DJGreyhound DJ Services Professional Disc Jockey Services for Elegant Weddings and Upscale Occasions Serving MD, DC, Northern VA, and South Central PA
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE? Vern Shird has entertained at over 1,000 weddings and events during his career, including hundreds of weddings since founding DJGreyhound in late 2002.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS DO YOU BOOK? DJGreyhound specializes in weddings - other bookings include commitment ceremonies, private events, and an occasional public event. DJGreyhound does not perform at bars or clubs for extra bookings and does not provide karaoke services.
WHERE ARE YOUR EVENTS HELD? We perform at upscale hotels, country clubs, historic mansions, museums, elegant restaurants, and other fine venues.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER? Our service area covers Washington DC, Northern Virginia, South Central PA, and most of Maryland. All travel/mileage fees are already included in the price of your package. If your event is outside our service area, we will gladly refer you to a dj service that covers your area.
WHO WILL BE THE DISC JOCKEY AT MY EVENT? Vern (DJGreyhound) is guaranteed be your disc jockey. He is considered by his peers, and by industry professionals, to be one of the premier wedding djs in the Baltimore - DC metro region. DJGreyhound does not subcontract out other disc jockeys.
CAN I BOOK YOU THROUGH AN AGENCY? Vern (DJGreyhound) operates as a sole proprietor and is not affiliated with, nor does he work for, any talent agency or entertainment service. The only way you can book Vern is by contacting DJGreyhound directly.
HOW EXTENSIVE IS YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY? Our CDs/MP3s cover music from the 30s and 40s big band era through the current hits of today. The standard play list consists of thousands of titles that are brought to every event. We also have access to over 75,000 titles in our music library. Since we don't have enough space to physically bring our entire music library to each event, we require that any requests not on the standard play list be submitted at least three weeks prior to your event. That gives us enough time to research our library and pull the music. DJGreyhound always gives you the option of bringing some of your own CDs/MP3s to your event, provided no explicit lyrics are included.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? Our standard set-up features a Numark MP3 system and mixer, a Peavey power amplifier, two heavy duty Peavey speakers, a Shure wireless mic system for toasts, blessings, and speeches, and a corded mic. As an option, we have a remote (2nd) dj set-up featuring an MP3 system, a mixer, a power amplifier, and a heavy duty speaker. In the rare event of a malfunction, we also have back-up components available.
DO YOU PROVIDE PARTY PROPS? DJGreyhound does not use party props because we feel that props are a tacky and cheesy way of getting your guests motivated. If you wish to be motivated in this manner, then you will probably be happier with another dj service.
DO YOU PROVIDE UPLIGHTING? We do not provide uplighting; however, many venues offer this feature as an option. You might want to check with your venue first. If your venue doesn't offer uplighting, we'll gladly refer you to a company that services your venue's area.
CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES? Yes we can. We provide references from recent clients by request. Our reference list is updated weekly to ensure that the list stays current. Please e-mail or call us to receive your list. You can also consult the Baltimore and DC message boards of the Knot or Wedding Wire for reviews about our services.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU BOOK? Typically, we book anywhere from 3 months to over 12 months in advance of the event date. We are one of the few companies who post their schedule online so clients can easily view our availability.
DO YOU ACCEPT BOOKING REQUESTS IF THE DATE, TIMES, AND/OR VENUE ARE UNDECIDED? We're sorry, but we cannot process requests if the date and venue are not yet determined. If you are unsure about your start and end time, then please provide a time block estimate. Since we only perform one event per day, we can always slide the time block up or down if you notify us in writing. If you are currently undecided about your date and venue, then just review this website at your leisure and submit your request when you have your event details firmed up.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BOOKING PACKET? The booking packet includes a booking letter, informational brochure, planning sheets, and a price proposal/contract.
CAN WE MEET OUR DISC JOCKEY IN ADVANCE? Prospective clients are free to schedule an in-person consultation to discuss their event before signing any contract. In person consultations are held at various Starbucks locations throughout the area. If you are unable to stop by in-person, then we can have a phone consultation. For obvious reasons, we do not allow prospective clients to sit in on private events. This is disrespectful to Vern's clients and it is generally frowned upon in the disc jockey community.
