DJ, Event Rentals

1991

1

Cash, Check, Paypal

Feb 15, 2012

50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, R&B, Rock

Yes

I perform in the style that you desire... either "in the back ground" or "high energy".

Normally I wear a tuxedo without the jacket... vest and tie is typical.

No, I get it for them if it's available.

I have a backup DJ to work my "Club gig" when I perform at a wedding.

Shows are priced at 5 hours... anything less is not discounted, but acceptable.

Absolutely! I do all the weddings!

I have every type of light and equipment available to the market. No other DJ company in Minnesota has the BIG light show that I have available.

We have lasers, bubble machines, fog machines, mirror balls... just about anything you can imagine.

Set up and striking require about two hours each... this time is not on the 5 hour limit, but we must end the performance in time to clear the venue before locking the doors. Our ONLY requirement is two or three seperate dedicated power circuits. If the "Platinum" package is selected, we need three circuits.

We have an enormous amount of sound and light equipment. We require a space at least 15 feet wide, 10 feet deep and 8 feet tall.

We provide MC dutys throughout if requested.

By contract, our DJ's require a meal if the guests are dining.

I've NEVER missed a performance in over 16 years.

$75 per hour or portion thereof.

Only if it's out of the Brianerd Lakes area (exceeding 40 minutes) and is billed at $75 per hour of drive time.

Decor, Lights

Breakdown, Delivery, Setup

Do you use professional sound equipment?

 Professional disc jockey equipment is very different than consumer sound equipment.  DJ equipment is made to be road ready, professionally cased, and loaded with features to ensure a very professional performance by your DJ.  All of our equipment is top of the line, high tech equipment designed for the professional mobile DJ. Our current inventory includes 23 various concert quality speakers, with multiple amplifiers. We also use wireless microphones so you can talk to your guests from anywhere in the room. We are able to supply sound to one room or an auditorium. Back up equipment is always available. 

New in September 2007:  We are now offering a FULL stage (FOH) sound system for bands.  Our equipment includes JBL SR series speakers, Soundcraft mixer, and EV 767 mics.

 What kind of lights do you use?

 Tyrone Blue uses “state-of-the-art” high tech lighting. Many of the lights we use are “DMX” professional lights, just like what you’d see on TV or at concerts (package #2 and above).  These moving, color-changing lights are the industry standard in “professional high tech” lighting and currently used on “Star Search”, “American Idol” and “Millionaire”. There are only a handful of DJs in the five state area who use these lights; and, Tyrone Blue is one of them!  AND NOW WITH LASERS!!! NOTE: Lasers can not be used outdoors.

 Do I really need a DJ, or can I do this myself with an Ipod?

Excellent question... a pre-programmed wedding via IPod is certainly a viable option these days and there are a lot of "brides on a budget" that look at this option.  Ipod weddings are the trend now, but there are serious limitations.  You will need to have a quality sound system that will fit the room and the knowledge to put it together.  An Ipod can’t "mix" music and there is the "pause" between every song.  Moving a music selection around is time consuming and difficult and still requires an operator.  An Ipod can’t "read" the crowd and place the correct tune in the correct spot for the flow of the evening or the energy of the crowd.  An Ipod doesn’t take requests.  Then, there is the issue of the microphone and an MC to make announcments.  

Most high quality DJ’s will also supply professional light systems that greatly enhance the wedding event.  If you were to rent the above equipment, consider the stress, time and aggrevation that you’d have to put into the effort, not to mention the cost and delivery both ways.  

Do you have any kind of insurance?

Tyrone Blue Entertainment has a two million dollar liability insurance policy, underwritten by a nationally known company.  Most disc jockeys don’t elect to carry coverage, or can’t afford it.

Is Saturday night the only time to consider a wedding reception?

Most Brides traditionally pick Saturday evening for their reception.  However, there is a growing trend towards "off peak" reception times.  More and more brides are starting their receptions at noon on Saturday with the conclusion at 5 or 6 PM.  While this keeps more of the guests at the reception, they tend to "party" less.  There are fewer dancers and less excitement due to less alcohol consumed while the "sun is out".  When choosing daytime receptions, try to include some games and activities to keep things moving.  Note: we do these games on a regular basis, and can keep your guests entertained.

There is a slow movement towards Friday evenings and Sunday afternoon (Sundays are very big on the East coast).  By choosing these off peak times and days, it opens up much more choices for venue locations.  And, there is almost always a venue discount for these non-traditional dates and times.

