| Musica Para Mi Gente |
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Hello My Name is Victor Santiago (DJ CASPER) of Musica Para Mi Gente, Music For All Occasions, One of the BEST DJ Entertainment Service in NYC for Weddings, Corporate Events, Graduation Proms & School Events, Baby Showers, Fundraisers, Private Parties, House or Block Parties, and Anniversary. BOTH ENGLISH or SPANISH. I have over 15 years of Club & Mobile experience and I'm FULLY INSURED., I specialize in Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Reggaton, R&B, House, Freestyle & Top 40...
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| Contact: |
Victor Santiago |
| Location: |
bronx, NY 10472 |
| Phone: |
(917) 701-6448 |
| E-Mail: |
djcasper2000@aol.com |
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Here are some tips to help you get both a DJ you`ll be happy with and the music you want.
There are certainly a lot of choices out there for entertainment for you wedding. It`s a difficult job to pick someone who`ll be one of the least expensive vendors you`re considering, but will have the greatest impact on whether people will have a great time or not! If you read this whole page, you`ll learn a few things that will make it a little easier for you to make that decision. If you`re looking for a DJ who wears sunglasses, glow stick necklaces, plastic leis and Village People hats while yelling into a microphone and leading a conga line ... thank you for stopping by, but I`m not the DJ for you. My reputation was built on my extensive knowledge of music and low-key approach without the cheesy gimmicks. Ask around. Wedding guests don`t appreciate the loudmouth, self-serving, over-the-top wedding DJ who likes hear himself talk and his obnoxious,"game show host" personality.
Why do I shoot straight with prospective clients ? Because I don`t need to mislead anyone to fill my schedule. I have one of the most informative and detailed wedding DJ FAQ pages on the Internet today because I have absolutely nothing to hide. I lay it all on the line for you in black and white, no surprises. I`m an honest, down-to-earth, hard-working DJ and I`m good at what I do. You hire my services, I get it done. I get more bookings from word-of-mouth referrals than wedding directory advertising and Internet search engines. That`s a pure indication there`s a demand and an appreciation for what I do.
Contrary to belief, wedding DJs are not all the same. The music culture has drastically changed over the years and many DJs don`t roll with the changes. They play the same old YMCA, Celebration, Old Time Rock & Roll wedding mix and it just doesn`t cut it anymore. Not only has dance music changed, dinner music as well. You have many more options than the standard Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett dinner mix. Instead of just entertaining the older crowd (and lulling the younger crowd to sleep) with the standard dinner mix, a more upbeat mix of a few Easy Listening songs, some soft rock hits from the 70`s, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, David Gray and acoustic versions of Alternative and Top 40 songs will entertain all your guests during dinner. Ask yourself these two questions before you go :
1. Are you willing to jeopardize the memories of one of the most important days of your life by handing the ball to a burnt-out, cheesy DJ whose better days are behind him and is simply there to play the same old wedding mix from the 1950`s - 1980`s ?
2. Do you want a DJ who is professional and extremely knowledgeable on all formats of music from the 50`s to this week`s Top 40 and can keep your dance floor packed all night long simply by reading the crowd ?
The choice is clear, but if you`re still not convinced I`m the DJ for you ... very well. Insurance -If the DJ doesn`t have appropriate insurance, you could be over a barrel. Here`s an example, you hire a DJ that isn`t covered by worker`s compensation and they get hurt loading equipment at your wedding reception... did you know that they can sue you? Victor Santiago is covered by worker`s compensation and carries more than $1 million dollars in corporate liability insurance (in case someone else gets hurt). Before I let you leave, I feel an obligation to advise and educate you on what to look for and what to avoid as you continue your extensive search for your DJ.
The Wannabes : History
In the old days (before 1995 or so), there were fewer DJs out there. Why? A few reasons...
DJ equipment used to be both very expensive and hard to find.
In the old days of vinyl records, music was also expensive and it was difficult to build a library of older popular music. When a record when out of print, it was hard to find.