DO YOU PROVIDE DEMONSTRATIONS? We're sorry, but we do not provide music demonstrations. Some of the larger entertainment companies provide demos in their studio as part of their marketing strategy; however, we feel that the best way to get a feel for our performance ability is to contact our references.
DO YOU CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE? DJGreyhound carries a $2,000,000 liability policy. More and more catering halls and hotels are requiring that DJ services and bands carry liability insurance for weddings and other events.
CAN YOU PROVIDE MUSIC IF THE CEREMONY AND/OR COCKTAIL HOUR IS AT A DIFFERENT ROOM, FLOOR, OR LOCATION THAN THE RECEPTION? Yes we can. DJGreyhound offers a remote set-up as an optional service that is already included in the price of your package. The remote set-up consists of an MP3 system, a mixer, an amplifier, and a speaker. If your ceremony and/or cocktail location is different from that of the reception, then please choose this option on your contract if you want DJGreyhound to provide music.
CAN YOU PROVIDE SOUND REINFORCEMENT FOR THE CEREMONY? Yes we can. This feature is useful when you don't need us to provide ceremony music, but you still need sound for the officiant, soloist, or reader. Our remote set-up is used and includes a wireless microphone on an adjustable stand for the user.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKUP POLICY? DJGreyhound networks with other disc jockeys in the greater Baltimore - DC area. In the rare event of an emergency, a qualified backup will take Vern's place at your event. If a back-up is needed, you will receive a 100% refund. If a back-up disc jockey fails to show at your event, you will receive a 200% refund. If Vern arrives after the contracted start time, you get a full refund. For added peace of mind, Vern has performed at hundreds of weddings and events and has never been late to, nor missed, any scheduled function. Vern would rather be 2 hours early, than 5 minutes late.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT AND BOOKING TERMS? In order to book our services, full payment or a retainer (installment) must accompany your signed contract. Clients who submit an inquiry at least six weeks prior to their event date can pay by installments. For installment options, your balance is due with your coordinating sheet at least three weeks before your event. Late inquiries made within six weeks of your event date are ineligible for the installment option and must be paid in full. If the same date is requested by more than one client, then bookings are based on the date we receive the signed contract and payment.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE TIME BLOCK REQUESTS? Our packages cover up to 5 hours of performance time so the price will be the same for time blocks of 5 hours or less. Even if you don't need the full 5 hours, we suggest that you request a 5 hour block anyway since the price doesn't change. The extra time is there to use if needed. Time blocks exceeding 5 hours are prorated by the half-hour.
WILL YOU PRICE MATCH IF WE FIND A COMPANY WITH A LOWER RATE? We're sorry, but we don't price match. We feel that our all-inclusive packages provide the best value for your dollar and our rates are very reasonable for the Baltimore - DC - NOVA market. If price is your sole motivation for securing entertainment, then we are not the company for you. If quality service, experience, and professionalism are your motivation, then we are the right choice for you.
WHEN IS MY CONTRACT DUE BACK? Most contracts are due back around four to six weeks after you receive your booking packet. If your contract deadline expires and you're still interested in booking us, then you'll have to submit a new booking request because your file is removed once your contract expires. The pricing on your contract is good until the contract's expiration date. This ensures fairness and protects the integrity of our business.
CAN YOU HOLD MY DATE FOR ME? We're sorry, but we do not hold dates for customers. The only way you can secure your event date is to mail back your signed contract accompanied by either a retainer or full payment. All bookings for a particular date are based on which contracts we receive back first. This policy is useful in cases when more than one client requests the same date.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY? Clients who cancel their event, in writing, at least six months prior to their date will receive a full refund. Clients cancelling within six months of their event date are ineligble for a refund; however, they can use their funds towards a future event that is held no later than six months after the original event date. If the event is rescheduled to a date beyond the six month mark, then their paid funds are forfeited. Please call us if you have any concerns.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH DJGREYHOUND? Throughout his life, Vern has had a passion for music and animal rescue efforts. Vern rescued a greyhound from the track years ago and decided to combine his passions for greyhounds and music and founded DJGreyhound DJ Services. DJGreyhound is a firm supporter of greyhound rescue and makes an annual donation to area rescue organizations. If you would like more information on greyhound rescue, please visit any one of the following websites and watch the touching video below:
