School Dances: Back to the grind

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School Dances: Back to the grind…

I recently saw a post in a mobile DJ forum that seems to be a hot button lately for school dances. The grind issue.
Now speaking from my experiences from when I went to high school, the “dance” trends were a little different. It was all about who could show off their best MC Hammer or Michael Jackson moves or maybe a battle of the headbangers would ensue when Metallica was played. My parents did the twist and the stroll. And their parents did the swing and the foxtrot. But kids today are pushing the envelope and grinding teachers and faculty down to a fine powder.

So what is grinding exactly? To put it metaphorically, it is a vertical expression of a horizontal desire. This type of “dancing” is inappropriate for people of this age group and teachers are counting on us as entertainers to enforce strict “no grinding” policies when it comes to school dances. That being said, where does the responsibility lie? The DJ is there to provide music entertainment for the students and faculty. The chaperones and teachers are there to ensure that the school dance is a safe environment for the students. A true experienced professional who specializes in youth events would never encourage his audience to participate in destructive or lewd behavior.

So, what can we do as DJs to help create a fun environment without grinding? It’s simple.
Every consult that I go to with a school I always say the same thing. “Grinding for kids is like a big red button. The more you tell them not to push that button, the more likely they will.” I’m sure we can all remember when we were teens, we pushed boundaries and tested the waters to see how far we could go. The truth is, most students are there to have a good time. Not all kids participate in grinding. The best thing a school could do is to leave well enough alone and take care of the few “bad seeds” when necessary. The DJ can also support this by playing more upbeat songs with a higher BPM. Engaging the audience with a simple, “PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR. NOW EVERYBODY SCREAM” is a sure fire way to keep the excitement up and the grinding to a minimum.

All of these small steps can be taken to keep the kids happy, the faculty happy, and the DJ happy. So just remember the next time you are planning your next school social event… Don’t stress over grinding. Just plan on having the time of your life…

Finding a DJ that fits like a glove

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Finding a DJ that fits like a glove…

A fellow DJ colleague of mine posted this picture on facebook and it prompted me to do a post in our blog. Have a look.

I learned a very important lesson while Pryme Tyme was still in it’s infancy stage. And that important lesson was, know your strengths and even more important, know your shortcomings. This is a business where visual impressions have just as great an impact as ones “skills” on the turntables.

Knowing this, my message to my potential clients is always the same. Don’t be afraid to shop around. As a business owner and entertainer, my reputation means everything. Of course I never like to turn business away but, being a good fit for a client is more important than landing the sale. That is also why Pryme Tyme offers custom services for every event we do and our pricing reflects that. So what should you be looking for in your DJ? Here’s a few questions you should ask at your consultation.

Please visit:

to see the 40 questions you should ask your DJ. You’ll be glad you did!

Hope you liked reading this post. Be sure to visit us at www.prymetymeentertainment.net

LGBT Wedding on the Cape – Allie & Melissa

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LGBT Wedding on the Cape… Allie & Melissa

I had the pleasure of meeting this super couple earlier this year at a Starbucks in Springfield, MA.

One of the most important factors when I meet a couple is to make sure that we are a good fit for them. From the moment that Allie had told me their plans for a fun LGBT wedding reception at sea, I knew I wanted to be their entertainer. We chatted a little about some of the additional features we could provide and booked the date.

Fast forward to the big day!

Initially my assisant Jarrod and I were supposed to drive to Provincetown, MA (That’s a 4 hour drive) and meet the ship “Tails of the Seas” at the docks to get set up for the reception. Luckily, after a few conversations with the folks at Captain John’s Whale Watching Tours, we plotted a course to Plymouth to meet the Tails of the Seas and set up on the beautiful ride across Cape Cod Bay.

