Disc Jockey,

Southwest Florida

Cactus Dave and Kimi McCartney
North Fort Myers, FL
(239)543-9949
Cell-(309)453-7826

Why Should I Hire DJ R.I.P. Tide Instead of Someone Else? What's the "Big Deal" With Them??

DJ R.I.P. Tide arrives at your event. The first thing you notice is they didn't show up in an old truck or station wagon piled up with a bunch of dusty junk for equipment!

DJ R.I.P. Tide moves their equipment with a nice looking trailer and logo. The surf-board changes many colors as the trailer or sun moves and as your guests arrive they will be impressed by the professional looking vehicle and know that you went to considerable trouble for them and the party.

Cactus Dave and Kimi come as a husband and wife team and Dave is tall and well built, clean looking, and dressed with suit and tie, tux, or any other clothing that you request as the client. Kimi is 5'2" and 114 pounds and a dynamo when it comes to dancing! She is bubbly and always smiling and laughing. Your guests will love her as she dances with them and gets them to party!

1. Cactus Dave and Kimi ask you where you want them to set up and they even have an Easy-Up event tent if you don't have cover for the elements. DJ R.I.P. Tide always uses their own table that has been custom built by Cactus Dave with a special real cedar hand carved logo.

2. Dave and Kimi survey the area and decide on the needs of the party and the quality and quantity of sound with the help of the client. "State of the Art" Mackie and JBL powered speakers are set up on tri-pods and stands along with any outboard speakers that may be needed. A "KICK-BUTT" Yorkville powered sub woofer is set up when the occasion arises. Upon request, a 10 foot truss on tri-pods are set up with blinking can lights, a very large mirror ball and other mirror balls with pin spots, a commercial disco type light , commercial star light, laser light, white strobes and a skeleton strobe. A police cherry is set up on the custom table along with a black light in the front. A cordless mike and stand is set up and Dave can walk into the audience to get people dancing if that's what the client wants. Cactus Dave can be a high energy or laid back DJ depending on how the client wants things to go.

3. The guests arrive and the music starts to play. The client is the boss and DJ R.I.P. Tide plays the music at the decibel level that the client wants. Cactus Dave and Kimi have more than 14,000 songs of all different types of genres and they know the music. If the client wants the DJ's to take requests they can do it all night long, unlike most DJ's who hate to do requests. Your party can't fail because DJ R.I.P. Tide will always play what their client and audience wants to hear or dance to.

What Should I Look For When I Want To Hire a Disc Jockey? How Does a DJ Determine the Fees?

From the DJ's point of view:

A DJ has to make a certain amount of money in order to make a wedding or event profitable of course!

DJ R.I.P. Tide charges can vary from $250.00 to $1000.00 depending on the event, number of people, miles we have to drive, setup, and the work involved. Do we have to get meals and a room for over-night etc.

We only want to make a profit, not a killing!

Typical Scenario of an Event to Consider for our Charges:

1. We will have to be at your reception or event "one" to "two" hours before the actual event to set up our equipment. We can do large and small events with or without light show. The larger the event with more speakers and lights, the longer it takes to set up. The driving time can vary infinitely, to the gig and back.

2. Our tear down time is 45 minutes or more.

3. We do the event, plus overtime if requested.

4. Depending if you want to choose all of your songs or some, we have at least 2 hours of work at home getting your music lined up correctly. If you request any songs that we don't have, we have to purchase those songs.

5. We also have our costs of "State of the Art" equipment along with a complete back-up system so your event will not be ruined by equipment failure.

6. Considerable advertising costs.

Once we get set up and playing music it really doesn't matter if we play an extra hour or not. That is the easiest part of it and we only charge $35.00 to $50.00 per half hour of overtime.

What To Watch Out For When Hiring A Disc Jockey

Some DJ's will give you all kinds of excuses why they couldn't make it to your party!
Don't take a chance!

There are lots of DJ's in this world with a couple of cheap speakers and a case of outdated CD's who you can probably hire cheaper. If you want some music played from a boom box why hire a DJ at all? We know DJ's who play in night clubs right now who only charge $60.00 for 4 hours. One DJ in particular has been DJ-ing for 35 years! He comes walking into the club about 5 minutes before the gig and throws his little CD case on the table with about a 100 songs in it. He turns on the house system and starts playing one genre of music (because that's all he knows). You can't ask him for a request because he's never even heard of the song you want, let alone have it in his mix of garbage. The audience would almost take up a collection and pay him the $60 bucks to leave and use the juke instead!

For a wedding or reception, and other parties your DJ will be the most important part of the evening for your guests, and yet you will spend less for him than just about any other part of the event. You might as well have someone who is going to give you a quality show that will help you remember the "killer Party" you had!

The Handmade Cedar Front Of Our Table

Wires Are Hidden From The Audience View

It's Really all "Just as Simple as That" To Make Your Party a Success!

