Supporting Our Community

TJ the DJ, a Red Deer DJ has once again participated in two very fun and beneficial charity events. The first event was held on St. Patricks Day March 17th at the Poplar Ridge Hall just out side of Red Deer. The Passionate Forward Fundraiser was the second time I have participated. This year I [...]

TJ the DJ Featured Speaker at Red Deer College Workshop

I DO!… Now What? Plan your Special Day in a Day. Join me TJ the DJ W.P.I.C.C. and several other speakers at the Red Deer College on January 21st for a workshop all about your wedding. We will share with you tips on planning some of the more difficult parts of your wedding. The cost [...]

Red Deer DJ Service TJ the DJ Published again.

For the second time TJ the DJ your local Red Deer DJ service has been published in the DJ Pulse Magazine for Djs. You can find the article on the last page as it sumsup many of the points that make up the CDJA and netwoking in general. The article is Titles. Becoming a better [...]

A 50th Birthday Party Nov 11

It is about once or twice a year TJ the DJ, a Red Deer DJ Service, is hired for a birthday. I think people still have not seen the value of hiring a professional who can help keep it light, fun and looking/feeling casual. The more casual you want an event to feel, the more [...]

What do I do…

As the owner of TJ the DJ here in Red Deer, I realize I don’t have the same population to work with in as those in Edmonton or Calgary, this could mean I would not ordinarily be as busy because the number of DJ’s for the Red Deer Area is actually quite high. So when [...]

Referral Letter from Skye and Passionate Forward

Posted by TJ the DJ on May 6th, 2012

I would like to share with you, readers of TJ the DJ’s Blogs and supporters of this Red Deer DJ Service the letter I recently received from Skye in regards to her Passionate Forward Event. I think this letter speaks for it’s self about the type of services I strive to offer to all my clients.

“April 20th, 2012

TJ the DJ just finished assisting me with a big fundraiser, for children impacted by sexual assault, for the second time. Without his help, I truly do not think we could have raised the $27,000.00 that WE did.

TJ is much more than a DJ. He is honest, hard working and has amazing connections within central Alberta. He has up lights, a photo booth ( which is a amazing perk to any event! ) and a great sound system. His voice projects very well over the mic and his video prompter keeps him on the timeline. He is one of those MUST HAVE people when organizing an event.

Organizing a fundraiser is 100x more complicated than a wedding reception and he made my job less stressful. On more than one issue he also literally saved me from BIG problems. He is always one step ahead and very clear on what will work and what won’t. His main concern was always about what I needed and how to make the event even better than I could even imagine.

TJ is worth every penny. I would NEVER hire anyone else but him. He is the one to get the job done to make me, my guests, the board of directors and my sponsors impressed.
Sincerely,
Skye Wikjord
Fundraising Co-ordinator for the Central Alberta Sexual
Assault Services Center. www.passionateforward.com“

You can Download the PDF Here

I would like to thank the following people, vendors who are good friends, I have every confidence in their abilities and highly recommend them. I also like to thank them for taking part in this event and doing what they all do very well, help make it a success.

Heather from Green County Rentals

Theresa from Bitter Sweet Bar Tending

Grant from Floyd the Nerd

With our your help and support, this letter would not be as good as it is. It is though our collective efforts and good works that much of this praise is earned.

Public Speaking for your event

Posted by TJ the DJ on April 16th, 2012

Have you considered Toastmasters? This is an organization I participate in weekly to improve my public speaking skills. One of the services I offer as TJ the DJ is working with your Emcee or performing the role at your event for you.

As a Red Deer DJ I also make myself available to work with anyone else who may be speaking at your event. I do this so people have the best chance to say what they really want to say, instil in them confidence to say it and provide tips and ideas they may consider for a better presentation.

Some of the tools I use, in addition to attending Toastmaster are a couple of Books by Tom Haibek. As a client you will receive a complimentary e-book you can share with those friend, family or co-workers.

