Hey DJ do you know Your Venue?

Pictured: a photograph of Castle McCulloch taken by www.weddingmapper.com

     Music, a play list and mixes prepared for the event? CHECK! All equipment packed up and ready to go? CHECK! Knowing your venue and you’re destination? CHECK! You’re all set right? WAIT! Let’s revisit that last question again as this is not only a question that many musicians, DJ’s and even event planners fail to grasp, but it can also lead to your largest challenge in preparing for an event. So do you know the venue? The question posed is not simply referring to the name of the location “The Boondocks on 4^th Street” for example, nor is it inquiring that you’re familiar with the address location. In order to be 100% prepared before an event it helps tremendously if you know and understand the layout, the structure, the ins and outs, the sets ups required and even the challenges that may await before you even arrive at a venue. Although I myself am very guilty of not thoroughly researching all venues before an event, below are the top 5 reasons Top Notch strives to research and recommends that all entertainers know their venue before performing.

1. Equipment-  Knowing the venue prior to arrival can provide great insight as to what equipment to use for the event. Does the size of the venue require 2 speakers or 4-6? Additionally, the height of the ceiling may determine which lights as well as even which light stand could work. Tall scanners that must be placed on a stand and are heightened to shine on a dance floor will obviously not be effective nor very useful at a venue with low vaulted ceilings. Furthermore, while on the topic of lighting, if uplighting is required, it’s always a good idea to know the size of the room so that the number of lights needed to appropriately illuminate the space can be determined.  Lastly, alongside speakers and lighting, becoming familiar with the venue prior to the event start time may assist you in understanding if there are any additional items that may be required or supplied for the event such as a table, linen, extension chords, etc. Radio personality and Mobile DJ, Frank Carbone of CWDJ’s states “I visit each (local) venue and for those that are not local “I call to gather information about the venue and hopefully gather pictures of the event space so I can plan accordingly” to insure that he is never in a bind due to a venue. (visit Frank Carbone's DJ site at http://www.carboneworld.com)

2. Timing- An article was written here in the Top Notch blog about timing back in January. Timing is a huge, critical factor for Dj’s and in regards to a venue, the same concept applies. I hear stories and have actually witnessed fellow DJ’s running late for events, not because they neglected to allow the proper time for the set up of their equipment, but they neglected to anticipate the challenges that the venue contained which ultimately slowed them down and made them tardy. A venue can offer a number of challenges that could deter an entertainer from setting up on time including traffic, parking (traffic and parking are always large issues that can swallow up unexpected time in downtown Raleigh), the floor of the building that your event may be held on, and if there is an elevator that is not only available, but also functioning, Becoming familiar with the venue may help you anticipate these challenges and therefore     allow prompt time for your set up.

3.  “The Surprise Factor”- The “Surprise Factor” also known as the “oh SH!T factor” is all too familiar with DJ’s. The concept applies usually prior to an event when a complication or obstacle is present that could have been foreseen. Recent examples for Top Notch involving the “Surprise Factor” include 1. A wedding coordinator contacting Top Notch for Ceremony music assistance at a wedding only to learn that no power outlets were present on site at the venue, 2. A wedding venue designated guests to dine for dinner at a specific space on their facility where they provided their own speakers and sound equipment only to learn that it was malfunctioning so there was no music nor speakers for dinner and toasts at this wedding and 3.  Even being stuck in an elevator at a popular downtown wedding facility only to learn later that a select portion of elevators will open and close but are not functional on the weekends (thank goodness someone found me!). All circumstances could have easily been avoided with further research, communication and learning of the updates and layouts of the venues before 

the events.

4. Security and Trust- Going out of your way and taking the extra effort and time to research and even visit a venue builds an extra sense of trust for the event planners, coordinators and even the bride and groom of an event. It shows you care enough about their event to learn the ins and outs of their chosen venue and allows you to potentially meet the venue owners, event planners, etc that could be on site. Furthermore, as their entertainer or DJ, you may think of questions or recommendations that you could provide to the owner of the facility or even the event planner for your event such as where the dance floor could be placed, the best spot for the DJ and speakers, etc. "I definitely research a venue and love to get a floorpan if one is available state's local friend, fellow DJ and Curtis Media Operations Manager, Joel Gillie, "it take's the stress off of me if I know the layout and I know where I will be, and when the bride mentions specifics about the venue it's good if I know what's she's talking about" he goes on to say. (check out Joel at www.joelgillie.com) 

        5.  Confidence- Lastly, and incontestably, by performing the necessary research and understanding of a venue it will ultimately provide you as the performer with more confidence, less stress and a more optimistic outlook on the event.  Knowing that you have done your homework, prepared and should not have to fret over equipment setting up, timing or surprise factor issues will create an ease to your persona through the evening. Any entertainer will affirm that having that this additional peace prior to an event makes a world of difference.

