I am currently working to expand my business and create better services for you. I value your opinions and would love to hear from you as to how to better my services. I will try to let you know about my next performances, that are open to the public. I will not condone crashing any private party. Check back to see what's new. Please email any comments to me at Matthew@stevensdjservice.com Some fun things are listed here so have fun reading.
September 28th 2008 Life's Lessons
I have come to find a few things to be true. I have also found that more things are not all they are cracked up to be. Your mind plays funny tricks and so do your eyes. Don't tell half truths, that is lying. Talk like everyone is actually listening. Listen twice as much as you talk, after all you have two ears and only one mouth. You have no authority over me because I do not give you that power over me. Just because you see the sky is blue does not mean that everyone sees it your way.When you ask someone to help you, don't criticise. Volunteer means that you are not to blame. Turn the other cheek until it hurts on both sides, then strike back really hard. When you get knocked down, pick an easier fight next time. Man does not love a woman because she is beautiful, a woman is beautiful because a man loves her. "Yes Dear" only works if she believes you mean it. Try harder. Wisdom in nothing unless you share it. I've never met a stranger, once I meet them, we are no longer strangers. Don't take life too seriously, if you don't stop to look around once in a while, you might miss something. Don't go faster than your guardian angel can fly. RESPECT everyone as much as you want to be respected. Everyone deserves a fair shake at least once. Kids will lie to you and then lie about lying to you, so will adults. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean everyone won't. My all time favorite: Was it a good party for you? If I am still here, the party was freaking awesome.
September 11th 2008 Working with and for Studio 7
It gives me great pleasure to announce that I will be the Master of Ceremonies and DJ for Crista from Studio 7. Next September I will be making sure that one of our own is taken care of properly. We met and talked about the theme for this celebration and I am excited to share some details with you and hope that we can make this event a truly spectacular Springfield Local Favorites event for Crista and Joe. I will be calling in a few favors in hopes that this event will be the reflection that all of us want to show of our businesses. She has a few things that every bride wants and few things that ever professional photographer wants to avoid. Let's pull together and make this event the best of the best. Thank you Crista for trusting Stevens DJ Service to handle your event.
September 11th 2008 Come See Stevens DJ Service
We will be at the Rail Golf course on October 12 from 2 pm until 4 pm. We are working with other vendors to show past, present and future brides how to have a better wedding and reception. All couples are welcome to attend. We will have food and drink available. You may purchase alcohol in the Rail bar if desired. Please join Stevens DJ Service, Studio 7, Treetop production, Fridayz Florals, Poe's Catering and the Rail Golf Course for an afternoon of learning and fun. We will be on the deck of the main building showing off some great local wedding related businesses. RSVP to reserve a spot to Matthew@StevensDJservice.com
September 8th 2008 New Years Eve Crowne Plaza 2nd Annual Stevens DJ Service
Join us December 31st and January 1st for a great evening. The Crowne Plaza and Stevens DJ Service have teamed up again this year to bring you the best party in Springfield. We will be having entertainment for dinner and then Stevens DJ Service will take over the party to bring you the best music by request throughout the evening. From 10 pm until 1 am we will be playing some great music and offer a terrific light show. We have LED's, lazers, storbe, black, par can and the all new LED messenger. Come by our table and give a lighted shout out to a person in the audience. We can take your message and put it in lights on the floor, ceiling or wall within minutes. Maybe even putting that New Years Eve proposal in lights would be what you are looking for. Tell your friends, family and co workers to join us at the Crowne Plaza for New Years Eve with Stevens DJ Service.
September 6th 2008 Top 5 Wedding Reception Ever
Tonight I had the pleasure of being "on my game". My crowd was one of the best ever. The bride and groom were Fabulous. The family was very easy to get along with. The night started with an early setup and a long wait for the limo to arrive. They say that great things come to those who wait and it sure did. We were patient and made informative announcements to keep the audience aware of what was going on. When they arrived it was perfect. Introductions, toasts, dinner, cake cutting and pictures all without on single glitch. The first dance and other unique dances were timed and went according to plan. We were treated to a dance that made Dancing With The Stars jealous. I was blown away. It is great that after 16 years of doing this, that I still have wonderful surprises. I made several dedications, special requests and mixed the night up with some oldies and newer music. When the card holder is empty at three quarters of the way into the night, you can expect a few calls next week. I got a call Sunday at 3 pm, booked it over the phone and will meet this week to finalize the deal. This event was perfect for the couple and I told the brides mom that this is why I love receptions. I rarely write about a specific reception but this one goes in my all time favorite list. I have some very good receptions and some very good specifics, but this reception was awesome from the minute the couple arrived to the minute that hall said it was time to go. We ended on the highest note. This night worked it's magic on me and I had to come down off of the emotional high at the end of the night. Let's do it again, same crowd new couple.
