Release Date: 10.10.2010
Most musicians accumulate equipment throughout the years, so it’s only a matter of time before someone asks them to DJ an event. That’s exactly how it happened to me, and have since been “DJing” (occasionally) at parties and bars. What I quickly found out is that I really enjoy it since I love music, but dealing with people makes it pretty tough at times and can totally ruin an otherwise fun gig. What gig is the toughest? Weddings. They are by far the worst of the bunch, with Christmas parties coming in at a close second.
Weddings are tough because it is such a diverse group of people. It ranges from the kids that like to run around to the uncles and aunts with hearing aids.
“Don’t you have any new stuff?”
“Have you ever heard of XX band? You haven’t? Wow…that’s surprising since you are ‘supposed’ to be into music.”
“Sonny, can you turn it down? We can’t hear ourselves think in here!”
“Hey, can you turn it up? It’s supposed to be a party!”
When a friend of mine recently asked if I would DJ his wedding, I gave a half-hearted yes for the reasons above, but I have to say it wasn’t that bad.
Pros
The reception was outdoors and it was a beautiful Sunday with perfect weather. There was great food and just the right amount of people. I have to say I really enjoyed this gig. How could I not enjoy this wedding when the bride’s set list included Stevie Ray Vaughan, Led Zeppelin, Tori Amos, Cake and Van Morrison!!! WHAT?!?!? I really enjoyed it because I was able to play anything and everything I wanted and did not have to endure “The Chicken Dance” requests.
Cons
The only negative that I can think of was the lighting. Since the reception was outdoors, it was dark rather quickly. As people were leaving, they really couldn’t see each other, so they turned on the main lights. Well, with the lights on…no one danced.
The weather was great because a cold front came in. It made for a nice time. However, the next day, I was dying! I could not breath, was sneezing and simple could not think. Apparently, the cold front blew in tons of ragweed, which I found out I am allergic to. Zyrtec to the rescue!
Congratulations!
All in all, I rank this wedding as the best one I’ve done. Keep in mind that DJs can’t make everyone happy so it’s important to read the crowd and make them somewhat content and to focus on the people that pay your fee. Congratulations to Rita & Ryan! I hope you had a great day.
