Ellis Entertainment Multimedia DJ ProductionsWelcome To Ellis EntertainmentYour Wedding DJYour Party DJ!Music Selection & the Top 200CD Design & Media ProductionHow to Book Ellis Entertainment for Your EventService Vendors and Helpful TipsFrequently Asked QuestionsClient Testimonials

  1. How many years of DJ experience do you have?
  2. What makes your service unique or give you an edge?
  3. Do you work with a team / Who will be my DJ?
  4. What are your service rates?
  5. Do you carry a liability insurance policy?
  6. Do you require a signed contract and/or a deposit?
  7. Do you charge for meeting or consultation?
  8. Can you be booked on short notice?
  9. What DJ equipment do you use?
  10. Do you have backup equipment?
  11. What lighting FX do you have?
  12. Do you have a song list?
  13. What is your performance style?
  14. Do you have a wireless microphone?
  15. Do you have a karaoke system?
  16. Could external audio be patched into your system?
  17. Do you specialize in any type of music?
  18. Will there be a charge for your setup or breakdown time?
  19. How early do you arrive prior to the start of the event?
  20. Can you perform beyond the contracted end time?
  21. What will your attire be at my event?
  22. How far will you travel to reach an event location?
  23. Should a meal be provided?
  24. Do you have references?
  25. Can I get a demo CD?
  26. Could I attend one of your events to see your performance?

How many years of DJ experience do you have?

I've been a Disc Jockey for 12 years and established my DJ entertainment business in 2004. My background and experience comes from being involved with music and media for more than 25 years.  I've performed at numerous events, casual to extravagant. I've also been a nightclub DJ, mixing house & dance music.

In addition, I worked at one of Northern California's premiere wedding & event venues for over 6 years. This has given me a broad range of experience by working at large scale events in various roles and seeing how it all comes together.

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What makes your service unique or give you an edge?

Having a multi-faceted background is what gives Ellis Entertainment the edge. Exposure and active involvement in related fields of music, media and entertainment has enabled us to develop a comprehensive approach to performance. You will be getting much more than what the average DJ service can offer. We believe in looking at the big picture to determine how our service will best fit your needs, while never overlooking the smallest detail. Our service is personalized and we strive to exceed expectations.

As a delegate to the WMC (Winter Music Conference) in Miami, a high profile music conference designed for DJ and music professionals to network and gain insight on the future of the industry, it has helped to acquire the tools necessary to be successful in the rapidly changing and competitive industry. 

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Do you work with a team / Who will be my DJ?

Ellis Entertainment is exclusively owner operated and will not subcontract with any other DJ or service. You will have the confidence of working with a true professional at all times and no worry of any surprises. I may have an assistant present depending on the scale and structure of the event.

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What are your service rates?

I offer competitive pricing on my service rates. Keeping in mind that every event is unique, there are many variables involved with putting together a total package price.

The current base rates without added options are as follows:

  • Most Private Parties: $100 per hour
  • Corporate or Company Events: $120 per hour
  • Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah: $120 per hour
  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception: $150 per hour

Additional time is charged in 30 minute increments if needed on the day of your event.

Discounted rates of 25% off are applicable to weekday events. (Mon - Thurs / excluding holidays). The only exception to the weekday discount is for the month of December. Wednesdays and Thursdays are not eligible during this month.

The following special discounts are offered:

  • 5% off the current base rate to any new client that is a direct referral from a previous client.
  • 10% off the current base rate to repeat clients [2nd & 3rd bookings]
  • 20% off the current base rate for preferred clients [4th booking and after]
  • 10% off can be applied to contracts paid in full more than 1 year in advance.
  • 5% off can be applied to contracts paid in full more than 6 months in advance.
  • The prepaid discounts may also be applied on top of any other special discounts if the criteria is met for all discounts.

    It pays to plan ahead!

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Do you carry a liability insurance policy?

Yes, I carry a $1,000,000 General Liability Policy through the ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) insurance program. Proof can be provided upon request

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Do you require a signed contract and/or a deposit?

Absolutely. I only offer my services with a signed contract. By having a mutual agreement between parties, it gives the assurance that my services will be rendered and that Ellis Entertainment will be compensated accordingly. A booking retainer is required at the time of contract signing. This amount is 50% of the total package price. The remaining balance shall be paid no less than 30 days before the event date.

I prefer an in-person meeting and contract signing, although many of my previous clients have handled the contract via email or postal mail.

Short-notice bookings (considered to be the day before or the day of the event) still require a signed contract. The contract will be prepared and will need to be signed ASAP or upon arrival of the DJ. Full payment in cash is also required prior to setting up for performance.

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Do you charge for meeting or consultation time?

I offer unlimited consultation at no charge.

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Can you be booked on short notice?

Yes. I've been booked with less than 24 hours prior to some events and everything went as planned. I can also be double booked in the same day as long as it doesn't conflict with the other event or existing agreement.

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What DJ equipment do you use?