Just Hire DJ R.I.P. Tide

Cactus Dave and Kimi are True DJ Professionals

If you have never hired a Mobile Disc Jockey

How to Choose and Hire/Book a DJ for Your Event. See information below:

There are radio, club/bar and mobile DJ's. This page refers to Mobile DJ's (disc jockeys). Mobile means DJ's who supply their own equipment and music at the place of your event.

Mobile DJ's generally do weddings, banquets, dances, parties, etc.

The Two Most Important Things You Need To Know Know:

(1) The first and single most important thing to know is this: When you pay for the services of a disc jockey - YOU ARE THE BOSS AND THE DJ WORKS FOR YOU.

(2) NEVER ASSUME that the DJ already knows something. It's your event. You know what you want - the DJ does not. You will need to give the DJ as much information as possible.

There are three sections on this page.
Read all or go straight to what you need to know.

How To Choose & Get The DJ You Want

Before You Sign a Contract

General Advice / Price Guideline

How To Choose and Get The DJ You Want

To get the DJ you want, there are topics to discuss and questions to ask
(The cost of hiring a DJ also depends on the answers to these topics & questions).

(1) Make a list of exactly what you want the DJ to do.

(A) Do I want the DJ to make announcements or maybe play the role of an emcee/master of ceremonies? (someone that guides, orchestrates and sometimes interacts with guests at a function).

(B) Do I want the DJ to just play music and nothing else?

(C) Do you want someone to be sophisticated? Interactive? Possibly give dance lessons, etc.?

TIP >>> Most DJ's cannot handle all these different facets so you need to choose one that is capable of honoring your wishes. Some DJ's prefer to be dance instructors, singers or karaoke hosts more than a DJ. Some won't be an Emcee/MC. Some don't talk, others won't shut up. But some will be perfect for your event.

(2) Know what types of music you want to be played at your event.

THIS IS OBVIOUSLY VERY IMPORTANT!

(A) Make sure the DJ will have the music you want at your event.
(B) Do you want a variety of music or perhaps just Club, Top-40, Oldies, Hip Hop, Country ...? Try to find a DJ that specializes in the music you want.

TIP >>> Variety music DJ's are the most expensive because they have to be knowledgeable about many different types of music and deal with the astronomical cost of buying many more CDs and downloads than someone specializing in just one type. Not too many DJ's will have a printed list of the music they own, especially if their music collection is huge and constantly updated. However, many do list what they have in their websites and music databases. In any case, you need assurance that what you want will actually be at your event.

TIP #2 >>> Just because DJ's have the music, it doesn't mean they will bring it to your event. Ask how much music they will have with them at your event. If it's not much, beware. Some events might require just a small amount of music, some require a very large amount. If something is important enough, demand it be there. Example: DJ R.I.P. Tide always brings all of their music, to events large and small!

(3) Do you want a DJ with a set music program, or one that is flexible during your party?

(A) Do you want the DJ to take requests?

(B) Do you want him to play your requests on demand, or when the DJ feels it can be fit in without altering the dance floor or mood? (As always, this is completely up to you.)

(4) Make sure the DJ has the right equipment for your event.

(A) Be sure to state the approximate amount of people that will be attending (some DJ's don't have equipment to handle large events).

(B) State whether the event is indoors or outdoors or both.

(C) Will equipment have to be moved from one place to another during event?

(D) If some specific equipment will be required such as a wireless microphone, tape or CD players, make sure the DJ service has this since not all do.

(E) Do you want lights, fog, like inflatable instruments or theme? - (tell the DJ before getting a price).

(5) Ask how much experience the DJ has working events similar to yours.

(A) If it doesn't make a difference, that's OK, but if something absolutely has to go right it would be to your advantage to have someone with experience. A DJ who can deal with unexpected last second changes, twists, curves and turns that always seem to come up.
Note: A good DJ can help smooth over potential awkward moments.

(6) Match the DJ to the venue.

(A) If a DJ is using turntables (playing records/vinyl) or not using anti-skip cd players, the area used by the DJ must have a rock solid foundation or music will skip or stop.

(B) If there is a stage, it too has to be solid for some DJ's. DJ R.I.P. Tide can play any venue.

(7) Due to direct sunlight on equipment (a bad situation) or threat of rain, not all DJ's will work outdoors using their own equipment. DJ R.I.P. Tide has a commercial EZ-Up tent we can use (no extra charge).

(8) Computer, (MP3/Music Files) versus CD, Vinyl and other formats. Which is best?
Can't say. Honest! All formats can do a great job.

(A) You must insist that the music you want, is brought to your event.

(B) The DJ should have the ability to properly segue (blend songs together) and will continuously deliver good sound.

(C) Ask the DJ about back-up systems in case of emergency.
NOTE: Vinyl record users require a rock solid floor/stage and might be limited to the amount of music brought to your event.

NOTE: DJ's using CDs should be using anti-skip cd players (when performing, three cd players should be available in case one quits working).

(9) After signing a contract, do you want an additional meeting (or meetings) in person before your event to go over details?

