5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Hello, and thanks for visiting my site! I sincerely hope that 2011 will be a great year for you. Like many people, things have been pretty busy for me lately, and I haven't been here to post updates that frequently. The basic information hasn't changed much, anyway. Clients are still satisfied, and prices are still at 2009 levels.

One of the main things I want to communicate early on this new year is that our already-low rates are 50% off for fundraisers and non-profit organizations!

Whatever it is that you're planning, remember, the right music only enhances the experience for you and your guests!

Wishing you all the best this season!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

We need a little Christmas...

I'll be bringing the music for a company Christmas party this weekend - as a matter of fact, my family doctor contacted me himself to do this party for his medical office. This comes on the heels of another fun evening playing Christmas music outdoors in downtown Danville recently. I really enjoy tapping into my vast collection, and playing some of the unique song versions I have for this holiday - stuff that you're not going to hear on the "all Christmas" radio stations. Christmas techno, rock, hiphop, dance, teen pop or Fab Four, anyone?

Here's another chance to meet your DJ

I'm scheduled to be at the corner of Hartz and Prospect in Downtown Danville on Friday, December 3, from 5pm to 9pm.
The weather just might be frightful, but the music will be delightful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Twas the month before Christmas...

Stroll down east Prospect Street, where I'll be playing some delightful holiday music near Danville Chocolates! You shop, and local charities win!

The most wonderful time of the year!

It's really not too early to begin planning your holiday party! I'm already hired to provide ambient music for holiday shoppers in downtown Danville for the "Spirit of Danville" events on November 11 and December 3. So what are you waiting for? I've got a wide variety (and several hours' worth!) of wintry, Christmasy and festive music for any type of party you're thinking of!

Oh, and don't forget your New Year's celebrations. I've got music for that, too!

I do...

Who you gonna call?

I've still got openings for your corporate or personal Halloween party! Maybe you're not aware that there is ALOT more music fit for this holiday than just "Monster Mash", "Thriller" and "Ghostbusters". I've got HOURS of songs, both spooky and silly, frightening and fun. From 80s to oldies, from classical to classic rock, TV and movie soundtracks, and much much more! I've got so much Halloween music, I could pull off 5 different parties in one day, and each one would have a different vibe - with hardly a repeat in the bunch!

Reunions and Expos and Weddings, oh my!

I'm looking forward to bringing the music for the upcoming Class Reunion at Crow Canyon Country Club, being sponsored by the Class of 1975 from San Ramon Valley High School. Although this is being billed as the 35th year reunion, the class of '75 is opening up the invitation to anyone who graduated from SRVHS during the 70s! I absolutely LOVE the music from that era - you could hear almost anything on Top-40 radio back then, from Disco to Country to Hard Rock, and all shades of Pop in between. Instrumentals were huge then, too, from Dueling Banjos to Frankenstein to Star Wars. This is going to be fun!

A few days later, I'll be at the entrance to the Blackhawk Auto Museum for the Business Expo, Food & Wine Event being put on by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. There's a "Pirate" theme for this one, so amongst the regular slate of fun songs I'll playing, expect to hear an occasional piratey/calypso/steel drum tune thrown in. This takes place from 5:00 to 8:30 pm on Sept. 16. For more info, contact the Chamber at 925.837-4400, ext. 14.

"Hot Summer Nights" car show in downtown Danville

One of Danville's last big events of the summer is happening this coming Thursday, August 26. I just confirmed today with the "Discover Danville Association" that I'll be setting up near the Cottage Jewel, which is near the intersection of Hartz and Prospect. There will be a concierge / info booth there.

I'm planning on playing a little bit of everything from the 50s up through the mid-70s, and I'd love to hear what your favorites are from that era! Come on by anytime between 4 pm and 9 pm, introduce yourself and make a request. If you bring a camera, your picture might just end up here on this blog!

The RIGHT music for ANY occasion!