I decided to include a list of some memories that stick out for me. Some good and some just funny. You decide.
Climbing into the rafter of the Artisans building and taking clothes off. Dancing on top of table until it broke through. A father in law toasting a bride to learning who was the BOSS. A fire truck entrance. Brunch the next day to be introduced to the dads other daughter (I didn't go). A father / daughter dance that included all the dads and daughters. I got to dance with my daughters at this one. No karaoke, but that didn't stop a few singers. The Last Dance by Donna Summer. Dancing with the Stars, eat your heart out. Stealing the show from the band and playing three times the amount of time I was supposed to. The couple that never showed and we partied without them. Once married, abstinence is over. Female guests that confuse Mardi Gra with the wedding reception. Male guests that confuse liquor with Superman powers. The toast that went on and on and on and on and on and on without the microphone. It took four of us to stop him. The mechanics rolling under a car thing, that worked great under the dress for the garter. Pulling various items from under the dress, (i.e.) baby doll, snorkel and mask, thong underwear. I could go on forever but tonight I will stop. Come back later and I will add some other things.
August 18th 2008 Ice Breaker Speech
Today was my first ice breaker speech in front of the Noontime Toastmasters group. You were all too kind. I was so nervous on the inside. My DJ training has finally paid off. Not one of you said that I looked nervous. I was writing my speech "The Love Story" for the 20th time last night and then rewrote it again this morning. I had so many things too say, that I could have gone on for an hour. It is so hard to give an accurate account of details in four to six minutes. I had to cut so much out to make it fit in the time alloted. I have a new respect for my brides and grooms when I ask them to give me the story of their courtship in just a few minutes. To tell your guests how you fell in love in a 3-6 minute song can not do it justice. I have decided to split the Love Story into three segments. Introductions, slide show and first dance will be the three times that we tell your Love Story. I look forward to learning more from Toastmasters and applying it to the Wedding atmosphere. It will be my pleasure to discuss with you making your Love Story a reality at your reception.
August 10th 2008 State Fair + food
Today I did my part and contributed to the fair. I ate until my kids got sick and wanted to ride the rides. My youngest scored 5 out of 7 baskets and won a Kung Foo Panda toy. He threw in the pitchers box to win another prize. He even matched my oldest for balloons popped by darts, to win a total of six prizes for the day. My daughters rode several rides and even looked a little pale after climbing the rock wall. A very funny comedian once said "if you ever think your family is funny, go to the fair". LOL.
July 29th -30th Jimmy Buffett @ Indy
All I can say is thank the Lord that we had a designated driver. I would tell you all about it but then I don't remember too much. I tried to be a kid again. Actually we had a blast and I respected my wife by not going overboard. We had some fun and I hope to take an even larger group next year. Plan early and join us. WOW is what I will say to sum it all up.
July 21st 2008 Noontime Toastmaster Club
Today I attended my second meeting and requested a formal membership. I was escorted out so the current members could vote to accept my membership. I received a warm applause upon my return and was inducted into the Noontime Toastmasters Club. It is with great pleasure that I tell you all, that in every opportunity to better myself, I take that chance. The Noontime chapter of the Toastmaster Internationals will serve me and you in the future. As I work to continue my abilities for a better event for you, Toastmasters will guide and help me be a better speaker for you.
July 19th 2008 St. Louis Master of Ceremonies
I was given the pleasure of working for a group of outstanding business people. At the end of the event I was honored to have been able to help make their event the best. The Investment Planners Incorporated group was the most professional and Christian based company that I have ever worked with. I was able to introduce some very important people within and outside of the investment industry. It was an event that successfully focused and captured making peoples lives better for the future. My responsibilities included many details but this group made my job easy. I kept key note, featured and guest speakers on time and coordinated with everyone to make sure that things ran smoothly. Coordinating from breakfast to speeches, from lunch to presentations, from dinner to the entertainment for the night, this event was first class top notch. Those of us behind the scenes will tell you that some events can stress you out, but not this one. IPI you are a gem and next year will be even better. Thank you Dave, Julie and Mike. God Bless.
July 16th 2008 Chicago MobileBeat show/ conference.
I just returned from a Chicago conference. I took several seminars to make myself better at what I do for you. It was a learning experience for me. Taking notes from key note speakers, guest speakers and industry leaders was a blast. I was able to see new technology and ground breaking equipment. I will try to attend as many of these functions as possible in order to bring to you, the best events ever.
May 30th 2008 I retired today, from my "day job".
It has been 5 years planning and working my.... (you know what off) but here it is, my last day of work at my "real job". I have worked hard to build and grow my DJ business to a point where I can DJ full time days. I appreciate all of the support from my family, friends and clients. Some of you have done your best to help me turn this into a job that requires my full attention. I celebrated my retirement today and look forward to committing 40 hours a week day to developing my skills, talents and personality to serving you, my clients. As I finished a DJ meeting this evening, I look forward to scheduling meetings during the day. I will have time to network more, build relationships with other wedding vendor business and to attend seminars to better myself for you. Leading the movement to better receptions and having that personal touch means a full time days and nights commitment. I am ready to see what the future holds. Join me for your next event and let's work together to make your dreams a reality. Thank you.
