LEFT: Jamez Frederick of Cloud 9 RIGHT: Stealth DJ engages kids in a game of Coke and Pepsi

Party Rockers

Yes, you can hire an awesome DJ/MC and still stay on budget. Here’s how.

STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n a typical mitzvah party, there are about 30 budget
line items, from venue to photographer to food —
plus all the extras, like decorations, photo booths,
maybe a henna painting station. When saving money,
however, one place not to skimp on is the DJ.
Consider their role as the MC, the ringleader of the
event, empowered with everything from the timing of the
horah and the challah blessing to that very last dance and
everything in between. The right DJ can read the mood
of the guests, spin the right tunes and keep young teens
engaged and out of trouble.

Here, three seasoned DJ companies offer their advice
on how to choose the right DJ package without breaking
the bank:

Stealth DJ’s Mobile Disc Jockey Service (stealthdjs.
com). Owner Eric Cone started working as a DJ for school
dances when he was in the eighth grade, using his own
home equipment and some small disco lights, until he
eventually went into business with his cousin in 2000.
Now, they are well known in the bar/bat mitzvah circuit.
They book clients up to 18 months ahead of their parties

and MC around 35 per year.
Once the date is set, Cone provides the family with a
worksheet to create the party flow, and select and request
music and games. As the party gets closer, Cone will
schedule a phone call with the family to finalize all the
details.
“I pride myself on creating a tailored party to best
honor the family,” Cone says. “I like to learn about the bar
or bat mitzvah to get a feel for his or her personality. This
gives me the ability to know how much dance floor inter-
action is required from the MC and the dancers.

continued on page 40

Star Trax MCs

C38

celebrate! • 2017

jn