Here's an interesting blog post regarding "Are Wedding DJ's Obsolete?" I would like to share with you. Granted, it's pretty long but I wanted to give you the entire article along with my response because there's a lot of people who really don't understand the value of a professional DJ. Please note in the video a newlywed couple has made a decision to use an iPod instead of a professional DJ for their wedding reception.
From Chris Brummund blog post:
http://chrisbrummund.com/2009/08/04/are-wedding-djs-obsolete/#comment-153
I've gone to my fair share of weddings this summer, and if there's one critique that I walked away from each, it's the wedding DJ. I wonder what's stopping couples from building up an iPod playlist, hitting play, and letting the music take care of itself. Outside of providing/setting up equipment (lights, speakers, amps, etc.),I wouldn't want the DJ to play any other type of role during the reception.
Here's why:
Who the hell is this guy? Why do we have some paid attendant with no affiliation to the bride or groom MC-ing the event? Wouldn't it be better to have a member of the wedding party, a relative,or a friend introduce events like the first dance, the bouquet toss, etc.? It wouldn't be too difficult of a task and it would give your reception a more personal touch.
Why the hell does he keep talking? To piggy back off the last point, you often find wedding DJs with their own agenda of silly games that are rarely fun and almost always intrusive. At one wedding, the groom had to publicly tell the DJ to stop after she started to interrupt dinner with"a kissing game." At another, the DJ had a fun little thing going where all the married couples slow danced, and he would call out a number of years (starting at one and increasing each time after) denoting how long each couple has been married. If you've been married longer than the number he calls, you keep dancing. If not, then you sit down. It was a fun little game and got all the parents and grandparents up dancing. The only problem was that between calling out numbers, the DJ just kept jabbering away with senseless drivel.Just let the folks dance and enjoy the nice music! Lastly, I get irritated when wedding DJs feel the need to keep the microphone in their hands and yell out stupid crap between or during every song.It's almost as obnoxious as those weekend party mixes you hear on radio stations like 101.3 KDWB. Again, all of this stuff can be handled by friends or family. If we really want some obnoxious yelling in between each song, I'm sure there would plenty members of the wedding party who could fill this duty after consuming a few drinks.
What the hell is he playing? I can be somewhat of a music snob,so I shudder when I hear some of the selections that wedding DJs play. I know the idea is to cater to everybody and play well known hits that people like to dance to. I'm OK with that. It's not really the selection of some songs, but the timing of how they are played.I'm OK with the Chicken Dance. It's silly, fun, and easy to dance to. But when a DJ follows the Chicken Dance with the Electric Slide, YMCA, and the Cha-Cha Slide, I get upset. Just playing all four of those songs in one night is pushing it, but all four in a row is too much. By the end, you just have a bunch of tired and disinterested people lazily stomping along in a line. I also can't stand hearing songs with horribly inappropriate lyrics for a wedding. I'm not talking about lyrics with a sexual overtone. Those are just fine (it is a wedding, after all). I'm talking about DJ's who play bad 90's alt-metal by bands like Korn or Papa Roach that have lyrics about suicide and school shootings. I know they have catchy riffs and beats, but they're just not good selections for a wedding.
Lastly, I'd just like to see a bit more creativity with the playlists. There has been a lot of great music recorded over the last 70 years or so, and most guests ages 20 and up have had ample time to get to know a lot of this music. If that's the case, then why do we always have to hear "Baby Got Back" and "Ice Ice Baby" at every wedding dance? Isn't there any other early 90's hip-hop that we used to shake our booty to as pre-teens? Arrested Development, Warren G, or Naughty By Nature, perhaps? There's a lot of great tunes that we all know by heart, and I wish I would hear them more at wedding dances.
I'd actually just prefer to hook up an iPod and create two carefully crafted playlists. One for party songs and one for slow songs.The DJ could then just be in charge of switching the two playlists whenever he feels the need to slow things down or speed things up. The song selection would remain in the hands of the happy couple (or just the control-freak groom).
