HARRYOKE!
Central Florida Karaoke Host and Event DJ
WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE PARTIES
Harryoke is not only a popular karaoke host, but a fantastic Wedding DJ and Emcee/DJ for non-karaoke events!
In addition to Karaoke shows, Harryoke is also capable of providing DJ and Emcee services for most occasions including anniversaries, birthday parties, corporate functions, class reunions, and WEDDINGS. I will help you plan your reception, and coordinate an itinerary with your caterers, photographers and other service personnel.
Contact me for a consultation to find out how I can help you with your next event!
No matter what level of formality or informality your event needs, I can accomodate your needs...from tuxes to tank tops.
A NOTE TO POTENTIAL WEDDING or CORPORATE EVENT CLIENTS: WHAT I DO AT THE BARS IS NOT WHAT I WILL DO AT YOUR EVENT! I have specific equipment for each job, and am able to separate the informality of a bar setting from the formality and tradition of a wedding or other event.
Please, dont come to a bar show to see who you are considering for your event!! I have a tremendous amount of wedding experience, and corporate experience...and can guarantee you that what you see in the bars is not an example of my formal work!!
ARE YOU SHOPPING PRICE...OR HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD DJ or KARAOKE HOST?
Here are some points of consideration to think about while you are shopping around! Harryoke is not the cheapest DJ out there, but I am also not the most expensive. Price is not necessarily the only issue when shopping. I was thinking about questions you should ask of any DJ you are considering hiring, and have preemptively answered those questions here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?
Unlike some services who post a flat rate charge, each Harryoke event is priced uniquely, based on the specific criteria and needs of each unique event. Cost factors can be based upon factors such as: Date, location, distance, amount of time needed, number of guests, level of formality and what specific services your event will need. Some events require less effort and preparation than others...this is reflected in your quoted rate.
DO YOU OFFER A CONTRACT?
HARRYOKE absolutely offers a written contract in the interest of professionalism, to protect you, as well as myself. The contract clearly states my rates (regular and overtime), what services I am to provide and any special needs that either I or the client need addressed.
I LIKE YOU, BUT WILL YOU BE DOING MY EVENT, OR WILL YOU SEND SOMEONE WE DONT KNOW?
HARRYOKE is a one man operation, Harry will be your host. You will not be surprised by a DJ you do not know who is not personally aware of your needs. I am the owner and operator. The buck stops here, and I do not subcontract or moonlight.
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT DJ FOR MY EVENT?
I generally always insist on meeting the client personally before contracting, to be sure I am the right man for the job at hand. If I do not honestly feel like I am the right man for the job, I will let you know BEFORE I offer you a contract. If I feel I am not the best man for your event, I can recommend some of my fellow competing companies.
HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE WITH YOU AND ENSURE IT IS BOOKED?
With Harryoke, when you call and book the date, it is penciled in for you until you contract it with a written contract and/or a deposit. There is usually only a short time required between booking and contracting, BUT if someone should call for your date and you had not yet contracted, I would call you first to make sure if you wanted it or not before talking to another client.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?
I have been DJing and hosting karaoke shows full time since May 1999, and have done many weddings in that span of time!! Harryoke performs nightly in some form or fashion.
ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE TO LEAVE MY EVENT TO DO ANOTHER SHOW or POSSIBLY BE LATE TO MY EVENT BECAUSE OF ANOTHER EVENT?
Harryoke only books one event per day.
WILL YOU BE DOING OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR US?
Harryoke has absolutely wonderful and professional microphone diction and skills, and will be making your announcements for you and emceeing in a manner that you will actually be able to understand! My style is clear, communicative and minimal. I do not speak just to hear myself, I like to clearly communicate and NOT be obnoxious!
WHAT IF THE PEOPLE DONT DANCE/SING?
If the crowd is unresponsive, or not dancing, I do what is appropriate for the crowd in attendance...what works for one group may not work for another...AND, it just may not be a dancing crowd, depending on what the event is. I will try different music and motivations...but again, not to the point of being obnoxious. You have to know how to read people. Sometimes the music rules the room, other times it IS appropriate for the music to take a back seat to the actual event. It is the job of a professional DJ to know how to gauge this, and respond appropriately. At a karaoke party, if there happen to be no singers, I would be DJing regular music for you!
WHAT IF YOU BECAME UNAVAILABLE TO HANDLE OUR EVENT?
