Wedding, Party, and Corporate Event DJ Entertainment for Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, and all of Northwest Washington. Frequently Asked Questions

Michael & Jessica Skoor
Bellingham, WA

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does a DJ really do at a wedding reception?
> What does it cost to hire a DJ?
> Do you accept credit cards?
> What about "iPod" weddings and other events?
> What if I have already chosen all my music?
> Are any discounts available?
> How long have you been a DJ?
> Is this your full-time job?

What does a DJ really do at a wedding reception?
As I DJ, I wear many hats. In a nutshell, as your Emcee and DJ, it is my pleasure to take the pressure off of wedding couples, their family and friends, and provide for a smooth and fun reception where important people are recognized, traditions are observed and created.

For a typical wedding event, I orchestrate what is happening according to a predetermined plan. In the weeks prior to the wedding I will meet with the couple to go over the plans and make sure all the details are worked out. Little things matter. I want to know how to pronounce difficult names when introducing the wedding party and family members. I want to know how the couple wants to be introduced. We discuss the facility, the other vendors who will be involved, your guests' probable preferences for dance music and every other aspect of the event relative to my services. I will typically spend a minimum of 20 hours preparing in advance of your event.

On the day of the event, I am often one of the first to arrive at the venue and among the last to leave. Sometimes I provide music and sound for the wedding ceremony as well as the reception and I have backup systems in place just in case there is some sort of equipment malfunction. I make sure the other hired professionals, like caterers and photographers, know what is coming up so that they are ready on cue for the toast or cutting the cake.

I am the reason you do not hear inappropriate songs played at your wedding reception even when your cousin requests one. And I am the reason your grandfather gets to dance to Glenn Miller if he wants to. I am the one who has each participant in place for their moment in the spotlight and assures that all the things you want to include are not overlooked. While there could be a family member making various announcements, it is your DJ that has the microphone in that guy's hand and ready to go at the appointed time. I am always working behind the scenes and on the stage to present the bride and groom as the most important people on the planet for that part of their special day.

What does it cost to hire a DJ?
I often get calls from people expecting a fast (and cheap) answer to this question as though all DJs have the same level of skill and experience. Many people do not consider the long list of things that a professional DJ does in preparation for an event and the specific skills and investment in equipment required to produce a quality event (see above).

The best answer is that every event is different and without thoroughly discussing the variables, I can only provide an estimate that is subject to change if the event changes. For example, while a typical wedding reception performance is about 4 hours long, adding ceremony services could make it a 6 hour event considering multiple locations. The fees are not the same.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Electronic Checks. Click here to go to the online payment area.

What about "iPod" weddings and other events?
In the digital music age, some people are fully satisfied to have an iPod full of music and just need someone to play it. This person really doesn't need the full services of a professional DJ and that is fine. What she really needs is a PA system rental and a friend to push the button. For that situation, I can provide a fabulous sound system and rent it out at a very reasonable price that includes delivery, setup, and pickup at the end of the event. A healthy damage deposit is required, but this is one approach some people take.

For others, the PA system rental needs to include an engineer to monitor the equipment and start certain songs at certain times under the direction of some appointed person. There is a rate for that, too. No damage deposit required.

What if I have already chosen all my music?
Choosing the music is a time consuming task and knowing what you want is the biggest part of it. The GoJonnyGo library includes thousands of songs and your favorites are probably already in it. As long as your list is provided at least 30-days in advance, your songs will definitely be available. You can even provide your own CDs, also 30 days in advance.

Are discounts available?
Having friends is a beautiful thing. For wedding couples, I will provide a $50 credit toward your event for each referral that results in a signed contract and deposit. Ask for details.

I have friends, too! An additional discount is offered upon proof of signed contract with a GoJonnyGo Preferred Vendor.

How long have you been a DJ?
Do you remember 8-tracks? As a student in the mid-70s I started producing multimedia productions for non-profit agencies by providing narrations and music to accompany slides. I was also a singer, drummer and guitarist in a local band. By 1978, I was a disc jockey for a local AM radio station in Whatcom County, then moved to FM at a larger station in the early 80s.

In the mid 80s, I was at the nation's leading station in my particular format, which was conveniently in Seattle. One of my favorite things was being out in public with the listeners and emceeing concerts and events around Seattle. The most memorable among many opportunities was introducing Motown great Al Green to a full house at the Paramount Theater!

I really enjoyed the radio business, but ended up returning to Bellingham and mostly worked in sales and marketing while continuing to do voiceovers for television and radio commercials with occasional fill-in gigs and some time as a radio news announcer.

Several years ago I DJ'd a couple dances for a local organization, then more requests came. One thing led to another and GoJonnyGo was born. Now I get to emcee, spin the tunes, interact with the audience and work really hard at weddings and other events while making it look easy. I love it.

Is this your full-time job?
Most entertainers who are not the subject of gossip columns do a variety of things, so I have some other creative — and not so creative — pursuits, but perhaps we can rephrase the question. Do you receive comprehensive professional service? The answer is absolutely yes. I professionally represent you and your family or business to your guests, offer detailed planning for your event, and provide the finest quality sound and music selection available.