Halloween was a great Las Vegas DJ gig! I was the DJ/MC for a wedding reception. The bride and groom wanted a Steam Punk / Edward Sissor's Hand theme. They gave me a playlist that included The Misfits, The Ghastly Ones and theme music from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The bride, groom, bridal party and guests were all dressed in halloween costumes. The bride really did a wonderful job of putting together the dresses.
After dinner,the alcohol started to kick in amongst the guests and they were in the mood to dance. The bride's mother begged me to play some line dances and "Baby Got Back". The bride stated on her playlist that she only wanted music from the playlist. But, the pressure was too much and she gave in telling "me to play whatever they requested". Yes!
I started out with a line dance to get everyone out on the floor. But in keeping with the spirit of the evening. I played The Cure, NIN as well as the party music that a mixed age group would enjoy.
The bride's father was ecstatic that he got a great rate on the venue (not too many Halloween weddings) and that I did a wonderful job. He gave me the largest tip I've had in quite awhile. :)
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
My Life as a Las Vegas DJ
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Back at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel - City Center Las Vegas
Las Vegas DJ
After getting into a dispute about money owed for a gig one of my Las Vegas DJ's performed at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, I hadn't had any gigs there in about two years. The Las Vegas hotel now has a new Catering Director and I was able to score a Las Vegas wedding gig there this past Tuesday evening.
As with all Las Vegas Strip properties, getting the DJ gear into the catered room is always a challenge. Underneath Mandarin, which is part of City Center, is a huge underground basement that is as huge as the property. As I pulled my Hummer up to the security gate, I joined beverage trucks, various supply trucks and tour buses all making their way into the huge underground area. After being directed to an assigned parking space, I unloaded my gear and pushed my cart about 200 feet. Then I traveled up a long ramp and continued another 500 feet and got on the service elevator and stopped on the 3rd floor. The room where the ceremony was to take place is fairly close to the elevator - 50 or so feet. But the reception room was still another 150 feet further. By the time I got everything unloaded, I had worked up a pretty good sweat! It's for that reason that I always change into my entertainment outfit AFTER I get everything setup. No one wants to see a sweaty Las Vegas DJ being the emcee at a wedding.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas isn't really setup to host a lot of weddings. They don't have a wedding chapel, so the ceremony was performed in one of the meeting rooms. I setup my laptop with external speakers and sub woofer for the ceremonial music. The reception was down the hall in one of the larger banquet rooms. I setup my main Las Vegas DJ rig in the reception room, changed my clothes and waited for the ceremony to begin. Music for a ceremony is easy. Some mellow love songs while people are waiting, the bridal party processional music, the bride's processional and the recessional music at the end. After the ceremony, I quickly packed up the laptop and speakers and headed to the reception room.
The bride and groom would not make their entrance into the reception until an hour and half later. They jumped into a limo with the photographer and had pictures taken at various places along the Las Vegas Strip (the famous Las Vegas welcome sign, Bellagio Fountains, etc.). So, I entertained the small group in the reception room while they ate and had appetizers.
When the bride and groom returned for the Grand Entrance, the remainder of the reception was very low key. I had the couple share their first dance, played lots of line dance songs and kept it fun yet somewhat subdued (bride and groom's wishes.) The couple thanked me at the end of the night with a nice tip. It's good to be back at the Mandarin.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
After getting into a dispute about money owed for a gig one of my Las Vegas DJ's performed at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, I hadn't had any gigs there in about two years. The Las Vegas hotel now has a new Catering Director and I was able to score a Las Vegas wedding gig there this past Tuesday evening.
As with all Las Vegas Strip properties, getting the DJ gear into the catered room is always a challenge. Underneath Mandarin, which is part of City Center, is a huge underground basement that is as huge as the property. As I pulled my Hummer up to the security gate, I joined beverage trucks, various supply trucks and tour buses all making their way into the huge underground area. After being directed to an assigned parking space, I unloaded my gear and pushed my cart about 200 feet. Then I traveled up a long ramp and continued another 500 feet and got on the service elevator and stopped on the 3rd floor. The room where the ceremony was to take place is fairly close to the elevator - 50 or so feet. But the reception room was still another 150 feet further. By the time I got everything unloaded, I had worked up a pretty good sweat! It's for that reason that I always change into my entertainment outfit AFTER I get everything setup. No one wants to see a sweaty Las Vegas DJ being the emcee at a wedding.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas isn't really setup to host a lot of weddings. They don't have a wedding chapel, so the ceremony was performed in one of the meeting rooms. I setup my laptop with external speakers and sub woofer for the ceremonial music. The reception was down the hall in one of the larger banquet rooms. I setup my main Las Vegas DJ rig in the reception room, changed my clothes and waited for the ceremony to begin. Music for a ceremony is easy. Some mellow love songs while people are waiting, the bridal party processional music, the bride's processional and the recessional music at the end. After the ceremony, I quickly packed up the laptop and speakers and headed to the reception room.
