Awesome Photographer Ely Roberts

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Recently my family and I had the privilege of having our pictures taken by Ely Roberts.  He is an amazing San Luis Obisbo photographer that happened to be in the Phoenix area for a wedding.  Luckily he had his Saturday morning free for us.  Considering how the pictures turned out I would have paid to fly him over for the session.

kid on sholders

I’ve followed his work for many years, and quite a few pictures hanging in my house are from his camera.  The prints have so much originality and creativity that it highlights his talent in every shot.  He admits that even as a kid he was a huge fan of photography.  He always had a cameras near by and would take pictures of most of the “adventures” his three brothers and he would have.

Aside from his photography gift, Ely is one of the nicest and humble guys you will meet.  He has traveled around the world helping those in need and raising the spirits of everyone he meets.  He was raised by parents that believe in good moral values and generosity; two things that Ely has taken to heart and lives his life by.

Below is a small sampling of his work, and you can click on these links to see his portfolio of wedding photos, couple photos, and portraits.

Wedding photograph

Wedding photograph

Wedding photograph

You can book his services through his website www.elyroberts.com.  He is available to travel or you may want to visit him in California for some of the best locations for your engagement or couples photos.

As always thanks for reading and when looking for a Phoenix DJ consider Black Tie DJ PHX.

Birthday Song Chart Topper

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Recently I was checking out my Facebook newsfeed and I came across one of my good friend’s posts.  She had the song that was on top of the charts when she was born.  How fricking cool is that?  I’ve never even thought to ask that question until just now.  I clicked on the link to the app and started entering my info and gave the app permission to post on my wall.

I hit enter and waited to see what the most important song in the world could have been.  Before I could see it I first had to do some survey to verify my age.  Hmm sounds plausible.  I was too excited to worry about it then.  Okay JCPenny was about to find out what my favorite department in their store is.  Done now back to the song.  ”Waiting for completion” WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just give me the song!!!!!

Back to JCPenny’s tab.  Wait I have to complete offers there too?  1 Silver 2 Gold 4 Plat?  I just finished an offer!  I took your stupid survey!  I started to look through the list of offers.  Buy this/try this/signup here.  ”I don’t want to, you can’t make me”.

It dawned on me I might be able to cut out the “app middle man” and just google the song.  JCPenny tab closed, but what do I see on my facebook wall?  My song posted!!!!!!

Knock on Wood – AmiiStewart

Can you believe it?  I didn’t have to give any money away or anything.  I might have sold a piece of my sole but I’m not sure.

For your convienence I’ve done a quick google search and found this site. Birthday Song Database.  It takes a minute to load but you can search for you birthday song there.

As always thanks for reading, and consider Black Tie DJ PHX if you need a Phoenix DJ.

Top 5 Disco Song list that doesn’t include the Village People

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Disco is one of those genres that can get a lot of people groaning when it hits the speakers, but it doesn’t have to be.  Sure, there are a lot of over played songs that leave you feeling dirty for liking them, but there are so many good ones too.  My goal is to list my top 5 songs and hope that it hits a cord for some of you.  At the very least I pray you will be more tolerant of the genre.

1)  September – Earth, Wind and Fire

This is one of my favorite songs period.  It’s definitively my favorite disco jam.  If you hate this one then you might as well stop reading.  We may never see eye to eye.

2)  Don’t stop ’til You get enough – Michael Jackson

Arguably one of Michael’s best dance songs, but he’s had so many great jams that the debate would be epic.  I am a huge fan of this one and play it often at both DJ events and on personal play lists.

3)  T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MFSB

Another great disco song that just gets you moving.  This is memorable but not over played.  A must have for 70s/disco themed parties but can work across the board.

4)  Boogie Oogie Oogie – Taste of Honey

Listen to that guitar.  It’s got a lot of funk to it.  Great song.

5)  I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross

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Some people can’t get past how the gay community has taken hold of this song.  If that’s a big problem for you then pass right by.  This is a great song with one of the best hooks.  It’s no wonder Puffy sampled from it.