Imagine having a jukebox like this at every special event you went to. Imagine that it was loaded with all your favorite music, and that for each type of event, it was loaded with just the right music that was appropriate for that occasion. Or, that your iPod had HUGE speakers, and was regularly updated in real time with fresh playlists.

Now imagine that instead of the bulky jukebox, there was a live DJ there, taking instant requests and pulling songs from every decade of recorded music, with the songs thumping out through big 15" sub-woofers. The colored lights you see are swirling away on the dance floor, rather than just on the jukebox.

So, hiring a DJ is sorta like having your own jukebox. And it's kind of like having a self-updating iPod. But better.

Yeah, I've got music for that...

So, as I'm finishing my equipment set-up at the July 4 pool party, a lady asked me if I had any music from the 40's. I told her I wouldn't be worth my salt if I didn't! She seemed both pleased and surprised that I would actually have what my banner/logo promised.

In fact, my advertising tag line, "the RIGHT music for ANY occasion", is something I really try to keep true. If you're having a polka, square dance or karaoke night, truthfully, you'll have to call someone else. But say for instance, a school event or project calls for a review of the 20th century, with each decade represented (including musically). I've got music for that.

Let's say you're planning a family night or banquet or themed event, and want to create the atmosphere of a French bistro or island cabana, or Irish pub or Las Vegas casino. I've got music for that. Perhaps you're planning a Hollywood or "Oscars" party, or an "American Graffiti" sock hop or a cowboy-themed barn dance? I've got music for those, too. Hours and hours of it.

So think outside the box. When planning your event, also think of the music, and give me a call.

Summer Serenade, Downtown Danville, July 15

Downtown Danville will come alive during the Summer Serenade Street Festival from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 15. A special edition of the Saturday Farmer's Market and wine tasting are two highlights of this year's Serenade. Admission is free; $5 for wine tasting. Call 339-8330 or visit http://www.discoverdanvilleca.com/.

The Farmer's Market will be set up along East Prospect Ave., where I'll also be set up in front of Danville Chocolates from about 4:30 until 8:30. Yes, it's yet another public opportunity to see "A Positive Spin" in action!

This will be the perfect opportunity for playing some of the many, many songs from my "summery" music catalog, spanning the 1940's through today's favorites! Come on by and say hello!

See you at the parade in Danville!

Here's another rare opportunity (or not so rare anymore?) to see me in a public performance.

Assuming the Town of Danville has no problems with it, I've been invited to set up in front of Mountain Mike's Pizza (at the north end of Hartz Ave) prior to the 4th of July parade. I'll either be at their main entrance or under the tall tree at the southwest corner of their building.

Expect to hear a booming mix (explosive? firey?) of patriotic tunes, summery songs, and popular favorites, between 9 am and 11 am, and probably again following the parade's conclusion. If you've got your family's favorite spot reserved, walk on over and say hello!

Be on the lookout...

The brand-new July-December issue of the East Bay Bridal Guide will be showing up in select locations very soon! This will be my first foray into advertising with them. I'm looking forward to a long and beneficial relationship!

Copies of the guide can be found at advertisers' locations, as well as at upcoming bridal faires and events.

Too much content for one little blog!

For more updated information, pictures and other content than I can offer you here on this blog, please visit the Fan page on Facebook - and do it often.

In particular, look for my Notes, in which you'll find a Song List, and something about my pricing, among other items.

And while you're there, please press the "Like" button! Thanks!

When the Lights go down in the City...

Just spent a lovely Saturday evening cruising around the SF Bay on a Commodore Events yacht - the "Merlot". It was a party for Janelle Wyatt of Alamo. After tons of rain just 2 days prior, the weather was perfect!

Next up, a west coast wedding reception for a newlywed couple!

Flag flyin' holidays

Memorial Day. Flag Day. Independence Day. Labor Day.

I could do a WHOLE WEEKEND of patriotic holiday parties, because I have over 10 HOURS (!) of music related to rah-rah America (including post-9/11 sentiment). Pop, rock, country, marching bands, Frank Sinatra, James Cagney - a virtual truckload of stuff!

