Information for Frequently Asked Questions;
Are you interested in hiring Disco Vinnie to provide services at a wedding or event. Here is an explanation of the process;
How do I begin? It's best to start with an email inquiry including the following information: date, venue address, music start and stop times, number of guests, approximate schedule of events, any other equipment related details (like music in more than one room, music outside, etc). we will respond and let you know if the dates are available and then we will speak with you on the phone and finally meet to discuss details.
What happens if I choose Disco Vinnie? Once we agree upon the basics of your event, we will email or text you a contract. Please sign and return your contract (or a clear photo or scan) by email or text to vinnie@discovinnie.com / 206-650-6077. We will hold a date for you for up to 2 weeks. To confirm a booking and solidify the date, we require the signed contract. The preferred methods of payment for the deposit is Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay or a credit card (with a 5% processing fee). The remaining balance will be due at the end of the event and may be paid with the preferred cash or check or one of the aforementioned; Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay or a credit card (with a 5% processing fee).
What kind of DJ is Disco Vinnie? Most of our clients are seeking a DJ that is different than the “cheesy” wedding DJ. Disco Vinnie has the reputation for being “not cheesy” because he doesn’t give out toys, Hawaiian leis, or spend a lot of time on the mic “hyping” the crowd (unless this is by your request of course). Disco Vinnie is totally comfortable making any announcements you need, but mostly he lets the music do the talking. You will also notice "The Chicken Dance", "Macarena", "Hokey Pokey" and "Cha Cha Slide" are not in his repertoire. Disco Vinnie has an extensive knowledge of music and sets the mood or gets the crowd moving by playing the right songs at the right time. Disco Vinnie mixes and matches the beats as he does in a nightclub environment. Every event is unique and Disco Vinnie joins forces with you to come up with a music plan that you will love which also has the flexibility to follow the vibe of the party. Disco Vinnie has thousands of tracks to choose from and can acquire just about anything. He is happy to add music that you provide in advance as well.
What kind of music does Disco Vinnie play? Clients often create a “must play” (ie: first dance, favorites etc.), “we like”, and “do not play” lists. Many use Disco Vinnie’s suggestions and add their own requests to it. Vinnie will review the lists up front and call with questions and recommendations. Disco Vinnie will customize music just for you! On the day of the event, Disco Vinnie pays close attention to the guests and makes sure everyone hears something they like and has a great time. Disco Vinnie generally does not take requests from your guests but will do so with your permission. Generally he won't repeat a song during an event unless you request it.
Our Equipment & Sound System
Can you use the venue’s equipment? We prefer to use our own equipment because it is high quality, properly maintained and well known to us. Sometimes, depending on the needs of the client, we bring the mixing gear only and will use a venue’s sound system. If a venue has an existing DJ booth and sound system and it is of good quality, then we can use that as well as long as there is a knowledgeable venue staff person on hand to setup, monitor, and trouble-shoot their own equipment.
Do you have wireless mics? Yes! For a wedding, Disco Vinnie can mic your officiant but he generally does not mic the people to be wed. That being said, wireless misc are only as good as the signals they send and receive. For outdoor events, microphones will often cut in and out and this is totally beyond our control. It is best if the officiant can hold a handheld mic during the ceremony and also hold it while the couple says their vows (hand-held mics are more reliable than lavelier mics). If this won’t work we do have a lavlier microphone that the officiant can wear but the bride and groom will have to share a hand-held since we cannot mic them both individually (this would require them to wear a mic pack and where would the bride put it?). Disco Vinnie provides two wireless mics for toasts, guest speakers, guest singers or performers.
Do you need to visit the venue in advance? Generally, it’s a good idea. If we have performed at the venue you have chosen then this is not usually necessary.
What is your usual attire? This is totally up to you. Disco Vinnie has performed in just about every look you can imagine (and some you can’t). Just let us know well in advance what your expectations are and they will be met.
Do you provide your own assistants? Disco Vinnie generally works solo. On occasions when bringing extensive lighting or additional speakers an assistant will be provided (the quoted price will include this).
Do you specialize in any ethnic or international events? We have many different styles of music in our collection and have been able to satisfy many diverse requests. Disco Vinnie does not specialize in any ethnic styles but he happy to play your specific requests as long as we have the music well in advance.
How much time do you usually need to set up? We usually take about 30min. to set up a standard sound only event, however we arrive earlier than this. Should you choose lighting packages or more than two speakers, it can take up to an hour.
Do you require that the site or client provide a table for you to set up on? We do ask the client to have their caterers or venue provide a 2×6 ft table for gear. We also ask for a couple of chairs to place behind the DJ table. If we need to provide tables we are happy to do so, just let us know in advance.
What is your policy on taking breaks and meals? Disco Vinnie usually does not take breaks. We ask that the client provide a meal which will be consumed behind or near the DJ table. If a client requires the meal be eaten away from the DJ table, Disco Vinnie will play an appropriate music mix while the table/booth is vacant. Should an assistant be required for your setup, we ask that you provide a meal for the assistant as well.
What is your backup plan in case you become unavailable on the day of the event? Disco Vinnie has never missed an event or been late for a start time. Worst case scenario, we know several highly qualified professional DJ colleagues whom we refer jobs should we not be available. Every attempt will be made to make sure your event goes as planned.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? I am happy to travel for events. The travel fee is a combination of round trip mileage, tolls, and driving time.
Some recommendations;
The DJ booth should be located on, or as close as possible, to dance floor. It is best to have the speakers fairly close to the ends of the DJ booth to minimize cabling (it is safer and looks better). Placing speakers away from the booth is ok if cables can be run along the wall and out of high traffic areas (ie: doorways). It is smart to seat guests who have sensitive hearing farther away from where the speakers will be placed. It's rarely a good idea to seat Great Grandma or Great Grandpa next to the speakers even if they are hard of hearing... 99.9% of the time they will feel that the music is too loud and will request to be moved.