7 Tips to Hiring a Good DJ for your Party -- Part 1.

Courtesy Kamau Austin

Planning a party is a lot of hard work. You spend hours planning what decorations to hang, what food and drinks to serve, what to wear, and who to invite. Do you have a DJ host your party or do you simply play your own CDs? If you want to have a party that everyone will be talking about for days and years later, hire a good DJ to run your music and light show. Hiring a DJ can actually be fun. Just follow these simple tips, and you are sure to have a fabulous DJ for your party.

TIP #1: Ask around. Ask your friends and family members to recommend a DJ who they have either worked with in the past or have listened to at another party. The best advertisement is word of mouth, and your friends and family members will definitely be able to tell you if a particular DJ is good. If your friends or family members can’t recommend anyone, you can also call local radio stations or a professional entertainment company or check the yellow pages .

TIP #2: Interview your potential DJs. Get to know them and learn about what they have to offer. Explain what type of music you and your guests want at the party. Ask the DJ if he or she has videos or cassette tapes of past performances that you can review. Most professional DJs will have samples.

During the interview, study the DJ's personality. Is he or she someone you would want at your party? Is the DJ interested in your party? How do you feel he or she will interact with your guests? Remember, the DJ's personality is very important. Make sure he or she is really who you want to DJ your party.

TIP #3: Ask the DJ for his or her music specialty. Does the DJ have the style of music that you and your guests want to hear? Will he or she take requests? Can he or she provide a variety of music that you think everyone will like?

In our next post in this series we will cover 4 more essential tips to hiring a DJ for Your Party. Until then -- enjoy life to the Fullest.

Smart DJ Offers New Innovative Fun Product for the Global Cellular Market

Artificial Intelligence and Music Cognition Company MusicGenome Introduces the Smart DJ -- a New Innovative Fun Product for the Global Cellular Market

Smart DJ offers 3G mobile phone users the ultimate in digital music experience, by creating a new online entertainment service that accurately analyzes listeners' music preferences and then delivers a stream of mp3 songs totally in-sync with the listener's taste with 80% success rate. MusicGenome will be showcasing the Smart DJ product as part of the Israel Mobile Industry Event at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona

Ramat Gan, Israel February 7, 2006 -- MusicGenome, the leading expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Music Cognition, announced today the release of Smart DJ -- a new innovative fun product for the global cellular market. Smart DJ offers 3G mobile phone users the ultimate in digital music experience, by creating a new online entertainment service that accurately analyzes listeners' music preferences and then delivers a stream of mp3 songs totally in-sync with the listener's taste with 80% success rate -- higher than all competing methods including technologies based on analyzing music parameters or Collaborative Filtering.

Acting as a personal music agent, it proposes play lists that can be cross-genre or targeted to a specific mood and atmosphere. Based on Artificial Intelligence technology Smart DJ simulates each user's taste and delivers the music that s/he loves, even music never heard before. Over time Smart DJ continues to adjust to a person's taste and keeps it updated by performing "fine tuning", so that music can be delivered with growing precision.

"The Smart DJ combines the technology edge of the 3G handsets and network with real time personalized end user experience," said Dr. Dan Gang, MusicGenome's Founder and CEO. "Smart DJ is unique with its innovative approach and technology, with a rich tools set for listening to diverse channels, intuitive searching, Music DNA editing and for generating diverse play-lists."

Sales of music via the internet and mobile phones proliferated and spread across the world in 2005, generating sales of US$1.1 billion for record companies - up from US$380 million the previous year - and promising further significant growth in the coming year. According to new IFPI research. The Digital Music Report 2006 concluded that Mobile music is rapidly moving beyond just ringtones and master ringtones. With the advent of 3G mobile, download speeds have increased tremendously, allowing a wide range of new music products to be offered such as full track downloads, video streaming, and premium music content.

The Smart DJ is available via the following platforms: IMS, WAP, embedded on the phone, web and as a downloading terminal in retail stores. MusicGenome will be showcasing the Smart DJ product as part of the Israel Mobile Industry Event at 3GSM World Congress, in Barcelona (February 13th -16th, 2006) - Live Demo center Hall 1 Booth D10.

For more information about MusicGenome please visit the company website at, www.musicgenome.com

Company contact:
Tami Parizat
VP Products & Marketing
MusicGenome
Tel: +972-54-4489122

DJ Jeff Yahney Bio

New York Disco and Mobile DJ 1973 to Present

DJ Jeff Yahney

Mobile and Club DJ since 1973 responsible for inovating and pioneering the mobile DJ business for Private and Special events.
Worked at such clubs as Webster Hall, NYNY, Berlin, Interferon, Uncle Sams, LaTique, Metro(Boston), Xenon, The Palace(Paris), Pierros(Mykonos, Greece), Decameron, Danceteria, Shout, City, Hot Rod, Sidetracks.

