting lighter and lighter lights with the LEDs, lightbars, uplighting, that kind of thing.
I also like to do video. I love to of video, as a matter of fact. I haven’t done a lot of it, but I love to put together photo montages for people, and that is a real seller, especially in this area right now.
Ryan Burger: Fantastic. Moving into what you’ve done on the national industry. You’ve been around it; how long has it been that you’ve been around ProDJ.com? You started as just a regular on the site, then we kind of pulled you into the mess of things that go on, and start to take over increasingly more and more of your time. How did you find your way to the national disc jockey industry, I guess?

Mark Evans: Well, there’s a funny story about that, actually, because I had gotten out of the DJ business in 1995. And then in ‘99, I believe it was, just out of the woodwork I just started getting a lot of calls; people wanting me to DJ whatever event. And I did like 10 that year, but it was also the year that I had nose surgery done. And I was sitting around for a couple weeks and I was on the Internet, and I found a site called Pro DJ. So I signed up and I kind of liked what it was, and I got a special e-mail from a gentleman by the name of Ken Heath. And he made me feel all nice and warm. Then it was probably 2001, was the first time we went to the Las Vegas show for Mobile Beat, and been hooked ever since. That’s kind of how that all started.
Ryan Burger: Well, I know your graphical work, your video work, which a lot of people see at the Vegas show in some of the commercials, some of the different bit stuff that we’ve done has just been fantastic for our usage. I imagine that your stuff’s just growing with what you’re doing for your own local service with getting into the montages and all that kind of stuff. Where do you see yourself going? Where do you see yourself, your business in the next, say, five or 10 years?

Mark Evans: I would love to do more of the video stuff; something more visual. I think — you know, everybody knows that a disc jockey can play music, can mix music; they can read a crowd. It’s the extra little things that you’re going to start being able to do for the client, video being one of them that I like; probably some different type of lighting effects; got that Wow factor.

When you first — you know, I started out with 45’s and albums –
Ryan Burger: And 8-track, right?

Mark Evans: I’ll ignore that remark. Actually, I never owned an 8-track.
Ryan Burger: Except for the one in your truck, yeah, okay.

Mark Evans: Except for the one in my truck. My sister did, and I loved the fact, in the middle of a song that it would switch tracks on you. Or you hit the wrong button and you’d have to wait 20 minutes to hear your song. It’s amazing, the difference technology — now we’re all computerized, of course, after going from CDs. It’s becoming more instant. It’s going to get to the point where you’re at a show and you will never have to turn down a request. You’ll never have to forget a song because you’ll be able to access it right online and be ready to go in a matter of a minute.

Ryan Burger: Definitely. I guess to wrap this up, describe what you’re like, for someone that’s not met you; of course, welcome them to come and meet you at one of the conferences soon.

Mark Evans: Oh, absolutely.

Ryan Burger: And then, what should someone remember if they met Mark Evans of Detroit, Michigan?

Mark Evans: I think a lot of people — my enthusiasm; a lot of people say my enthusiasm is contagious. I have fun in everything I do. I believe in a positive, spirited lifestyle. I love to help other people, as evident being a moderator on Pro DJ. This past November I was elected the president of the Michigan chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association, so that’s going to be another chapter in my life that I’ve got to learn how to do. I just hope that people remember me as somebody that’s fun to be around, and I’m actually pretty laid back most of the time. And I have a good time.

Ryan Burger: Very cool. Thank you for joining me on this, and see you in a couple weeks at Mobile Beat Vegas.

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DenonDJ.Com relaunched!

– Site’s new “Denon DJ Club” will provide direct access to news, information and upgrades to customers; features include artist pages, continually updated news pages and more –

ITASCA, IL, March 18, 2009 — Denon DJ, a leading manufacturer of reliable, premium-grade DJ equipment, announces that it has completely revamped its website, www.denondj.com, launching a brand new interactive platform that offers professional and aspiring DJs a unique and informative online environment for learning about their craft, exploring the company’s cutting-edge products and more. Among the site’s many new features is an innovative new “Denon DJ Club” service that will allow all Denon DJ customers to register their products and enjoy direct access to news and information relating to these specific products, as well as firmware updates, instructional videos, manuals and more.

Denon DJ Brand Manager Silvio Zeppieri stated, “The professional DJ arena is an incredibly fast-moving and fast-changing world in which working DJs really need to stay up-to-date on all the latest technology and artistic developments. Our new site will help give our customers the edge by literally plugging them into what’s really important in the DJ universe, including the latest news in product development and innovation. Most importantly, it will give working DJs a unique resource for learning how to perfect their DJ skills and improve as creative artists.”

In addition to the “Denon DJ Club,” the new website will feature its own music player on each page, offering visitors the opportunity to hear the latest hits from artists on a wide variety of record labels. Other key areas of the site will include a dedicated Artist page, Support page, “What’s Hot” page, Products page and News and Events page.

About D&M Professional
D&M Professional, through its Denon® Professional, Marantz® Professional and Denon DJ brands, manufactures and distributes a leading line of professional audio and video equipment for the broadcast, commercial, corporate, DJ, education, government, audio/visual, education, houses of worship, security and related industries.
Visit D&M Professional at www.d-mpro.com or Denon DJ at: www.denondj.com.

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