774-353-7176 
A1 Entertainment DJ Service
774-353-7176
FAQ
This section of my site is lengthy, but should answer almost any imaginable question you may have. Please take 5 minutes to read through it. You may contact me with more/other questions.
Who are you? 
DJ Michael Rittel has no delusions--I'm not an entertainer, I'm not a star, and I have no ego to feed. I'm a DJ host--you hire me to play music, and to help your affair along. It's as simple as that. I genuinely love what I do, and have fun doing it, and I make sure your guests have fun as well. With 10 years of DJ experience under my belt, I give my best to ensure your affair is tasteful and fun. Requests are always welcome with me as well.
When I book with A1, who shows up?
I do. You book me and you get me. No one shows up in my stead. It's highly unlikely but I may have a helper come to aid with the set-up/break-down, but they will never add a cost to your event.
What do you wear?
I wear either a black and white suit, or dress slacks and shirt with a DJ's vest & bowtie. Tuxedos are for your wedding party and/or guests--I keep the spotlight on them, not myself. If you are having an informal private function, like a backyard BBQ/pool party, house party, etc... I usually come in shirt and tie, but many people tell me "just dress like you would if you were a guest"--in that case I'll come dressed for fun as you request.
Are You prompt? Do you take breaks?
You can expect me to arrive and be set up and ready to go on time, if not hours early. Better early than late, I always say! I do not smoke, never drink, and take no breaks (aside from the little DJ's room if I need to). I will not put my equipment away early; as long as guests are still there, I will still play.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. I am fully insured by the NASEP (national association of special events planners) and have over $1,000,000.00 <insert best Dr. Evil voice here> in liability and other coverage.
Your rates seem a bit more/less than your competition. Is that a bad sign?
I don't have competition, and I do not mean that in a snobbish way. All the DJ's on the Cape are, if anything, my peers, and I refer many of my fellow DJ's to people all the time. My rates may be more or less than someone else, but that does not mean I am an amateur, or that I run a shoddy affair. I charge what I think I am worth, and what people are comfortable paying. If you think that my rates are high, feel free to shop and compare. If you think they are lower than another DJ's, and that bothers you, by all means feel free to choose any of my peers; they are all excellent, qualified disc jockeys--as am I. My references speak for themselves.
Do you invite other people or prospective clients to my event?
Never. I will not have friends and visitors drop by and crash your affair. That is very unprofessional.
I do not live on the Cape. Does that matter?
Absolutely not. I would say that 50% of my clients have come from off-Cape. We can coordinate via phone, fax, and e-mail in addition to any meeting we set up to meet in person (if you will be in the area, or will make the trip here.) As the Cape is a summer wedding destination, living out of the area is no problem.
We need someone to do our processional and recessional as well as our reception. Can you help?
I sure can, providing the reception and the wedding ceremony are in the same location. I have all the required music for your pro/recessional, or can play whatever you give to me. I will work with you and your JOP/clergy and we will coordinate your ceremony, and this is all included in my rates. I do not charge extra for doing your ceremony, but it may effect the amount of hours you need me.
What sort of music do you play? Is your equipment professional?
After we discuss what you want for your special songs, I read the crowd and take requests. I have music from the 1930's on up through today. My DJ equipment & lighting is professional grade; unless you are a fellow DJ or know equipment, to list the name brands of gear I use would be pointless. Call me old-fashioned, but I do not use iPod or MP3 player set-ups--I'm too afraid they will lock-up or crash during the event. I use Cd's for all my music.
For weddings, I have a simple game plan I stick to: When the reception begins and up through meal service I play only background music--light jazz, some classical perhaps, & soft rock, and I keep the volume low so that people can mix, mingle, and talk without being blasted out by the music. After meal service the dancing can begin, and we can liven up the music and turn up the volume. I try to keep it lively, but will throw a few slow dance songs into the mix.
Will you play CD's that I give you?
I sure will. Just give me what you want me to play and I'll play it. I will return them to you after the event is over.
A do not play list is sometimes a bad idea.
Keep in mind if you wish to have a "do not play list" that your reception/party is not just about you. Your guests, if they request a song, want to hear that song. A party is a party for your guests to remember and recall with delight, and you want them to have a good time. As a wise Vulcan once said, "the needs of the many out-weigh the needs of the few". Nevertheless, if you want a do not play list, I will enforce it as nicely as possible.
Do you have lights for dance time?
Yes, I do. Lighting is good. I have a small truss (lighting stand/rack) I usually bring with some great, beat-sensitive lights for atmosphere. Just let me know if you do or do not want any lights.
Do you use any props?
At weddings? No, not unless you request something. For private parties I have a few props, like hula hoops, limbo, and other fun things, but ONLY if you request them and we can work this out when we go over your party's theme.
Do you expect anything of me/us?
To have a good time! Oh, and I do require that you or your caterer/coordinator supply me with at least one sturdy 6 to 8-foot table (8 feet is better) with linens. The table should be close to a good power source, and have one chair. You do not need to feed me, but if you offer I may well accept. If you are having an outdoor affair, I do request that I get set up away from water/pools and in the shade, or that shade via an umbrella/tent is provided--this is more for the equipment than myself--over-heated equipment can fail, and we don't want that, do we?
Do I really need a DJ for my private party?
Let me ask you this; do you want your son/daughter/neighbor's kid/what have you playing music with a boom box or home stereo? Sure, it will save you some $$$, but what sort or service and selection will you get? Will the music be appropriate, and varied enough? Will the equipment be professional-grade as well as loud enough? Do you want a wide variety of music available to your guests, and not have to worry about changing the CD? Do you want to spend hours burning CD's andMP3s? These are all things to consider when throwing a private party.
Do we tip the DJ?
My rates are all-inclusive, including set up and breakdown. I do not have a tip jar, nor do I solicit tips. Some people feel it necessary and so accepting a tip is a formality; it can be seen as rude to decline an offered tip and all offered gratuities are generously accepted, but the answer is 'NO': you or your guests do not need to tip.
Do you over-promote yourself?
No. I will have some of my business cards on hand, but will not bring any banners, signs, brochures, displays, nor will I constantly remind your guests of who I am. I try to let my professionalism do all my advertising; if your guests are having a good time, they will ask for my information. I do not force-feed it to them.
What If you cannot make it to the affair?
Sometimes things happen beyond our control. If for some reason I am unable to work because of serious injury or accident, I make it a priority to not only tell you as soon as it happens, but will do my utmost to get a fellow DJ to cover for me. It's never happened yet , knock on wood....(Amy Stewart, 1976 disco hit....heh, that's the music buff in me)
Are you alternative-friendly?
Of course! A joyous occasion is a joyous occasion. A party is a party.
Will you play the Chicken Dance?
If it gets overly requested. Same with the Electric Slide, Macarena, Ketchup, Dance Cotton-eyed Joe, and all the other crazy fad dances. As tacky as they are, they are very popular, and they get requested more than you know. You may have asked for a do not play list, but you DO want people to have a good time at your affair, after all. Trust me....
Rates Your Wedding: Fun or Formal?
References Links & Party Planning Help