F. A. Q.

Do you take requests?

Yes, but only if you want us to accept requests.  Some of our clients prefer to choose all of the music at their event, though if you want us to accept requests, we’ll gladly do so.  You have the option through the Online Event Planner to have a link created for your guests to click and submit requests before coming to your event.

What is the Online Event Planner?

At the beginning of 2014, the Online Event Planner came online to provide our clients with a much easier method of organizing all facets of their event.  With the Online Event Planner, you can now fill out the necessary forms at your convenience, add songs to your playlist, update information and more.  The Online Event Planner also has playlist suggestions for those who want to browse through some of the more popular songs, broken down by genre.

How do I sign-in to the Online Event Planner?

Scroll to the bottom of www.MetroDCDJs.com and you will see the log-in to the Online Event Planner.  You may also click here to be taken directly to the Online Event Planner.

Do you provide a written contract?

Absolutely.  Metro DC DJs & Entertainment always provides contracts to clients because it’s extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing.  All terms of the agreement should be in writing to avoid any complications at a later date.  A retainer of 25% of the total contract will be required at the time of signing.  The remaining amount is due no less than 14 days prior to the event date.

What do your DJs wear to your events?

Whatever you want us to wear.  We’ve DJed weddings in shorts and T-shirts and emceed sporting events in full tuxedo.  It’s all based on what you want us to wear.  Your DJ/emcee will also work with you on the details of your event.  Should you have specific colors, your DJ/emcee will do their best to try to match your color scheme.

Can we provide your DJ with wardrobe?

Yes, if you have something you want us to wear, let us know.  Please note to check with your event DJ ahead of time to make sure you have correct sizes.

Do you provide DJs for charitable events?

Yes we do.  Though, while we would love to provide a DJ for every event that needs one, we provide DJs and services for over 12 events per year. Through our programs, we offer discounted rates, fundraising programs and school supplies to area schools.  We also work closely with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Kids on Ice Program, Side Out Foundation and Monumental Foundation among other great programs.  If you have an event and would like to have Metro DC DJs & Entertainment as part of it, please contact our owner, Jarrod Wronski.

Someone told me you do sports, do you really do sports?

Yes, Metro DC DJs & Entertainment is the only DJ company in the DC area to have extensive experience in professional sports.  We have provided in-game DJs for the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Kastles and various Minor League Baseball teams.  We also provide P. A. announcers and sports DJ for events held at Verizon Center, Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, XFinity Center, Patriot Center, Bender Arena, Baltimore Arena, RFK Stadium, Smith Center, Salem Civic Center, Regency Furniture Stadium, Prince George’s Stadium and Kastles Stadium (Kastles played at Smith Center in 2014).

Our owner is a back-up and has performed as in-game DJ for the Capitals and Wizards.

Will you play outside?

Yes, we will play outside.  However, a tent or other covering must be provided and a minimum of 10’x10′.  Please keep in mind the angle of the sun for your event.  In some cases, the DJ will be completely out of the tent while using the tent to protect his/her equipment.  The equipment is expensive and replacing it isn’t always easy to do.  In the event of rain, having walls on the tent is preferred.  If the temperatures are going to be above 90 degrees, two fans must also be provided to help keep the equipment cool.  This is to make sure your music doesn’t stop during your event.

What kind of information do you need at our first meeting?

Once you’ve filled out the request for quote, which will provide us with some information, we’ll want you to provide some information.  You will receive an e-mail with your client log-in information for the Online Event Planner.  Begin filling out the forms which will aid in our first meeting.

This will be your chance to really tell us about your event.  What do you have planned?  Have you planned everything down to the minute or is there time to play with?  Will you have special guests that you want recognized?  Do you want certain songs played at a certain time?  Do you have to be done by a certain time or can you go overtime?  Do you have any extra needs such as plugging in a projector?  Do you want dance floor lights?  This will give you an idea of the questions we’ll have for you going into our first meeting and to set a great foundation for your DJ/emcee to plan your event and/or who they will be working with.

When should we have the first meeting?

At least one month prior to the event, though with weddings we suggest at least six months out just to get the ball rolling.  There will be last minute details, so a meeting a month out for weddings will also be a good idea.  For other events, a second meeting one or two weeks before the event may be necessary, however we can also communicate via e-mail or phone calls if you like.  The Online Event Planner also will assist you with planning and your DJ will also be able to see what you’re planning.