The bride and groom would not make their entrance into the reception until an hour and half later. They jumped into a limo with the photographer and had pictures taken at various places along the Las Vegas Strip (the famous Las Vegas welcome sign, Bellagio Fountains, etc.). So, I entertained the small group in the reception room while they ate and had appetizers.
When the bride and groom returned for the Grand Entrance, the remainder of the reception was very low key. I had the couple share their first dance, played lots of line dance songs and kept it fun yet somewhat subdued (bride and groom's wishes.) The couple thanked me at the end of the night with a nice tip. It's good to be back at the Mandarin.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Big Backyard Wedding
Las Vegas DJ
Last week friends of mine were getting married in Las Vegas and needed a Las Vegas DJ/MC for their wedding reception. The reception took place at their Las Vegas home, which has a huge backyard. The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac and the plan was to have the guests drink and enjoy appetizers in the front of the house. The backyard was to be the central location of the reception - the bridal party would make their grand entrance, dinner, special dances, etc.
I set my gear up in the backyard, ran some speaker wire up to the front and setup a speaker. That way the guests could enjoy music while they mingle and enjoy the refreshments.
Over 100 people turned out for the Las Vegas wedding reception and it was a blast playing favorite dance songs. Since both the bride and groom were Italian, they wanted the Tarantella Dance. It's a group song - dancers form a circle, clap hands and take turns dancing to the center of the circle. Lots of fun, especially after a few drinks!
I was booked for 4 hours, but they had me entertain for an extra hour. It's great when that happens. I feel like I've done my part to make a memorable occasion and of course it's nice to have a little extra cash.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Last week friends of mine were getting married in Las Vegas and needed a Las Vegas DJ/MC for their wedding reception. The reception took place at their Las Vegas home, which has a huge backyard. The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac and the plan was to have the guests drink and enjoy appetizers in the front of the house. The backyard was to be the central location of the reception - the bridal party would make their grand entrance, dinner, special dances, etc.
I set my gear up in the backyard, ran some speaker wire up to the front and setup a speaker. That way the guests could enjoy music while they mingle and enjoy the refreshments.
Over 100 people turned out for the Las Vegas wedding reception and it was a blast playing favorite dance songs. Since both the bride and groom were Italian, they wanted the Tarantella Dance. It's a group song - dancers form a circle, clap hands and take turns dancing to the center of the circle. Lots of fun, especially after a few drinks!
I was booked for 4 hours, but they had me entertain for an extra hour. It's great when that happens. I feel like I've done my part to make a memorable occasion and of course it's nice to have a little extra cash.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Monday, September 30, 2013
Middle School Dance
Las Vegas DJ
When I have a gig as a DJ at a Middle School, I always feel like a rock star. The staff is always very helpful and happy to see me when I roll out my gear. Kids are ready to release some energy after being in classes all day - they are ready to go crazy. My recent gig as a DJ at Cortney Middle School in Las Vegas was no exception. Arriving early, I was able to get setup, have the custodian surround me with tables (so I don't get mobbed by the kids) and make sure the sound was excellent.
These types of dances are no more than an hour an a half long, but unless you have a plan, that could seem like forever. This dance had over 300 screaming kids! The kids will always request songs that aren't appropriate for a school event, so you have to be careful about what you play from a request. The goal is to make it fun AND make the Principal happy. If you do a good job, not only when you be asked back, but the staff will hire you for their private event, make recommendations, etc. It's like a snowball.
I played all the popular line dances, the popular top 10 songs, and threw in a short few games. Games included dance/stop (last one to stop dancing is out) and a contest using a hoola hoop - the hoop is transferred from one person to the next without breaking the human chain.
The more elaborate the outfit, the better. I wear my crazy glasses, hat and crazy shirt.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
When I have a gig as a DJ at a Middle School, I always feel like a rock star. The staff is always very helpful and happy to see me when I roll out my gear. Kids are ready to release some energy after being in classes all day - they are ready to go crazy. My recent gig as a DJ at Cortney Middle School in Las Vegas was no exception. Arriving early, I was able to get setup, have the custodian surround me with tables (so I don't get mobbed by the kids) and make sure the sound was excellent.
