DJ Stafford Jones

My Objective...

My objective is for your event to be exactly the way you want it to be. Every event has a certain feel. What that feel is depends on the type of event and varies from weddings to graduations to birthday parties. As a D.J. I have found that my ability to listen has proven to be my most valuable asset. I have also found that people who are spending their hard earned cash are eager and happy to tell me what they want. No one spends money on entertainment in order to be surprised by the outcome. For most events, the goal is for your guests at the end of the night to say “Wow, What a Great Time”. That works for weddings and birthdays. However, there are a number of private, company, and civil events where music and sound are both present and necessary, but not center stage. There must be a working knowledge between the two.(line dances can break out at either) Some people are very general in their instruction, while others are very specific. There is a vast difference between a detailed song list accompanied by a lengthy time line riddled with music changes, as opposed to “Just make sure everyone has a good time”. Guess what, for me the preparation for each event is the same. I can take a song list of 100 songs and play them where they are the most appropriate. You have to be familiar with the music in order to do that. I am also called on to gather selections for events to produce a desired effect. There is a misconception in this industry that you have to find a certain “Type of D.J.” People use terms like (country D.J./ Old School D.J/Hip Hop D.J.) The truth is most events today require complete variety. The first thing people recognize is the diversity of those attending their event. Several styles of music are often represented. My objective has always been to make each event unique and special. Being open and following instructions goes a long way to that end.

Stafford Earl Jones

Wedding Receptions:

The wedding reception is more complicated than it sounds. These days it is impossible to discuss the reception without talking about the Ceremony. Years ago it was common for most ceremonies to happen in a church and the reception in a different location. I can remember being ready at the reception site when the text message arrives saying that the ceremony is over and the guests are on the way. Most events these days host the ceremony and reception in the same place. I am often called upon to provide music and microphones for the ceremony. As the bride you are expected to select the music for your ceremony. Some young ladies know what they will walk down the aisle to for years prior to their ceremony. Others don’t have a clue. The ceremony is broken into (4) four parts. Background which is music played pre-ceremony while guests are seated. Pre-Processional which is the entrance of everyone except the bride (parents, ring-bearer, flower girl, wedding party). The Processional which is when the bride enters. And the Recessional which is after you have been pronounced husband and wife. The bride has the option for as many music changes as she might want. You may specify the songs played prior to the start of the ceremony. Some ladies select specific songs while others are more general requesting “indie love songs” or “contemporary country”. This would allow me to select the individual songs. I provide microphones so everyone can hear the ceremony. Many guests travel far so it’s important that they can share the full experience. I also provide an additional microphone for readings and speeches by those other than the officiate.

The Reception:

The Reception usually entails the following activities not exactly in this order. ( introduction of the couple/wedding party, dinner, toast, cake cutting, formal dances, open mingling & formal exit). Often times music is assigned for each activity. Naturally the formal dances will have their specific song selections. Some couples choose a specific song for the introductions or cake cutting. Often times there is a last dance song or an exit song. I usually choose something if the couple doesn’t. This only leaves the selections for the open dancing. Most couples want edited versions of all songs. I welcome your song list. It allows me to make sure the evening reflects the happy couple and their family & friends. I do take requests from guests if it’s allowed and I play them where they are most appropriate. Every event is a learning experience and there is a perfect song for every minute.