Event Pacing - The key to the "Magic" (blog)

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When I did more live sound, I always kept picks, a set of bass and guitar strings and a set of drumsticks in my kit ... just in case. I wasn't looking to manage or "save the day", but if one of the players had an issue and didn't plan for it, the show needed to go on, and people look at me wondering why there's no music. The stuff cost very little .. never used the sticks or bass strings, but needed the guitar strings once and picks several times.

I also had the tools to repair equipment, and had to repair someone's guitar amp (frayed fixed AC wire) and someone's monitor speaker (broken wire on input jack).

My job .. NO .. but apparently, some of us teach and some do.
 
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ahoustondj said:
Mike you are making yourself look like a Bloody Fool! Leave it alone Mate. Nobody cares that you want to be a supervisor of all the Vendors. If you were caught doing that at one of the Country Clubs where I play you would not be welcome there anymore. Allow other professionals to do their job and mind your own damn business. Does the Florist come to check your equipment? Does the Bartender come to check to see if you are plugged in? Who died and left you Captain of the gang?
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This thread comes down to one simple sentence that Bob mentioned earlier

"There is a line where preparedness ends - and looking for others to fail begins."

I believe that it is preparedness to do simple things like checking for utensils and plates because in my EXPERIENCE the venue has forgotten to put them there

You and Bob believe it is "looking for others to fail"


You can't even answer a simple question regarding a scenario that involves something so simple as how you would handle a venue forgetting to put out utensils for cake cutting.

To think that you are correct when so many other professionals here do weddings are saying you are wrong is laughable.
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One more thing Houston. Have you ever done a wedding where everyone was done eating dinner and just sitting around looking at you wondering when the dancing was going to start?

Is it your job to get in touch with the planner and venue to facilitate the evening?

If it isn't, does this impede your ability to keep the guests entertained?

Or does this not apply to you?

I ask not becuase I know you'll answer, but rather point out yet another scenario in which you would be woefully unprepared and inadequate to handle.

I believe you not only have embarrassed yourself with these rants but have lost some respect here as well
 
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steve149 said:
When I did more live sound, I always kept picks, a set of bass and guitar strings and a set of drumsticks in my kit ... just in case. I wasn't looking to manage or "save the day", but if one of the players had an issue and didn't plan for it, the show needed to go on, and people look at me wondering why there's no music. The stuff cost very little .. never used the sticks or bass strings, but needed the guitar strings once and picks several times.

I also had the tools to repair equipment, and had to repair someone's guitar amp (frayed fixed AC wire) and someone's monitor speaker (broken wire on input jack).

My job .. NO .. but apparently, some of us teach and some do.
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Reminds me of something that happened years ago. I worked for an Opry artist for 14 years and our band landed the slot to back several Opry artists on a Fan Fair show (a pretty big deal in country music). Problem is our drummer (my artist's son) showed up late. We had to do the first artist without drums. She was livid. By the next artist the monitor mix engineer, who was smart enough to have drum sticks at the ready, stepped in and played drums. Now according to Canute's description this guy would be a micro-manager who wanted to run the show. In my book, the guy was a hero and went above and beyond the call to help make the show a success.

It pays to be the hero.
 
mikemerlin said:
This thread comes down to one simple sentence that Bob mentioned earlier That phrase was directed to all of you who feel like they have to Micro Manage others.

"There is a line where preparedness ends - and looking for others to fail begins."

I believe that it is preparedness to do simple things like checking for utensils and plates because in my EXPERIENCE the venue has forgotten to put them there Do you check to see if there is Toilet Paper in the Bathrooms too?

You and Bob believe it is "looking for others to fail" Don't take Bob's words and try to twist it to your benefit. Come up with your own phrase and don't plagiarize.


You can't even answer a simple question regarding a scenario that involves something so simple as how you would handle a venue forgetting to put out utensils for cake cutting. The same as you would do if there are not enough chairs for everyone. I suppose you will think that all the Guests would look to you and wonder why!

