Big Dog Entertainment
Mobile Music
(712) 202-2858
Q: What qualifies you as a professional?
A: I'm glad you asked. This is what sets one company apart from another. I was an active musician all through school. Won several regional and state awards, scholarships etc. Performed in numerous recording studios as both a member of the named group as also as a studio musician. I played drums on the road for several years w/ the Eddie Skeets Orchestra which was a dance band that toured 3-5 nights per week across the country. I was also a music major in college, concert promoter for numerous top country and rock shows in the Midwest... the list goes on and on. I've been involved in the music and entertainment industry for many years now. I have grown to appreciate what the crowd is wanting and what it takes to add that special touch on the fly to send them home with a smile. By day I'm in management for the worlds largest protein supplier. I'm also a husband and father of 2 little girls. I'm a member of the Masonic Lodge as a Master Mason 32nd Degree plus a Shrine Clown, wrecking crew (enough said ;o) we know how to have FUN!. Along with the help of a select group of skilled professionals we pursue a passion of music and entertainment to it's fullest extent. Even though there is a strong passion for what we do, this is a business built to provide only the best in entertainment, professionalism, quality and value.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: We don't list our prices over the internet. Because no two events are alike either in the time needed, location, special needs etc it would not only be impossible but unfair to quote one price for every event. Keep in mind that you don't always get what you pay for, and that a "good price deal" may be lacking in both experience and quality. Your most expensive may be very cheap in content. Value comes from experience, professionalism, and show expertise. Be sure you are hiring a qualified and experienced professional for your special event. We believe we offer a very fair market price for our services while offering only the best in entertainment.
Q: What is a typical nights program?
A: It would be difficult to say what a "typical" night would be. Because everyone has different tastes and the timing is different, every show is different. We do not pre-mix our sets prior to the show. We take the requests as they come and play what has either been asked of us or what we feel the room is needing to keep the energy up. We do try to satisfy as many people as possible without making anyone feel like their music tastes are being excluded.
Remember, this is your night so any or all of this is subject to change at your request. We're there to make you happy so if you have anything you would like to include, exclude, rearrange etc, just let us know before the dance in your music request sheet under our client services page.
Q: The party is going great and we're having a wonderful time! How much do you charge for overtime?
A: Most disc jockeys will be happy to keep the party going if they don't have any other obligations, provided that the rental hall is available for the extended time. Check with your hall in advance. The extended time is usually billed at a flat per hour rate.
Q: My party will last for 4hrs, from 7pm - 11pm. When will you arrive and how long will you take to setup?
A: As a general rule, we will arrive around 2 hours before the reception to set up and do our sound and light check. That keeps our staging time out of your way, reduces any noise plus keeps the attention on you rather than us wheeling our equipment in. This also allows us time to make sure all of our systems are working properly and allows a couple hours for contingency planning. Time required for setup and breakdown is not considered "billable" time.
Q: I'm not familiar with the names, artists, what's played for certain portions of the wedding do you have any suggestions?
A: We most certainly do. I would first refer you to the question above(3rd from the top) for a guide/program . Next I would refer you to the "Wedding Hot List" or the client services link for specific song suggestions and recommendations. Feel free to pick from our list or create your own using our on-line client services. You can search by artist and artist. You can even listen to a portion of the song before you add it to your interactive list. Save it then come back later and pull it back up to finish. This is a very popular feature.
Q: Do you host contests and games? How much extra does this cost?
A: For added fun & excitement, many DJ services host dance contests & limbo contests complete with inflatable guitars, microphones, props & prizes for the winners. Line dances and the Hokey Pokey, Ch Cha Slide etc may also get the crowd going. Some DJs provide these services as part of a package deal, some charge extra. We do not charge extra for props and crowd participation activities unless it is something uniquely requested by the party and beyond the scope of props on hand. This can be negotiated at the time of booking or as the event gets closer. We use the contest and games only per request or if the crowd fits. Most of the time these are not suitable at Weddings. Crowd participation is but some of the games may not be.
Q: What type of music do you play?
A: We play many different styles and tempos. From the 1940's to the weekly Billboard Countdown we cover all decades and styles in regards to availability. The actual music played for the show would be chosen to satisfy the group in attendance and their tastes. We also stay up to date on current hits so there is a strong chance we will have on hand what you are looking for. Also provided with the contract is a request sheet where the styles of music desired, special requests by title and artist plus a portion to list any do not play songs. We find this helpful to get a feel for the type of crowd and their likes we are performing for prior to the show.
Q: What is your policy concerning obscene lyrics and content?
A: As a professional DJ service we practice a "no obscenity" policy regarding music played no matter what type of event. Discuss this with the prospective DJ service before hand to avoid any confusion. We try our best to censor all of our music before it goes into production. If a song is requested and it's full of Rated R type material or for example it's early in the evening and the crowd may be a bit more sensitive than say at 11:00 p.m., we may decline the request until later in the evening. Many events take on a different fell as the evening goes on so it may become more appropriate for certain songs and types of music later in the evening. There are still no guarantees we will play it - we reserve the right to forbid play of sensitive material.
Q: What is your policy regarding Alcohol (drinking at the job)?
A: As a professional DJ service - we do not drink before or during our shows. We are focused on the event and will not bring, purchase or accept any alcoholic beverages while on the job.
Q: I'm not sure if I want a DJ or a live band?
A: This is for you to decide. As a musician I respect the art and would never stand in the way of a live performance. With anything there are pros and cons to each and a place for everything. It really comes down to the atmosphere you wish to project and the versatility you expect for your event. Mobile music is certainly versatile, we can manage the sound levels better without sacrificing quality much easier as well. We also provide non-stop entertainment with no set breaks.
Q: We're considering using your DJ services. Can we come see you perform somewhere?
A: We would be happy to invite you to one of our shows. Unfortunately because of the private nature of the event (i.e. Wedding) we don't feel comfortable inviting people without the contracting party's approval first. Because we also do many other types of functions, feel free to ask though and we will try our best to accommodate your request.
Q: Do you or will you perform outside?
A: Yes, just make sure we know in advance. We have our own tent to cover the equipment if not provided. We just need to be sure and bring it. We also have satellite speakers for when the wedding or reception is outdoors. We can set the small sound system up to play music while your guests arrive plus position microphones near the ceremonies so all speaking parts, vows etc can be heard. Also because of the size and quality of our equipment we can easily provide coverage for an outdoor event. Many small systems just don't have the power or projection abilities to fill an outdoor space adequately so when searching for a DJ, be sure they are aware of your need and don't hesitate to answer your question. Indoors our outdoors our system is fully capable of allowing you to "feel the music" ;)
Q: How do you dress for an event?
A: Dress code is something that will vary according to the event and should be discussed in advance. Typical wedding attire will be black slacks, black shirt & tie. Consider what you would like the DJ to wear, and then discuss it with us so there are no surprises the day of show.
Q: Who did your web site?
A: We did it ourselves. Hope you like it.
Q: Do you do music production or mixing for other uses?
A: We do and we have. We've helped produce and mix CD's for things such as recitals, dance routines, weddings, birthdays, school plays etc. We have the equipment and ability to do so. However because of the time involved we only do it upon special request and don't solicit business.
Q: Do you accept credit card payments?
A: Yes... We can accept credit card payment s but they must be completed on-line through our "Client Services" area.
Hopefully, we have been helpful with your decision making. Carefully consider how important each of the above items are to you, and choose accordingly.
Remember, the party you save may be your own!
Don't Forget Your Holiday Party!
Schedules Book Up Fast So Plan Yours Today!
The "Big Dog" is On The Loose In A Town Near You!