He has been a member of the Long Island Record Pool since its inception (it is the oldest record pool in the country) He has been working as a club and mobile DJ since 1973 first working in 1975 at Twigs in Hewlett, NY with numerous stints in the 1970's at clubs like Decameron, 231, Speaks in Long Island and stints like New York New York. Xenon, Berlin and The Library in Manhattan just to name a few.

Since 1973 he has been the creator and president and CEO of the Yahney Entertainment Group a full service entertainment company doing special events, private and corporate worldwide.

During the 1980's and 1990's there were many more clubs. DJ Jeff Yahney continue to still work as a full time DJ employed in clubs like Webster Hall in NYC and Sidetracks In Queens. He travels relentlessly around the country doing special events and every summer is on tour doing his show at 43 summer camps throughout the northeast and seen in that period by at least 30,000 kids...they all know DJ Jeff Yahney.

He is probably one of the few people on that list who are extremly successful that have made their mark in the industry, continuing as a real DJ doing it full time and not merely as a side job. To see more go to his web site www.sayjeff.com

Full Selection of High Quality Linen Rentals for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Parties, and Banquets

White Plains Linen Announces Cool Colors for Summer

White Plains Linen and its specialty linen division, Linens à la Carte, announced today the cool colors for summer linens. This spring, bold colors dominated. For summer, however, soft and vibrant hues will be popular.

Peekskill, NY (PRWEB) June 6, 2005 -- White Plains Linen and its specialty linen division, Linens à la Carte, announced today the cool colors for summer linens.

This spring, bold colors dominated. For summer, however, soft and vibrant hues will be popular.

Marianne Calvin, Executive Director at Linens à la Carte, sees colors softening to elicit calm, serene settings. “We are beginning to see our beige, sandalwood, yellow and even champagne being mixed with seafoam, pink, lavender and peach. It reminds me of a sunset at the beach and is very romantic,” Calvin said.

Other cool colors include light blues combined with crisp whites, sky blues and corals, mochas, and blush pinks, which evoke the feeling of a day at the beach.

Kara Battinelli, regional director/décor designer of Decor & You, Baldwin Place, NY, said that this summer's colors take their cue from water and the tropics. Blues, greens and purples are considered to be "cool" colors.

“Studies on the psychological effect of color have shown that people actually feel cooler in spaces decorated with "cool" colors,” Battinelli said. “The serene colors of summer are a reflection of desire for rest and relaxation.”

White Plains Linen’s specialty linens-- particularly satin-- in pink, ivory and lilac are growing more popular as the weather gets warmer.

“Colors truly set the tone of an event,” Calvin said. “Our color experts are available to recommend color combinations to compliment an event, its location and the season.”

About White Plains Linen: White Plains Linen is metropolitan New York’s leading supplier of fine linen rentals, including napkins, tablecloths, table skirting, chair covers/sashes, kitchen uniforms, entrance mats, sheets, pillowcases and bath towels in a full spectrum of colors, designs and patterns. Its Linens à la Carte division offers a full selection of high quality linen rental products for special events such as weddings, corporate parties, banquets and bar/bat mitzvahs. A family-owned business, White Plains Linen has been dressing the New York area’s finest tables since 1938, including those in the New York metro area, eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut. For more information, log on to www.whiteplainslinen.com or call 1.800.825.4646

Tips for Providing Fun Party Favors for Bar Mitzvahs and Parties and Events

July 11, 2005— CrazyforBargains.com recently introduced a new bulk order program which makes boxer shorts and lounge pants available to party planners. These items are frequently sought by party planners for Bar Mitzvahs, corporate promotions, and other events.

Boxer shorts and lounge pants are very popular with teenagers, college students, and young adults. The bulk order boxer shorts and lounge pants can be custom printed to include corporate (or fraternity/sorority) names or logos.

“For years we have had customers calling looking for large quantities of lounge pants and boxer shorts for parties—particularly for Bar Mitzvahs”, says Melissa Canepa Murphy, owner of the CrazyforBargains.com. “A recently established relationship with a manufacturer based here in the United States allows us to be able to accommodate these custom/bulk orders with ease. Using a domestic supplier allows us to provide a more customized product and also allows for faster delivery times."

About CrazyforBargains.com’s Boxer Shorts and Lounge Pants for Bulk/Party Orders
Priced between $7.49 and $15.99 these boxer shorts and lounge pants make great party favors and corporate give-a-ways. They are available in adult and youth sizes. CrazyforBargains.com’s selection of bulk order products includes flannel and jersey lounge pants as well as cotton, jersey, and flannel boxer shorts. Custom printing is available for an additional fee. For more information about CrazyforBargains.com’s bulk/party order program visit http://www.crazyforbargains.com/partyhome.html.