The DJ sound system features:

  • Pioneer Pro DJ gear
  • Native Instruments Traktor DJ Software
  • 1200 watt QSC studio quality amplifier
  • Yamaha loudspeakers
  • Mackie 1000 watt subwoofer
  • Yamaha mixer
  • Shure studio & stage quality wireless microphone systems
  • Ultimate Support speaker stands
We exercise proper care and maintenance of our equipment to ensure consistent and reliable performance. The setup is streamlined and aesthetically pleasing as well.
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Do you have backup equipment?

Yes, as any savvy working DJ knows, having backup gear is imperative so the show can go on. I have a dual DJ system setup. It's a combination of high performance DJ gear and a PC platform with a digital database. They can act as two independent systems, yet work seamlessly together. In other words, my backup equipment is already powered up and ready to go.

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What lighting FX do you offer?

My lighting consists of multi-colored, sound activated and strobe FX. It's a great way to add more fun to the dance floor or create a mood. A fog machine is also an option.

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Do you have a song list?

Having such a massive music library makes it a challenge to maintain a physical song list; however, I do have a vast majority of my music catalogued in my PC database for instant searching. I do have two printed song lists that I refer to that you're welcome to view for ideas or requests. Mobile Beat's "Top 200 Most Requested Songs of the Past Year" and Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" are comprehensive and cover all styles of popular music. If I don't currently have the songs you want to hear at your event, then I can guarantee them if the requests are submitted not less than 30 days prior to the date of your event.

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What is your performance style?

I can be energetic, loud and witty, or simply play the music and interact as necessary. As part of my personalized approach with my clients, I allow you to choose the style that suits your tastes. The level of interaction and involvement is determined during the planning stage of your event.

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Do you have a wireless microphone?

Yes, I offer two microphone options: I use a handheld wireless microphone during my DJ/MC performance. This may also be used for guest interaction, passing around for toasts or even the vocal talent. Guest performances which require the wireless mic can be coordinated during the event planning stage. I also have a wireless lavalier microphone system that is primarily used by wedding officiants. Either wireless microphone system option is an additional charge unless it's been written into the contract of an all-inclusive package.

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Do you have karaoke?

Presently my performance setup does not include karaoke; however, my system does have sound filters that attenuate the original vocals of the track to allow for sing-along to your favorite songs.

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Could external audio be patched into your system?

Yes, I've coordinated many laptop slideshows that have an audio track. As long as the sound source has a standard output jack, then it will be compatible with my audio mixer. I always bring several different types of cable adapters as well.

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Do you specialize in any type of music?

My knowledge of music is broad and I cater to all styles. My vast music library ranges from classical to thrash metal, indie to world beat, ambient to industrial. If I had to say that I specialize in one type of music, that would be dance club, house and electronica. As a club DJ, my experience has lent to unique sets that could cover oldies, hip-hop, rock, salsa and dance club remixes in a single event, seamlessly flowing non-stop. Imagine hearing AC/DC then Daft Punk, followed by Madonna, Pitbull, Lady GaGa and then a remix of the rock classic "Magic Carpet Ride" and never missing a beat. It's how I keep the dance floor packed! The average mobile DJ will not offer advanced mixing skills. It makes a big difference when it's time for your guests to let loose. Of course I would not try to beatmatch the classic "Unforgettable" with "Baby Got Back". That would just be ridiculous.

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Will there be a charge for your setup or breakdown time?

There is no charge for this. As an industry professional this is part of doing business as a mobile DJ.

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How early do you arrive prior to the start of the event?

I like to be on location to begin my setup at least 1 hour prior to the start time. This allows for any special obstacles I may encounter on site and gives me the opportunity to cover every last detail.

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Can you perform beyond the contracted end time?

In most cases yes. This is usually determined on the day of the event if it is feasible. Additional time requires payment in cash prior to reaching the contracted end time of the event.

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What will your attire be at my event?

My attire will be to your expectations. I dress professionally unless a casual appearance is preferred or I'm matching a theme. For weddings, it will be notated on the questionnaire.

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How far will you travel to reach an event location?

My home coverage spans the Greater Sacramento region. I've traveled as far as Chico, Burlingame, Modesto and South Lake Tahoe. I will travel to any location within a 30 mile radius of my home base at no charge. Beyond that my travel expense is calculated at $0.50/mile in excess of 60 miles for the roundtrip. For example: the approximate travel charge to South Lake Tahoe would be $59.00 [178 miles roundtrip - 60 miles = 118 miles X $0.50/mile].

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Should a meal be provided?

A meal is not expected but always appreciated. It is known well before the day of the event if a meal is provided. It will be indicated on the questionnaire.

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Do you have references?

I'm more than happy to provide references upon request. Please see my testimonials page.

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Can I get a demo CD?

Yes, simply request one and I will bring it to the first meeting.

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Could I attend one of your events to see your performance?

The events are private and I do not disclose the location; however, a video demo is coming very soon!

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