When do you expect a retainer?

A 25% retainer is due upon the signing of the contract.  Full payment is due no less than two weeks prior to your event date.

Do you only play cheesy music?

No, we do have songs that people refer to as “lame”, “cheesy” or “sucks”, but that’s because there are people who want to hear those songs.  If you don’t want to hear them, let us know and we won’t play them.  That’s why we want to meet with you, so we may go over details such as this ahead of time.

What do you play your music with?

Metro DC DJs uses computers to play our music with professional DJ software.  Why?  Because it’s a lot cleaner and neater to have everything on the computer, rather than a DJ constantly diving into a stack of CD trays or books to find a song, like a needle in a haystack.  With our system, we can find songs in as little as 10 seconds to play for your crowd which means more interaction with your guests and the ability to watch the crowd more to get a better sense of what to play.  It also takes less time to load-in and load-out our equipment when using a computer.

What kind of equipment do you use?

A lot of DJs brag about their equipment, but what does it mean.  We have top-of-the-line Peavey SP5 speakers that are connected to a QSC amplifier giving you the best quality sound.  The Mackie mixer allows us to plug in up to eight microphones and 8 additional sources.  We also use American Audio 15 inch powered speakers for some events and the lighting we use is from American DJ and Chauvet.  If you’d like to look all of this up, go for it, however we can tell you the sound and lights are amazing.

Do you charge for setting up and breaking down?

No, we only charge for the time that we’re scheduled to perform.  If you want us to go longer, we can in most situations and we’ll go over that in the pre-party meeting.  We usually need about 1-2 hours of lead time to set-up and make sure everything looks good before the party starts.  Most of the time, we’ll be set-up and playing before the party starts, but we don’t charge for that time.  We also won’t charge for the time it takes to set-up, break down or meet with you.

Do you charge mileage?

Metro DC DJs & Entertainment does not charge mileage, however events outside of the Washington, DC Metropolitan area may incur a small travel charge.  Our coverage area includes most of the Washington DC Metropolitan area and anything within 50 miles of Washington’s Dulles International Airport.  There are some areas outside of this radius that do not incur a travel charge, please check with us on rates and distances.  If your party requires us staying overnight, the cost of the hotel room will be borne upon the client.

Cities that we serve without charging a travel fee.  Washington, D. C., Baltimore, Fredericksburg, Winchester, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and Frederick, Md.

How do we tip your DJ or Emcee?

You can tip the DJ or emcee directly.  Please note that any tip that is added to the check goes through our system and shows up as income to the company rather than a tip to the DJ.  Cash or check made out to the DJ is preferred, though not required.

What kind of music do you have?

Metro DC DJs has all kinds of music including pop, classic rock, alternative, mainstream radio, modern rock, oldies, funk, disco, hip-hop, rap, R&B and more.  We will ask you what kind of music you would like to have played and if we feel that we won’t be a perfect fit for your party, we’ll let you know and help you find someone else.  We’d rather have you get exactly what you want, than get upset at us for not having exactly what you want.

Is it ok to feed the DJ?

Absolutely, we require our clients to offer food to DJs working events greater than three hours in length and the food must be equal to the food the guests are served.  Please check with your facility about vendor meals and how they serve the vendors.

I’ve seen DJs drinking at other parties, do your DJs drink?

Our DJs ARE NOT permitted to drink alcohol with two exceptions and must be done in conjunction with ABC laws.  1.  A champagne toast at a wedding or 2.  As part of a champagne toast at midnight on New Year’s Eve.  In some situations, the facility, the client or both could be fully or partially responsible for a DJ’s behavior after they leave an event should they be found under the influence of alcohol.  If the DJ gets into an accident on the way home, you could be partially responsible should there be damages.  We don’t want you to have that on your conscience.

However, please allow your DJ to drink water, ginger ale, soda, sports drink, etc.  Please, please help keep them hydrated!

Do you work with your approved vendors or is it just a list?

The approved vendors list is a list of vendors we’ve worked with at various events over the years.  In fact, we work with some of our vendors on their events when they need staffing as well.  We won’t recommend a vendor unless we would use them ourselves.

Can we see the fine print?

Yes, please keep in mind this is directly from our Online Contracts and may contain programming language within the small print.