And then there's Summer. Songs related to it? I probably have about 16+ hours there. Surf, sand, tiki huts, pools, sunshine, lightning bugs, high school graduation - a favorite time of year for nearly everyone!

So plan your parties, get your decorations, then give me a call, because I already have your soundtrack!

When should you hire a DJ?

Short answer: "Any time!"

Any time you go outside of your routine to plan a special occasion, consider hiring a DJ (specifically, Me). For example, any time you place an order, make a reservation, purchase, rent or borrow any of the following things, your event is sure to be enhanced with the right music!

Flowers - Balloons - Party rentals (tables, chairs) - Decorations - Dance floor - Tiki torches - Outdoor lighting - Food/beverages - Gift bags - Cake - Caterer - Community center or other venue - Special clothes / Dress - Holiday supplies - Invitations - Bounce house - Limousine - Event Planner / Wedding co-ordinator - Lifeguard

If you're planning an event, I've already got your soundtrack!

Events open to the General Public

Most events that I or any other DJ do for a living are typically private or corporate functions, not accessible to anyone but invitees. However, I have 3 events coming up in the next few weeks that offer a rare opportunity to catch me "in the act", for free, in the great outdoors.


First up, on April 15, is a huge T.E.A. rally at the Pleasanton fairgrounds. I've never been a part of anything like this, so I don't quite know what to expect. One of the entertainers lined up that afternoon is Brian Bergondy (aka "The Conservative Kid"), a rapper/singer with a conservative message. For one of his raps, Brian wanted a DJ backing him up with some beats, so he contacted me out of the blue. I'll tentatively be joining Brian during his 15 minutes up on stage; the rest of the time, we'll be set up alongside lots of other vendors in a 10x10 booth. Brian has been gracious enough to allow me to set up there with an entertaining music mix (and gently push my business, of course!) of patriotic and pop songs, roughly between 2pm and 7pm.


A couple of weeks later, I'll be set up somewhere at CPC (Community Presbyterian Church) in Danville on the evening of Friday May 7. There's going to be a free concert there that evening featuring Jadon Lavik, and prior to the concert, an open-air BBQ. A similar event occurred last year with a different musical artist, with proceeds raised going toward summer camp scholarships (if I remember correctly). I'm tentatively going to be playing a tasty mix of music during the pre-show BBQ this year (late afternoon/early evening).


The following day, May 8, I'm tentatively scheduled to be playing music at the 34th annual "Jewelry, Fine Art and Craft Show" in the Alamo Plaza next to Yellow Wood Coffee and Tea. Each year on Mother's Day weekend, this festival draws 65+ artisans to Alamo - a really delightful location. I'm planning on being set up at Yellow Wood from about 10am until 2pm.


Please come on by to any of these events and say hello! If you're planning an event of your own, this is a great opportunity to meet me and see me in action in a relaxed environment.

Coming attractions:

Reasons for throwing a party over the next several weeks:

Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day (May 15), Kentucky Derby, American Idol finale, John Wayne's birthday (Texas BBQ on May 26?), end of school, Sports or awards banquets, Memorial Day, summer kickoff, Graduation, weddings/receptions, D-Day (June 6), Father's Day, Flag Day, July 4...

I'm sure you can come up with your own if none of these suit you. No matter what the theme of your party will be, I'm confident that I have JUST the right music for it!

The RIGHT music for ANY occasion? Really?

You betcha! What kind of event are you thinking about having? Chances are, I've got more than enough music for the whole thing, without a single repeat. And each genre/category is constantly growing! Here are a few examples:

Film festival / Oscars party ~ over 11 hours of music (songs from and about movies)
Graduation ~ over 3.5 hours of music (including songs about starting a new chapter)
Patriotic holiday / T.E.A. Party ~ 10.5 hours of music
Summer celebration / Pool party ~ 15.5 hours of music
Reggae splash ~ nearly 5 hours of music
Auto show ~ 9.5 hours of music

And the list goes on! Check back soon for examples for Halloween, Christmas, New Year's Eve...