I’m on a budget, why do Djs charge so many different prices?

I get a lot of inquires about the price of my show.  I also understand why a bride would ask that question first.  Make this comparison:  There are a lot of hamburger joints out there with different prices for your basic burger.  But, you’re in the mood for a filet dinner with wine at a five star restaurant.  Your waiter is at your side for every wish you might have.  It’s an experience you’ll remember forever. 

 "Price is the entertainer’s testimony of what they are truly worth".

My typical wedding package with lights, offers more top quality sound and lighting than any other DJ service in the five state area.  I equate my "Package TWO" show to a Las Vegas production at one percent of the cost.  Package #3 and above, will "blow you away".

So, how much do you charge?

 We currently have several packages with different price schedules between $595 and $1995. Extra power circuits required with package #2 and above.  Show specifications are listed on the "Show Packages" page. We can also custom design a package to meet your needs.  If your event is in the Brainerd Lakes area, the prices are standard for 5 hours of music and/or lights depending on which package you select. Mileage charges apply for events outside of our area at a rate of $75 per hour of drive time.  Distances of more than 2 hours requires one double room. 

NOTE: "sound only" packages are available as well as "lights only" and "video" packages.  Call for prices.

 Do you provide a written contract (performance agreement)?

 Yes! It is very important to have all terms of the agreement on a contract.  You should look over and sign a contract prior to any payments being made.  Price, time, and all other conditions should be on the contract. While contracts can sometimes be a bit daunting, they provide you with the information that you need to know so that you know your event will be carried out in a complete and professional manner. Our contract is in clear and understandable English.

 What will you be wearing for the occasion?

 Weddings are our specialty and a well-dressed, professional look is important.  The attire to be worn will be discussed prior to the event, and that may be formal, semi formal or casual, depending on your event. For example, a beach party theme might dictate deck shoes and shorts with a Hawaiian shirt and a wedding would require a suit and tie or tux.

Our "typical" attire at weddings is a tuxedo (without the jacket) including vest and bow tie (as seen on pictures page) so that the DJ isn’t mistaken for a member of the wedding party.

 Do we need to meet with you to plan our event?

 This is up to you. Many of our weddings and events are planned and arranged over the phone or via e-mail. This is a time saving approach to your event, but feel free to request a face-to-face appointment to make plans.  We mail you an extensive "Wedding Planner" after receiving your retainer, that provides information that makes planning and scheduling the evening simple.  Then, if you desire a face to face meeting, most of the issues have already been addressed on the planner.  Having had over 16 years experience performing, most of your wishes have already been incorporated into our performance. And, last minute issues are not a problem. We can add a “bouquet toss” or “dollar dance” in moments, without any glitches.

Do you charge extra for services during the wedding ceremony?

Generally speaking, if you request ceremony music or extra speakers,  we encourage you to meet with us to pre-plan all of the details.  Sometimes, we require assistance from one of your "people" to que us (stage manager style directions) in order to start and stop music for processions etc... we utalize two way radios for this extra service. This extra service is billed at $150 per hour or portion thereof (and must be "on site" with the reception).

 Will you take special requests?

 Requests are always welcome; after all, it is your event!  While there is a long list of songs that are considered “traditional” for use at weddings, changes in the format are always considered. Requests are “slotted” into the mix of songs so that they “fit” the current selection of music. This is done so that the “flow” of the evening is as smooth as possible (as an example: polkas early…top 40 rock and roll later, etc.). Many of the "Top 40" hits are "hip hop" and are fantastic for making the party rock as the night progresses.

What kind of music do you have and play?

 We have every type of music from “Big Band” to “Swing” and “Latin”. Our library of “Top 40” is extensive as well as “Country/Western”, “Rhythm/Blues”, “Rock and Roll” with a little “Hip Hop and Rap” when requested. We have every top 100 tune currently listed on “Billboard’s” charts. Of course, we prefer to play tunes that will get your guests out on the dance floor.  On occasion, brides have pre-selected tunes that they require at their wedding.  I suggest caution in this endeavor.  While the tunes may be your favorites, your guests may not concur.   I always like to advise you that most of the music is designed to get everyone up and dancing... This is their moment to remember your wedding for the fun time they had. Great dancing music can MAKE your party.

 How early will you be there to set up and are stairways a concern?

