Musical DJs Featured Vendor 4.9 out of 5.0
Get the best of both worlds! Pro DJ/MC and live music option from Musical DJs!
Haymarket, VA 20169
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703-598-4433
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Business Info
Services: DJ
Established: 2005
Employees: 5
Accepts:

 
About
Elegant, tasteful, multi- talented, and experienced.  The DJs and musicians at Musical DJs have been succesfully providing musical support for weddings and private events in the DC/MD/VA area since 1992.

We take your wedding very personally, and we want to spend the time to understand your expectations, especially since we know there is no "do over" when it comes to the most important and memorable day in your life.  From lighting and professional sound systems to a very complete music library and backup equipment at every event, Musical DJs comes prepared to provide only the finest in musical entertainment for you and your guests.

In addition to being a full time Mobile DJ company, we fill a very specific niche in the wedding music market.  If you want the luxury of live music at part of your wedding, yet also desire an experienced Disc Jockey with MC skills to guide the evening, we can create a package for you that will give you the best of both worlds, since four of our DJs are also working pro musicians.
Maybe you don't have the budget for a live band. A reputable and experienced DJ is often the answer, but where most DJ companies simply give you a DJ and a light show, our company provides the added twist of also providing live music for any portion of the event, performed by  the DJ"S THEMSELVES, saving YOU money while still providing seasoned musical professionals to handle what is sometimes the most overlooked, yet the most crucial part of many events, which is the music!

Give us a call or email today to find out how we can make your wedding a roaring success!


Portfolio 

Promotions
Extra 10% off 2010 DJ/Live Music rates if you book before March 31rst!  
Posted By: Musical DJs
We are offering an extra 10% off our 2010 rates for DJ's and live music, to anyone who decides to book with us, and h... (more)

Expires: Apr 1, 2010
Applies to Ceremony Music, DJ

Endorsements
Dan is the MAN!! He is fun, professional and knows everybody. He has wonderful packages and the best prices for the quality of service and professionalism that you will receive.

Frequently Asked Questions for DJ
What music genres are in your collection?
50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul, Strings, Swing, World
 
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes
 
Describe your DJ style:
My personal DJ style is detail oriented, fun, low key when needed, and interactive without being over the top about it ( unless you want that! ). I know music very well, and I am very experienced with event handling on the job. I interact with all your vendors on the day of, and make sure we are all on the same team.
 
What is your usual attire?
The two most popular are dark suit with tie, and tuxedo.
 
If you do not have one of the songs pre-requested by the client, do you require that they provide it?
I do not require it, but it is usually offered to me anyway, which is fine. This does not come up often. I have multiple ways to acquire specialty music if needed.
 
How many other DJs do you work with?
I work with 5 DJs, 4 of which are also professional musicians.
 
What is the minimum amount of time you will DJ for?
I don't have a minimum time, just a minimum charge, which is $350.
 
Is the client able to meet the DJ before booking?
Yes, always!
 
Do you specialize in any ethnic or international events?
I don't specialize in them, but I have done several very successfully. Examples are Mitzvahs, Latin weddings, Indian weddings, and also middle eastern themed events. I usually meet with the bride to plan the music and timeline to make sure I understand what is expected.
 
Do you bring your own equipment?
Yes, all we need is a 6 or 8 foot table and power outlets. The only exception here is if there is no immediate power, then we can help you rent a generator.
 
What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service?
Our extras include : dance floor lighting, ambient room lighting with LED uplights, extra sound systems for cocktails and/or ceremony, and wireless lavalier microphones for ceremony.
 
How much time do you usually need to set up? Do you require that the site or client provide a table for you to set up on?
I do require a table, preferably a 8 foot, but 6 foot will do. I usually need about 2 hours for normal DJ set up , and add 1 hour for lighting/extra sound systems.
 
Do you have any extra space requirements?
Only if you want a dance floor light tree, then about a 4 by 4 foot space is needed close to the dance floor for the lighting tree to stand.
 
Do you usually emcee the event or talk between songs?
I do emcee the reception, and do talk between songs a little bit, but always in a comfortable elegant style that is non intrusive to the flow of your event, and that does not draw unwanted attention to me instead of you.
 
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I do not require a meal, although I recommend you provide something, since my day starts much earlier than when I press "play" at cocktails, and having food for me will make it easier for me to focus on what you need, and not my rumbling stomach.
 
Will you arrange for recorded music to play during your breaks?
If I did take a break for bathroom, etc, yes, I would have music set up to play during that time.
 