Nowadays, anyone can walk in to a local music equipment store (there are several in New York) and can walk out 30 minutes later with a complete DJ system that they bought with "no money down" and "6 months interest free financing". Our new "DJ" could then run home, download songs off of the internet and burn them onto CDs that cost them just a few cents each. All that was left was to sit down at the PC and make up some business cards and he`s in business. There are many fly-by-night, inexperienced, beginner DJs who claim to be wedding DJs. Not so fast. Having a great set of tools does not make you a mechanic. In 2005, any DJ who is serious about the business has a fully operational, updated website and an established landline telephone number. Their website should give you a broad overview of the DJ`s bio, style of DJ entertainment, music listing, FAQ, photos and general information. A reputable DJ company answers all email and telephone inquiries in a prompt and professional manner.
For more information on the inexperienced, amateur wedding DJs, I strongly recommend you review the three statements below before you make the costly mistake of placing pricing above ability and professionalism.
I owe it to you to expose these DJs for the frauds they are. Pricing Over Professionalism
The Wedding DJ : More Than Music
Before your DJ plays the first song at your reception, do you know what he has done to prepare for your event ? There is a strong misconception that the DJ shows up, plays music for 5 hours, then goes home. What most don`t realize is the experience the DJ has from previous events, as well as the time he dedicates to planning your event prior to playing the first song. . What you don`t know about a DJ`s preparation may surprise you. A professional DJ has experience with wedding receptions because he has performed at many of these events in the past. You are gaining his experience (and past mistakes) that allow your reception to be better than the previous one. In most cases, these subtle differences impact the overall success of your event. Preparing for your event will include several phone calls, emails and consultations. This administrative work allows your disc jockey to get a better understanding of the vision you have for your reception. During communication with your DJ, he should ask questions about your music preferences, likes and dislikes. The more your DJ knows about you and your guests, it greatly increases the likelihood of a successful reception. Organizing your music may sound like a simple task. You probably figure most DJs play the same exact music at each wedding they perform. Not true. Each client has specific tastes and vision of an atmosphere they want to establish with music. Your DJ may need to reorganize his library or add music you have requested which is not in his library. The success of your reception involves providing the right mix of music you and your guests will enjoy. You most likely will never see the work involved in setting up the sound system. Maintenance of a professional sound system is often minimal. It`s the quality of professional equipment which will deliver high quality sound you can enjoy at your reception. A professional DJ will arrive one hour prior to the start of your event. Setting up, testing and performing sound checks. When you enter your venue, you will notice the decor is all in place and your DJ is set up, dressed appropriately, ready for your event. Your DJ provides much more than just the music. Because he may have met with you, spoke with you on the phone several times or communicated by email frequently, he understands your vision. He has designed the formalities as you requested. He will perform as Master of Ceremonies, making announcements in a professional manner, will coordinate with your vendors, and keeping the sequence of events flowing. While all this appears polished, it is due to the time invested prior to playing the first song. The success of your event rests in the hands of your chosen DJ. Do not risk your reception`s success to an amateur over a lower price. When researching your DJ, evaluate the importance of your DJ. Your investment in your DJ will contribute more to the overall success of your event than you realize (until afterwards). A professional DJ will care about the success of your event and will invest a great deal of time into creating the atmosphere you have imagined. While you may think your DJ "just plays music", it`s his experience, talent and expertise that will deliver the reception of which you have always dreamed. Make your event a success. Choose your DJ for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration because of their ability, not the one you may have found at a better price.
"The Hacks" : Amateur Wedding DJs
Let`s forget about music ... for a just a moment  Take a look at the images above. Believe it or not, these are actual photos from wedding receptions. Can you spot the flaws and inappropriate manner how these DJs conduct themselves ?
These three flaws are the difference between a true professional and an amateur hack ... and this isn`t even about the music they play.
 System Presentation : Look at some of these DJ set-ups ! A bunch of exposed audio wires running every which way and the disorganized CDs strewn across the DJ table. DJ equipment randomly stacked and their systems are not rack-mounted in industry standard road cases. It looks just awful.