As evidence of the improvement and benefit you could receive from attending programs like toastmaster I placed in Second in a speech contest in the fall of last year. Just recently I have won first place in two contests and am at level 3 in the competition. Imagine how well you or anyone else could relate their stories, thoughts and feelings with a little help with public speaking.

If you would like more information about Toastmasters just follow the link or contact TJ the DJ. I wish you success in your duties as Emcee, making a toast or sharing your thoughts publicly to your friends, family or coworkers.

Supporting Our Community

Posted by TJ the DJ on March 27th, 2012

TJ the DJ, a Red Deer DJ has once again participated in two very fun and beneficial charity events.

The first event was held on St. Patricks Day March 17th at the Poplar Ridge Hall just out side of Red Deer. The Passionate Forward Fundraiser was the second time I have participated. This year I donated all of my services for this great cause, which is to help the Central Alberta Crisis Center fund programs in the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and programs for those children who have been abused to help them in their healing. This year the event raised nearly $30,000 dollars.

This year members of the Alberta Wedding & Event Directory also pitched in to help support this great cause. Bitter Sweet Bar Tending, Green County Rentals and Floyd the Nerd all volunteered services for a very successful event. We all look forward to participating again next year and hope you will too and buy a ticket and attend. There is always great entertainment and great silent auction items to bid on.

The second event was just this past weekend March 24th. It was the second annual Juke Box Mania fundraiser for the Family Services of Central Alberta. This is a Name that tune type event with prizes for the best team, both in Media and non-media team categories. Participants are also encouraged to dress up in costumes and win prizes and compete in some other other fun contests. The end goal to win the Opus Award Trophy.

Both events are a lot of fun and a meaningful way for me to support my community and family’s. Here you can see some photo’s from the Passionate Forward event.

Passionate Forward 2011 with TJ the DJ A Red Deer DJ

Posted by TJ the DJ on February 18th, 2012

Passionate Forward is once again looking for people to join us for an evening of fun, friendship and support in the prevention Child Sexual Abuse and programs that assist in the healing of victims.

TJ the DJ is again donating 100% of his services to this cause.As a Red Deer DJ it is important to support local groups and Passionate Forward is one of the select fundraisers I have committed TJ the DJ to helping.

This is a great event that brings out a lot of great people, lots of local business support thought the silent auction and presenters. You wont be disappointed in supporting this this great cause.

Come enjoy the great atmosphere, dance with TJ the DJ, bid on auction items and have FUN.

Happy Feburary

Posted by TJ the DJ on February 4th, 2012

WOW!!! It’s been a busy 2012 for this Red Deer DJ.

Bookings are up from last year, though I still have a few dates in June, couple in July and September open. If you are looking to host an event between now and the end of may I am just about wide open with only a few dates booked. Next fall is also shaping up with one Christmas party booked and a couple of repeats again.

TJ the DJ is also going to be working with Memory Lane Booths to create a package to let my clients have both and save a little money.

Some new offerings this year in addition to the photo booth is up-lighting, have your color(s) or as close as we can match it appear as pillars of light around your venues walls. Great for places where the lighting options are on or off, or a drab hall that you want to jazz up. It can also add a little extra class and elegance along with the WOW factor. Up-lighting is not that popular or well known yet in Alberta, but it has been creeping it’s way from south and east for a few years. If you want to be remembered as one of the first people to ever have it at your event, let me know and I will help you with the right combination of lights.

Add to Up-lights or on it’s own your name or logo displayed on the wall, ceiling or dance floor. From a simple black and white, to a more elegant 3d grey scale to full color detail the sky is the limit and you get to keep the monogram disk as well if you want for future events or a nice memorable keepsake.

TJ the DJ is your Red Deer DJ company committed to helping you take the vision of your event in your mind and making it as close to reality as possible.

Also watch for some announcements about a couple of Seminars/workshops I will be helping to host along with AWED.ca and other businesses.

