Why hire a professional Wedding DJ and other Frequently Asked Questions
> What does a Wedding DJ really do?
> What does it cost to hire a DJ?
> Do you accept credit cards?
> Why not just use an iPod?
> What if I already have my music?
> Are any discounts available?
> How long have you been a DJ?
> Is this your full-time job?
What does a Wedding DJ really do?
As a professional Wedding DJ, I wear many hats. In a nutshell, as your Emcee and DJ, it is my pleasure to take the pressure off of you, the wedding couple, your 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.
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.
Why not just use an iPod?
In the digital music age, some people are fully satisfied to have an iPod full of music and a big sound system. This person really doesn't need the full services of a professional DJ and that is fine.
For this situation, PA system rental is available and includes an engineer to monitor the equipment and start certain songs at certain times under the direction of your appointed person.
What if I already have 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.
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 the Pacific Northwest, moving 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.. One of my favorite things was being out in public with the listeners and emceeing concerts and events around the city. The most memorable among many opportunities was introducing Motown great Al Green to a full house!
I really enjoyed the radio business, and worked in the publishing field, too. When not on the air, I 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 community 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 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.