These types of dances are no more than an hour an a half long, but unless you have a plan, that could seem like forever. This dance had over 300 screaming kids! The kids will always request songs that aren't appropriate for a school event, so you have to be careful about what you play from a request. The goal is to make it fun AND make the Principal happy. If you do a good job, not only when you be asked back, but the staff will hire you for their private event, make recommendations, etc. It's like a snowball.
I played all the popular line dances, the popular top 10 songs, and threw in a short few games. Games included dance/stop (last one to stop dancing is out) and a contest using a hoola hoop - the hoop is transferred from one person to the next without breaking the human chain.
The more elaborate the outfit, the better. I wear my crazy glasses, hat and crazy shirt.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Monday, July 22, 2013
Flooded at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas DJ
My next gig was for a 20 year college reunion at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Getting to the gig was a challenge. The previous night a huge wind, rain and thunderstorm had blown through Las Vegas reaching gusts up to 60 MPH! Excepting some delays along the Strip, I left for the gig about 2 1/2 hours before it started. The Strip was packed with cars and people as I turned into the Flamingo parking garage. It seemed that it rained so hard, some of the parking areas were flooded. So, less parking and lots of people with cars. I drove up and down the parking garage for about 30 minutes looking for a parking space! I finally found a parking spot and unloaded my Hummer and loaded up my hand cart with my gig gear. The party had been moved downstairs, because the room upstairs was flooded. Fortunately, the party organizer had texted me earlier about the change, so I didn't have so waste time going to the wrong room. It was small group of about 50 people. They had graduated from nursing college in the Philippines and came to the USA to escape the poor economy. They had a great agenda, nice slide presentation and a lot of fun playing adult games and dancing (lot's of 80's)!
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
My next gig was for a 20 year college reunion at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Getting to the gig was a challenge. The previous night a huge wind, rain and thunderstorm had blown through Las Vegas reaching gusts up to 60 MPH! Excepting some delays along the Strip, I left for the gig about 2 1/2 hours before it started. The Strip was packed with cars and people as I turned into the Flamingo parking garage. It seemed that it rained so hard, some of the parking areas were flooded. So, less parking and lots of people with cars. I drove up and down the parking garage for about 30 minutes looking for a parking space! I finally found a parking spot and unloaded my Hummer and loaded up my hand cart with my gig gear. The party had been moved downstairs, because the room upstairs was flooded. Fortunately, the party organizer had texted me earlier about the change, so I didn't have so waste time going to the wrong room. It was small group of about 50 people. They had graduated from nursing college in the Philippines and came to the USA to escape the poor economy. They had a great agenda, nice slide presentation and a lot of fun playing adult games and dancing (lot's of 80's)!
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Off To The Palms Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas DJ
It was a kind of a crazy week. First, I got a call from a mom that asked if I could DJ for her 13 year old's birthday party - at the Palms Hotel and Casino. I have done my share a gigs at the Palms and for teen party's. But, never I have done both at the Palms. It seems the parents rented the King Pin VIP suite - complete with 2 lane bowling alley, huge shower, hot tub, the latest home theater technology, bar, private rooms, awesome views and 2500 sq. feet of fun.
She wanted a blowout party for the kids. The thing about kid and teen parties, you must keep things moving and be able to play the latest pop music. I came armed with all the newest music, karaoke, props for games and a fun attitude. About 20 kids showed up. They headed for the food and and the bowling alley (remember, this is the King Pin suite). I played a lot of Bieber, One Direction and a little of old school hip-hop for the parents. I kept things moving with a lot games including cheesy prizes. All of the other adults, except the mom, slowly snuck off and headed out to the casino. Knowing how hard she must have worked to organize this event, I felt empathy for her being left with all the kids. But, right or wrong, that's what mom's do. Stick around with the kids to make sure that everything is going safely. My next gig details coming right up...
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
It was a kind of a crazy week. First, I got a call from a mom that asked if I could DJ for her 13 year old's birthday party - at the Palms Hotel and Casino. I have done my share a gigs at the Palms and for teen party's. But, never I have done both at the Palms. It seems the parents rented the King Pin VIP suite - complete with 2 lane bowling alley, huge shower, hot tub, the latest home theater technology, bar, private rooms, awesome views and 2500 sq. feet of fun.