Call today to book your meeting or upgrade your package with one of these new great ideas.(403)348-1224

TJ the DJ Featured Speaker at Red Deer College Workshop

Posted by TJ the DJ on January 2nd, 2012

I DO!… Now What? Plan your Special Day in a Day.

Join me TJ the DJ W.P.I.C.C. and several other speakers at the Red Deer College on January 21^st for a workshop all about your wedding. We will share with you tips on planning some of the more difficult parts of your wedding. The cost of the workshop is what you would pay for just a consult with a professional wedding planner. Getting a big bang for your buck, this all day workshop from 8:30-4:30 will help you shave hours on finding the right vendor for you, and the actual planning itself.

The average wedding takes about 250 hours to plan, and we want to help you make the best use of that time, and even save you some of it.

In addition to this Red Deer DJ presenting, Heather W.P.I.C.C. from Green County Rentals (GCR) will also be doing her thing with decor and rentals along with a multitude of other tips like budgeting, stress management and of course wedding planning. Norma Klassen B.S.W,R.S.W will be giving a talk on some of the relationship issues that might arise while planning your wedding.

Sign up and join me and many other brides to be for a fun interactive day of learning, tips, laughs and a boost in your self confidence in the knowledge you will gain to assist you in planning one of the most important days of your life. Take charge and learn from professionals, people who help plan weddings all year, every year. This is not a sales meeting, but you are encouraged to take advantage of the services provided by the presenters.

You can find information about registering for the workshop by visiting www.rdc.ab.ca or calling the Red Deer College at 403-356-4900 and asking about course # 2529.

Course Cost $149+GST, which is less than consulting with a certified wedding planner alone and a great investment on making your wedding dream come true.

I hope to see you there, with a big smile and lots of ideas.

Teah-Jay Cartwright W.P.I.C.C

P.S. What does W.P.I.C.C. mean anyway? Wedding Planner Institute of Canada Certified. The only certification recognised by the Canadian Government for wedding planner education and training.

Red Deer DJ Service TJ the DJ Published again.

Posted by TJ the DJ on December 3rd, 2011

For the second time TJ the DJ your local Red Deer DJ service has been published in the DJ Pulse Magazine for Djs.

You can find the article on the last page as it sumsup many of the points that make up the CDJA and netwoking in general.

The article is Titles. Becoming a better target for leads. I hope you enjoy it.

December 2011 Issue DJ Pulse Magazine

A 50th Birthday Party Nov 11

Posted by TJ the DJ on December 1st, 2011

It is about once or twice a year TJ the DJ, a Red Deer DJ Service, is hired for a birthday. I think people still have not seen the value of hiring a professional who can help keep it light, fun and looking/feeling casual. The more casual you want an event to feel, the more someone has to work behind the scenes.

Raymond Metz was no different for his 50th birthday which was more than just a celebration of reaching the half century mark. He is also a survivor of brain cancer and has extended his doctors estimation of an expiry date by 8 years and is still going strong. Ray is an easy going, ready to smile guy who loves to fish and has the coolest looking fire pit I have ever seen in their back yard.

Ray’s party was booked by his wife Karen, for the Golden Circle center in downtown Red Deer. It was also a surprise party so everything had to be set up nice and early. If the name Metz is sounding a little familiar (if you are a regular reader of my Blogs) I have also performed at their son Dustin’s and daughter Miranda’s Wedding. I am also booked for their last daughters wedding next June. I have gotten to know the family quite well and they are wonderful friendly people.

As for services offered, there was a dinner and presentations. People sang songs, shared T-shirts and other presentations followed by a casual dance that kept it light and fun. As a Red Deer DJ Service I was pleased to share the floor with other great professional businesses. I recommended Bitter Sweet Bar Tending for their bar service, who did an excellent job as always and kept the tables clear and the line at the bar short and everyone well served. Green County Rentals Supplied Linens and other services, Memory Lane Booths supplied a Photo Booth which helped capture all the fun of the families and you can view the pictures from the party on their web site.