To think that you are correct when so many other professionals here do weddings are saying you are wrong is laughable. It is not a matter of right or wrong like you would want all to believe it is a matter of necessary or not!
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One more thing Houston. Have you ever done a wedding where everyone was done eating dinner and just sitting around looking at you wondering when the dancing was going to start? Nope, because I know my job!

Is it your job to get in touch with the planner and venue to facilitate the evening? Nope, that is what the Planner was hired to do. My contact with the Venue is usually beforehand to arrange for proper setup and speaker deployment.

If it isn't, does this impede your ability to keep the guests entertained? Nope!

Or does this not apply to you?

I ask not becuase I know you'll answer, but rather point out yet another scenario in which you would be woefully unprepared and inadequate to handle.

I believe you not only have embarrassed yourself with these rants but have lost some respect here as well
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I have embarrassed myself you say! Are you kidding me!!!!

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rickryan.com said:
Reminds me of something that happened years ago. I worked for an Opry artist for 14 years and our band landed the slot to back several Opry artists on a Fan Fair show (a pretty big deal in country music). Problem is our drummer (my artist's son) showed up late. We had to do the first artist without drums. She was livid. By the next artist the monitor mix engineer, who was smart enough to have drum sticks at the ready, stepped in and played drums. Now according to Canute's description this guy would be a micro-manager who wanted to run the show. In my book, the guy was a hero and went above and beyond the call to help make the show a success. This shows a total lack of comprehension. You are describing a total different type of scenario. You will do anything to get others to nod their heads in your favor even if it means changing the dialogue to a different tangent. Stay on track!

It pays to be the hero.
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What you did (and the quote that is in your Post) is relevant to what you all were doing. You were part of the Entertainment section. There is nothing special about that. We were formerly discussing DJs running around checking on the Venue Staff . Many times I have loaned an extension cord or cable to a Band Member or Photographer. Those items I carried are common to both parties. A Knife and Fork is not part of a DJ's gear or Tool Box! Sound like you all are just hoping someone would come up short so you can steal the limelight to get attention and praise. It bothers you greatly when others don't subscribe to your "Its all about my bloated ego" quest.
 
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ahoustondj said:
What you did (and the quote that is in your Post) is relevant to what you all were doing. You were part of the Entertainment section. There is nothing special about that. We were formerly discussing DJs running around checking on the Venue Staff . Many times I have loaned an extension cord or cable to a Band Member or Photographer. Those items I carried are common to both parties. A Knife and Fork is not part of a DJ's gear or Tool Box! Sound like you all are just hoping someone would come up short so you can steal the limelight to get attention and praise. It bothers you greatly when others don't subscribe to your "Its all about my bloated ego" quest.
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No .. we're talking about making sure things are in place so "the entertainment" piece can proceed nicely. I always check the extension cords of other vendors if they are anywhere near where the dance floor is, my job or not, and will push them back or tell the vendor I am going to GAFF them down and am usually thanked for it. I certainly do not want to see someone trip heading up to dance.

If, in someone's opinion, something gets overlooked occasionally, why is it so much of an issue to have a temporary replacement? It doesn't cost much to have a few of these items kept around, so why does it tweak a few of you so much? While I probably wouldn't have a cake set packed, I won't belittle someone who does. If I did weddings, I certainly might have a garter (takes no room) and could see where a minimal plastic bouquet could come in handy. I probably would keep some stain cleaners handy just for my own use, so if someone needed a dab, why not?
 
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Canute,

I think what we have here is a failure to communicate. Really, I think it's just a matter of symantics. We don't want or need to 'supervise' other vendors. That implies we bark orders at them. We do however need to monitor their progress, or lack thereof. By monitoring (i.e. not ignoring) the other vendors, I can better control the flow of the evening. Being that I'm the emcee, I think that's rather important.

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I carry an emergency sewing kit that I've loaned many times for broken buttons on a bustled wedding dress. I'm not the official seamstress, so am I stepping out of my DJ responsibilities? I guess. But I'm glad to do it. Gets me tips and referrals.
 
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FROM HOUSTON:
Is it your job to get in touch with the planner and venue to facilitate the evening? Nope, that is what the Planner was hired to do. My contact with the Venue is usually beforehand to arrange for proper setup and speaker deploymen So the evening drags on and you just stand there until you are told what to do.