1. It is hereby further agreed; that the <name> (Purchaser) shall be held liable for any injury or damages to the DJ, or property of the DJ, while on the premises of said engagement, if damage is caused by Purchaser or guests, members of his/her organization, engagement invitees, employees, or any other party in attendance, whether invited or not.  It is hereby further agreed that the DJ shall be held liable for any injury or damages to the Purchaser, the property of the guests during the engagement arising as a direct result of equipment used by the DJ and negligence on the part of the DJ.
2. In the event of circumstances deemed to present a threat, or implied threat, of injury or harm to the DJ staff or any equipment in the DJ’s possession, the DJ reserves the right to cease performance. If <name> is able to resolve the threatening situation in a reasonable amount of time (maximum of 15 minutes), the DJ shall resume performance in accordance with the original terms of this agreement.  <name> shall be responsible for payment in full, regardless of whether the situation is resolved or whether the DJ resumes performance.  In order to prevent equipment damage or liability arising from accidental injury to any individual attending this performance, the DJ reserves the right to deny any guest access to the sound system, music recordings, lighting equipment or other equipment owned by or in possession of the DJ.
3. Any delay in the performance or damage to DJ’s equipment due to improper power is the responsibility of <name>. Two circuits are preferred, where possible. Note: Most catering halls, restaurants or other commercial establishments meet the above requirements. In the case where the event takes place in or near a private residence, non-commercial space or remote location, it is the Purchaser’s responsibility to ensure the above conditions are met.  A gas-powered generator with a minimum cycle of no less than 6-hours is recommended.  The generator must be placed at least 75 feet from the DJ’s position and have some sort of sound deflection or sound absorption device placed to reduce as much ambient sound as possible.
4. Purchaser shall provide the DJ with safe and appropriate working conditions. This includes:
   • Space for a 6 to 8 foot table and facade.  It is recommended <name> allow for a similar table and decoration (table cloth and skirt) to be provided by the venue.
   • Space for setting up speakers and lighting stands.  DJ will be required to properly run cables as to avoid tripping hazards as best as possible.  Please have your facility contact the DJ with any requirements based on tape or where wires may be permitted.  We use Gaffer’s tape, though mats or wire tracks may be used if provided by the facility.
   • A minimum of one 15-20-amp circuit (a minimum of two with gobo light, a minimum of one per four uplights ordered) with two three-pronged outlets from a reliable power source within 20 feet (i.e. along the wall) of the set-up area.  This circuit must be free of all other connected loads.  It is preferred to have two separate circuits to use.
5. It is also agreed that in the event of circumstances deemed to present a threat, or implied threat, of injury or harm to <name> and/or his/her guests, <name> has the right to halt a performance. If <name> perceives such threat is to be caused by the DJ, <name> has the right to have the DJ cease performance.  If the DJ is able to resolve the threatening situation in a reasonable amount of time (maximum of 15 minutes), the DJ shall resume performance in accordance with the original terms of this agreement and <name> shall be responsible for payment in full, less the total time of any interruption of service resulting from the threatening situation.
6. This agreement guarantees that the DJ will be ready to perform at the start time of the engagement.  Access for the DJ and any crew to the facility and room to set-up is required based upon the package purchased.
   • Basic DJ Package with two-speaker set-up and one light stand, one hour
   • Custom gobo, add 30 minutes (minimum 90 minutes will be needed for set-up, two hours if uplighting is included)
   • Uplighting, add an additional 30 minutes (minimum 90 minutes will be needed for set-up, two hours if gobo is included)
   • Second sound system, add 30 minutes (minimum 90 minutes, two hours if additional lighting packages are included)
   • Ceremony sound system, add 60 minutes to any package (this allows for proper sound check and set-up, interior set-ups may require a shorter time frame)
7. A maximum of one hour is needed for breakdown of most events. If the venue requires setup or breakdown in less time, the DJ will make every effort to be ready as close to the contracted time as possible. <name> must have the facility contact your DJ at least two weeks prior to the event to go over and special load-in requirements.  Sound system will be first priority followed by gobo, uplighting, then dance lighting.  This ensures primary performance begins on time.  Every effort will be made to have all set-up on time.