So maybe wedding DJs aren't completely obsolete. They have unique goods and services to offer. But if I were in the business, I would work harder to give couples a customized experience.I would have them fill out lists of songs they want to hear and songs they do not want to hear, and then I would build playlists to reflect those preferences. I'd ask them what level of interaction they want the DJ to have with the guests.
I'd let them select family or friends to handle certain MC duties,and get their feedback on what type of games or traditions they want to partake in.I would bill myself as "Chris Brummund: The Unobtrusive Wedding DJ",and I think a lot of people would like it.
I actually have lots of critiques for every little detail at weddings.I won't share them now, but I will have lots of obnoxious little demands if I ever have a wedding of my own. I should send in my application for Bridezillas right now.
Here's my response:
Chris, you make a few good points but as a professional DJ note I didn't say a professional wedding DJ because I offer so much more services to my clients I have to strongly disagree with you.
I just want to say yes there are DJs out there that could make a very special event into something "cheesy" and trust me I would be the first to jump out of the window when I hear them perform. Before you or anyone else goes with the iPod route for your special event please take a few things into consideration.
Let's take a wedding event since you mentioned this type of event in your initial article. This is where a professional DJ could make or break a reception: There's a lot of pre-planning that goes with the client(s) regarding this type of event and you could tell immediately if this did not happen during the DJ's performance.
When I receive a call from a prospective client their first question asked is how much do I charge for a wedding reception and my response is I really don't now because your event could be different and/or unique from what I've performed in the past. Then I proceed to listen and inquire about what they want to happen for their wedding reception. Now I have an idea what they want and what I can deliver to them.
There are DJs who use what I call the "cookie cutter" approach meaning they are going to do what they are going to do no matter what the client or client's guest wants. This is where I think you had your awful experiences with these types of DJs.
As for using the iPod ask yourself when you go out on the town and enter a popular nightclub at $25.00 or some cases depending on the market $30.00 and you hear the music playing but you always hear pauses between tracks because someone has to manually change the songs on the iPod.
How would you feel? As for me, I would be ticked off because I feel like I'm being cheated. Devices like laptops, iPods or CDs are really cool but they can not compare to what an experienced live DJ or band can bring to your event.
Here's another quick example. Would you hire a non professional photographer, videographers, caterers, and etc for your most important event of your life?
It's okay to hire a professional just do your homework and you'll find the right entertainer for your event. I have attached a URL address that shows what happens when you hire a non-professional.
Professional vendors will provide the services you want and if they don't then you have the right to open the door and kick them to the curb.
Remember professional DJs are your friends not the enemy...
Interesting Wedding Statistics
AFTER THE VOWS...
72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.Almost 100% say
they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
During wedding planning, Brides say their highestpriority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment. 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.
These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.
For the record, I have the honor and privilege to work with three local bands in Delaware performing at various
events within the tri-state area of Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Shout out to the members of Chorduroy, Element K and A.B.O. Entertainment you guys and girls ROCK!
The main purpose of this article is to shed some much needed light on the value of professional entertainment for your special event or occasion. Hiring the right entertainer will make a difference if your function will be a success filled with a lot of great memories to share for years to come or a total flop with you possibly standing in front of Judge Judy demanding a refund for the lousy services you have received.
In the opening paragraph gives you details on how a few brides would allocate their wedding budget on their wedding reception entertainment. I'm very surprise to learn most brides who decided to have a wedding band perform at their reception would take an alternate route and hire a professional Wedding DJ.
When you are in the process of interviewing your entertainer don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Make sure to ask for references or a performance demonstration DVD from the company you are interested to have performing at your event. Also, research the company's website normally this will give you the indication if the company is professional or not.
And bottom line, do not choose an entertainer based on price alone this could be a huge mistake on both ends. I could list the pros and cons of Wedding Bands vs.Wedding DJs but I'm bias and I would give a lopsided account of the pros and cons in favor of using a professional mobile disc jockey entertainer instead of hiring a wedding band. I really encourage you to investigate and do your homework. If you have any questions regarding hiring a professional wedding disc jockey we would love to hear from you.
Here's an interesting article I wanted to share with you regarding the death of Michael Jackson and the impact it has had for weddings and parties. I've noticed a huge increase of requests for Michael Jackson's music when I'm DJing for my clients.