This is how a DJ system should look. Loudspeakers mounted on tripod stands and equipment is rack-mounted with absolute minimal wire exposure and no clutter. All CDs are in sleeves and well-organized. 
2. Disc Jockey Appearance : Inappropriate dress is a major problem in this industry. Some DJs without a dress shirt, some without neckties, some without suit jackets, some had a suit jacket but took it off (?) and what about the DJs with their shirt sleeves rolled up ?!?!? Tacky. Although you cannot see the footwear of these DJs, but you can probably guess they`re not $200 Kenneth Cole kind of guys. I`m guessing more like black sneakers.
 DJs VICTOR SANTIAGO & NELSON VIERA
I am always well dressed. My standard wedding attire is a quality pressed dark suit, a conservative silk necktie (that remains tied and in place) and fine dress shoes with a shine.
3. Disc Jockey Behavior : Does a DJ sitting down, relaxed, checking messages on a cell phone seem like they`re interested and focused on your reception ? No, it doesn`t. It never ceases to amaze me how many DJs will sit for extended periods of time while performing at weddings. They act as if they`re an invited guest. The #1 unwritten rule in the DJ business is that during your performances, you are to be standing at all times.
At all functions, I am always standing, paying full attention to the music and I am always ready to take a request or speak to your guests in a polite and proper manner.
After looking at this bunch, is there more than "just music" to consider when you hire a DJ ? You bet there is. Your DJ`s personal appearance, behavior and system presentation is a reflection on you and you deserve the very best ... not a sloppy, lazy, unorganized, unprofessional, dime-a-dozen amateur DJ. Who`s Hot and Who`s Not?
So now that you`ve just found out that there are probably 1,000 DJs within a short drive of you, how can you tell who might do a good job for you? There`s no single way that`s foolproof. You`ll need to combine a couple of these to be confident in your choice (and you`ll be nervous about everything anyway, you`re getting married for goodness sake).
 
Word of Mouth:
A good place to start could be a referral from someone you know. For example... "we had Victor DJ and He was awesome!" You`re essentially judging a DJ based upon how they did on 1 day in front of a certain crowd. It may not be the best way to evaluate things like professionalism and flexibility, but it`s a great start.
Professionalism
That`s a tough word to define for a DJ, one of those things that you or I can say "I know it when I see it". ACTUAL TESTIMONY FROM CLIENTS
 Victor I want to say thank you, We had a great time. You did a great job and will be referred to all my friends and will have your info for future use.Thank You Willie Ramos 11/18/06  Hey Victor... I wanted to tell you last night was my cousin daughter's Sweet 16 (my wedding guest who was inquiring about your availability) and let me tell you, the DJ's she had could never ever ever ever ever ever hold a candle to you. I was sad they didn't choose you and in a way, happy that they didn't choose you...LOL! Happy because it was like DJ-ing for an out-of-control High School. It was in a gym and there were over 100 of her classmates with raging hormones! I never saw so much whining, bumping and grinding...it was so vulgar for such young young kids to be doing! But I guess that's how it is now...LOL...and when they weren't whining, they were battle dancing...I was waiting to hit the floor if a fight broke out...LOL! My cousin's digital camera was even stolen at the event! I was like how disrespectful. I felt so bad for her, she's been a widowed single mom to 3 daughters for a long time and she's given them each a Sweet 16 and this is how the last one turns out. Well, this is why I was happy you weren't there, I wouldn't have wanted you to be subjected to what was going on there and you're just too good for that kind of gig. You deserve more upscale gigs. The DJ's she had were the right ones for the gig. The kids that were there weren't there to appreciate the DJ. Your talent would have been wasted there. These DJ's were young, inexperienced, their mixing was bad, the music was so-so, the sound was awful even with their subwoofer. The whole night it felt like I had needles in my eardrums. Too too high pitched. AND even with their young age, they were sitting down the whole time and looked like they weren't interested in being there...at least fake it!...LOL! OH! and they had a corded mic with bad volume. Now I don't want you to think I'm bashing them, I just wanted to let you know once again, you excel at what you do and I don't know if anyone else has ever told you that you're and example for all DJ's to follow, but I feel that you are. I was really blessed by God the night I was looking at Wedding Albums (at about this time...LOL) and I decided to check the advertisement at the bottom of the page called "Check My Wedding Date". Victor, I just appreciate your professionalism so so much. And I wanted to let you know again that you made me very happy on my Wedding day. Have a wonderful New Year! 
