"Play Those Oldies Mr. DJ" © by Anthony (Maresco) & the Sophomores, excerpt presented here by special permission from Dana Maresco. For videos visit - http://www.youtube.com/user/danarae31
Questions & Answers -
Q: There seem to be a lot of DJ booking services on the Internet. What is the best way to book a DJ?
A: These booking services are very handy, and as you can see, Da Spin Doctor ®© is listed at the top of most of them. However, nothing is free. Virtually all of these on-line services charge either the DJ or the customer a fee, which is often passed along. Some services delay contact information, do not supply phone numbers, or demand that you fill out extensive and sometimes invasive forms. The fastest, most secure, least expensive, and best way to book a DJ is to call us directly (808-271-4493.)
Q: Is "Da Spin Doctor" really a "unique" DJ service?
A: Oh, yes. Professor Bob first hit the airwaves in 1968 at age 15 on a 50,000 watt FM stereo radio station back East. He has been a REAL radio DJ at six radio stations on both the East and West Coasts, was a KPRO radio DJ and Program Director for Dick Clark, and has been in professional broadcasting for 40 years. Professor Bob also has seven years of experience as a professional stage actor, musician, and also TV News Anchor. Our DJ service uses all that live audience and on-air experience - delivering personality, fun, and excitement to your event as if it were a live sock hop radio show.
These are called "Radio Parties." This new "old" event concept is just now catching on on the Mainland, especially in Las Vegas - but is available right now on Oahu. We are listed on a site that explains Radio Parties, where you might want to check out this "new" concept:
Here is another Mainland site on Radio Parties:
Q: How long has your DJ been living in Hawaii?
A: Since 1983. So, Prof. Bob knows local as well as national music, and the Oahu audience.
Q: Who will I get as a DJ?
A: Prof. Bob and perhaps an assistant. No one else. No poorly trained high school students or starving college students. We don't sub-contract or try to stick you with substitute DJs at the last minute. So, book early! Want to know what Prof. Bob sounds like? Take the "Oldies Quiz" just below, click the play button, and find out!
(Yes, that's our assistant, Mrs. Prof. Bob at the piano)
Q: Do you do weddings?
A: Yes! Wedding receptions are, by far, the most popular events for DJs. As you have probably figured out by now, our service is unique. If what we do is appropriate for the age group of the bride, groom and wedding guests, you will have a "blast from the past" that you will never forget!
* Professor Bob ALWAYS does a "clean" and classy show, suitable for all ages who enjoy the best music of our times. You and your guests will never be embarrassed by our music, attire, or show.
Q: Do you do theme parties?
A: Absolutely! LOVE 'EM! Here are some FUN ideas -
- 1940s Big Band party: jitterbug & cha cha contests
- 1950-55: Swing, Vegas Rat Pack, Dean Martin impersonation contest
- 1956-1960: Drive-ins, Poodle Skirts, rock & roll - Cram for Prof. Bob's 'College of Musical Knowledge' trivia contest!
- 1960s: Top 40 oldies hits, Motown, Doo Wop, Hula Hoop contest, 'How Low Can You Go?' Limbo contest, or "Let's twist again, like we did last summer" contest
- 1970s-80's: Austin Powers & Disco dance contest (Can anyone really resist doing the "YMCA"?)
- How about your own Polka Oktoberfest, any time of the year when YOU want it?
- Italian theme? Irish theme? French theme? Hawai'ian theme? Country & Western or Cowboy theme? Movie Theme? Cabaret? Opera? Show tunes? Wine & Cheese party? Costume party?
From Sinatra to Sade,we've got you covered!
Or, how about a "mixed plate" of each of your favorites in one party? We can custom design music, DJ costumes, contests, and DJ show around your favorite themes!
And lots more...
Wedding Anniversaries, Military Parties, Retirement Parties, Family & Class Reunions, Dinners, Dances, Senior Citizen Centers, Sock Hops,Yakadoshi Parties, Baby Luaus,
Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Alumnae Parties, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Adult Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christmas Parties, Church Events, Clubs, Community Events, 
Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Hotels, Picnics, Private Parties, Resorts, Restaurants, Showers, Tournaments - well, you get the idea.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Our media production business, "Pacific Multi*Media" was licensed in Hawai'i in 1987, but "Da Spin Doctor" was recently "spun up" and registered in January, 2009. We saw a unique need in Hawai'i, and want to fill it.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes. DJ Insurance is a requirement for all military bases and many other venues. We are insured by Farmer's, via National Alliance of Special Event Planners, Inc.
Q: Your rates seem very reasonable...even a bit low. How come?
A: We are a new service, even though we have had 40 years of DJ, stage, & MC experience. At the moment, we are offering introductory prices. So, lock in your deal now.
Q: We can't decide if we should hire a live band or a DJ. Help?
A: We encourage everyone we meet to support live music in Hawai'i, and do so ourselves. Without musicians we would have nothing to listen to. But, it's a tough decision depending on the nature of your event. Live bands usually specialize in a particular type or style of music; rock, country, reggae, Jawaiian, pop, Latin, Salsa, jazz, blues, Hawaiian, big band, etc. However, if you want a much wider variety of music than one live band can possibly play, well...that's the main reason DJs are so popular.