In the event I became unavailable on the day of your event, how I handle that would depend on the timetable...a day or so in advance, I would consult with the client and find a replacement, but if something happened enroute, that would not allow enough time. This has never been a problem in the past. Once I broke my neck the day before a wedding and managed to cover it with no problem. I also keep two road service clubs...so I can be towed to your event, then towed home in the event of a breakdown. Only an emergency on the way to an event, or a binding legal obligation or medical issue would keep me from an event or cause me to be tardy. I do not cancel, and am always early.
HOW OFTEN DO WE HAVE TO MEET OR CORRESPOND BEFORE THE EVENT?
Once I am booked for your event, the number of times I meet with you (the client) in person, or contact the client before a job is up to the client...if I am comfortable that I have all the details covered, and we have chatted on the phone or email, I do not make a last meeting a necessity, unless the client feels more comfortable with that arrangement.
CAN I COME SEE YOUR WORK AT ANOTHER WEDDING OR EVENT?
If you asked me if you could come see me at another wedding, my answer would be no. I would not invite prospective clients to observe another clients party. I could provide corporate and personal references if asked.
WE SAW YOU AT ONE OF THE LOCAL BARS...IS THIS WHAT WE ARE GOING TO SEE AT OUR EVENT?
I would say that what I do in bars is IN NO WAY representative of what I do at private parties or formal events. Please don't observe me at bar gigs to get an idea of what I would be doing at your wedding or private event...definitely not the same performance!!
CAN WE (or our guests) SUGGEST/REQUEST SONGS?
When it comes to your input on music selection, you may have as little or as much as you like. If I feel, based on my experiences you are making any mistakes or missteps that may affect your event, I would advise you then. I am always happy to play requests, and in regard to MUST PLAY songs or SPECIAL EVENT song choices, I like to know them as soon as possible, with changes up to about a week before the event being no trouble! Requests on the day of your event from you our your guests are NO PROBLEM, provided they fit in with the theme for the evening and are appropriate based on the clients specifications. I always insist on asking the client about NO PLAY lists.
WHAT TIME WILL YOU GET TO THE EVENT?
Harryoke is generally set up and ready to go NO LESS than a half hour before the event, generally an hour before, or more.
HOW WILL YOU DRESS AT MY EVENT?
In regard to how I will be dressed at your event, Harryoke always discusses this with the client at the time of the contracting. After the event, I generally wear the same clothes I perform in to load out, unless it is outdoors in the summer and very warm.
HOW MUCH OF A DEPOSIT DO YOU NEED?
Placing a deposit to hold the day for your event? Generally the amount is half, although as little as $200 can hold the day. This is specifically covered in the contract, and the terms of refundability are covered as well. Securing a deposit protects both the client and the DJ from unexpected cancellations. If you do not have a contract and a deposit with your DJ, there is a chance that he will not show, with no repercussions. Contracts and deposits are the tools of professionalism.
IS WHAT YOU QUOTE WHAT I PAY OR WILL THERE BE HIDDEN COSTS?
My prices are all inclusive per any discussions, never a hidden fee. All is spelled out in the contract as well. Overtime costs are also included in the contract.
WHAT WILL YOU BE EATING AT MY EVENT...CAN WE PUT YOU DOWN FOR A MEAL?
As a rule, Harryoke NEVER partakes in a meal during an event. If it is really informal, I may snack, but I never eat a meal at a formal event. If you choose to include me in the meal count, I usually take it to go. I also never take "breaks" other than a quick dash to the restroom when appropriate. If I am on the clock, I need to be available to you or your guests.
WHAT WILL YOU NEED FROM US IN TERMS OF TABLES, CHAIRS OR ANYTHING ELSE?
Anything I would need from the client on the day of the event, in terms of tables or special needs, would also be covered in the contract at the time of the contracting.
IS YOUR GEAR GOING TO SOUND GOOD...IS IT GOING TO BREAK DURING THE SHOW?
Harryoke is a professional, and as such uses ONLY professional grade equipment!!! No home stereos or inferior gear...only the best to ensure the best sound and reliability. EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, Harryoke always has backup equipment on premise to ensure in the unlikely event something DOES break or fail, the party will not end. As a general rule for comparison, I generally use JBL speakers, Mackie sound reinforcement and power, and Shure microphones.
I use wireless mics exclusively.
ARE YOU BRINGING FLASHING LIGHTS OR STROBES?
I do not offer light shows or any type of dance floor lighting.
WILL YOU BE ADVERTISING OR SOLICITING TIPS FROM OUR GUESTS?
I never use signs or banners at private shows or weddings, nor do I overtly solicit business or put out a tip jar! The most I do to promote is discreetly keep business cards available in the event someone would ask for one.
Preparation is KEY to the success of a wedding reception, or any event. Here is an example of a poorly prepared DJ....