Sincerely, C & V
The "Fortune 500" DJ Company :
Beware of the DJ agencies that give the impression they are a U.S. nationwide, entertainment conglomerate. These companies create a corporation-type image and with their flashy advertisements and presence at virtually every bridal show, it makes them seem like a safe and sound choice, but keep this in mind.
Most large agencies employ fast-talking sales representatives whose job is to sell you on the company image, not the product. The actual DJ is often an afterthought. Most agencies will not allow you to meet your DJ before you sign a contract because they cannot guarantee your requested DJ will be affiliated with the company when your wedding day arrives. This is how the swerve works.
Let`s say you sign a contract for $1800 for disc jockey services. Your wedding is booked. One or two months before your wedding, the booking agent will schedule a DJ for your wedding. It has two options. The select functions (i.e. highest paying) are performed by the owners of the company. If your contracted price is not the highest paying job that day, your wedding will be offered to an independent contractor who will accept the job as a subcontracted DJ under the guise of a "preferred DJ" of the agency. Nice, huh ? The agency will pay a DJ between $250-$500 and they skim the top. Some agencies profit $1200-$1500 from a wedding without plugging in a power cord. The subcontracted DJ makes a day`s pay with no risk, the agency makes a nice chunk of change for accepting liability and brokering the deal and you get a weak DJ who may not be able to deliver the high standard of DJ service you paid for. Who`s getting the deal here ? Certainly not you. It`s win-win for the DJs. This sales tactic is very shady, but perfectly legal as their loophole is, you signed a contract with the agency, not your preferred DJ. Believe it or not ... it can get worse ! These agencies book as much business as they can and subsequently overbook the availability of their own "preferred" DJs (or systems) and must resort to outsource their bookings to DJs outside their agency.
When you hire a single system DJ company, you will develop a trust and a good working rapport with the one person who worked with you every step of the way from your very first phone call to your Last Dance.
Don`t get lost in the shuffle of "big business." Bargain Hunting : Do not bargain shop when you choose your DJ. I cannot emphasize this enough. I`m not saying pay top dollar, but choose your DJ by ability and style, then consider pricing. Like it or not, a reputable, skilled wedding DJ will not work a five hour wedding reception for short money. If you hire a DJ who will work a reception for a low price, don`t expect much. DJs who rely primarily on low prices to attract clients offer virtually no DJ skills and keep prices low to compensate for their lack of ability. You hire a novice DJ, you`ll save a few bucks, but your reception will most likely bomb.
The Burnt-Out Veteran DJ : Just because a DJ claims to be in the business for over 25 years doesn`t mean he`s any good. You`re only as good as your last wedding and this industry is constantly passing these DJs by. This type of DJ will do his tired routines from the 80`s with his cheap, old props and play the same boring mix of music, week-after-week, year-after-year with no variety. Why ? Either he doesn`t care or he doesn`t know any better. Let`s face it. It doesn`t take a musical genius to stand behind DJ equipment and play the same mix of overplayed wedding songs. These songs may have worked in the past, but what about now ? Some guests cringe after hearing the first three seconds of these songs and run off the dance floor ! These songs peaked 25 YEARS AGO and music has evolved since. Top 40, Pop, 80`s New Wave, Hip Hop, Alternative, Techno, Disco (faded away and returned) and Country went mainstream. Granted, some of these genres of music may not reflect your taste, but wouldn`t you want a DJ who knows and carries the current Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Alternative or Hip Hop hits that are on the radio should your guests want something new, something different ? The golden oldies DJ opens his CD case and says, "What you see is what you get." This is unacceptable and all too common. Not just in the DJ business, but in any business. If business practices change, you roll with the changes or you become obsolete or second rate. DJ Understanding And Compliance : Make sure your DJ understands and complies with your ideas and expectations from start to finish. You and your DJ should always be on the same page. Ex : You have a small wedding of 75 people and you wanted an elegant, simple, conservative reception. What you got was a loud, obnoxious DJ, non-stop chatter on the microphone, playing bad music with blinding flashing lights and more equipment than a Rolling Stones stadium show. It was not even close to what you expected and it`s too late now. Be perfectly clear with your expectations.