(A) Not all DJ's can do this - especially part-time DJ's who make their living from a different line of work. Find out before hiring a DJ. DJ R.I.P. Tide has no other line of work.

(10) Checking a DJ service with many DJ's or going through a Booking/Talent Agency? Most of the same, above questions apply.

(11) For Weddings, Banquets and Formal Events: Ask specific questions noted below.

(A) Does the DJ know how to work with photographers, videographers and related personnel? Don't take this for granted. It's imperative everybody coordinate their actions so that important moments are handled, photographed and videographed correctly.

(B) Will the DJ set-up his equipment before your guests arrive? Will that cost extra? DJ R.I.P. Tide has no hidden costs. We will let you know the total cost up front.

(C) If you don't have an event coordinator (someone to oversee formalities and other details), can the DJ help you with this? The good DJ's can.

(D) Does the DJ own or rent formal attire? If he rents, will you get charged extra? DJ R.I.P. Tide has all of their own dress and can be in a tux, suit, dress clothes, or grunge etc. There is no extra charge for this.

Contracts For Disc Jockeys
Some things to keep in mind BEFORE signing a contract

(1) The obvious should be on all contracts:

(A) Name of the DJ or DJ Service with contact info, phone number & address.

(B) Your name and contact info should also be on the contract.

(C) There should be a place for both signatures - yours AND the person responsible for your DJ.

(D) The place of event, date and type of event, start & stop times should be on the contract.

(E) The total cost and any conditional or potential additional charges should be clearly stated.

(F) Any money changing hands should be noted. You should receive a copy of the contract.

NOTE: Discuss the place of event and any pertinent info such as address, phone number, if there are stairs and no elevator, indoor/outdoor, smoking/non-smoking, if there are specific load in/out times ...

NOTE: It is possible that a DJ could have an observer at your event. This could be someone taking pictures of the DJ or video taping the DJ. If you do not want an observer at the event you should tell your DJ ahead of time.

NOTE: When signing a contract, keep in mind that whoever signs the contract as a customer/client is legally responsible for paying the DJ service. Example: if you sign a contract but someone pays on your behalf and the check bounces, YOU are legally responsible for the contracted rate, additional bank charges, plus any other additional incurred fees and charges - not the person who bounced the check.

NOTE: Most DJ's have their own contracts and usually require a deposit.

TIP >>> State for how long you need the DJ service by total hours AND start & finish times. Most DJ's know that when you say start or total hours that means being prepared to play music, make announcements or the like. Still, ask if set-up/tear-down is part of "Time on the job". Sounds silly, but a rare few use showing up (simply arriving at your event but not ready perform) as their start time. At least one DJ charges extra just to bring the equipment in and out (even I was shocked when I stumbled across a DJ that charged for this). Ask!

NOTE: Necessary equipment: Is a wireless microphone required? CD player? Not all DJ's provide these. Some DJ's only use computers (MP3 style) and don't have anything else, some only use CDs, some a combination, so if you want the DJ to play something that will be, for example, brought on a CD by someone other than the DJ, then the contract should state that the DJ will be able to accommodate you. For a large group, a powerful PA's (amps & speakers) are required.

NOTE: Lights or even a different amount/type of lighting might cost extra. Fog may cost extra. Inflatable instruments, novelties and props may cost extra. If you want them or don't want them, decide ahead of time then state it ahead of time.

NOTE: Take requests? No requests? Any specific music you don't want played? Any specific music that has to be there?

NOTE: Do you want the DJ to play your requests WHEN you want them played regardless of the effect on the dance floor or will dancing and the mood be most important?

NOTE: At an event, who does the DJ answer to? Usually too many people claim to have the final word about what and when things are to be played. Be clear about this before the event.

General Advice For Hiring/Booking DJ's

(1) What should you expect from your DJ?

(A) Your DJ should conduct himself in a manner appropriate to your event.

(B) Your DJ should fulfill all conditions in the contract.

What Should Your DJ Expect From You?

(A) Promptly pay your DJ.

(B) Give your DJ all the information about your event ahead of time in order to help make it a success.

Remember One Thing, You Probably Will Get What You Pay For!

GET A "CHEAP" DJ AND YOU MIGHT GET A CHEAP PERFORMANCE, IF HE SHOWS UP AT ALL!

True in life and true for disc jockeys. The ones you CAN count on usually get the most money. You hire a DJ for special moments that will last a lifetime. Your DJ can enhance or ruin a lifetime moment and memory. That's pressure! Your DJ, if a true proffessional, can make your event a huge success!

NOTE: Mobile DJ's should have a minimum of the following for most events:

(A) lots of music.

(B) Music player(s), amplifier, speakers, microphone, mixing board or mixing program.

(C) At least one extra grounded heavy duty extension cord.

(D) Your DJ should be able to offer lights or lighting effects, wireless microphone and cord attached microphone.

(E) Some on-site back-up equipment (extra amp, CD players or music files Hard Drive, microphone, batteries, etc.), event work sheets, paper and pen.

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