"The day Michael Jackson passed away we immediately noticed a spike in the number of requests for his songs," said Scott Kartsounes, CEO of DJ Intelligence® parent company Intelligence, Inc. and former DJ. "It was incredible how many people immediately jumped online to alter the request lists for their upcoming weddings & parties, making sure the King of Pop would be memorialized and honored at their events."
Since the King of Pop died on June 25th, there have been over 3,400 requests for his songs, up nearly 600% weekly average from the 12 months preceding Jackson's passing. "We were shocked to see such a significant and immediate jump," Mr. Kartsounes continued, "But then again, the King of Pop never did cease to amaze anybody. This is yet another true testament to his legacy."
Michael Jackson is no stranger to weddings and parties. Even before his death, Jackson continually dominated DJ Intelligence's dynamically generated "Top 200 Most Requested Songs" chart with 5 of his hits, appearing more times on the global Top 200 than any other artist. Hit songs include Billie Jean (ranked #17), Thriller (ranked #42), Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (ranked #55), Beat It (ranked #118), and P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (ranked #160).
Not surprisingly, the King of Pop also dominates DJ Intelligence's "Top 100 Most Requested Songs of the 1980s" chart, again appearing more times on this Top 100 than any other artist. Hits include Billie Jean (ranked #6), Thriller (ranked #11), Beat It (ranked #27), P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (ranked #37), The Way You Make Me Feel (ranked #49), Rock With You (ranked #58), Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (ranked #66), and Smooth Criminal (ranked #94).
"Back when I was a DJ, Michael Jackson was always my ‘ace in the hole.' Any time the dance floor looked a little bare I always knew I could put on one of his hits and quickly pack the floor. There was something magical about his songs that captivated guests, young and old...you just couldn't help tapping your foot to the beat," Mr. Kartsounes added. There's no question that Michael Jackson has shaped the playlists of disc jockeys around the world and will continue to do so well into the future. It's virtually a given that at any wedding or party you attend you'll hear at least one song from the King of Pop...probably more.
DJ Intelligence® is the service used by thousands of DJs worldwide to accept online song requests for their upcoming weddings and parties. Over 3 million song requests are submitted each year through this interactive system. DJ Intelligence® aggregates this data to generate unique statistics on the most widely requested songs at these events, including those requests for the King of Pop.
OHS ENTERTAINMENT provide DJ Intelligence services for our clients to help plan their special events.
How To Choose A Professional Wedding Disc Jockey
I want to share this video with you that's circulating over the internet of a disc jockey company's performance at a wedding reception. Please do not let this happen to you on your special day.
Choosing a wedding disc jockey for your function is one of the most important decisions you can make to insure the success of the event. Everything else can be perfect, but if the music isn’t good, the party will fizzle. Selecting the right wedding disc jockey can be confusing there are well over 15,000 DJ’s in America all promising they’ll do a great job for you. So how do you pick the right one for you? This article will provide some guidance to help you make the decision easier.
How do you tell which one is best?
Probably the worst way to choose a wedding disc jockey is on price alone. Some wedding disc jockey companies are more expensive than others prices can range from $100 to $2,000 for a 4 hour event.
That’s quite a difference, and it would be very tempting to choose the cheapest alternative. If that’s all you can afford, than you have no choice. But, consider the law of supply or demand. There is a reason some professional wedding disc jockeys charge more money than others: They are usually worth it than more expensive wedding disc jockeys, tend to be the more experienced ones they can charge more because they have a lot of jobs, and they have a good reputation.
Generally, the less experience wedding disc jockeys on the low end of the price scale are new to the business, and trying to get established. They could do a great job, and might be worth a shot if your party is on the informal side. But there is probably more risk with a less experienced person.
The best and easiest way to find a wedding disc jockey you’ll like is to hire one you’ve already seen. If you’ve been to a wedding or a party where the wedding disc jockey was great, find out who he or she was. If you didn’t get their card, ask the host or manager of the function room where the party was held. If you haven’t seen a good wedding disc jockey recently, ask your friends. Your friends probably have the same taste in music as you. Maybe they’ve been to a function you missed. Let them know ahead of time you’ll be looking, and ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.
