Bandstand Music DJ service Interview

Recently www.Omahabrides.com  interviewed Steve Bergeron owner of Bandstand Music DJ Service (www.bandstandmusic.com) to find out more about what is happening in the Wedding industry with regards to finding the right DJ.

Steve Bergeron started DJing weddings in 1987 at the ripe age of 17.  After spending his first 6 years working for another DJ company Steve branched out in 1993 and started his own company calling it Bandstand Music.  To date Steve has built his business to the point of having 17 DJ’s on staff and averaging 475 weddings a year.  As the owner of the business Steve is also in the trenches every weekend as a DJ working for his own company.

Steve will be releasing an e-book in January titled Wedding Reception Secrets Revealed in which he shares his experience with you on how to make your reception memorable.  Steve is also a Dale Carnegie Leadership and Communications instructor and was recently ranked 35th in the world out of over 3000 trainers who teach the course worldwide. 

OMAHA BRIDES: Steve, to get things kicked off I guess it would be interesting to find out how DJ’s have changed since you started doing this 22 years ago?

STEVE BERGERON: First of all thank you so much for conducting this interview.  I am honored.  I would have to say that what has changed the most in twenty years is that our client’s expectations are much higher now.

OMAHA BRIDES: How so?

STEVE BERGERON: The big buzz word in our industry lately has been Emcee.  DJ’s just don’t show up and play music anymore.  We are actually emcees, coordinators, and facilitators all at the same time.   The music is actually the easy part.

OMAHA BRIDES: How have Brides and Grooms changed?

STEVE BERGERON: They have become a lot savvier.  They realize the importance of a good DJ and the impact a DJ can have on the outcome of the reception.  Years ago we used to just take bookings left and right by sending information in the mail and waiting for our clients to send us a check along with their reservation form.  Now most Brides and Grooms want to meet in person before signing any kind of agreement.

OMAHA BRIDES: That’s not a bad thing is it?

STEVE BERGERON: Are you kidding?  Absolutely not!  In fact it is just as important for us to meet with them as it is for them to meet with us.  It is in those face to face meetings that we can clearly get a feel for their exact expectations.

OMAHA BRIDES: Aren’t everyone’s expectations pretty much the same?

STEVE BERGERON: I wish.  That would certainly make things a lot easier but a lot less fun at the same time.  The joy about being a DJ is that every event you DJ for is different and unique and comes with a whole different set of expectations from our clients.

OMAHA BRIDES: Can you give us an example?

STEVE BERGERON: Well sometimes we have brides and grooms that want us to motivate guests to dance, entertain the kids, play a certain kind of music, and be as fun and outgoing as possible.  Others may want the complete opposite.  In other words, some couples want a DJ who is relatively quite and is more in the background.

OMAHA BRIDES: How do you accomplish meeting those varying expectations?

STEVE BERGERON: As simple as this may sound it is all about flexibility.  Being able to adapt and mold to their expectations is key.

OMAHA BRIDES: When looking for a DJ what would your advice be?

STEVE BERGERON: MEET MEET MEET with the person who will be the DJ for your reception.  Be sure to have a get together and be clear on your expectations.  If a DJ is unwilling to meet with you that should be a red flag.  Your night is too important to not have a face to face with your DJ. 

OMAHA BRIDES: Taking an about face what is this e-book that you are releasing in January?

STEVE BERGERON: I’ve spent the last 6 months working on a book that covers tips and suggestions for making your reception successful.  I’m looking forward to getting it out.

OMAHA BRIDES: Is it all about DJ’s?

STEVE BERGERON: Oh no, quite the opposite actually.  I do cover a little bit about how to get the most out of your DJ but the majority of the book is based on other critical factors that play a role in making the reception great.  The DJ is just one portion of the complete puzzle.

OMAHA BRIDES: Why should a bride read your book?

STEVE BERGERON: I would never claim to be beautiful writer and I loosely consider myself an author.  What my book brings to the table is that it is based on actual experiences that I have seen over a 22 year span.  It is to the point and is practical.   As a DJ I have a unique perspective because I am always the first one to the event and the last to leave.  So I see it all. 

OMAHA BRIDES: Can you share just one piece of advice from the book?

STEVE BERGERON:Yeah, read it.  No… I’m kidding of course.  I cover a lot of things that are important and that can have a huge impact on the success of the reception.   The one thing I will say is this:  Go into your planning with a fun and positive attitude and always try to see things from your guest’s point of view.  

OMAHA BRIDES: Thanks for taking the time to chat with Omahabrides.com.

STEVE BERGERON: My pleasure and I’ll see you out among ‘em. 

Bandstand Music located at 8268 Hascall St, Omaha, NE 68124

E-mails: steve@bandstandmusic.com, amy@bandstandmusic.com

Phone: 402-393-5414