About CrazyforBargains.com
CrazyforBargains.com sells fun sleepwear for the whole family—men, women, children, toddlers, and infants. Products offered include flannel pajamas, pajama pants, bath robes, and slippers. Our animal slipper selection is one of the largest on the Internet. For more information about CrazyforBargains.com visit http://www.crazyforbargains.com.

High School Graduation Party Ideas For Easy Party Planning by Dee Schrock

It's not too early to start planning for the graduate's big day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduate

Invitations

Create your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.

Games & Activities

Kids love to get together and just talk- so remember not to overdo the planned activities. Here are a few to choose from:

*Guests bring a white t-shirt and sign each other's shirts.

*Do a time capsule with memorable items from their school year- to be opened at a future reunion. Guests place personal notes to the graduate as memorable keepsakes.

*Make a large poster board collage of the graduate's pictures from baby to now.

*Water balloon toss

*Piñata

*Place a sticker on each guest's back with the name of a teacher. Guests give clues and help the person guess that teacher.

*Pin the tail on the teacher. Tape a teacher's picture to a wall and then the "tail" can be any item of choice- crazy hair, earring, etc.

Food & Drink

Any finger food works well, since guests are more interested in talking and socializing. Nachos served in miniature sombreros and salsa is great to have on each table.

Above all, provide an atmosphere for that is comfortable for plenty of conversation and reminiscing. Happy graduation!

Dee Schrock http://www.fun-theme-party-ideas.com has put together hundreds of theme party tips and fun ideas for easy (and budget conscious!) party planning. © Copyright 2005. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

High School Graduation Party Ideas For Easy Party Planning

by Dee Schrock

It's not too early to start planning for the graduate's big day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduate

Invitations

Create your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.

Games & Activities

Kids love to get together and just talk- so remember not to overdo the planned activities. Here are a few to choose from:

*Guests bring a white t-shirt and sign each other's shirts.

*Do a time capsule with memorable items from their school year- to be opened at a future reunion. Guests place personal notes to the graduate as memorable keepsakes.

*Make a large poster board collage of the graduate's pictures from baby to now.

*Water balloon toss

*Piñata

*Place a sticker on each guest's back with the name of a teacher. Guests give clues and help the person guess that teacher.

*Pin the tail on the teacher. Tape a teacher's picture to a wall and then the "tail" can be any item of choice- crazy hair, earring, etc.

Food & Drink

Any finger food works well, since guests are more interested in talking and socializing. Nachos served in miniature sombreros and salsa is great to have on each table.

Above all, provide an atmosphere for that is comfortable for plenty of conversation and reminiscing. Happy graduation!

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Band or DJ

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Band or DJ By by Elizabeth Greene

You've got the ring, your ceremony and reception sites are booked, and now your attention turns to the selection of entertainment for your wedding reception. Your decision will have a great impact on the outcome of your party. You know that music is a key ingredient in setting the mood for the affair.

Many factors will influence your choice of music for your reception. How large a group will you be entertaining? What size band will suit your room size and your budget? Most wedding audiences will include guests whose ages span from teenagers to grandparents. How can you be sure that your friends and your relatives will all rave to you about your band or DJ?

When to begin shopping for a wedding band or DJ

Begin shopping for bands 9 to 18 months in advance of your party, especially if your reception will be held on a Saturday night. Popular bands will often have their prime dates taken up to a year or more in advance, so get started early to ensure that you will have a good selection to choose from.

What to look for in a wedding band or DJ

Look for a band or DJ that has substantial experience performing at weddings. Most seasoned professionals can provide you with a list of country clubs and caterers that recommend their services. When interviewing a band or a DJ, ask for a list of the songs that they can play. Versatility is a key ingredient to your party's success! You should be able to create a list of the songs that you want to hear or to provide a list of "please do not play's!" Make sure that you feel comfortable and can communicate easily with your bandleader. He or she should be willing to learn your wedding song and to spend time helping to coordinate all the special touches at your celebration. You should be encouraged to express your preferences on all of the party's details, including the control of the band's volume.

Questions to ask before hiring a wedding band or DJ

Some questions that should be asked include: How many breaks will be taken? Will live music or taped music be provided during the breaks? How long will the dance sets be? Am I guaranteed to have the same musicians or DJ that I have seen on video or at a live showcase? Does the company have liability insurance? Should I plan to feed the entertainers?

If your budget is tight or if you are looking to create the atmosphere of a nightclub at your party, choosing a DJ might be right for you. DJ companies offer services that range from a single DJ entertainer to an elaborate DJ package that includes a DJ, an MC-entertainer, costumed dancers and laser-like light shows.

Whether you choose an exciting dance band complete with male and female vocalists and a horn section, an elegant smaller band or a DJ package, try to see the entertainers perform live at a showcase or other event. There is nothing like getting the real feel of a performance by previewing the entertainers in action. Most importantly, have fun shopping and planning for the most significant and exciting day of your life!

By Elizabeth Greene, Ariel Entertainment