What is your backup plan in case you become unavailable on the day of the event?
Yes, if something were to happen to cause me to be unavailable, I always have at least 2 DJs that can sub for me. I never have all 5 working at the same time on the same day.
 
What is your overtime rate?
My overtime rate is $50 a half hour for daytime events ( ending by 6 pm or earlier ), and $75 per half hour for all other events.
 
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge?
Only if it is over 75 miles, and then it is just an estimate of gas, tolls, hotel, meals. Otherwise, I work it into the total quote in terms of extra hours.

Additional Questions and Answers
Do you have a customer satisfaction or refund policy?

We have been in the music entertainment business since 1991. We would not still be in business if we provided less than stellar service. But still, our contract has clauses that outline refunds in the event of a no show, or other unforeseen circumstance that is deemed our fault.

What are your qualifications? Have you been professionally trained or certified?

Dan Lamaestra (www.danlamaestra.com) has had over 15 years of experience with weddings, parties, corporate events, and any other event needing musical support. Dan has a degree in music, and plays with the US Navy Band for VIP's and dignitaries regularly. Everyone that works for PM Productions has either worked with Dan for at least one year, or been trained by Dan before doing a job on their own. We are also certified members of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers)

What are your hourly rates?

We do not work with hourly rates. We base our prices on time of year, day of the week, specific gear needed at the event, number of personnel, and any other client needs. While our quotes are very competitive, we believe "you get what you pay for", and we provide what we feel is highly professional musical support.

Do you require a deposit? What is your cancellation policy?

We require a 50% non-refundable deposit by mail before the engagement. Cancellation policy is within 3 weeks of event, and initial deposit can be refunded under special circumstances

What is your experience? How many events have you done?


Between all of our Dj's and musicians that we regularly work with, we have over 20 years of experience working in the entertainment field. I personally have done an average of 100-120 events per year since 1998

Do you specialize in a specific genre of music?

As musicians, our live music acts specialize in jazz, but we also have a top 40 style variety band that can play several styles well, from pop and country to rock and big band swing. Our Dj's are well versed in Rock, Top 40, Rap, HipHop, Disco, Jazz and Swing, Country, and Latin music. In fact, Dan is originally from Argentina, and a fan of Mambo, Tango, Rhumba, Tejano, and other latin styles.

Do you take requests?

Our Dj's travel with a a library of over 20,000 popular songs, and if a request is made on the job, we can download it via a wireless connection! Even better, you can use our free online music database to customize the music you do and do not want to hear, all IN ADVANCE of your event, at your leisure from your home computer!

Can I provide my own music?

Yes and No. For specific songs that we may not already have, yes, but when you hire a Pro DJ, you are paying us to use our experience with events to keep the party going, and even the best prepared song lists must be tweaked depending on the flow of your party. In fact, it is better to tell us what NOT to play!

Do you have back-up equipment in case of failure?

All of our DJ's and Musicians have back up equipment if needed.

Will you also be the Master of Ceremonies (MC)?

Several of our DJ’s are very good MC’s. If the MC duties are more extensive than simple announcements, please let us know when you are booking, and we can assign an appropriate DJ.

What is your standard attire?


Tuxedo for formal, suit or shirt and slacks for more casual events. In some cases, we can wear a formal vest with a tux, no jacket.

Are you insured?

Yes. We carry a 2 million dollar liability insurance policy with a highly reputable insurance company. Copy of insurance certificate can be furnished upon request, and can also be directly emailed to your venue if needed.

How are you different from other disc jockeys?


We are different mainly in that many of us are professional musicians as well. We have seen parties from a DJ and a Musician point of view, we are fluent in many styles of music because we actually also play those styles, and a musician's ear and instinct can't be beat when behind a DJ Console. Also, we can actually play live music for your ceremony and/or cocktail hour before spinning at the booth later. You won’t find that anywhere else.

Tips and Advice
In the years I have been doing this, a few things come to mind as especially important.  One is availability of your vendor during the planning phase.  Can you get them on the phone or by email when you need their guidance?  Also, were they willing to meet you in person before or after going to contract? 

Another is area of focus.  When the vendor speaks to you, are they talking about  "the competition", or other weddings they have done, or all of their experience, or thier amazing skills/equipment...... OR, are they listening to you speak about your event, and focusing on how they can integrate and adapt thier service to meet your needs?

I encourage all vendors to to be customer focused, and to assume that no matter how many events you have done, you have not done the next event yet...and you may learn something new, so listen, and stay open!