Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did you call the company "Ablaze Entertainment?"
- Due to me having dreams of being a fire fighter, currently I am a certified EMT and by me causing your reception to be the hottest place to be that night, Ablaze Entertainment fit perfectly.
- Why did they call you "Stretch?"
- Apart from being 6' 7", my height has nothing to do with my nickname. I have been going by it since 1987 and it has just stuck with me all this time.
- Do you have references"
- Yes, I have references and will give them upon your request. Hopefully in the near future I can I can add you to that list of references.
- What music will you play?
- I rely on your requests and will take those and play the perfect mix to keep the party dancing.
- How many songs do you have?
- I have a music library closing in on 20,000 songs which is ever growing. Some companies say that they need only the best songs and not that many. Well, what if you want a song thay a DJ doesn't think is one of the best? I have a plethora of songs, so I have the ability to play most, if not all of the requests I get. If there is a song that you would like and I happen not to have it, if given enough time before your event, I will aquire that song for your event.
- What will you wear to my event?
- I wear the appropiate attire for your event. I own 3 tuxedos and several different vests. If a tuxedo is the event party attire, I will wear a matching tuxedo and not just a company polo.
- Will you be the Master Of Ceremonies (the M.C.)?
- If you would like me to M.C. your event, I will provide that free of charge. 99% of the events I do, I also act as the M.C. From the moment your event begins, to keep your event running smoothly, you will find me coordinating with the photographer, videographer and the other event staff. I will make formal annoucements ensuring that everyone witnesses each and every special occassion whether it be in person by the guests or on film by a vendor.
- Do you travel?
- Yes, I will travel to any location. I do charge extra, but in most cases, I will still be cheaper than other big city DJ's. When I DJ'ed in Seattle and Los Angeles, I charged nearly 3x as much as the amount I do here. So allow me to travel to wherever your event is and DJ for you and I will only charge my normal Utah prices and then a nominal travel fee and as stated in most cases will be cheaper then a DJ from there. The bonus to that is I will be able to meet with you here at your convience and help you plan the entire event in person, and then provide the best service possible. Something you can not do over the phone, long distance.
- What is the average number of hours for a reception?
- Typically it is about three (3) hours, but I have DJ'ed a reception that kept me behind the music for thirteen (13) straight hours. But in the end it is up to you how long your reception will last.
- Do you charge for set-up?
- No, Set-up is included in my event price. I do however charge for downtime. Downtime is time that my equipment is set-up and not in use (for instance, if you need me to set-up the night before your event.) A nominal fee is charged for that.
- When do you set-up?
- I ask that the location be open to me two (2) hours in advance to allow me enough time to set-up and do a sound-check before your party gets going.
- What do you require at the event locaton?
- I require suffient grounded electricity within 20 feet of my table. If lights are wanted, that needs to the same, but perferrably off a differentfuse to prevent overloading one circuit and sometimes causing a popping noise in the speakers. Sufficient cover is also required (15 x 15) in adverse weather conditions that would interfere with the electricial equipment. Please see the section under RESOURCES that provides the average weather conditions for the area. I have my own table with skirting, but if you would like my table to match your decor, please provide it for me.
- Do you have lighting effects?
- I have some lighting effects and will provide it for you if desired. I have overhead 10 foot trussing that supports these lighting effects.
- Do you have a wireless microphone?
- Yes, I have a wireless microphone for all the anoucments and for any toast if your guests are so inclined.
- Are there any hidden fees?
- No, there are no hidden fees or additional charges, everything is discussed up front with you, but gratuity for the DJ if you think he is doing a good job is not included (this is optional.)
- Can we meet in person?
- I prefer meeting in person as opposed to only discussing your most important day with you over the phone. I do not charge you to meet with you, let me know when you can meet and we will plan your perfect day.
- Can we see you in action?
- If you happen to be a guest at one of the events I happen to be DJing at, then Yes. Otherwise, I am sorry, seeing me at someone else's wedding without them inviting you is not possible. But let me tell you in advance, that no business will transpire with anyone except the current guests of honor.
- When should I book with you?
- It is advised that you select your DJ 12 weeks before your scheduled date if possible. Then you should meet with him for the first time (in person) 8 weeks out. Review everything at about 4 weeks previous and meet the final time to make any last minute changes the last week before your big day. I will gladly do all these at your convience free of charge.
- What if we cancel?
- A deposit of $100 is required to reserve your date. If you cancel the deposit is forfeited to help cover other opportunities missed due to your date being reserved.
- Who traditional pays for what?
- I have a whole section on wedding and reception resources under the link appropiately called "RESOURCES." But let me answer the question of who pays for the DJ here and now. Usually, tradition says the brides family. For more detail, check out the RESOURCE link.
- What type of music do you have?
- I provide at every event I DJ, music from every era, from 1930 big band to the latest dance hits of today.
- How did you acquire so much music?
- I get my music in several different "LEGAL" ways. I have gotten music directly from the bands and musicians themselves, I have bought some of it, I have been given some of it as payment (how I started out) and I have even made my own for dance clubs. The reason most of my music is burned is the areas and locations I have DJed in. I would like to see someone DJ in these places and come out of there with "ALL" of their music. On average I was having a CD stolen at every gig, which made it very expensive. So I decided to make copies of all my music and that is what I take to my gigs to prevent expensive repurchasing of the music.
- Is any of your music inappropriate?
- I screen all my music for inappropiate language and themes. I have a "DO NOT PLAY" list which is by LDS Church Standards. I adhere to these standards as requested by you, or if the event is in a church building.
- Do you do fundraisers and non-profit events?
- Yes, I have done them in the past and will continue to do so, so that these organizations can provide entertainment to their guests while fighting their causes. From 2001 - 2003 I was the DJ and M.C. for the Special Olympics (summer games) in Los Angeles.
- What is the biggest dance that you have DJ'ed?
- Outside of the clubs, I would have to say the dance I did where cops showed up to ask what was happening, since there was not enough parking for the 600+ people that showed up. We were only expecting around 200. The cops came in to inquire about the illegal parking outside. The cops then decided to stay and bounce for us.
- What is the smallest dance you have DJ'ed?
- If you consider my car as a happening place, the answer is one (1) if not a wedding where there were only 20 people in attendance.
- Who created and designed your website?
- I did all the programming on this siteand have created 5 other websites. I am also the current webmaster of this site.
- Are you single?
- Nope, I am happily married to a VERY WONDERFUL, LOVING and GORGEOUS lady.