 Our "Package TWO" wedding show takes an average of two hours to set up to ensure that there are no last minute problems. We transport a very large amount of sound and light equipment to every wedding, and need that time to move all of our gear into the event building. We are not able to negotiate stairways and request an elevator equipped venue or main level performance area.  An elevated stage is acceptable.  Events that require our equipment to be moved over rough terrain, rocks or stairs are are not possible.  Long distance moves are also billed at $75 extra (if move is extended by 15 minutes).

We also need to have all of our gear packed and removed from the venue before the doors are locked.  Complete breakdown and "load out" takes an hour and a half.  If the venue needs to lock up at 1:30 am, we need to end the performance at midnight. 

 What if we have to postpone or cancel the event?

Any fees paid (minus the retainer) will be refunded if notification is made at least 60 days prior to the event.  The retainer may be used to reduce the total fee for any new event (if the date is available, within one year, and is the same or larger package), but a new retainer is required for any new event.  There is no refund within 30 days.

Our society is filled with a mix of different ideas and goals regarding your wedding. On your wedding day, you need to decide into which nitch you’ll be organizing your choices for your “special” day. Shopping for your wedding, takes many factors into consideration. The obvious first choice is your budget. How much can you spend on each aspect of your wedding that will yield the best result?

All across the United States, an “average” wedding is priced at nearly $35,000. This takes a vast scope of considerations into account… venue, dress, food, entertainment, flowers & photography, just to name a few. The tabloids are filled with suggestions on how to save a few dollars here or there, to keep your wedding at an acceptable level. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and do your homework?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what brides plan for when thinking about their wedding:
1) Ceremony site & person to officiate the ceremony.
2) Reception site
3) Caterer
4) Brides Dress
5) Photographer
6) Videographer
7) Honeymoon location
8) Flowers
9) Decorations
10) Limousine service
11) DJ Service/Band
12) Incidentals

Notice that DJ’s is almost last on the list, and usually gets the last “consideration” when crunching numbers. It’s too bad it works that way, because a bad DJ can ruin your wedding, and a good DJ can “rock the party”! And you find out when it’s “too late”.

Currently, there are Internet sites that are designed for brides on a budget, with suggestions on how to save the maximum amount on every aspect of your wedding costs. Some even give hints on how to “intimidate” your vendor into a lower price. And, sometimes they work. There is a growing trend in the wedding world, on how to maximize your savings, by suggesting to the vendor that his/her services will be “highlighted” to a mass of potential customers, if they chose to “donate” their services. This tactic works only once, to a vendor who is struggling in the first place, routinely with negative results. Don’t try this tactic… it’s doomed to backfire!

Normally, these suggestions work with wedding vendors who “need” to accommodate the customer due to financial concerns, and are therefore aimed at the struggling vendors who are new to the business, or have inferior services. Sure, you could go to Super America for your flowers. I’ve seen some very nice wedding cakes at Walmart. I’ve even suggested that a bride could save some money, by having the guests bring a hot dish. I made my own wedding cake for my wedding, and everyone thought it was a custom shop cake… but it took me two days to make (I paid a consiquence of time). There are certain aspects where you don’t want to “skimp”.

So, you need to ask if the savings (above) was worth the effort. Can you do your own decorations? Do you want a limo or a horse carriage? Just how much do you really want to spend for the “memory”? There are ways to save money, but there are consequences for some of those choices. Do you want to have your reception at the huge house overlooking the St. Croix River, or the local VFW? Over the last few years, the “iPod” wedding was the rage. Low cost, and ease of set-up. What most brides failed to realize was the lack of quality sound (that couldn’t fill up a small room, let alone a dance hall), and the long pause between each song. The level of excitement wasn’t there, and many iPod weddings were noticeably cheap. Trust me, your guests will notice, and talk about it later.

I have a saying that hits the nail on the head: “A performers fee is his testimony of that he’s truly worth”.  I carry a two million dollars of performers insurance (currently the only one in Northern Minnesota), and have a huge inventory of lights and sound systems. My lights rival the ones you see on American Idol & America's Got Talent. I am one of the very few lighting directors who use intelligent DMX concert lighting. I provide the bride and groom with a detailed wedding planner, so we can choreograph your wedding reception to meet your wishes. My “shows” rival the best of the best, and I’m proud of that! Your guests who’ve attended other weddings will notice the difference, and tell you about it later! I promise!

Can you find a cheaper DJ… sure? Can you find a “better” DJ… emphatically NO!  There are car dealerships that sell Chinese cars, and there are Rolls Royce dealerships. If you understand that concept, then I’ve made my point.



Tyrone Blue Entertainment   www.TyroneBlue.com