Frequently Asked Questions
At Bernie Howard Events, we've done our best to create a web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 847-509-8887 or bernie@berniehoward.com.
Q: Are you an Event Planners, Mobile DJs or a Sound & Lighting Rental Company?
All! I started as one of the first mobile DJ's in the Midwest (36 years ago),
I needed to own big gear for the larger shows I was being hired for. Eventually, I grew into a sound & lighting rental company that specializes in production of large (500 to 1000 people) Corporate Meetings, Picnics and Holiday Parties.
The majority of my biz is still V.I.P. Mitzvahs and Weddings. These type of events require alot of hand holding and we are up to that task. We help create great events as part of our service. I enjoy the big jobs, yet no job is too small. My standards are just higher than my competitors.
Q: Are you going to be our DJ or are you going to send us "one of your people”?
Yes! I'm going to DJ your event. I also have one other DJ/Tech, who has been with me for almost 30 years. He is my production crew. At 57, I have the experience, and I realize you hired me for solutions, not more problems. We make things happen! When you hire Bernie Howard, I'm the one who will try my best to make your event a success. No one wants to do a bad job for you, yet DJ's aren't all equal. I wish we were because it would make it a lot easier to select a talented one. Beware of multi-jock clone services . . . They are the ones that claim "We're so good we do 12 shows a night or We do a million jobs a year". These companies usually send out new DJ "wanabees" and they won't guarantee what DJ will show up for your job. If they mess up one job, No Problem, they are still getting paid from 11 others! Can you say “Spinning Pizzas”? We only have an “A” team. Do you really believe that all their DJ’s have the same talent and experience?
Q: What happen's if you get hit by a truck or you get sick the day before our event?
I've never missed a job in my life, although it could happen. All my best friends are DJ colleagues and my office has a list of numbers if I ever meet that truck! Kenny B (my tech) is my backup plan.
Q: What happens if your amp stops working on a Saturday night?
It would be embarrassing, but I carry 3 spare ones out in the truck. Everything breaks eventually! This professional DJ entertainer is always prepared with back-ups on site! Most dj’s don’t.
Q: Why do you require a retainer?
I can only be at one place per evening. I treat people the same way I would expect to be treated.
I only require a signed legal contract, and a small retainer to hold your date. If I worked for "trailer-trash people" it would be different. I work for the nice people and help them celebrate special times of their lives! I do the nicer events. If you want a trailer-trash dj, I can give you some digits.
Q: When do we pay you?
I get paid 14 business days before the event. This is usually the time that we have a details teleconference and go over your music selections and specifics of your party. Personal or Certified Checks are fine. Cash works also. This method beats the embarrassment of busy brides, grooms or mitzvah parents forgetting their checkbooks on the day of their event.
Q: Can we pick all the songs?
I don't recommend it, but your tastes in music are important (especially for Mitzvahs). Give me a list of your favorite songs or you can work off my current playlist. Select 30 songs that you like and then give me the latitude (and my 37 years experience) to "read" and "work" the crowd. For your first dance, I'll guarantee to get you your special song that means so much. If you feel that you need to program every song (in a special order), remember this rarely works and I'm probably the wrong DJ for your event! I want you and your guests to be happy, yet I have a reputation also.
Q: What if there are songs we don't want to be played?
It's your party and you are the stars of the show. If you don't want certain songs to be played, it's fine. Do really think I enjoy playing Celebration, Mony Mony, and Old Time Rock N' Roll? When "Aunt Hagatha" comes to me and requests Celebration, I'll politely explain "the bride and groom don't want it played on their special day! How about a different choice?" Freedom of Speech is great, but songs with x-rated lyrics are not going to be played during my show. Especially not at Mitzvahs.
Q: Can we refer you to our friends and relatives?
It would be my pleasure! Referrals are very important to me. Thanks!
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