We set up a basic sound system on the stern of the ship on the sun deck and added a dash of purple and blue with our custom lightscaping along the sides of the vessel. It was a beautiful sight to see…

7 O’clock came and we pushed off and started our journey around the bay. We started the evening off slow with some easy going island music as we watched the shores of Provincetown disappear. The sun was setting, the sea was as smooth as glass, and the fragrant smell of saltwater was in the air.
We hit the lights just as the sun hid behind the horizon and kicked it into high gear. At least 50 people piled up on the back of the ship and didn’t leave until we returned to the docks at 10. People of all ages danced that night under the stars.

Jarrod and I were treated to a very relaxing voyage back to Plymouth where the crew had helped us disembark and send us off back to our home here in CT. It is experiences such as these that make what we do here at Pryme Tyme so rewarding.

You can read Melissa’s review of us by clicking the link below…
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding/UserViewProfile?wid=43df20cc563d8618

 

Weddings, Entertainment, and You

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Weddings, Entertainment, and You

Just over a year ago a bride called our company inquiring about services for her special wedding day.

She is looking to make her wedding the perfect day with every detail. From the perfect facility ($15,000), the perfect dress ($8,000), open bar for 200, a 7 course meal. You get the idea.

So, when she found out what it would cost for me to entertain her and her guests, she  simply gasped and said, “WOW! That’s a bit more than I wanted to spend” Once I explained just how much goes into the planning and customization that goes into her special day, she understood and decided she wanted even more.

Let’s think about what just happened there. With all of the other expenses incurred by the soon to be bride, the entertainment was simply an after thought. I asked myself a few questions after this consultation. “How many weddings have I attended? What did I remember the most? Did I enjoy myself? What made the experience enjoyable and memorable?” Was it the $8,000 dress? Or the $600 centerpieces that will eventually end up in the hands of the Maitre D’s girlfriend.  No, what I remembered most was the entertainment.

In most instances only 5% of the total budget for a wedding is spent on entertainment. Yet it is the #1 part of the reception people remember the most. So how should you hire your entertainment for your special day?

#1 Ask questions!

A well seasoned wedding professional will know weddings inside and out and will ask you what your vision is for making your day a great experience.

#2 Look for organization.

If the DJ you are interviewing looks disheveled on your first meeting and doesn’t have a well thought out presentation for you, stop and ask yourself, “I wonder what he will be like on my wedding day.” A professional will come prepared to speak with you about your day and inform you of all of the options he can provide you to make your reception a success.

#3 Ask for a proof of insurance.

State and Federal law requires companies to carry liability insurance. Noone plans an accident. But they do happen. You wouldn’t drive without auto insurance would you?

#4 Ask to see a copy of a contract before you book with your DJ.

A contract is a legal agreement that ensures that your DJ will serve you and that you will pay for services rendered.

#5 Ask  your DJ what they will do should there be an emergency?

Most mobile entertainment companies always have a backup dj should one be required. Backup equipment is also a must.

#6 Ask for testimonials and references.

Nothing will tell you more about the DJ you are about to hire than his previous customers. Check sites like weddingwire, theknot, and more for references and reviews.

#7 How much experience does your DJ have?

Most professional wedding  entertainers go through training with other seasoned veterans before their first wedding. This prepares them for anything from how to read a crowd to equipment operation and everything in between.

#8 Don’t settle! Shop around.

You are making a large investment in the perfect wedding. Make sure you feel comfortable with your DJ. The most important factor in finding the right DJ is making sure they are a good fit.

#9 Find the best value.

Remember the old saying your parent’s used to say… “You get what you pay for”
Just like vehicles, tools, and appliances, the same rule applies to entertainment. Value is perception in the eye of the beholder. This being said, think of your entertainment is an investment not just music.

#10 Call your DJ frequently before your big day!

DJ’s need to  know about changes sooner than later. This enables your DJ to make sure that your day runs smoothly as possible.

Follow these 10 simple steps when hiring an entertainer for your special day. And always remember, great entertainment makes for great memories.  I hope you enjoyed this article. We look forward to hearing from you!

Disc Jockeys & Entertainers “There’s a difference?”

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Disc Jockeys & Entertainers “There’s a difference?”

