DJGreyhound DJ Services Professional Disc Jockey Services for Elegant Weddings and Upscale Occasions Serving MD, DC, Northern VA, and South Central PA Online Wedding Request Form
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE? Vern Shird has entertained at over 1,000 weddings and events during his career, including over 200 weddings since founding DJGreyhound in late 2002.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS DO YOU BOOK? DJGreyhound specializes in elegant and upscale weddings. To ensure that our clients receive personalized attention, we will only perform one event per day. Nearly all of our bookings are elegant/upscale weddings - the remaining bookings are comprised of commitment ceremonies, upscale private events, and greyhound/canine related events. DJGreyhound does not perform at bars or clubs for extra bookings and we do 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? DJGreyhound's service area covers most of Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and South Central PA. 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 L. Shird (DJGreyhound) is guaranteed be your disc jockey. Vern 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, via e-mail, phone, or through this website.
HOW EXTENSIVE IS YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY? Our CDs 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 100,000 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 to your event, provided no explicit lyrics are included.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? Our standard set-up features a Numark dual CD system and mixer, a Peavey power amplifier, two heavy duty Peavey speakers, an Audio-Technica wireless mic system for toasts, blessings, and speeches, and a corded mic. As an option, we have a remote (2nd) dj set-up featuring a dual CD 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.
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 for referrals about our services.
DO YOU ACCEPT BOOKING REQUESTS IF THE DATE, TIMES, AND/OR LOCATION ARE UNDECIDED? We're sorry, but we cannot process requests if any of these details are not yet determined. However, if you are currently undecided about your details, then our website also acts as an online brochure, packed with useful information about our company and its services. 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. The informational brochure includes a listing of highly recommended "preferred vendors" who we have worked with over the years.
CAN WE MEET OUR DISC JOCKEY IN ADVANCE? Prospective clients are free to schedule in-person consultations with Vern Shird 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. Prospective clients are able to attend public greyhound events performed by DJGreyhound provided they register in advance.
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 a CD player w/built-in 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 if you want DJGreyhound to provide music.
DO YOU PROVIDE SOUND REINFORCEMENT FOR MUSICIANS AND OTHER VENDORS? We're sorry, but we prohibit musicians and other vendors from plugging into our system. Please let your musicians or other vendors know that they are required to provide their own sound reinforcement. This policy is strictly enforced so please contact us in advance if you have any concerns.
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 pay in full are entitled to a discount, late bookings excluded. For installment options, your balance is due with your coordinating sheet at least three weeks before your event. 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.
WHEN IS MY CONTRACT DUE BACK? Most contracts are due back around three to four 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. Vern also shows his support by volunteering his dj services for their events.