These are just a few of the truly great Disco songs out there.  There are a lot of others including newer music like “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and “If I Ever Feel better” by Phoenix.  Jamiroquai has some great disco beats too.

Don’t ever give up on Disco.

Thanks for reading and check out the rest of my site.  Black Tie is on Facebook and Google +

Others are being affected by Tom with Home Protection

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Lois Alcosser wrote the linked article on the Wilton Bulletin.  It is an interesting read concerning the future of the human race when computerized voices start becoming the norm.  It is all revolving around the trend of spam callers like Tom with Home Protection.

http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/wiltonbulletin/columns/112359-attachments-now-hear-this.html

Help others fight this type of illegal spam telemarketing.  Go to Stop “Tom with Home Protection” to see what you can do.

You can see my experiences with Tom at Tom with Home Protection.

As always, thank you for reading and check out the rest of my site here Phoenix DJ.

My top 5 songs to Dance to

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About This List
First off thank you for stopping by to read my lowly opinion. I’ve been playing music for some time now as a mobile DJ and love to get people out of their chairs and onto the dance floor. As a mobile DJ my music selection stays pretty main stream, so don’t be shocked that this list doesn’t get deep into b-side tracks that the general public may have missed. It really is a list of song that I enjoy playing and people like dancing to. Maybe it will help you select some songs for your next party.

Songs

Good Feeling – Flo Rida

I am a big big fan of this song.  It has a great hook and Flo Rida keeps the floor bumpin.  Definitively worth a listen.

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett and Goon Rock

This song is and has been big over the last few months.  LMFAO followed it up with another very fun song “Sexy and I know it”, which is also great for most young crowds.

Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

Just go and listen if you haven’t heard it.  I’d be surprised if you haven’t though. It’s a great song and a good reason to hit the dance floor.

Dynamite – Taio Cruz

This song came in and hit big.  People love it and I’m not tired of it yet.

Give me Everything – Pitbull Feat. Ne-yo, Afrojack and Nayer

Just a fun song with a great beat.

Hopefully you’ll forgive my mainstream taste in this list.  The crowds like to hear top 40s, and I’m all about giving the people what they want.

Thanks for reading.

DJ Budd rocking a singles party in 2003

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Back in 2003 I was still a “wet behind the ears” DJ. I was learning about music and how to “program”. I was also working on how to kick the stage fright that goes along with entertaining. I’m thankful for never fully getting rid of it. I think if I did I would lose the love I have for this career.

In addition to the company parties and weddings I was given, (I say given because I worked for a DJ company and I had someone else selling and booking me as a DJ) I was a regular for a Christian Singles Company. They threw about 16 dances a year, among other events, and I was the DJ 4-6 a year.

I was going through some of my older pictures and I found this one from a trip they had to Venture, CA. They brought my wife and me up for the weekend to DJ the dances. I always look back on those days with a warm fuzzy feeling. The people were so much fun to preform for, and the company was generous and easy to work with.

Here is the picture I found.

image: 2003 Singles Dance DJ in Ventura, CA

2003 Singles Dance DJ in Ventura, CA

They danced so much the the dance floor shifted enough to hit my speaker stands five inches away!

Thanks for reading.

Tom with Home Protection

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I’m straying from my DJ advice for just a bit here. I think it’s an important topic though.

Over the last year I’ve been plagued with calls on my cell from a recorded message telemarketer. It all starts off with “Hi this is Tom with Home Protection“. From the first call I was pretty sure it was a recording. I asked a couple of questions on a more personal note and the answers to my questions didn’t seem quite right.  Since then I’ve been called almost every day from different numbers but the same recording. It doesn’t seem to matter if I opt out by calling back and pressing “1″.  In fact, it just increases the number of calls I get. If I block the call on my Verizon account it’s quiet for about 4 days then a new number starts calling. Unfortunately, I’ve been silent, thinking this was going to go away on it’s own.


To my surprise and appreciation there are others that are not content with ignoring the problem. They are fighting to eradicate this illegal practice of spam telemarketing.

I encourage everyone that has been burdened by this low life company to help in the movement. Add your voice to the growing number of people who aren’t sitting for this anymore.

Call your congressman. Report the numbers to your local authorities and attorney general. Get the word out about what is happening so others won’t fall victim to this immoral ploy to skirt our laws.

Please show your support on both of the following sites.
Help stop tom
stop tom with home protection

As always thank you for reading.  If you need a Phoenix disc jockey please check us out.

How to keep wedding guests dancing

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It takes more than just the DJ

After DJing hundreds of wedding receptions, one thing is clear, there are specific things brides and grooms can do to help your DJ keep the dance floor full. There are also some things that they do that make it harder than it should be. I’m going to hit on a few of the do’s and don’ts that will make your wedding a real party.

Reception hall and itinerary

  1. DJs have to be near the dance floor, period. We are entertainers and need to have easy access to the dance floor and our equipment. Putting us near the dance floor helps us keep the energy up and the guests getting down. You can put us to the side of the dance floor if you’re worried about pictures.
  2. Keep the bar in the same room as the dance floor. The closer the better. If you make your guests leave the party atmosphere to get a drink, they tend to lose their dancing shoes on the walk. If they are always in site of the party then the shoes stay on their feet. This also lets the DJ see who the really fun people are and we use that to break the ice.
  3. Don’t let dinner drag on too long. We understand that feeding a lot of people takes time, but making them sit after they are done eating is a big party downer. Work with your DJ to plan your first dance and other dances while people are finishing up their food. People will enjoy watching you from their chairs and this will allow open dancing to hit about the time they need to stand up and stretch their legs. There’s no better place to do that then on the dance floor.
  4. Plan to have some dancing right after dinner and before the cake. Once the cake is cut most guests see that as a sign that they’re about to overstay their welcome. They start the bee line for the door. The alternative to this is getting them dancing and enjoying themselves a bit before the sugar rush. Even if they still leave they’ll have had a better time.

 

The music

  1. Make sure your DJ plays a few slower songs early on. Women want to dance with their husbands and husbands can be easily convinced to dance to a slow song. If you can find out what your parents or grandparents danced to as their first dance, then you can dedicate the song to them. The DJ can invite everyone to the dance floor as a way to honor their marriage that has lasted so long.
  2. Let your guests make requests. Guests feel more a part of the night if they can request some of their favorite songs. You can always give your DJ guidelines on what is and isn’t appropriate to request. If you don’t want the chicken dance, let the DJ know.

 

Closing thoughts and shameless self promotion

Your wedding should be a joyous and memorable experience for both you and your guests. As a DJ I want you to look back on the night and think about how much fun you had and how much your guests enjoyed themselves. By following some of the advice above you will give your DJ the best chance of making that happen for you.

If you are in need of a DJ in the greater Phoenix area then please consider Black Tie DJ Phoenix. I will personally do everything in my power to make your wedding a success.

Phoenix DJ’s take on How a DJ Should Dress?

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All DJs have their own style and it will be present in their attire. This does not mean that you have to put up with a country hat at your wedding. You have the power to ask your DJ to dress however you see fit. If you want formal wear for your wedding then let them know. If you are a jeans kind of crowd then tell your DJ he can dress the part too. My default is a suit or tux, but I like to switch it up to match the crowd. I’ve heard too many horror stories of brides in tears over the DJ coming to the wedding in a t-shirt.

If you are concerned about your DJ dressing the part then be direct with them. Let them know your vision of the party and the type of clothes your guests will be wearing. Your DJ should be happy to dress accordingly. If you are having a themed party that would require your DJ to purchase “specialty wear”, then there can be an additional cost for their time and expense. Make sure they fully understand what you are looking for before sending them off to get it. If you are going for a 70′s funk theme then show him some photos of what you think would be appropriate. Don’t leave them guessing, because the day of the event could leave you both surprised. 

Give your DJ every chance to do the very best job possible. Sit down with him or her and go over the details of the evening and let him know exactly what you expect from them. Make sure everyone is on the same page and you will not only have a better event, but you will feel more comfortable going into the big day.

Check out my site to read more about me and Black Tie DJ PHX. You can also email me at blacktie@blacktiedjphx.com