Friday, January 3, 2014
Public Shows-1st Tuesday!
Come on down to The Clarion Hotel on the 1st Tuesday every month. My 16 piece big band plays dance/swing music from 7-9. I also MC the show and play some DJ music before and after our show. The address is 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, right next to Arden Fair Mall. There is no cover charge and it's a beautiful large room with all wood dance floor and full bar and dinner menu available.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Thanks for the kind words.
"We greatly, greatly enjoyed your work" -General Manager, The Firehouse, Old Town, Sacramento. That quote is part of an email I got from the GM at The Firehouse in Old Sac. It's a GREAT venue with fantastic staff. Amazing what you can do when working with other high end pros. As Arnold would say "I'll be back!"
Thursday, May 30, 2013
See your DJ/MC in action?
Hiring a DJ/MC is difficult because you don't often get a chance to see them in action. What you really want to see is how they handle the crowd, how they sound on the mic and generally look while "at work". On the 1st Tuesday of every month, my big band plays a public show and you can come see me "at work" on the mic, leading the band and playing "DJ" music during our breaks and after our show. We're at The Clarion Hotel (formerly Red Lion) at 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, next to Arden Fair Mall. The band plays from 7-9 and there is no cover charge. Come see your DJ/MC "at work" and listen to Sacramento's finest 16-piece dance/swing big band.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
What's in a name?
Hey, I changed my business name this weekend to Folsom Wedding DJ & Lighting. Located in the historic town of Folsom, CA, I provide Wedding Entertainment Planning & DJ/MC services in the Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, CA area. Here's a shot of my new wireless uplights, coming in soon. I'll now have 30 accent uplights for my events. 
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
You can quote me!
"(Folsom DJ Ron Davis) really helped make all the entertainment run smoothly. I am soooo grateful...." is part of a thank you email I recently received after one of my events. Personal referrals are a big part of my business and I always ask for written feedback after every party!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Avoid these Top 10 Blunders!
Meredith Bodgas of the KNOT offers these great tips:
1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices.
When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.
2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone.
Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn't final. And it shouldn't be: Friends you're close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.
3. You will regret it if you skip videography.
Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you'll see things you may have missed on the day.
4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress.
Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn't mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you're not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations, too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well.
5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors.
You're choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it's tempting to control every detail so you're guaranteed to love the results, but you won't have the time, and you certainly don't have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And, you know what? They almost always will.
6. Think hard before you pick your attendants.
Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you'd trust to be there when you most need them. You don't know new friends well enough yet to be sure they'll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you'll likely regret.
7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans.
It's so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more opinions you're going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that you're changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma's cookies, they won't be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that's not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grand finale.
8. Seriously, stop booking your salon appointments last.
We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don't want your 'do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylists will likely get to you late if you're last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants'. It's not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated (read: quick) hairstyle if she's pressed for time. That's not an option for you.
9. Don't even think about speeding through photos.
Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn't enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you'll look more relaxed in your pictures (and those first few never come out as well as you hope). Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.
10. Avoid "hiring" a friend instead of a pro.
Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn't mean he'll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won't leave home without her Flip — this doesn't make her a videographer! Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don't you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?
1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices.
When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.
2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone.
Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn't final. And it shouldn't be: Friends you're close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.
3. You will regret it if you skip videography.
Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you'll see things you may have missed on the day.
4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress.
Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn't mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you're not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations, too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well.
5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors.
You're choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it's tempting to control every detail so you're guaranteed to love the results, but you won't have the time, and you certainly don't have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And, you know what? They almost always will.
6. Think hard before you pick your attendants.
Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you'd trust to be there when you most need them. You don't know new friends well enough yet to be sure they'll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you'll likely regret.
7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans.
It's so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more opinions you're going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that you're changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma's cookies, they won't be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that's not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grand finale.
8. Seriously, stop booking your salon appointments last.
We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don't want your 'do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylists will likely get to you late if you're last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants'. It's not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated (read: quick) hairstyle if she's pressed for time. That's not an option for you.
9. Don't even think about speeding through photos.
Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn't enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you'll look more relaxed in your pictures (and those first few never come out as well as you hope). Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.
10. Avoid "hiring" a friend instead of a pro.
Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn't mean he'll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won't leave home without her Flip — this doesn't make her a videographer! Even on a tight budget, you're much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don't you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What does a Pro DJ do???
What does a pro DJ do?
A good Wedding Entertainment Coordinator (DJ/MC) does many things. Let's go with a list:
1. I listen. I listen to you describe your event. Are you describing an elegant affair or a more informal gathering? Elegant does not mean "not" fun and informal does not preclude formalities. You set the tone and create the vision for your event. Once I understand your vision, I can suggest ways to help you create your unique celebration.