     Of course it is impossible to predict all issues and dilemmas that could occur at an event, however, being as prepared as possible is essential as a professional entertainer. This preparation does include understanding more than just the name and location of a venue. As an entertainer, we have plenty to worry about like equipment, intoxicated patrons, timelines, and of course, entertaining just to name a few. Don’t let the dilemmas that may meet you at your next venue delay you in setting up or working to your full potential. Out there lies small, low vaulted ceiling spaces, broken elevators, and a number of venue conundrums that we will undoubtedly confront. The more research and prepared you are for these circumstance’s, the less of a predicament the problems will seem and you therefore will come off as a professional!

                   

Fighting Hearing Loss- A Note to Fellow DJ's

       I was warned. We were all warned. It’s no secret. Playing music repeatedly at loud volumes creates the potential to damage one’s hearing. We’ve heard this fact since we were kids. Only now, this Top Notch DJ is no longer a kid. I’ve personally lived by the concept “worry about it later”. Strangely enough, due to this profession that “worry” has crept up sooner rather than later. After over a decade of playing music in and out of clubs throughout North Carolina, I can unfortunately state that I recently have become very cognitive of a slight decrease in my hearing. I find myself misunderstanding words and asking people to repeat their statements more frequently. What can I say, it’s not like I didn’t see this coming and I do know that I am not by any means in this boat alone. I’ve had discussions with fellow DJ’s & musicians around the Raleigh area that have addressed these same concerns with me. In fact, it was recently reported that even artists/hitmaker Zedd has lost hearing in his left ear. It’s a risks that all entertainers are wary of. Fortunately. there are however, steps that I intend to take moving forward to avoid further loss if possible. Fellow DJ’s, I hope the below tips may assist you as well.

1.     Be Aware of Your Exposure and DJ Schedule- It is critical for us to be knowledgeable of how often we are exposing ourselves to music at increased volumes. This does not pertain to just our job as a DJ, but also everyday practices and/or habits that may not be assisting your fight against hearing loss. For me personally, this exposure was found via my “ear plugs” when exercising. Do you listen to music loudly when in your car? Along with deejaying, do you have a 9-5 that entails construction with loud machines? In your spare time do you enjoy attending local or large concerts? It is important to simplify identify the lifestyle actions in addition to our deejaying that could increase our level of hearing loss. Only after identifying these exposures can you personally make the decision to cut back or avoid them if you so choose.

2.     Know your Schedule- What does your schedule have to do with hearing loss? If being a DJ is your profession, EVERYTHING! It is essential to know not only where you’re playing, but also your length of scheduled playing time, and even how the size of the crowd you are playing for (if your supplying your own speakers). For resident DJ’s that bounce from club to club, this practice applies to you as well as you should know the sound system, amount of speakers and even the volumes level that the music is played at. Knowing these facts again ties into Tip #1 which is EXPOSURE. Additionally, Top Notch Entertainment and DJ Services very rarely schedules more than 2 events per day, and never more than 4 per week, as the constant exposure to hearing loss leaves very little time for ear follicles to recover from the loud music.

3.     Don’t Use a Monitor Unless You Have To! – I know it sounds crazy especially for resident DJ’s in the bar/club scene, but utilizing a house monitor is undoubtedly the biggest threat to Tinnitus that we most likely face. The quality of these monitors vary drastically from venue to venue. Some lack power, some lack volume,  but rarely have I personally encountered one that is adjusted perfectly to my hearing preference. This Tip is pretty obvious. Along with playing music in your headphones at loud volumes while simultaneously blaring tunes on the house speakers at loud volumes, having an additional speaker at close proximity to your ear drums, is simply not the best case scenario for fighting hearing loss.

4.     Quality! Quality! Quality! – Have you ever heard the saying “If you don’t buy quality, you’ll pay for it later”? The cost could be your hearing! It is imperative to have quality headphones while mixing your set.  Additionally, always strive to find the highest quality of your music when possible. The more clearer the sound and the better you can hear, the less you will be adjusting volumes in your cue for listening.

