"Frequently Asked Questions"

Q. How much do you charge?
A. Obviously, the most often-asked, and first-asked question. We strive to keep our prices competitive with other DJ's in our area with comparable equipment, experience, etc.

Q. What kind of music do you have?
A. We have a wide variety of music on hand, whether it is for a wedding, a holiday party, or cookout. Generally, a good variety, especially of dance numbers, is needed. If a list of requests is submitted to me, I will make every effort to acquire them.

Q. Do you take requests from our guests as well as ones we may want?
A. Yes and Yes. It's our aim, of course, to please you and as many of your guests as possible. We also try to play them as soon as possible.

Q. What if we have some special songs we want played?
A. Provided the song list is given to me at least one to two weeks prior to your function. This would give sufficient time, if needed, to acquire a few we may not have.

Q. Do you work with us, or do you have a set way of doing things?
A. My attitude is always that you are hiring me, and I do what you want to have done. This is YOUR wedding or function. I'll be glad to make some suggestions when we meet prior to the event, and certainly if you need ideas or guidance,

Q. Do you keep things "rolling"?
A. Absolutely. Take a wedding for example, I would be making sure the toast is being poured by the time the entrance of the wedding party is made. Another would be briefing the photographer and caterer at the beginning as to the format I've worked out with you, so they are ready to take pictures, or checking that food and wine toasts have been set out and ready to be served so as to not have any "down-time" You will see me "roaming around" a lot, speaking with the photographer, caterer or kitchen people, co-coordinating happenings.

Q. Do you typically provide props or are you a more low key act?
A. I provide certain items when appropriate such as tambourines and hats for YMCA and conga lines. However I follow your wishes, if you would like more or less interaction with the crowd it is up to you.

Q. Do you need a deposit for us to retain your services?
A. Yes. A $100.00 retainer would be needed to retain your date in our book. The deposit is not refundable, but is applied to and subtracted from your original, agreed-to fee. The retainer is expected, along with the contract, within 5 mailing days from when you called or emailed me to inform me of your decision to book. I will hold the date for you for those next 5 days--guaranteed. Once the retainer is secured, if anyone else calls for that day-time, I simply inform him or her I'm all set with that date.
A check or money order may be sent to and payable to:
Rich Harnage
10973 Percheron Dr.
Jacksonville, Fl 32257
Email: Rockinrichh@hotmail.com
1-904-608-0921

Q. Do you have a contract?
A. Yes. This protects both you and me. However I have never really needed a contract. I pride myself on my word and reputation.

Q. Do we pay any extra for your set-up and tear-down time?
A. Absolutely not. If your function were 1:00pm to 5:00pm, that is what your 4 hour contracted period would be. We generally arrive 1-1.5 hours prior to, in this example; the 7:00pm to 11:00pm contracted time, and are ready to begin playing music at or before 7:00pm.

Q. What are the terms for the remaining balance? Can it be paid in advance of the function?
A. Remaining balance is due 10 days prior to your function. You may make your final payment any time prior to the contract signing.

Q. Do you drink alcoholic beverages while working?
A. I never drink alcoholically on the job--period. It's my own personal view, but I view it as unprofessional to do so. Although often times I have a GREAT time doing events, I see myself there as doing a job that I get paid for, and not to drink and party.

Q. Do you have a video or audiotape?
A. No, and for what I think are good reasons. I think wedding video or audio demo tapes can be so misrepresentative. In such a video or audio, most people would base their opinions of the DJ on the first 2 or 3 songs. Which 3 songs would be featured? Pop? Country? Classic Rock? Of course, it would be edited to show footage of times when the dance floor was full--see what I mean? I could shoot 4 different videos to send out, depending on that individual's musical taste and send the video that most closely matches their musical tastes--would that be really representative? It only would show my performance according to one of my client's tastes. If you were to see me do or play something that you didn't want at your function, you would probably not want to hire me. The point is that the style of my performance will reflect your desires. I will play the songs you want, while avoiding the ones you don't. The level of personality and audience interaction will be at the right "temperature", too.

Q. How many different DJ's or operators do you have?
A. Just me, although I could call on one of my many contacts in case of emergency after clearing it with you. I will personally sign the contract, and DJ, MC or Karaoke host your function. (I may have an assistant to help in moving equipment, getting out/putting away material, and running the stage lighting, and an office manager--that's why I often phrase my sentences "we".

Q. Can we come see you at a function?
A. The vast majority of work we do is private functions, such as weddings and private parties. I'm sorry but I don't think it is appropriate to invite others to someone else's function. However I am happy to furnish you with references.

Q. Do you have any written references? How about a brochure?
A. Yes, both. I will be happy to provide you with them at your request.

Q. Do you have stage lighting?
A. Yes. We have a professional dance light system. There is an extra charge. I have several colored lights that fill the room, and the classic "mirror ball" for the slow dances.

Q. What kind of equipment do you run? How powerful is the sound system? Is it O.K for a small reception of, say, 80 people, as well as one with 250?
A. Our amplifier and speaker system is more than enough for any indoor setting (reception hall, gymnasium), as well as with any backyard, outdoor reception. That does not mean we will "blow the walls" off a small room. High-powered systems sound even clearer at low volume levels.

Q. Do you have back-up equipment?
A. Yes. We have a backup for all equipment. No need to worry, I've never had a major malfunction that caused music to cease permanently.

Q. What attire do you normally wear?
A. I own a tuxedo and several suits for the more formal affairs. I also have any number of casual outfits to fit the occasion.

Q. Can we book karaoke only, for say, a birthday party? (or any party!)
A.Yes you can. We will customize your event however you like. I currently have nearly 3000 songs, including new releases!