If it isn't, does this impede your ability to keep the guests entertained? Nope! Guests sitting there well after dinner is over does not affect their enjoyment?

You in your own words have just emaciated yourself, and what's funny is you don't even know it because you dn't have the experience to understand.



 
DJ Wes said:
Canute,

I think what we have here is a failure to communicate. Really, I think it's just a matter of symantics. We don't want or need to 'supervise' other vendors. That implies we bark orders at them. We do however need to monitor their progress, or lack thereof. By monitoring (i.e. not ignoring) the other vendors, I can better control the flow of the evening. Being that I'm the emcee, I think that's rather important.
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Each Event is unique.
At each event there are different Roles and vendors.
At each event someone is hired to do certain tasks.
Usually the tasks to be done is executed by that particular Vendor.
Vendors and Hired Professionals at a Wedding may include but not limited to:
Planner/Coordinator
Emcee
Entertainment (Band, DJ Etc)
Caterer Food & Beverage (Food/Drinks/Bartender/Waitstaff/)
Florist
Linens
Baker/Cake Provider
ETC.
If there is a Hired Spot for each of the above and it is specifically laid out in the Individual Contracts as such, tell me how in the world is the DJ responsible for the deeds of others rather than himself. If he was hired as Planner, Emcee and DJ then I can see your point. I am NOT telling you all what YOU can or cannot do. That is your choice. I could care less! Just don't try and tell me it is my job if I was not hired for that task especially when someone else was. You all are confusing "lending a helping hand" with an "obligation to do". Does the Bartender come up to check to see if you have the appropriate songs lined up?

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Carefully Read this whole Article and maybe you will grasp what a Wedding Planner does: http://www.theweddingplannerbook.com/what-does-a-wedding-planner-do
Here are some quotes:

"To ensure a smooth wedding day, a wedding planner should create a detailed timeline incorporating the photographers timeline, DJ or band’s timeline and their own timeline for the entire duration of the wedding. The bride, groom, their families, the photographer and DJ should approve the timeline to ensure everyone is in sync. A copy should be handed out to everyone in the wedding party at the rehearsal, as well."

"On the day of the wedding, the wedding planner should arrive at the venue early enough to supervise all vendor set-up and answer any questions that may arise. Planners should ensure that the bride, groom, DJ/band and photographer are all informed in advance of each event (grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, garter toss, etc.).The wedding planner should be the liaison between all the vendors and the bride/groom on the day of the wedding. This will enable the bride/groom to enjoy the day with their friends and family instead of having to chase after vendors. After all, that is why they hired you! It is the wedding planner’s duty and privilege to ensure that the client’s vision is implemented."

 
mikemerlin said:
I believe that it is preparedness to do simple things like checking for utensils and plates because in my EXPERIENCE the venue has forgotten to put them there

You and Bob believe it is "looking for others to fail"
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Being consumed with preparation and fear of other people's failure is to be enmeshed not cooperative. You have made a quantum all-or-nothing leap to the assumption that I must operate in a vacuum, void of any interaction, information, or communication with other team members and vendors - not at all alert to what is going on around me. Common sense should tell you otherwise.

If I properly understand my role; use my eyes and ears, communicate timely and effectively with other team members and vendors, then the issues you cite don't arise or are never perceived to be "issues" in the first place, regardless of how much or how little staff coordination is available on site.

I reject the notion that it is my job to direct, correct, and double check the work of other competent professionals.

This thread started with assertions that a bride's playlist is unacceptable, party planners and possibly the bride herself are incompetent, and otherwise presuming for the DJ a role of wedding coordinator. Your position has since retreated to "simply glancing at the table..." something remedial, desperate, and immature.
 