5.     Get Ear Plugs- Yes, I know 90% of DJ’s are completely against this option. But, ear monitors are available at affordable prices now, and one can even purchase DB frequency reducing ear plugs that fit quite nicely in your near, and to some could even be unnoticeable. Furthermore, many ear plugs can now even be customized and specifically molded for you. For more information regarding customizable ear plugs, Top Notch recommends reading this helpful article here by DJ Tech Tools. (click this link) 

     

     Keep in mind, that Hearing Loss aka Tinnitus is at the current time, without a cure. Once your hearing is gone, it’s GONE! Although I would never suggest that fellow entertainer, musician or DJ halt their passion and practice of playing music to simply avoid this risk, I hope this article does at least assist in identifying a few strategies that can be practiced to at least delay or decelerate the hearing loss progress.

Cool At The Pool!!! 5 Games Top Notch Recommends for Pool Parties this Summer!

      As the Memorial Day Weekend comes to a close one thing is for certain, Summer is officially upon us, which means the opportunity for fun in the sun, and parties at the pool. Through the years, Top Notch DJ Service has practiced a multitude of activities and games at Pool Parties for children and adults. In fact, when it comes to Pool Parties, our service excels more so at the activities we play than the music we provide. With that being said, here are five unique and thrilling poolside games that Top Notch DJ Service recommends to help your pool party bash be a blast!

1. Water Balloon Catch- No, this isn't your normal “Water Balloon Toss”, involving all guests to line up and attempt to toss and catch a water balloon from opposing sides of a line. Instead, this specific activity involves teams of 2, a water balloon and a beach towel. Therefore, the only prep work required for this activity is a water filled balloon. Guests should be in teams of 2. As the game begins, each team should take a towel, which each team member holding an opposite side of the cloth (long ways) and the towel should be completely spread out. A water balloon is then placed in the middle of the towel as the team members hold both ends. When the game host announces “Throw”, each team should attempt to toss their balloon high in the air and catch it with their towel. This action is repeated until only a few teams are left. To make things more difficult the remaining final teams are required to fold their towel one to two times which should decrease the length of the towel (and room to catch the balloon). The team with the final balloon left in their towel is the winner. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Junk in the Trunk- This activity is also known as a “Minute to Win It” game that can be played at various type of parties or events. How it works: All Participants must wear a contraption that composes of a Kleenex box filled with 5-8 Ping Pong Balls. The Kleenex box is attached the individuals waist, with the box resting on each participants backside. Each participant must “shake their junk” until all ping pong balls are shaken out of their Kleenex box. The first person to shake all of their balls out first is the winner. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Shoot the Ball- This activity has been featured in our “Labor Day Fun” clip which can be assessed here. How it works: All members need a pack of tennis or raquet balls and a water gun or water squirter (which can be purchased at any Dollar Store, Wal Mart, Target, etc.). The tennis ball can is turned upside down, with 1-2 tennis balls still remaining in the can (for weighted purpose) while 1 ball is placed on the top of the upside down can. All game participants must attempt to shoot the ball off of the tennis ball can with their water squirter. A point system for each “hit” can be assigned per individual or team to determine the winner.
   SIDE NOTE: Top Notch DJ Service often uses different colored tennis balls, or tennis balls and racquet balls simultaneously for this activity to keep track of each participants progress (ie: Team Yellow Tennis Balls, Team Racquet Ball, etc) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Sidewalk Darts- This activity is played like the normal game of Darts however no pens nor actual dart board is used. In place of these items, a giant dart board is drawn alongside the pavement using sidewalk chalk. Additionally, in place of the dart pens, all game participants are provided wet, colored sponges. Participants may then attempt to land on the bulls eye by “tossing” the wet sponge onto the side walk chalked dart board. NOTE: This game will most likely not work unless the sponges are wet, as the light weight of a dry sponge is less likely to obtain as much distance. 
   
   
   
   
   
5. Water Balloon Relay- Items required are a water balloon and a tool for carrying the water balloon from team to team. Individuals are broken up into teams and required to carry the water balloon to the finish line and back and then pass the water balloon and carrying device to the next team member in line. The first team to get all team members to carry the water balloon to the finish line and back successfully wins. The trick is to locate a creative, yet difficult tool for carrying the water balloons for each team. Top Notch DJ Service usually uses a large wooden spoon, or even a number of plastic spatulas for this game. All participants cannot hold the balloon during the relay, they must balance the balloon alongside the carrying device (ie” Wooden spoon or spatula). If all teams have dropped and popped the balloon before successfully completing the game, then a “round 2” with new balloons can be assigned. 
   
   
   
   
   

Again, the below are just a few of the numerous fun games that Top Notch DJ Service plays at Pool parties during the Summer. For more ideas, or games feel free to visit past blog articles or simply shoot an email to topnotchdjservice@gmail.com. Thanks for reading and please feel free to let us know if you try any of the above games at your next pool party or event!