Q: One of our guests has an iPod and is willing to play music for free. Why should we hire you?
A: I have an iPod too, and listen to it all the time. But, I would never think of mis-using it to professionally entertain a group of guests. Modern sound systems, speakers, mixers, and high power amplifiers are a marvel of sophisticated electronics and engineering. Trying to interface a tiny personal listening device designed to work for one person with earpods to a high powered, complex unfamiliar rented sound system is an "iffy" proposition. And, if you damage or blow up someone else's rented system, you'll be receiving a hefty repair bill.
Something else to consider - Is your guest DJ willing to miss all the fun of the event while trying to play DJ with no training and perhaps little talent for knowing what music is best for any given moment? It's best to hire a professional, if only so that all of your guests, relatives, and friends can have a good time, too.
Ever seen wedding photos taken by someone's cousin, rather than by a professional photographer? I can cook, and wash dishes, but for a really special evening with special food that I don't know how to cook, I go to a restaurant and leave it all to the pros. As always, you get what you pay for!
Below is a link to a video of wedding reception gone wrong using an iPod and a rented sound system. You might want to skip the first two minutes, and cue past the first third of the video. It is amusing, but I really feel sorry for these folks...
Q: What is your mobile set-up like?
A: It's all about the music. Our digital music library has in excess of 18,000 tunes. We have all new, state-of-the-art digital audio and digital lighting systems worth in excess of $26,000, including three backup systems. If you are into tech stuff, this should ring your bells - We use Bose Professional, JBL, JBL subs, Electro-Voice, Shure, and Behringer audio, with American DJ & Chauvet LED DMX lighting.© Our professional systems can easily handle audiences from 12 to 1,200 people.
Q: I am in charge of an event, but don't know where to start. How do I begin?
A: Start with a reasonable, realistic budget based on the number of folks attending. One of the sites on which we are listed has a very good budgeting calculator, which you can customize for Hawai'i events:
One of your first concerns should be the date and reservation of the venue, restaurant, or room, and probably the menu, also. These will be the highest cost items. If you would like suggestions on where to have your event, we will be happy to email recommendations. (No, we don't take kick-backs! We simply like to recommend trusted, reliable, affordable venues that treat our local Oahu customers fairly and professionally.)
Q: What will it cost to book you?
A: Our fees are listed right up front on this site on the "About Us" page. No surprises. No hidden fees. Lighting, fog machines, and other goodies are available and we will give a firm quote on any extras. It's best to telephone 808-271-4493 for fastest service.
Q: What do we get for our hard-earned money?
A: As much or as little as you like. Some folks want only music with no talk. Others want more of an M.C. type fun show with games, talk, contests, etc. We price our "DJ Sock Hop Radio Show" low so that most folks can afford it, simply because it is so much fun and we don't won't anyone to miss out! At the minimum, you get a professional, powerful sound system for the exclusive use of the DJ, the music, and the DJ to operate it all who also selects the music. If you select the "no talk" option we will not be including our microphone systems.
Q: Why don't you include lighting in your pricing?
A: Lighting adds to event costs. Lighting requires much more setup and breakdown time, plus an additional one or two people to set up lighting equipment and supports, in addition to the DJ and an assistant. We keep our DJ prices low by offering lighting as an option.
There are several things to consider if you are thinking about dance floor or special lighting -
- Does your event venue have enough available space and electricity to handle professional lighting AND a high powered sound system?
- Will your venue allow additional lighting and / or fog machines? (Not all do.) Fog machines can set off certain types of smoke alarms.
- Will you also be renting a fog machine from us? Light is invisible until it reflects or refracts off some object. DJs get around this by using fog machines to get the best lighting effects.
- Can the venue be completely dimmed dark? If not, the special lighting may be washed out. This is of particular concern if your event is a daytime luncheon, an outside event, or any place that can't be properly darkened.
- There are some health concerns. Flashing lights can trigger epilepsy seizures, and fog machines can cause respiratory problems for asthmatics and others, so while these conditions are rare, you will have to make sure these are not issues for all of your guests.
Having said that, Da Spin Doctor has the absolute coolest lighting available from American DJ© and Chauvet©. We use the very latest, brand new LED and Tri-LED special effects lighting to bring you state-of-the-art excitement.
We also offer a hard-to-find full height podium which can be converted to table top lectern use with it's own sound system.
If you want to add a follow spot, lighting, and/or fog machines to your event, please telephone us for recommendations, additional charges, and how to best meet your unique desires.
Q: Do you have references from previous clients?
A: Nope, and for good reasons. Consider this...why would anyone publish references or quotes from past clients who would say anything negative? So, when you read four or five glowing reviews on a web site, you might wonder how the other hundred events last year were received. If reviews or comments are anonymous, there is no way to verify that they are legitimate. But, mainly, we respect your privacy. Honestly, would you want to be identified on the Internet and called or emailed over and over again as a reference for our service, or pestered by vendors who now know you booked an event? Neither would anyone else!
We rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers. In our case, it's best to meet in person, so that you can judge us for yourself. We like to custom design our programs and music for each client. The best way to do that, and check us out is face-to-face.
So, schedule a house call with Da Spin Doctor!
More questions? Call us at
808-271-4493