It is always a pleasure to work with such great people and great businesses. From reading my blogs I am sure you see many of us work together quite often and the events always turn out great. We are all professionals, experienced and members of the Alberta Wedding & Event Directory.

TJ the DJ is a Red Deer DJ service committed to helping you create great events with other local professionals.

What do I do…

Posted by TJ the DJ on October 17th, 2011

As the owner of TJ the DJ here in Red Deer, I realize I don’t have the same population to work with in as those in Edmonton or Calgary, this could mean I would not ordinarily be as busy because the number of DJ’s for the Red Deer Area is actually quite high.

So when I am not actively working with clients or working on projects related to clients I spend my time reading up on DJ trends. I talk with DJs all over Canada and the U.S. quite regularly. I post on community boards for DJs and share ideas, help with solutions and learn about new equipment, games, popular songs that have not made it big here in Canada yet.

I also spend time developing my own skills, practicing with the new technology I have recently bought and getting familiar with it before I start using it as a show and making mistakes because I don’t fully understand it. I want to look like the pro, and be able to answer the questions people have when they see it, trouble shoot it if something goes wrong etc.

One of my latest skills I have been developing is planning with my clients. I have always been detailed in taking their vision, expectations, wants and needs and developing them into a time line/agenda for not only myself, but their Emcee and other vendors as well if they choose to share it. Recently I started my education as a wedding and event planner to add more depth to what I already do. I have discovered I have been on the right track for some time and already have a pretty sound foundation of skills.

I should be completing my course in about 2 weeks.

So when I am not actively DJing this is just a few of the things I do to improve the services I offer, prevent myself from becoming stale or to repetitive and ensure my clients get their wedding or event with use of creative thinking.

Just a small example of what I do.

Program Update

Posted by TJ the DJ on October 7th, 2011

It’s been a long and very very busy summer, and next year is already starting to fill up, at the time of this post I have only one Saturday in August open and two of the shows are on the Alberta – Saskatchewan Border 4 hours away, in the same town…

It was a great bonus year for some of my clients with unexpected services. Like audio recording for example. Which I am the only local entertainer who offers this to the level of quality and post production with some cool surprises.

I would like to introduce three new programs, I may yet add more to them as this is just a first draft of what I look to offer and my tool box of skills is yet full with some up coming additional training on the way as well. I currently offer 2, and more variety is better right? I have not included prices as each requires a lot of additional time, planning and personalization, each program is meant to be as unique as each of my clients. So what are the programs and what makes them different from each other? Read on my faithful reader.

All programs include the following as a standard professional package:

A professionally trained and experienced entertainer.
An A.V.L.A. Licensed Music selection of high quality and spanning many genres from the last century.
$2,000,000 Liability Insurance
Business Licensed with the City of Red Deer
Business Registered with the Province of Alberta.
Business Registered with the Federal Government
Member in good standing with the Canadian Disc Jockey Association (CDJA)
Comprehensive Service Contract
Planning Guide and Free Reports you can use to WoW your event.
Back up system on hand at your event to ensure the party will go on if something ever fails. (not at our shop, not waiting to show up after a phone call… our contract guarantees it)

TJ the DJ brings even more to every program:

Over 17 years experience in the Mobile DJ & Entertainment industry
Graduate of the Western Academy of Broadcasting College
Past Community Events Person Sunny 94 Radio in Lacombe
Member in good standing with Toastmasters International
Published Author in DJ Pulse Magazine (2 articles)
Published in the Red Deer Advocate Advice Column on booking Entertainment.
Operations Manager of www.OUAB.ca and member of other small business networking groups.
FULL TIME owner of TJ the DJ (I don’t work for someone else during the week for another paycheck.)

What does this all mean? Professional, quality service with a commitment to standards and ethics in business. You can feel secure you are getting a commitment from a legitimate business that will stand behind its work and be accountable to you the client.