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ahoustondj said:
Each Event is unique.
At each event there are different Roles and vendors.
At each event someone is hired to do certain tasks.
Usually the tasks to be done is executed by that particular Vendor.
Vendors and Hired Professionals at a Wedding may include but not limited to:
Planner/Coordinator
Emcee
Entertainment (Band, DJ Etc)
Caterer Food & Beverage (Food/Drinks/Bartender/Waitstaff/)
Florist
Linens
Baker/Cake Provider
ETC.
If there is a Hired Spot for each of the above and it is specifically laid out in the Individual Contracts as such, tell me how in the world is the DJ responsible for the deeds of others rather than himself. If he was hired as Planner, Emcee and DJ then I can see your point. I am NOT telling you all what YOU can or cannot do. That is your choice. I could care less! Just don't try and tell me it is my job if I was not hired for that task especially when someone else was. You all are confusing "lending a helping hand" with an "obligation to do". Does the Bartender come up to check to see if you have the appropriate songs lined up?

- - - Updated - - -

Carefully Read this whole Article and maybe you will grasp what a Wedding Planner does: http://www.theweddingplannerbook.com/what-does-a-wedding-planner-do
Here are some quotes:

"To ensure a smooth wedding day, a wedding planner should create a detailed timeline incorporating the photographers timeline, DJ or band’s timeline and their own timeline for the entire duration of the wedding. The bride, groom, their families, the photographer and DJ should approve the timeline to ensure everyone is in sync. A copy should be handed out to everyone in the wedding party at the rehearsal, as well."

"On the day of the wedding, the wedding planner should arrive at the venue early enough to supervise all vendor set-up and answer any questions that may arise. Planners should ensure that the bride, groom, DJ/band and photographer are all informed in advance of each event (grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, garter toss, etc.).The wedding planner should be the liaison between all the vendors and the bride/groom on the day of the wedding. This will enable the bride/groom to enjoy the day with their friends and family instead of having to chase after vendors. After all, that is why they hired you! It is the wedding planner’s duty and privilege to ensure that the client’s vision is implemented."
Click to expand...


Your arguments are based on Articles on what "people should do" not what really happens

Your argument also does not allot for there not being a wedding planner.

You are also on record saying that it is still not the DJ's job to be the liaison between vendors if there is not a planner.

You are on record saying that "if" dinner went long and guests were sitting there you would not work with the planner to get things on track

You simply have no answer if things were to not go as planned.

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Proformance said:
Being consumed with preparation and fear of other people's failure is to be enmeshed not cooperative. You have a made a quantum all-or-nothing leap to the assumption that I must operate in a vacuum, void of any interaction, information, or communication with other team members and vendors - not at all alert to what is going on around me. Common sense should tell you otherwise.

If I properly understand my role; use my eyes and ears, communicate timely and effectively with other team members and vendors, then the issues you cite don't arise or are never perceived to be "issues" in the first place, regardless of how much or how little staff coordination is available on site. Agreed

I reject the notion that it is my job to direct, correct, and double check the work of other competent professionals. I reject the notion that is what is being communicated

This thread started with assertions that a bride's playlist is unacceptable, party planners and possibly the bride herself are incompetent, and otherwise presuming for the DJ a role of wedding coordinator. Your position has since retreated to "simply glancing at the table..." something remedial, desperate, and immature. Wrong on many levels
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Bob, do you do weddings?
 
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mikemerlin said:
Your arguments are based on Articles on what "people should do" not what really happens

Your argument also does not allot for there not being a wedding planner.

You are also on record saying that it is still not the DJ's job to be the liaison between vendors if there is not a planner.

You are on record saying that "if" dinner went long and guests were sitting there you would not work with the planner to get things on track

You simply have no answer if things were to not go as planned. Tell me what Task was the DJ hired to do and who else is there doing what?
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Bob, do you do weddings?
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I will call Mike Merlin since he seems to be the designated Wedding DJ know it all!
 
Proformance said:
This thread started with assertions that a bride's playlist is unacceptable, party planners and possibly the bride herself are incompetent, and otherwise presuming for the DJ a role of wedding coordinator. Your position has since retreated to "simply glancing at the table..." something remedial, desperate, and immature.
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That's quite a stretch, even for you.

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DJ Wes said:
Canute,

I think what we have here is a failure to communicate.
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Wes, there's no failure to communicate. There's a failure on Canute's part to admit when he's wrong, ever. It's a character flaw, not failure to communicate.
 