I had recently had a consultation with a mother and daughter who were looking for disc jockeys for a sweet 16. As you might know, sweet 16′s have evolved due to the tremendous popularity of the MTV show, “My Super Sweet 16″ And it’s all about keeping up with the Jones’s.

So when my client had asked me, “So, what do you do? Do you play music or what?” I replied, “I am an entertainer.” There are many types of entertainment to choose from when it comes time to plan your event. There are disc jockeys, bands, comedians, magicians, and the list goes on. But what is the difference between disc jockeys and an entertainer? The difference is simple. Let’s take a look at what the function of a disc jockey is. This is what WikiPedia had to say.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

“DJ” redirects here. For other uses, see DJ (disambiguation). A disc jockey, also known as DJ (or deejay), is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, disk referred to phonograph records, while disc referred to the Compact Disc, and has become the more common spelling. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium. There are several types of disc jockeys. Radio DJs introduce and play music that is broadcast on AM, FM, shortwave, digital, or internet radio stations. Club DJs select and play music in bars, nightclubs,discothèques, at raves, or even in a stadium. Hip hop disc jockeys select and play music using multiple turntables, often to back up one or more MCs, and they may also do turntable scratching to create percussive sounds. In reggae, the disc jockey (deejay) is a vocalist who raps, “toasts“, or chats over pre-recorded rhythm tracks while the individual choosing and playing them is referred to as a selector.[1] Mobile DJs travel with portable sound systems and play recorded music at a variety of events.

 

Ok, now that we know what a DJ is, what is an entertainer?

 

An entertainer has many functions other than just playing music. An entertainer puts on a performance and captivates an audience. By choosing the right music, wearing the right outfit, and creating the right energy for the event, an entertainer can provide hours of amusement for people of all ages, and all walks of life.

I recently went to an event on a night off to go dancing and have some fun. Of course I made it a point to meet the DJ and chat with him a bit. He was a very nice man and seemed to enjoy what he was doing. But, for some reason, the crowd seemed to look a little stale. Their faces had no expression, they were just meandering about the floor in their own worlds not really caring what was being played. For the cover charge that I paid that night, I really expected more… There was little to no interaction with the audience and kind of like a jukebox, the music played song after song from somewhere in the room…That was the perfect example of what a DJ is. Someone who plays music in a sequence at an event, club, or on the radio.

The first concern of my clients was the cost of their entertainment. They had thought that $300 was a fair price for a disc jockey for the evening. Based on the story from above, I would have to agree. But they wanted more than that. They wanted their audience to dance, to laugh, to smile, and to remember her sweet 16 as the best party they ever attended…

I told my sweet 16 clients this story to find out what they were looking for in regards to the evening’s entertainment. They understood at that point that they were working with an entertainer, not just a DJ. She chose her favorite colors to uplight the architecture in the room, the starry sky on the ceiling, and the New York City nightclub dancefloor she was looking for that she saw on TV.

Fast forward to the party, I started off the evening playing some music that went through the ages. Grandparents could be seen tapping their feet and singing to their favorite swing tunes, parents smiled as they walked in the room and felt the warmth of the ambiance created by the lighting.

Dinner was served and the words of “Sweet Caroline” (The RED SOX Theme Song) could be heard and grandparents, parents, and kids alike were swaying to the music. We haven’t even started dancing yet and they were enjoying themselves.

Once we opened the dancefloor, it filled up 3 couples at a time until they were shoulder to shoulder. The energy built over the next 3 hours until the last song “or so they thought”. By this time the crowd has lost a few shirts, their high heels, and everyone was exhausted, sore, and sweaty from dancing for so long… And just when they thought it was all over, I started to play the song, “The Time (Dirty Bit)” from the Black Eyed Peas to end the evening. The crowd erupted into a frenzy. Hands were back in the air, people were shouting the lyrics, “I…had…the time of my life……”

When the song was over, the lights went on, and people, still smiling and laughing, started to file out. The daughter and mother both came up to me and said, “You were amazing. Everything was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for more. People will remember this night for the rest of their lives. I am so glad we chose you. You were right, you are an entertainer.” And that’s the difference between a disc jockey, and an entertainer. I hope you enjoyed this story. Until next time…

TAX DEDUCTIBLE WEDDING

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Did you know that you can write off your wedding? It’s true. Take a look at tax deductible wedding.

