How would you define your "style" or approach to providing DJ entertainment? 
At DeBruin Entertainment we pride ourselves on our "back seat" approach to facilitating each event. Many DJ's believe it is their job to "steal the show" and be the center of attention throughout the event. We strongly believe that this is your show and we have no interest in taking the spotlight from you. You booked DeBruin Entertainment for our expertise in music and the attention we give to every event detail. Our DJ's have an expertise in selecting the right music and hold the personality and presentation to lead any event. We will flawlessly make any necessary announcements throughout your event and will make smooth transitions from one formality to the next. You will not hear us tell jokes, plug our company, or make any needless comments.
How involved are you in helping us to plan our music?
The main reason you hire a DJ is for their expertise in selecting the right music for your special event. At DeBruin Entertainment we work with our clients to ensure that their event has a unique personal appeal, yet still creates a mood that is perfectly conducive to celebration. In addition, we specialize in addressing music "challenges", whether combining multicultural music styles or adapting unique and eclectic music tastes into the formality of a Wedding Reception. The music selection process is extremely important to the overall atmosphere of the celebration. We pride ourselves on listening to our clients and respecting their wishes, while providing additional suggestions and guidance when appropriate. We derive a great deal of satisfaction from provided this service and are happy to help in any way we can.
How large is your music collection? What type of music do you have?
DeBruin Entertainment is armed with a 20,000 song digital music database. Big Band, Oldies, Bluegrass, Disco, 80's Dance, Rock n Roll, Country, Worship, Children's Music, International, Club, Alternative, House, Techno, Reggae, Hip Hop, Top 40. We have music appropriate for polka, fox trot, tango, jive, quickstep, waltzes, swing, cha cha, ramba, salsa, line dancing, etc… We have background music for seminars, cocktails, social hour, and dinner such as: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Light Jazz, New Age, Easy Listening, Classical, Etc…
Is your music legal?
Yes! As a lifelong music enthusiast, I have compiled a massive music library long before starting business as a professional disc jockey. DeBruin Entertainment receives monthly compilations from a legal DJ subscription service. Many DJ's who participated in the MP3 illegal file sharing have been charged with multiple counts of internet piracy. Remember, these "DJ exhibitionists" were not only stealing music, but they were getting paid to perform with these illegal music downloads! Today, most songs available on illegal sharing programs are filled with viruses to discourage people from stealing from the record labels.
How do you dress for an event?
Our Wedding performers' typical uniform is a conservative black tuxedo with vest and tie, or a formal black pinstripe business suit. Many clients have chosen the formal black pinstripe business suit, as it will not clash with the tuxedos of the groomsmen in the bridal party. Traditionally, we dress down to "business casual" for School and Athletic Events, Private Parties, etc. If your event requires themed attire (Christmas, Hawaiian, Halloween, Masquerade, etc.), we will dress accordingly. Your DJ will be sure to discuss the wardrobe expectations with you.
What do you require for set-up? How much room will you need?
We require one 6 or 8 foot rectangular banquet table, located near the dance floor and within 25 feet of a 3-prong outlet with adequate power (120 volt, 15-amp circuit on a grounded outlet). For Wedding Receptions and other formal events, we ask that the provided table is skirted. We require a 10X6 DJ area (10-foot-wide by 6-foot-deep) to accommodate sound and lighting equipment.
How early do you arrive to set-up at the event location?
DeBruin Entertainment arrives on site 1 1/2 hours before the contracted starting time; sometimes earlier, depending on the set-up requirements at the event site. When performing a Wedding Reception your DJ will arrive 2 hours before the contracted starting time.
Do you play continuous music? Do you take breaks?
Yes, we play continuous, non-stop music. We do not take breaks! Unless of course you ask us to stop to accommadate an announcement, toast, game or other activity. This non-stop entertainment is one of the many advantages of choosing a DJ instead of a band.
How loud do you play the music? Is the volume adjustable?
One of the greatest concerns of bands and DJ's is that the music is often too loud. DeBruin Entertainment's loudspeakers are mounted on tripod stands to project the music above your guests, not directly at them. Each event location is analyzed and processed, using a variety of sound tests to give you optimum sound quality at your event. Proper speaker placement allows ample sound coverage of a large room without having to use extreme volumes. During social cocktail and dinner hours, the music is set at a lower listening volume to ensure guests can hear each other in conversation. If at anytime the music volume is believed to be too loud, we would be happy to adjust it for you.
Seating Plan Tip: We strongly recommend that you seat elderly guests away from the DJ area. Older guests are very sensitive to music volumes and they will repeatedly ask for the volume to be reduced. If we lower the music too far it may hinder the atmosphere of the event. This potential problem can be easily avoided in the seating plan.
