FAQs: Q: Why should I hire a DJ over a band? A: Top reasons to hire a DJ Q: When booking Music By Mike will I be asked to  sign a contract? A: Yes you will. I require a contract to protect not only our rights, but yours as well. The contract spells out the details of the event (type, where and when), the scheduled time that the disc jockey will be playing , the rate and other particulars related to that specific event. The contract also spells out what will happen in the event of a cancellation, either on the part of the client or the disc jockey (particularly if that cancellation is due to unforeseen events; things such as adverse weather). The contract is not a thing to be leery about, or afraid of; it protects all parties involved and again should be required by any professional service provider. Q: How much is the retaining fee or deposit to  book a date? A: Usually about 1/3 of the total cost for the booking, the balance is due at the event. The retainer is non-refundable, if the booking is canceled within 60 days the event. exceptions may include, rescheduled events, "Acts of God", or venue problems. Q: In considering a disc jockey for my event, why is it important to ensure that they carry liability insurance? A: Any disc jockey who tells you that liability insurance is not important, or not needed is doing you a disservice. This demonstrates a lack of professionalism and can literally put you, the person booking the event, in peril. We all know how litigious today's society is; people are suing people for anything....If there was an accident at your event..say a speaker fell on a guest or through some negligence of the disc jockey, damage or injury was caused. If the disc jockey were sued and didn't have insurance, YOU could be sued and could be financially liable for damages.... all of this simply because you chose a disc jockey service that chose to cut corners to save you a few dollars on the event. Any potential damage award would far exceed any potential savings. Music By Mike is licensed and insured Q:What is required from us or the venue prior to  and on the night of the event? A: I would like to meet with you at least once, possibly more (particularly in the case of a wedding reception) to iron out all the details to ensure your event is successful and goes as planned. With respect to the venue, I will require access to the event room at least two(2) hours prior to the start of the event so as to allow proper set-up time. The area should be as close to the dance floor as possible with access to two(2) electrical outlets, preferably on separate 15 amp circuits. I provide our own tables. Q: Do you use professional equipment? A: My sound gear is only high end and will provide excellent sound quality, no matter the level. Q: What time will you arrive to setup? A: That depends on the size of the setup and how many people are working the event. I will usually be there 2-3 hours before the event. (Setup and tear down time is included in the quoted price) Q: How many people will be working the event? A: Again this depends on the size of the setup for the event, usually I will work alone, but with a large setup there may be two. Q: What type of music will you play at our event? A: I will always play the types of music you want to hear, and none of what you don't. With over 50,000 songs to pick from I can cover, music from the 40's, to current hits. I will also make sure to have any music you request prior to the event, and play requests during the event, if appropriate, time permits, and available. Q: Do you have back-up equipment in case of  failure, if so what? A: Yes, I am a true believer in backups. I will always have a spare computer and hard drive containing my digital media. I will also always carry spare microphones, spare bulbs for lighting gear, spare fuses for speakers, and even spare speaker systems.