Facebook fan #100

Kent Wisenor, from right here in the San Ramon Valley! Congratulations, Kent!

And the lucky winner is...

I've got a fan page over at this little internet operation called Facebook. Well, it turns out, if a fan page gets 100 people (or more), it gets its own "vanity" address (e.g., facebook.com/yourpage). My fan count is currently hovering in the 90's. SO... here's the deal.

As long as a few provisions are met, lucky fan #100 is going to get a FREE gig! Here are the provisions:

a) Only the first 2 hours are free. Any time beyond that will be billed at my usual hourly rate.
b) Wedding receptions are not eligible (or ceremonies, either).
c) The event must take place within a 25 mile radius of my starting point/base.
d) The date of the event must be "open" on my calendar, and mutually agreeable to us both.

Other than that, start clicking on the "Become a Fan" button on the right! And thank you!

The past couple of days, I've been listening some of the hundreds of songs I have that pertain to Summer ~ yes, I'm already thinking ahead to pool parties, neighborhood barbecues, outdoor receptions, etc.

And those don't necessarily include the hundreds of songs pertaining to cars and driving ~ which, in the case of something like "GTO" by Ronnie and the Daytonas, could go either way. Maybe I'll see you at Danville's "Hot Summer Nights".

And I also have nearly 5 hours' worth of music appropriate for a patriotic gathering (e.g., Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th... tea party, anyone?). So, you start accumulating your party supplies and making your plans; I've already got the soundtrack for your Summer events!

Just the right music, at just the right moment

As a case in point, take the fundraiser for Alamo Elementary School from yesterday evening. As I was playing background and dinner music, the auctioneer approached me just prior to the live auction, and suggested that I play snippets of music going into each auction item ~ songs that were either somehow related to that item, or were just going to help in getting the crowd's excitement level up.

So, in a pinch, here's a sampling of what I came up with on the fly. (And, yes, items 409, 410, 411, 416 and 418 got their own music, too.)

Item #401 ~ Pizza for a Whole Year. Song: "That's Amore" by Dean Martin

Item #402 ~ Trifecta of Golf (3 premium courses). Song: "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins (from the movie "Caddyshack")

Item #403 ~ Fit Tech 1 Bike. Song: "Bicycle Race" by Queen

Item #404 ~ Electra Cruiser Bike. Song: "Bike" by Pink Floyd

Item #405 ~ VIP Parking at the school. Song: "Out In The Parkin' Lot" by Brad Paisley

Item #406 ~ Principal for the Day (for a student). Song: "Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-La's

Item #407 ~ a Resort in Mexico. Song: "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett

Item #408 ~ Palm Springs Family Vacation. Song: "Vacation" by the Go-Go's

Item #412 ~ a Golden Retriever Puppy. Song: "Puppy Love" by Donny Osmond

Item #413 ~ Newport Beach Villas. Song: "Summer Breeze" by Jason Mraz

Item #414 ~ "Mad Men" Cocktail Party. Song: "Mack The Knife" by Bobby Darin

Item #415 ~ Backyard Movie Night/Restaurant Feast. Song: 20th Century Fox Fanfare, plus the THX sound effect

Item #417 ~ Heller Jewelers $500 Shopping Spree. Song: "What A Girl Wants" by Christina Aguilera

Item #419 ~ Ultimate Birthday Bash. Song: "Birthday" by The Beatles

Item #420 ~ San Francisco Experience. Song: "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" by Tony Bennett

Now, that's a pretty broad slice of music (and all of it found on short notice)!

Come on over!

Tonight I'm doing music for the kickoff mixer at Club Sport in San Ramon for the "Valley Pulse" group, part of San Ramon Chamber of Commerce (a new group for younger professionals).

Someone's turning 50...

Prepping for a birthday party being held at the clubhouse in the Greenbrook neighborhood of Danville. And just when it hit me, somebody turned around and shouted, "Play that funky music, White Boy!"

Plenty of reasons to celebrate in 2010!