She wanted a blowout party for the kids. The thing about kid and teen parties, you must keep things moving and be able to play the latest pop music. I came armed with all the newest music, karaoke, props for games and a fun attitude. About 20 kids showed up. They headed for the food and and the bowling alley (remember, this is the King Pin suite). I played a lot of Bieber, One Direction and a little of old school hip-hop for the parents. I kept things moving with a lot games including cheesy prizes. All of the other adults, except the mom, slowly snuck off and headed out to the casino. Knowing how hard she must have worked to organize this event, I felt empathy for her being left with all the kids. But, right or wrong, that's what mom's do. Stick around with the kids to make sure that everything is going safely. My next gig details coming right up...
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Monday, June 17, 2013
Father's Day At The Orleans Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas DJ
I didn't have any Las Vegas DJ gigs lined up for this past weekend and was thinking about posting something on craigslist.com about "a budget Las Vegas DJ for your last minute event." But, I never got around to it.
However, Saturday night someone called in a panic and said that the Las Vegas DJ they hired for their Sunday afternoon reunion had cancelled. After some price discussion I booked the gig. It sounded easy. About 40 people at a catering room in the Orleans Hotel and Casino. They were Samoan and would bring their own music. Basically, they wanted to use my sound/mic system and they would provide a family as the MC.
They were very nice people and had some great food. Lot's of talking to recognize family and the last hour was dancing. I was able to pack up and had plenty of time to get to MY Father's Day dinner in Henderson.
Always be ready for the Las Vegas DJ gig - have your music current, your equipment ready and a clean shirt - you never know who may call.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
I didn't have any Las Vegas DJ gigs lined up for this past weekend and was thinking about posting something on craigslist.com about "a budget Las Vegas DJ for your last minute event." But, I never got around to it.
However, Saturday night someone called in a panic and said that the Las Vegas DJ they hired for their Sunday afternoon reunion had cancelled. After some price discussion I booked the gig. It sounded easy. About 40 people at a catering room in the Orleans Hotel and Casino. They were Samoan and would bring their own music. Basically, they wanted to use my sound/mic system and they would provide a family as the MC.
They were very nice people and had some great food. Lot's of talking to recognize family and the last hour was dancing. I was able to pack up and had plenty of time to get to MY Father's Day dinner in Henderson.
Always be ready for the Las Vegas DJ gig - have your music current, your equipment ready and a clean shirt - you never know who may call.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
DJ/Announcer for Softball Camp - Las Vegas Style
Las Vegas DJ
This past week I was hired to be the announcer and Las Vegas DJ for a softball camp in Las Vegas. This organization puts on two of these camps each year. One in June and the other during school break in December. Girls and their parents from all over the country were at the camp and there was a lot of excitement.
Organizers want only the name of the person at bat announced and then some music between innings and games. As for me, no breaks at all during the gig. My food and drink were all in a cooler that was within easy reach.
The weather was extremely hot, this is June in Las Vegas after all. The first day was about 101 degrees. I had one of those cheap pop up shade structures. But I was still worried my poor Sony Viao would shut down due to the extreme heat. I drank about two gallons of water that first day.
The second day; well it was hotter and windy. The temps climbed up near 110 and in the afternoon the wind started kicking up. My cheap pop up shelter ended up blowing over and getting bent - it was unusable. I was really concerned about the heat on my skin. I kept applying sun screen, put on a long sleeve shirt and hat and used a "cooling towel" to keep the my body temp under control. The cooling towel worked wonders (you can get them at Lowes Hardware). Every 20 minutes or so I'd soak it in my ice cold cooler water and wrap it around my neck.
With no shade, I was worried my laptop would shut down from the extreme heat conditions. I made a small shade device that kept the sun from roasting my sound equipment. Fortunately everything held up and I was able to keep the equipment cool enough - barely.
The money was good, but it was a rough Las Vegas DJ gig. Lots of dust from the ball field, extreme heat and the wind made this Las Vegas DJ gig a challenge. For the next outdoor Las Vegas DJ gig like this I'm going to build my own shade structure out of wood!
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
This past week I was hired to be the announcer and Las Vegas DJ for a softball camp in Las Vegas. This organization puts on two of these camps each year. One in June and the other during school break in December. Girls and their parents from all over the country were at the camp and there was a lot of excitement.
Organizers want only the name of the person at bat announced and then some music between innings and games. As for me, no breaks at all during the gig. My food and drink were all in a cooler that was within easy reach.