From: FOX NEWS

Sabrina Rivers – Wedding Planner and Author of The tax deductible wedding

Can you really write off this wedding?

“Yes you can. Some of the four points that I like to talk about is location. Most people don’t realize that if you have your wedding at a museum or a historical house, zoo, or botanical garden, that is tax deductible because these places are considered non-profit. A lot of them have the 501-C3B designation by the government to be tax exempt.”

So in other words, the money you pay for your wedding reception is considered a charitable contribution?

” You may not be able to deduct all of it, but you will certainly be able to deduct a huge part of it.”

Now what about food? If the facility supplies the food and flowers, that can’t be tax deductible can it?

“Well, food and flowers can also be deductible. Different food banks have different restrictions but, you can certainly donate your food to a shelter, and your flowers can be donated to a children’s hospital, a Ronald McDonald house, or hospice. I am a hospice volunteer and people donate flowers all of the time. ”

“And also, some people don’t usually think about this but, what are you going to do with your dress? A lot of people decide to save them for later, or you can also donate your dress to charities such as brides against cancer, or the salvation army, and even goodwill. That is also a tax deduction. “

“Now here’s another idea. Have you ever thought about your honeymoon being tax deductible? You can take a volunteer vacation. There are global volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, the Sierra Club… You’re helping others and you’re getting a tax deduction. ”

“Some people, in lieu of wedding gifts, make charitable contributions. Everyone feels differently. You might get a few people who think it’s cheesy, and some others may be very very comfortable about helping others. There are lots of charitable places like the I Do Foundation located in Washington DC.”

– To get your copy of Sabrina’s Book click on the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Tax-Deductible-Wedding-More-Less-Fret/dp/0762750863

Behind the Music – The Pryme Tyme Entertainment Story…

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Behind the Music – The Pryme Tyme Entertainment Story…

During the summer 1993 my father purchased a sound system for my band to use. Later on that year, the band broke up and I was still left with this sound system.

I loved music and had quite a diverse library that included cassettes, vinyl, and a few CD’s. (They were $22 a piece back then). I then thought it would be a neat idea to try to make money with this great equipment I had.

I started off slow doing parties for friends and landed my first paying gig at the Elks Club on Friday nights paying me just $100 per night. Because I was playing for an older crowd, it really helped me diversify and learn about all genres of music as well as the music of my generation.

That being said, In the fall of 1995 I started Pryme Tyme DJ company. A good friend of mine partnered up with me and he took care of the bar/younger gigs and I started doing weddings.

I was also working for a production house called TECH Services (now TECH Theatrical). I got my first taste of the entertainment industry and all it had to offer. At the age of 16 I was working as a technician for presidential visits, and gubernatorial debates.

Years later I worked for one of the top DJ companies in CT. Powerstation Events. I learned more about efficiency, technology, and service excellence.

Fast forward to 2000, I went back on my own as Pryme Tyme Entertainment and started incorporating my connections and networking into the business. This helped me grow tremendously in the marketplace not only offering DJ services but lighting, sound reinforcement, staging and rigging, and just about anything else you can think of to put on an event.

In 2008 I relaunched Pryme Tyme Entertainment in Central New York and after the economy fell through, moved back to CT. In February 2010, Pryme Tyme Entertainment and TECH Theatrical joined forces to provide Southern New England with all of it’s production needs.

Looking back now at how far I have come in 15 years, I would do it all over again. I have the best job in the world, in a very diverse marketplace. One thing has not changed over the past decade and a half, my goal is great entertainment, excellent service, and exceptional value.

Hope you enjoyed this story.

-Aaron DeMarest
President
Pryme Tyme Entertainment
www.prymetymeentertainment.net