8. By executing this contract as Purchaser, the person executing said contract (<name>), either individually, or as an agent or representative, represents and warrants that he or she is eighteen (18) years of age, and further, if executing said contract as agent or representative, that he or she has the authority to enter into this agreement and should he or she not have such authority, he or she personally accepts and assumes full responsibility and liability under the terms of this contract.  All attached riders are an integral part of this contract.  This contract will supersede any other contract.  If any part of this contract is illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this contract will remain valid and enforceable to both parties.  This contract contains the entire agreement between the parties and no statement, promises, or inducements made by any party hereto, or agent or representative or either party hereto, which are not contained in this written contract, shall be valid or binding.  This contract shall not be enlarged, modified, or altered except in writing by both parties and endorsed hereon.
9. <name> shall at all times have reasonable direction and supervision of the performance of services by the DJ at this engagement and <name> expressly reserves the right to reasonably direct the manner, means, and details of the performance of the services by the DJ.  The DJ shall attempt to play <name>’s music requests but shall not be held responsible if certain selections are unavailable.  <company_name> encourages the advance submission of music requests, and will make an extra effort to have them available if they are received IN WRITING at least three days prior to the engagement.
10. This agreement of the DJ to perform shall be invalidated by reason of extreme illness, accidents, riots, strikes, epidemics, acts of God or any other legitimate conditions beyond the DJ’s control.  If any of these reasons should occur, legitimate documentation will be provided, if requested, by a third party (hospital, auto repair shop, doctor’s note to abstain from working, etc.).  Our policy is to never substitute your DJ simply to take another event for whatever reason other than what has already been mentioned in this section.  If an unfortunate incident or extreme illness should occur, <company_name> will make all reasonable efforts to find a replacement DJ at the agreed upon fees (even if <company_name> must pay more than your contracted  price). If <company_name> is unable to procure a replacement DJ, <name>  shall receive a full refund of amount paid for reservation or any other advanced payments. In all circumstances, <company_name>’s liability shall be exclusively limited to the cost of the services it has agreed to provide.
11. This agreement cannot be canceled except by mutual written consent of both the <name> and <company_name>.  Two-way email confirmation is acceptable from contracting parties to confirm such cancellation.
12. <name> shall provide <company_name> with safe and appropriate working conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, providing a facility that completely covers and protects <company_name>’s  equipment from adverse weather conditions (i.e., direct sunlight, rain, and excessive winds).  For wedding ceremonies and other outdoor events, <company_name> requires (at the very minimum) a 9′ x 9′ (tailgate style popup tent) if the event day weather forecast calls for anything more than a zero percent (0%) chance of rain, sleet, or snow on the event day.  DJ reserves the right to discontinue music if DJ equipment can potentially be damaged by precipitation accompanied with high winds without the protection of a vertically hanging sidewall tarp attached to client-provided tent.  If outdoor event client can not provide a tent in the case of adverse weather conditions, client may instead provide a clean, plastic tarp sufficient enough to cover DJ table and equipment on it.  However, music cannot be played while precipitation is occurring if a tarp-only method is used.
13. <name> must provide DJ with a meal or food comparable to what is available to the guests, along with non-alcholic beverages as needed.  <company_name> representatives are not permitted to consume alcohol during any performance unless done so with prior consent from <name> and only for the purposes of a champagne toast, New Year’s Eve celebration or the like.
14. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, District of Columbia, State of Maryland (or local laws if not taking place within the Washington D. C. Metropolitan area).  This provision also covers noise ordinances that may be enforced by local governments.
15. <name> may not transfer this contract to another party without the prior written consent of <company_name>.
16. This agreement is not binding until signature (or digital signature) is received along with retainer (25% of the total amount, when required).  This agreement becomes  mutually binding once <company_name> has informed <name> by email that required retainer and/or digitally signed agreement has been received and accepted by <company_name>.
    Important Note: If client wishes to terminate this agreement for any reason, any previously paid reservation retainers will be forfeited.  If reservation retainer has been waved by <company_name>, and is listed as $0.00 (zero dollars and zero cents) on this agreement, client agrees to pay <company_name> a cancellation fee in the amount of $200.00 (two-hundred dollars and zero cents).
    Any changes must be written, signed, or emailed by both <name> and <company_name>.  Oral agreements are non-binding.  If any portion of this agreement is made to be null and void, the remainder of the agreement shall remain in force.
17. <company_name> may elect not to exercise their rights as specified in this agreement. By doing so, <name> does not waive their right to exercise those options at a future date.