The weather was extremely hot, this is June in Las Vegas after all. The first day was about 101 degrees. I had one of those cheap pop up shade structures. But I was still worried my poor Sony Viao would shut down due to the extreme heat. I drank about two gallons of water that first day.
The second day; well it was hotter and windy. The temps climbed up near 110 and in the afternoon the wind started kicking up. My cheap pop up shelter ended up blowing over and getting bent - it was unusable. I was really concerned about the heat on my skin. I kept applying sun screen, put on a long sleeve shirt and hat and used a "cooling towel" to keep the my body temp under control. The cooling towel worked wonders (you can get them at Lowes Hardware). Every 20 minutes or so I'd soak it in my ice cold cooler water and wrap it around my neck.
With no shade, I was worried my laptop would shut down from the extreme heat conditions. I made a small shade device that kept the sun from roasting my sound equipment. Fortunately everything held up and I was able to keep the equipment cool enough - barely.
The money was good, but it was a rough Las Vegas DJ gig. Lots of dust from the ball field, extreme heat and the wind made this Las Vegas DJ gig a challenge. For the next outdoor Las Vegas DJ gig like this I'm going to build my own shade structure out of wood!
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Monday, June 3, 2013
Corp Event a the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel Las Vegas
Las Vegas DJ
Saturday night was a great Las Vegas DJ gig at the classic Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel in downtown Las Vegas NV, right on the Freemont Street Experience. I was hired by the LA Rubber Group, a trade group for professionals in the rubber industry.
Loading in my DJ gear is always a challenge - there is parking to contend with, the casino crowd and of course the elevator. I was able to navigate everything without any major glitches and make it up to the catering room. I arrived in the room about 2 hours before the event started. I don't normally arrive this far in advance but this was a special situation and I wanted to be certain that I had my DJ equipment setup and working before any guests arrived.
This was a crowd of about 150 people and they were ready to party. The ladies were looking great and dressed to kill! The guys were ready to cut loose and shake it with the ladies. After dinner and sucking up drinks they were ready to dance! This was a mix of younger and older people, but mainly older. After playing a few songs, some people came up for request - they wanted some disco and 90's party type music. I'm always amazed that no matter what the age group, MC Hammer's You Can't Touch This, Working at the Car Wash, Salt and Peppa's Push It and Sir Mix A Lot's Baby Got Back are always at the top of the request list and get the dance floor packed!
Later in the evening, they wanted to sing a few karaoke songs. The singers and guests had fun and stay until I closed the party down at 10pm (remember, this is a corporate event).
One pet peeve that I have is that some knuckle head (there seems to be one at every gig) comes up and tells me that he is or was a DJ. He then proceeds to start naming songs I should play. Really? This is not YOUR show, it's mine and I'm getting paid for it. I'm the Las Vegas DJ, not YOU- please go away.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
Saturday night was a great Las Vegas DJ gig at the classic Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel in downtown Las Vegas NV, right on the Freemont Street Experience. I was hired by the LA Rubber Group, a trade group for professionals in the rubber industry.
Loading in my DJ gear is always a challenge - there is parking to contend with, the casino crowd and of course the elevator. I was able to navigate everything without any major glitches and make it up to the catering room. I arrived in the room about 2 hours before the event started. I don't normally arrive this far in advance but this was a special situation and I wanted to be certain that I had my DJ equipment setup and working before any guests arrived.
This was a crowd of about 150 people and they were ready to party. The ladies were looking great and dressed to kill! The guys were ready to cut loose and shake it with the ladies. After dinner and sucking up drinks they were ready to dance! This was a mix of younger and older people, but mainly older. After playing a few songs, some people came up for request - they wanted some disco and 90's party type music. I'm always amazed that no matter what the age group, MC Hammer's You Can't Touch This, Working at the Car Wash, Salt and Peppa's Push It and Sir Mix A Lot's Baby Got Back are always at the top of the request list and get the dance floor packed!
Later in the evening, they wanted to sing a few karaoke songs. The singers and guests had fun and stay until I closed the party down at 10pm (remember, this is a corporate event).
One pet peeve that I have is that some knuckle head (there seems to be one at every gig) comes up and tells me that he is or was a DJ. He then proceeds to start naming songs I should play. Really? This is not YOUR show, it's mine and I'm getting paid for it. I'm the Las Vegas DJ, not YOU- please go away.
DJ Angel- VegasDeeJay.Com
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