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Hiring a Bar Mitzvah DJ: Expect A Yes, But Hope For A No
Feel like you're caught between the dog and the fire hydrant? The bad news--you're putty in the hands of a DJ. You don't know what questions to ask and wouldn't even know a right from wrong answer. The good news--I'm aware of your deepest concerns and your fondest dreams. After performing at well over 1000 Mitzvahs, take advantage of my experience. (And experiences!)
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE DJs (Part 1):
1. "We have a party coming up on the afternoon of February 14 and wonder if you have that date available?"
I love an opening question like this. When I hear it, I feel that I have a reasonable chance to get the job, and EVERY TIME I GO TO WORK...I'M GOING TO A PARTY!
These people aren't sitting by the phone with the Yellow Pages open. I can go straight to my calendar and, hopefully, continue to entertain questions because I have the date and hours available. (Many DJs book same-day afternoon and evening affairs. After all, there's only one Saturday a week.)
If this is the opening question, it allows us to both cut right to the chase. Your first question should NOT involve his fee. Later, I'll let you know when to ask this question, and why, and how to possibly have the Disc jockey VOLUNTEER a price break!
2. "Glad you're available. We're having a Bar Mitzvah for our son, Josh. What can you do for us?"
Your guests expect music, but a DJ should provide a CELEBRATION! You'd be unnerved to learn how many DJs aren't comfortable or even familiar with Jewish terms and traditions.
Once, consulting a DJ in Idaho, I commented to him that usually a man "delivers a Motzi." He then jumped in to enlighten me that, in Boise, he was sure UPS didn't deliver on Saturdays! Oy, vey!
Another time, as a guest, I heard a DJ refer to the Bat Mitzvah girl by pronouncing "Bat" like "baseball bat" for four hours. It was unsettling! What was more hilarious was when he welcomed us to the Simcha, pronouncing "-cha" like "chocolate." (I laughed out loud. Couldn't help it. My wife kicked me under the table.)
DJs specialize, so rent yourself one who ENJOYS Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. You may or may not want Horas or Klezmer, but if your DJ doesn't even know what they are...
3. Do you have a video?"
Six reasons to SKIP this question, (or keep in mind while viewing it):
First: If you hire a BAND, it's imperative that you hear their rendition of different arrangements. But every song a DJ plays is the original artist singing the original song. When you observe people dancing on a DJ's video, it's indicative of a good song, not necessarily a good DJ!
Point Two: As a Radio Program Director, I had my DJs "aircheck." When their microphone went on, the tape recorder automatically started rolling. I could more easily critique their 4-hour show when it was reduced to ten or twelve minutes with the music left unrecorded. But unless you see a DJ's entire performance, (which you won't) watching several songs on a video can't give you a fair assessment of a full show. And it follows that
Third: No DJ will put anything on a video that he doesn't want you to see! But don't be overwhelmed by the excitement of a deluxe video with production fades, titles and such. That's the work of an excellent video company, not an excellent DJ. If you're not completely impressed and taken by what you see and hear from the DJ himself on the video, remember--it's probably what he feels is his best work.
#4: If the DJ is in a tuxedo and you're having a pool party just for kids, you may be misled into feeling that the DJ's specialty is "high-end."
Also: If you don't book through a talent agency, the individual you contract with should personally perform. (GET THAT STATED ON YOUR CONTRACT IN WRITING!)
Summer Bar or Bat Mitzvahs are rarely scheduled. He'll book the workable 44 weekends through referrals, repeat families and advertising. So there's no incentive to produce a video to solicit jobs that he's going to have to turn away. However, a DJ should always make himself available for phone consultations or a meeting at his home or office, your home, or for a cup of coffee at the neighborhood Starbucks.
Finally: CD presentations are impressive. (And they cost the DJ $1 instead of $3 for a video.) But a CD company made one I viewed recently, not the DJ! The DJ is on it but, for copyright reasons, it's "one-size-fits-all." That is, the music is likely generic and won't match the dance steps of the guests! It's odd and disconcerting to view. Anyway, you're not hiring a CD/Video production company!
4. "Can we watch you perform?"
Many DJs have no problem with this request. I do. Once again that answer is probably not the one that you'd prefer but, hopefully, the reasoning will be reassuring. It has nothing to do with being concerned about something you may view that would cause you hesitation. It's a courtesy and privacy issue.
If you were to book me for your affair, you could rest assured that you wouldn't turn around to find strangers standing at the doorway for forty-five minutes. It could certainly make you uneasy.
Years ago, I took it upon myself to invite an engaged couple to watch me work a black tie summer wedding. They not only showed up wearing cut-offs, T-shirts and sandals, but they walked right over and started engaging me in conversation while I was working. This couple was oblivious, but I could feel the eyes of the Bride and Groom boring straight through me. And they were right. I was very embarrassed and learned a lesson.
TAKE THIS TO THE BANK:
If a DJ invites you to any party where he's performing, he will invite others to yours.
Often, parents won't object to you viewing their affair for a while. Others may. Personally, I have no problem with prospective clients attending any function. After all, it's likely going to solidify a booking for me. But approval must come from the booked client, not me. INSIST THAT YOU RECEIVE THE SAME CONSIDERATION. Also, if cocktail music is segment 1, games are 2, Candlelighting is 3 and dancing is 4, don't come early and be disappointed if the dance floor isn't occupied. Don't show up while the dance floor is packed and hope to see contests.
While it's not the same as being there in person, I've saved THANK YOU notes sent over the years. A few are now a part of my mail-out package. Naturally you're only going to see what the DJ wants you to see. So ask for phone numbers of several recent Bar or Bat Mitzvah clients. If he hesitates, that speaks volumes. But he should be anxious and happy to furnish the information. Naturally, you won't get the numbers of any dissatisfied customers, but call those he gives you. Soak in every word. Get ideas!
Joe Pachino has been a Radio & Mobile DJ in Baltimore since 1974 and is the author of "DJ's Secrets Revealed! How To Select (And Get The Most Out Of) Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah DJ" c 2001, 2007 EMI.
The book is chock-full of constructive, organized and valuable tip$ for parents. Useful fact following useful fact preceding useful fact. (Plus, an occasional opinion!)
You'll find loads of info and goodies at:
http://DJs-Secrets.com/
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