2. I suggest. Perhaps you'd like a harp player for your ceremony? Maybe a saxophone, flute or trumpet soloist or small chamber group? Perhaps traditional pre-recorded soft classical music? How will the intros go? I did one last summer where each couple in the wedding party being introduced had their own song. Each tune had a special meaning for them. It took a long time to make the mix but it came off great. At the end of the wedding party intros, the music faded into the bride & groom's 1st dance song and after being introduced, they went straight to the (now) soft-lit dance floor for their 1st dance. As far as the planning, time lines, music selections, etc., there are many tools I have for planning your reception. My online wedding reception planner is actually fun to use! You can work on it and save your work until it's complete and then, with the push of a button, have it sent directly to me via email.
3. I listen. I listen again to your music choices and help you find just the right mix of music for cocktails, dinner & dancing. Using my online music selection software, you and your fiance can put any song into a MUST play, PLEASE play or DO NOT play category. With the push of a button, your choices are emailed directly to me. Fun stuff!
4. I suggest. Working with my understanding of your vision (do you want lots of dancing or a mixture of mingling/dancing?), and my experience of dealing with dance crowds, I may have some suggestions for your song list.
5. I coordinate. Before your event, I contact every listed vendor and verify time lines and activity schedules.
6. I produce. At the event, I communicate with each vendor to help your event run smoothly. Before I announce that dinner is served, I have already verified the caterers are ready. I speak directly with the photographer before each major activity so that no moment is lost. I am your onsite coordinator. If you have a "day-of coordinator" onsite or the venue provides one, I work closely with them to ensure a stress-free, smooth flow of events.
7. You party! Once we transition into the dance party, I mix your song requests with those of your guests. I take requests via text message or live! It seems everybody is texting these days so that's a great way for them to communicate with me during the dance.
I use and highly recommend this great new book by the "King" of Wedding DJs Peter Merry: It's called "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" and is full of great ideas to make your event unique, elegant and fun.
Click here for more info on this great reference book!
Producing Entertainment for Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions is just one of the many services I offer. I also produce entertainment for:
* Anniversaries
* Birthday Parties
* Corporate Events
* Bar Mitzvahs
* Karaoke Contests
* Any Celebration!
A good Wedding Entertainment Coordinator (DJ/MC) does many things. Let's go with a list:
1. I listen. I listen to you describe your event. Are you describing an elegant affair or a more informal gathering? Elegant does not mean "not" fun and informal does not preclude formalities. You set the tone and create the vision for your event. Once I understand your vision, I can suggest ways to help you create your unique celebration.
2. I suggest. Perhaps you'd like a harp player for your ceremony? Maybe a saxophone, flute or trumpet soloist or small chamber group? Perhaps traditional pre-recorded soft classical music? How will the intros go? I did one last summer where each couple in the wedding party being introduced had their own song. Each tune had a special meaning for them. It took a long time to make the mix but it came off great. At the end of the wedding party intros, the music faded into the bride & groom's 1st dance song and after being introduced, they went straight to the (now) soft-lit dance floor for their 1st dance. As far as the planning, time lines, music selections, etc., there are many tools I have for planning your reception. My online wedding reception planner is actually fun to use! You can work on it and save your work until it's complete and then, with the push of a button, have it sent directly to me via email.
3. I listen. I listen again to your music choices and help you find just the right mix of music for cocktails, dinner & dancing. Using my online music selection software, you and your fiance can put any song into a MUST play, PLEASE play or DO NOT play category. With the push of a button, your choices are emailed directly to me. Fun stuff!
4. I suggest. Working with my understanding of your vision (do you want lots of dancing or a mixture of mingling/dancing?), and my experience of dealing with dance crowds, I may have some suggestions for your song list.
5. I coordinate. Before your event, I contact every listed vendor and verify time lines and activity schedules.
6. I produce. At the event, I communicate with each vendor to help your event run smoothly. Before I announce that dinner is served, I have already verified the caterers are ready. I speak directly with the photographer before each major activity so that no moment is lost. I am your onsite coordinator. If you have a "day-of coordinator" onsite or the venue provides one, I work closely with them to ensure a stress-free, smooth flow of events.
7. You party! Once we transition into the dance party, I mix your song requests with those of your guests. I take requests via text message or live! It seems everybody is texting these days so that's a great way for them to communicate with me during the dance.
I use and highly recommend this great new book by the "King" of Wedding DJs Peter Merry: It's called "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" and is full of great ideas to make your event unique, elegant and fun.
Click here for more info on this great reference book!
Producing Entertainment for Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions is just one of the many services I offer. I also produce entertainment for:
* Anniversaries
* Birthday Parties
* Corporate Events
* Bar Mitzvahs
* Karaoke Contests
* Any Celebration!
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