Can we visit you at a performance?
To adhere to the privacy of our clients on their special day in celebration, DeBruin Entertainment does not permit prospective clients to visit an event without an invitation. We are more than happy to supply you with references, upon request.
How much do you charge for an event?
WEDDINGS
DeBruin Entertainment base packages for Wedding Receptions range from $825.00 - $1000.00 and cover up to five hours of service (Additional time is available at a discounted hourly rate and DJ service time begins when guests arrive to the Reception Hall). Other factors that determine the price are: location of the event and amount of equipment needed. For an additional $175.00, we will provide Music and Wireless Audio Equipment for your Wedding Ceremony. Please visit our Wedding Page for more information.
SCHOOL & ATHLETIC EVENTS
School Dances are typically divided into three catorgories:
- Casual Dances start at $350.00 for 3 hours of service and $425.00 for 4 hours of service.
- Homecoming, Winter Ball, or Semi Formal Dances are $450.00 for 3 hours of service and $525.00 for 4 hours of service.
- Proms (because they fall on Saturdays during wedding season) are $625.00 for up to 4 hours of service.
Live Game Music Entertainment against an arch rival opponent is available for $125 per hour (Sunday-Thursday competition, minimum 2 hour event). Get all the fans into the action with their favorite celebration songs!
PRIVATE PARTIES
Are you planning a Backyard Barbecue, Birthday or Holiday Celebration, Anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Graduation, or Family Reunion? DeBruin Entertainment is available for $150 per hour on this special day (Friday & Saturday rate, minimum 3 hour event).
CORPORATE FUNCTIONS
Attention Business Owners and Managers!! Have you ever thought about hosting a company dinner, holiday party, or employee appreciation night? We are available for only $600.00, which covers up to a 4 hour celebration. (Additional time is available at a discounted hourly rate). We will meet with you before the event to plan the day schedule. Wireless audio equipment will be available for any speeches and presentations. Celebrate your business success with DeBruin Entertainment!
What is included in the cost of my event?
Performance time, setup time, breakdown time, travel up to 100 miles (roundtrip from Portland, ME), premium digital sound, a dazzling light show (for evening events), back-up equipment on site, and any necessary materials needed to facilitate your event. There are no hidden charges; all fees are clearly stated in your contract.
What is the charge for roundtrip travel exceeding 100 miles?
- 100 - 150 miles roundtrip = $60 travel charge
- 150 - 200 miles roundtrip = $80 travel charge
- 200 - 250 miles roundtrip = $100 travel charge
- 250 - 300 miles roundtrip = $120 travel charge
- Over 300 miles roundtrip = Requires Overnight Accomodations for DJ
- www.mapquest.com will determine the mileage from our office location in Portland, ME to your event location.
- We represent the entire New England region: Serving Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
How far in advance should we book your services?
DJ's, photographers, and banquet facilities book quickly, mainly because there are roughly 52 Fridays and 52 Saturdays (Celebration days) in any given year. Consequently, these professionals have only 104 out of 365 days to showcase their abilities. Have you ever seen a Wedding Reception or High School Prom on a Wednesday night? Of course not! Celebrations happen on Fridays and Saturdays, so it is important to secure your DJ, photographer and banquet facility EARLY ON! Most clients book DeBruin Entertainment 9 to 12 months prior to their event, with some clients signing contracts up to two years in advance. We are happy to accept short-term bookings based on availability; however, due to the high demand for our services, our performance schedule fills up quickly.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellation for any reason forfeits the deposit, no exceptions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of date requires 50% of the balance.
- Cancellation within 30 days of date requires full payment of the balance.
- Cancellation due to inclement weather must be received no later than 12:00pm on the event date. Your deposit may be applied to a future event booking within one year of the original contracted date.
What are the terms of payment when I book DeBruin Entertainment?
When hiring us by phone a contract will be mailed to your address stating the terms of our service agreement. At this time, you will have "first booking rights" for your event date and a 14-day grace period to return the signed contract with deposit (if applicable). The date will be saved for you within this 14-day window. If after the 14 day grace period we have not received the contract with deposit, DeBruin Entertainment reserves the right to re-open your date to the public.
The balance (minus the deposit) is due on the night of the event after the DJ has set up. Cash, Check, Certified Check, and Money Orders are accepted. Checks or Money Orders made payable to: DeBruin Entertainment.
Please Note: Wedding Receptions require a $225.00 deposit and the remaining balance is due 14 days before the event date. (We feel it is extremely unprofessional to approach the bride and groom for money on their Wedding Day)
"MIXING MUSIC
INTO MEMORIES"