If the previous suggestions don’t work, your job gets tougher. You might have to go to the Internet or Yellow Pages. Search under Disc Jockeys, Music and Entertainment. You may find Disc Jockeys listed any of these categories. Circle the ads in which the wedding disc jockey mentions the type of party you are planning. For example, if you’re planning a wedding, a WEDDING DISC JOCKEY whose ad says “We specialize in weddings” would be a good one to call.
As you speak with the DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone it tends to spill over into their DJing style. The most important thing to ask about is their experience with your type of event. If you are planning an event like a wedding, school dance, or company party, it would be normal to expect a professional wedding disc jockey to have performed for at least 20 of these events. A number in the hundreds is actually common for a wedding disc jockey that is well established.
Here's a very interesting article from my friend Traci please feel free to post your comments.
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The Tomfoolery, Buffoonery, and Coonery of BET: Why BET Scares Me
By: Traci
(This is slightly disjointed; I was a little distracted while writing this. But you'll get the gist...I suppose)
** Preface/Disclaimer: The title of this note it not what I had originally planned. After my mind had settled from last night’s awards show, I felt this title was more fitting. If you are in any way offended by the word usage, it might be a good idea to stop reading now. I won’t be hurt at all as these are my feelings (however distorted one may think they are) and I just needed to get some things off my chest. If you read to the end, and don’t think I am entirely crazy, then perhaps we can still be friends (**cyber hug**).
I try every year…I try to make an effort to give BET the benefit of the doubt around award time (whether it be the BET Awards or BET Honors). I try to grab a hold of my images of the BET of yesteryear and hope for the best, while deep down I’m scared I may see the worst. Unfortunately, this year’s BET Awards produced the latter in my eyes, but it didn’t always used to be that way…
Back in the day, I used to fiend for Video Soul like it was going out of style. Every Saturday, I’d pop in the VHS and still watched the show (yes, lame I know, but I was a kid and had nothing better to do). I eagerly awaited the opening of those elevator doors, when the (original) green-eyed bandit – Donnie Simpson – would emerge. In my youthful eyes, the programming of BET was on point…But now -- not so much. Last night’s awards show finally solidified for me that I, as well as the majority of my peers, are no longer in the BET target market. I guess I kind of saw it coming…where the focus went from Video Soul, Teen Summit, and news with Ed Gordon to College Hill, 106 & Park (whom I haven’t seen play a full video yet), and Hot Ghetto Mess (later to be renamed “We’ve Got to Do Better”, which is actually kind of ironic when you think about it). The direction that Debra Lee (or probably more appropriately Viacom) is taking this network is markedly different than Bob Johnson’s reign. Now don’t get me wrong, Bob Johnson is not my favorite AT ALL, but during his early entrepreneurial days with BET, the programming contained a little more substance (can I get an Amen!). I’m starting to question now if the network name shouldn’t be changed to Buffoonery Entertainment TV….oh wait…what about Black Exploitation TV. That’s how I feel I guess…exploited. Exploited and embarrassed (which was echoed in many of the status updates from last night). Now, I’m sure someone might say “Traci, you’s a fool…why do you care what programming BET has? What does that have to do with you?” Well, it has a lot to do with me and others in the African American community (honestly the whole African Diaspora). In fact, it has to do with the entire global community because this is a network that was established to portray Black people of all hues and geographic locations in a positive light…And that light has gotten dimmer over the years.
What is my gripe with BET? Well that’s simple – all my issues fall under the broad umbrella of lack of quality programming. Anyone who spends a significant amount of time watching BET should write them a letter asking for that wasted time in life back. There is very little that positively feeds the mind on BET…How many of you remember Teen Summit? Now that was quality programming…the topics of discussion and range of guests was the first time that many of us had seen African American youth in this setting that didn’t involve some type of sport. So what the heck happened to that show? It was probably thrown out on the trash with Prince Dajour’s career (who I saw a few years back outside Union Station looking homeless, aimless, and hopeless). So instead of shows like Teen Summit, we are now subject to shows that are not lacking in sexism, homophobia, misogyny, etc. Way to go BET! Thanks for thinking so highly of us (sarcasm off). Below in no particular order are some of the concerns I have with the current position and future direction of BET:
1.Lack of market focus/analysis: I love my young brothers and sisters. I appreciate their creativity, their honesty, and their expression. But they are not the only ones who have a desire to be a part of the BET fan base. I know that swag is high on the richter scale in today’s world, but swag should not be a substitute for quality. Don’t ignore the older generations BET; we were the ones who were your initial fan base. As much as we are frustrated with you now, we would love to see glimpses of the BET of old (in terms of quality) in today’s cultural landscape. Broaden your focus groups in terms of programming; you will only be stronger if you do.
2.Stereotypical Portrayals: Although I know some of the colorful characters we have in the African American community can be quite funny, please don’t overload your programming with stereotypical portrayals. Why you may ask? Well it makes it harder for those who do not fit any of these archaic molds to show the true diversity in our community. All black women aren’t loud and care to dress in scantily clad attire. And not all black men are uneducated thugs, whose main goal is trying to outshine another man. Show the diversity in our community and not just those portrayals that you think will help boost your ratings.
3.Lack of Balance and Variety: This is related to item #1. Because I believe that BET does not have a good understanding of their target market, their programming is inevitable skewed to the younger generations. I can only assume this is BET’s way of having their own niche in the MTV market (since both networks have the same parent company). And it terms of variety, one can only watch ATL, Baby Boy and Madea’s Family Reunion so many times. Removing some of these shows from your programming would provide BET with a great opportunity to test the waters for something different (and no, we don’t need more reality TV shows a la Tiny & Toya and Neffe & Frankie).
4.Lack of a Standard of Excellence: Although I think this is an overall network concern, it couldn’t have been shown better than during last night’s awards. The MJ Tributes (or lack there of) aside, the piss-poor/bootleg production of the show left much to be desired. I fully understand that the MJ tributes were last minute additions to the show, but the rest of the show…SMH. Poorly written monologues, spotty performances, crazy acceptance speeches, etc. had me muting the show consistently (I digress – Note to BET: Don Cornelius was not the right guy for the job last night). Do artists not care how people will view their actions on TV (clearly not…that was a rhetorical question)? I’m all for expression, but how about a little decorum? I mean, really…Debra Lee, I’m holding you responsible in this area. No, I’m not saying be a babysitter to these grown adults, but had you established yourself as the leader of BET should, I think others would follow your example of etiquette and excellence.
I could really go on and on about BET, but I’m sleepy and frustrated with thinking about it. Now I see why Aaron MGruder and Rev. Delman Coates pick on you so much. BET has all the potential in the world. They have a younger fan base that can propel them into new and exciting things in the future, but they also have an older (and somewhat disgruntle) fan base that wants to still believe in BET, but struggles with doing so. The ball is in their court. I’m waiting for Debra Lee and Stephen Hill to step up and take charge of a network that appears to be waning before our very eyes.
Do better, BET…Just do better!
As I’m writing this article I’m thinking about this week’s major news events with the passing of well known celebrities Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. And if you reside in the Tri-State area of Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware the passing of local media icons Gary Papa and Irv Homer.
All of these individuals had an impact on my life and they each bring fond memories when I think of them. As a kid when I didn’t have to go to bed at a certain hour because there wasn’t any school the next day (woo-hoo), I would stay up late to watch “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen. I absolutely loved their skit “Carnac the Magnificent!” and I would laugh my head off because Ed played the perfect sidekick to Carson’s character Carnac. The guy had an unbelievable laugh.
In the mid-seventies how could you not be taken in with “Charlie’s Angels” and Farrah Fawcett? She had the biggest hair and the most captivating smile. A few of my buddies had the Farrah Fawcett poster and some carried the Farrah lunch box. However, just for the record I was a paper bag type of kid when it came to carrying my lunch.
On the local front there was the passing of Gary Papa the sports director/sports reporter from the ABC News network affiliate in Philadelphia Channel Six “Action News”. I recall when Gary first arrived in town from Buffalo after Don Tollerson had left the station. At first I didn’t care for his style of sports reporting but over the years I came to respect Gary for his work and how he had such a great sense of humor with his co-workers.
Irv Homer was another media icon in Philadelphia. He hosted a daily mid day program called “The Irv Homer Show” on the news talk radio station “WWDB”. Many times, I didn’t always agree with Irv’s thoughts or opinions but I always respected his work because he was always upfront and you knew where he stood with the issues in Philadelphia.
Finally, there is the untimely shocking death of the “King Of Pop” Michael Jackson. Honestly, what can I say? His music has been in my ear ever since I was a small lad. My older brother and sister would play his songs nonstop. During Christmas every year they would play The Jackson Five’s “The Christmas Album” all the time. I’m surprised the record didn’t jump off the turntable and walk out the door because it was tired of them. That’s correct I did say, “TURNTABLE”.
As a disc jockey and music enthusiast, Michael’s music will live forever. I always receive requests from people when I’m out performing to play anything from his collection. Without a doubt, his music guarantees a packed dance floor when I play it. I choose to remember Michael Jackson as the entertainer who created unbelievable music and brought joy to millions of people around the world.
In closing, rest in peace Ed, Farrah, Gary, Irv and Michael. May God bless your souls. My prayers are with your families, friends and fans. Also, remember never to take the people in your life for granted. Give that person a hug and tell them you love them. And always stop and smell the roses.
Here's an interesting news report from a local TV station in Philadelphia talking about the rise in public interest of vinyl records opposed to CDs and digital downloaded music.
I consider myself a music enthusiast. I've gone through the different music format recording phases from the eight track tapes, cassette tapes, vinyl records 45's to 33's as well as some 78's, CDs and now the digital downloading era.
My favorite format of all time is the use of vinyl records. You may ask the "why”? In my opinion there is a certain character that can be appreciated when you hear the vocals and instruments blending together making sweet harmony. I agree with the record store owner who says the music of today that uses the CDs and MP3 files formats loses the true element as the vocals and/or the lead instruments are really enhanced thus causing you to miss the true production of the music.
As a working Philadelphia Wedding DJ, Delaware Wedding DJ and South Jersey Wedding DJ who started using vinyl records along with two turntables and mixer granted my lower back suffered but I always felt I had a unique skills to offer my clients spinning vinyl records because of the hands on feel and sound of the music you just don't get that same effect today with using CD players or MP3 controllers.
Here are a few comments from my DJing peers.
Forest "Doc" Collins: "There is nothing like the sound and feel of vinyl. I had to let it go simply because of the size and weight. I miss it though. Now I'm using the CD players at my "younger parties" so I can still do a little scratching for them. For the "older events" I use a computer and keyboard (still beat mix). It's tends to put my older clientele at ease."
No Doubt DJs
www.NoDoubtDJs.com
CustomerService@NoDoubtDJs.com
610-380-9555
Sterling "DJ SP-12" Perry: "That is why I will NEVER EVER get rid of my vinyl collection! Mp3 format is cool but I do notice the difference due to compression! As long as I can use a .wav format or CD I'm good but mp3 if u listen close there is some sounds missing!"
DJSP12@yahoo.com
So there you have it. I'm curious about your opinion regarding this subject. Please feel free to write a comment I would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time take care....
Guy
On Friday, June 5th through 11 a.m. June 6th the New Castle County (D.A.M.E.) Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers members Albert Schrack of ALBERT S. ENTERTAINMENT, Guy Artis of OHS ENTERTAINMENT and Chuck Wortman of ELEGANT EVENTS provided professional disc jockey entertainment for the second annual Relay For Life of Hodgson at Hodgson Vo-Tech School in New Castle County. Last year’s event successfully raised $133,900.
The evening began with the opening ceremonies. Although the weather was damp the spirits of the participants were high and they were enthusiastic about walking for a great cause. Albert started the evening spinning the tunes from 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s as well as today’s hits.