Well, that`s it. If you thoroughly navigated my website, you have a very good impression of the type of DJ I am. You`ve seen my music lists, my DJ set-up, my wedding page and if you read my page, you`ll agree that I know the DJ business. Add that with my extensive knowledge of music, you will soon realize you made a very wise decision choosing me as your DJ for your wedding.
Bottom line, I deliver the best mix of both new and classic hits ... without gimmicks. 
Thank you and best wishes,
Victor M. Santiago Jr.
Musica Para Mi Gente  PICTURES TO ENJOY   MARC ANTHONY  ANGEL FROM TKA  SALSA LEGEND WILLIE COLON  DAISY MARTINEZ FROM DAISY COOKS  2006 NATIONAL QUEEN Ms. Lorraine Lara  CONJUNTO IMAGEN  CARMEN GOLDBERG, THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME THE OFFICIAL DJ OF THE YONKERS PARADE THE PAST 2 YRS   DJ RED ALERT  ROSIE PEREZ LISSETTE MELENDEZ & TITO ROJAS  DJ ENUFF OF HOT 97    JORGE MEDINA FROM CONTROLLING THE GAME Thanks Vic, You were great. Everyone enjoyed the music. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year !!!!!!!! You will always have my business! Peace, Jorge Medina CEO of Controlling The Game 
MUSICA PARA MI GENTE CONTROLLING HIS DANCEFLOORGOOD LUCK IN 2007 JORGEMore Questions that I'm mostly asked.Is there a fee to book an event? What guarantees my event date? Do you have Insurance? Why are your rates more reasonable than the other? How far are you willing to travel and do you have a travel fee? Will you play the songs that I have choosen? Do you take special request? Is it a one man or two man team? How soon prior to the event can I meet with you?
After our initial meeting, we will send you an e-mail confirming that we received your retainer fee (with an updated contract that will include such fee) and we would like to meet or speak to you within the month of the event; specially if you have alot of music requests. If your event doesn't require major or unusual details, we will meet or speak with you the week of your event. When do we go over the line up of my bridal party?
We should have a copy of your bridal party, with your 1st dance, bridal dance (if applicable), parent dances and any other "MUST HAVE" songs prior to our meeting or conversation of Question #8 above. YOU WILL BE PROVIDED A WORKSHEET TO FILL OUT. The worksheet is in the order things will be taking place through out your event.
All wedding packages prices are for a 2 man team. For non-wedding events of 100 guests or more, an assistant is required. You can also opt for an additional DJ professional for an extra $100.00.
Absolutely! You may also want to think if it's ok for us to take requests from your guests.
YES! That is our mission, play what you want!
We are willing to travel up to a maximum one-way travel of 2 hours or approximately 100 miles. Yes, a travel charge applies if your event is not local to the NYC boroughs. Minimum travel fee is $100.00
We are a small company so we pass the savings on to you.
Yes, we do carry insurance. Once you have provided the fax number or e-mail address to send it to, we will take care of providing our insurance policy to the facility.
Your retainer fee will guarantee your date. Once we have received it, we will reserve the day and we are yours for the agreed day and times. After our initial meeting, you have 7 days to return your contract with a signature and retainer fee. Please note after your 7 days have lapsed, we cannot hold the date; first come, first served!
Yes. There is a $200.00 retainer fee for all the packages. Also, if you are booking the "Special Internet Package", the required retainer fee will be 50% of the total price.
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