The Basic: This is the minimum that people need for their wedding or event.

1-2 planning sessions – This will go over your music wants and DO NOT PLAY lists. Formal songs and who you would like to be introduced to dance for each song, bouquet and garter toss and other fun dance events.
Unlimited E-mail Support.
Established set up time (min 2 hours before scheduled start). We will work around you to make sure our set up does not interfere with your event and you wont be surprised.
4-5 hours consecutive music.
This package does not include lights.

The Standard: This is the most commonly used program.

2-4 planning sessions – I work with you to plan your reception in an easy to follow format for your Emcee and other vendors. We will work to incorporate entertaining and engaging ideas that will promote you, your tastes and personalities where possible. We will go over your music wants and DO NOT PLAY lists.
Unlimited E-mail Support.
Cocktail Music, Dinner Music, Presentation/Toasts Music, Pre-Dance Music and Dance Music (up to 1 a.m.) with up to 1 hour of extra time if needed (2 a.m.)
Small Light show (3-4 Fixtures)

The Executive: The most Comprehensive Program that can really leave you feeling relaxed and confident.

4+ planning sessions - We will work together on your ceremony, the music you want, the timing of when you want it to start and end so it all feels natural and well planned. Seating music, receiving line and exit of guests and more. I will also work with you to plan your reception in an easy to follow format for your Emcee and other vendors. We will work to incorporate entertaining and engaging ideas that will promote you, your tastes and personalities where possible. We will go over your music wants and DO NOT PLAY lists, through a more comprehensive interview process.
Unlimited E-mail & Phone Support
Attendance at your Ceremony Rehearsal so you can practice your walk down the isle to the music you choose, audio check for volume and venue acoustics. You can direct where you would like the Sound system set up.
Audio amplification of Bride and Groom for Vows, readings, officiate, instruments etc if required.
Cocktail Music, Dinner Music, Presentation/Toasts Music, Pre-Dance Music and Dance Music (up to 1 a.m.) with up to 1 hour of extra time if needed (2 a.m.)
Elegant Light show (4+ Fixtures)

Additional Services: If you want to add more pizazz, make your event even more memorable, elegant and engaging.

Emcee Services – Keep your friendship, don’t estrange a family member and allow a professionally trained public speaker with experience to fill the role of your Emcee. We will work with you to create an Emcee Agenda, interview your wedding party and parents to create a fun, entertaining, engaging program to really let your story be shared with your guests. We will also work with those giving a toast or presentation and help them make the most of their time at the mic and give them the confidence to be them selves and have fun while keeping it appropriate.
Name/Logo in Lights – With a monogram we can project your name or logo onto the dance floor or wall for everyone to see. For business we will take care of the monogram disc for future events where the initial cost of production will be waived.
Up-Lighting – There are two different options. Up Lite for small rooms and Up Size for larger rooms. We can also add additional fixtures if needed to each option. The price includes the labor and materials needed to set up and produce the effect in Static or rotating custom colors based on your color theme or company colors. (Example Pictures Compliments of Ken from Pulse Entertainment)
Audio Recording & Production: Record your vows, toasts, speeches and presentations. We will then audio balance and clean up the audio and provide it to you on a CD or Thumb Drive. A great keep sake for married couples to remember your vows (and say them again if you ever renew them) or for public speakers and presenters (like CEO keynotes) you can have a copy to include in future presentations or personal critique. You can hear samples from the Thank you Audio among my Gig Reports.
Slide Show/Power Point – Don’t have time to make that slide show? We can take care of that for you. Experienced with Power Point and other presentation programs we will take your pictures, scan them where necessary and produce a slide show/presentation based on your design and input.
Interactive Games – Would you like some personalized games? We will work with you to design or suggest a game just for you that your guests will recognize as fitting your theme, business or personalities. Great for team building, deciding who eats first or general fun and entertainment.