I arrived around 11pm and began playing tunes and working the planned agenda to keep the participants entertained with various line dances and taking music requests. I was able to keep the participants having fun with the “Poker Lap”, “Crazy Hat Lap”, “Pajama Lap” and finally the “Backwards Lap” I had a great time. However, the time had come for me to turn the reigns over to my partner Chuck Wortman of Elegant Events.
Chuck was able to pickup and carry on with the planned event’s activities playing great music and giving away prizes to the participants who provided answers to various questions on how to prevent cancer.
Once Chuck’s time had come to an end Albert was up to bat again providing Master of Ceremony duties for the event’s closing ceremony. The members of D.A.M.E. were honored to be able to contribute our professional services for a great cause and we look forward to working with the American Cancer Society again in the near future. Hopefully, with all the parties involved we were able to raise additional funds for research to find a cure for this horrible disease. Please note all the candles on the track were friends and family members who lost their lives to cancer.
The Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers
P.O. Box 1912
Dover, Delaware 19903
info@thedamesite.net www.thedamesite.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers Benefit the American Cancer Society
DOVER, DEL ...D.A.M.E., the Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers, will again donate its expertise to the American Cancer Society with entertainment, public address systems, sound support, music programming, and emcee services for three Relay For Life fundraisers in May and June.
“Each Relay For Life event is about 18 hours long,” said Alex Vaughan, president of D.A.M.E.. “It’s a pretty big time commitment, but the owners of D.A.M.E. member companies feel strongly that we should give back to our community.” Several of the DJs involved have lost someone to cancer or have been touched in some way by the disease.
D.A.M.E. is a statewide trade group of professional Disc Jockey Entertainment companies. The eight member companies have agreed to work with organizers at three ACS fundraisers, one in each of Delaware’s three counties. This is D.A.M.E.’s second year providing service to the ACS.
The first event will be the Relay For Life of West Sussex at the Nanticoke Mears Health Campus off Route 13 between Bridgeville and Seaford. This event runs from 6 p.m. on May 15th to 10 a.m. on the 16th. Frank Soucek, owner of Jukebox Entertainment based in Milford, will coordinate D.A.M.E. member company activities and schedules so there will be an uninterrupted program of music and announcements for the entire event. Last year, this event raised $134,100.
The second will be the Relay For Life of Hodgson at Hodgson Vo-Tech School off Summit Road in New Castle County. It will run 6 p.m. June 5th through 11 a.m. June 6th. Albert Schrack, owner of Albert S. Entertainment based in Delaware City, will coordinate D.A.M.E. member company activities and schedules at this event. Last year’s event raised $133,900.
The third will be the Relay For Life of Central Delaware in Kent County at Delaware State University off Route 13 in Dover. This event runs from 6 p.m. on June 12th through 10AM on the 13th. Mike Harrell, owner of All Tunes DJ Services based in Dover, will coordinate D.A.M.E. member company activities and schedules for this event. Last year’s event raised $75,962.
Also providing support for this effort are Ron McComber, owner of AAA Entertainment in Kent Co., Alex Vaughan, owner of Alex Vaughan Mobile Entertainment in Kent Co., Chuck Wortman, owner of Elegant Events in New Castle Co., Guy Artis, owner of OHS Entertainment in New Castle Co., and Gene Bebee, owner of Top Hat Entertainment in Sussex Co.
D.A.M.E.’s mission is to provide member companies with support, opportunities for continuing professional development, and information of interest to the DJ Entertainment industry. Areas of information include investments, financial management, sales and marketing, and legislative issues affecting the industry on the state and national levels.
D.A.M.E.’s efforts mirror those of national organizations like the National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME) and the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA).
We are professional DJs specializing in these events in the tri-state area Philaldelphia, Delaware, South Jersey and Maryland weddings, school dances, corporate events, class reunions, proms, graduation parties, pool parties and so much more. Please visit our website www.thedamesite.net to view our member's professional disc jockey services.
Here's an article from our good friends at Blush & Brushes makeup artists. I hope you will find it useful for all of your beauty needs and please checkout the spa party. Take Care, Guy
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