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ahoustondj said:
I will call Mike Merlin since he seems to be the designated Wedding DJ know it all!
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You simply have no answer if things were to not go as planned. Tell me what Task was the DJ hired to do and who else is there doing what?

Sure. There's no wedding planner. You've been hired to make the announcements and ensure the client and guests have a good time. You've gone over the timeline with the Bride and all the specialty events are designated. It's time for the parent dances, dinner is running long and you want to get things moving so guests can have a good time dancing.

What do you do?

OH WAIT, I'm sorry I've already asked that question...You get on the mic and tell the guests to round up the parents

LOL

It's humorous to see someone who doesn't do weddings tell those that do how things work...
 
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Proformance said:
...if you're not offended then why are we still talking about how offended and insulted you are? Is that just a statement too? LOL.

My preference is not attempting to one-up the professional people I am working with.

If I was the bartender I'd bring red wine stain remover.
If I was supplying the champagne I'd bring a pair of toast glasses.
If I was the florist I'd bring an extra throw-away bouquet.
If I was the Justice of the Peace I'd bring a pair of rings.
If I was the maid of honor I'd bring a small sewing kit.
If I was the caterer I'd have an extra cake (yes, they really do.)
If I was the photographer I'd have a towel, comb, and a make-up kit.

However, I am the DJ and I already know that each of these people I am working with is fully prepared and already employs the extras I cited.
Likewise, I do not expect the caterer to bring a hard drive full of music, the bartender to have batteries for my microphone, or the florist to have an extra extension cord.

There is a line where preparedness ends - and looking for others to fail begins.
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Yea. Right. Sure. Keep telling yourself that.
 
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mikemerlin said:
Those who can do. Those who can't teach. Houston and Bob, thank you for your observations about how to properly do something neither of you do. :)
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You are welcome! The Dollar Store has a sale on Garters, Lighters, chrome plated Knives and Forks, Plastic Toasting Glasses and Plastic Floral Bouquets you might need then for your Hero acts!

I just came back from doing a 3 Hour Lingerie Fashion Show, what have you been doing, figuring out how to get the next Wedding Vendor to like you?
 
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ahoustondj said:
You are welcome! The Dollar Store has a sale on Garters, Lighters, chrome plated Knives and Forks, Plastic Toasting Glasses and Plastic Floral Bouquets you might need then for your Hero acts!

I just came back from doing a 3 Hour Lingerie Fashion Show, what have you been doing, figuring out how to get the next Wedding Vendor to like you?
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Ya know, as I was "driving in my car" I was thinking it really is remarkable how two people who don't even do weddings managed to get a bunch of us who do to go back and forth for 18 pages.

In honor of this great feat I propose a new award. We'll call it the "How to do weddings without actually ever doing them" award! Perhaps Houston and Bob can write a book on their....experience
 
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mikemerlin said:
Ya know, as I was "driving in my car" I was thinking it really is remarkable how two people who don't even do weddings managed to get a bunch of us who do to go back and forth for 18 pages.

In honor of this great feat I propose a new award. We'll call it the "How to do weddings without actually ever doing them" award! Perhaps Houston and Bob can write a book on their....experience
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What Gigs do you do? I have never seen a Gig report from you, ever!
 
ahoustondj said:
What Gigs do you do? I have never seen a Gig report from you, ever!
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That's actually a fair statement. I always thought posting every song I played seemed a bit tedious and time consuming but looking back I could have posted a dozen in the time I spent educating you! LOL With this being said I've ot some youtube action of the Aug 17th wedding I did at Bill Millers castle. The videos a bit grainy but you get the jist

[video=youtube_share;heJVdySEIRs]http://youtu.be/heJVdySEIRs[/video]

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[video=youtube_share;0kQYkZXCrzk]http://youtu.be/0kQYkZXCrzk[/video]

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[video=youtube_share;go_oSLWHWNY]http://youtu.be/go_oSLWHWNY[/video]

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You can also hear me here I'm on the air now big dawg! http://www.hitmusici983.com
 
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