May 13th Crowne Plaza Local Favorites Meeting
All I can say is that I'm glad someone brought a camera. Words can not describe how great this party was. We shared, talked and had some great new ideas to simply better the Springfield weddings for you, our clients.
April 26th "Top 10 things DJ's Hate"
I was asked what a client could do to make my night more enjoyable recently, I had asked her many questions about how to make her night better and finally someone cared enough to return the favor. Thank you, it only took 16 years. LOL. This topic was covered at a recent meeting and it seemed that these answers were most talked about by my colleagues. Thanks to all the DJ's input and for a client who cared enough to ask.
1. Waiting until the last 10 minutes of the night to make a request. 2. Setting your drink on the DJ table or speakers. 3. Making DJ play hide and seek for you at the end of the night to get paid. 4. Playing 8 hours with 2 hours of setup/break down and not invite DJ to eat. 5. Telling DJ your song must be next. Ahead of the 50 other request of the night. 6. Wanting "one more song" after DJ already played over the time contracted for. 7. Stepping through the lights and cords rather than around the table. 8. Showing up late and expect DJ to stay later. 9. Trying to use DJ speaker stand for a strip club pole dance. 10.Sitting or leaning on the equipment/ table. It's not a chair.
April 16th " Building For The Future"
I want to thank all of my local favorite business. Some of you have really stepped it up and taken this to the next level. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you and as we expand our connections, we will all benefit from each other. I have started visiting some of you and will be visiting everyone within the next 30 days. If you have new cards, flyer's or business information that will be helpful, please have something ready for me to pick up when I visit you. As we all expand our views of the economy, we will all need to work together to insure a bright future. An in store display, web links, card exchange and letters of endorsement are the next things on our building for the future list. Future plans include putting on our own bridal show. I look forward to seeing all of you very soon.
March 2nd New partner
I want to let you all know that I have a partnership with David's Bridal and will be spending some time at the Springfield store. I enjoyed a great Saturday March 1st, getting to meet many of you. The staff at David's Bridal has a much harder job then I ever had anticipated. So many dresses and so little time for you to try them on. The Brides, brides maids, flower girls and family looked fabulous and I can't wait to see which dresses some of you settle on. In between dress changes, I got the chance to talk with several of you and wish I could have met all of you. I know that a few will be having the best wedding reception ever. You all have a great chance to get things started off on the right path. Give me a call for a free consultation and find out how to make your reception the best it can be. 217 585 4008
Feb. 20th New DJ's
We are still looking for new DJ's in the area to join the Downstate Illinois Disc Jockey chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association. If you or someone you know is interested have them contact me about this group and how it can benefit them and the community. Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.
Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.
A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.
Feb. 19th Las Vegas
I want to share with you all about my recent trip the Mobile Beat + American Disc Jockey Association convention in Las Vegas. I have come back to work with so many new ideas and things to do to make your event even better. I am committed to making myself better with each event. It was so great to be with other professionals in the industry. I can not wait to share with you some new and fun ideas. I will try to do the things I do, even better than before. I could go on forever but you'll have to meet with me to find out more. 217-585-4008. Some great partnerships were announced for the ADJA and I look forward to working with some new vendors.
Jan. 7th Crowne Plaza Bridal show
Thanks to all who came and saw us at the Bridal show at the Crowne Plaza. January 6th 2008. It was a blast to do a booth and MC a fashion show downstairs. Next year I'll get a booth closer to the stage. Thank to everyone who helped make this year a success.
Jan. 2nd 2008 New Years Eve
Thanks to everyone who made this years New Years Eve celebration at the Crowne Plaza a great time. It was terrific to share the evening with the Debbie Ross Band and entertain the guests with both styles. The dance floor was packed all night.
Nov. 18th 2007 Cheer, Chili & Fun
Thanks to everyone who came and saw Stevens DJ Service perform at the Annual Chili supper fund raiser for the Capital Elite All Star Cheerleaders. November 17th 2007, at the Elks lake lodge. The kids had a blast and that's what it is all about.
May 31st 2007 Laketown Picnic
Thanks to all who came to see Stevens DJ Service perform at the Laketown Association 2007 Annual Picnic on May 30th. The kids and adults had some fun. Food, Drinks, Games, Sheriffs department, Prizes, Music, Give aways, Information booths and the Sangamon County Honor Guard. Next year will be even better.
The event you've always dreamed of...We make it a reality. Matthew Stevens is a Wedding and Master of Ceremonies Expert.
STEVENS DJ SERVICE INC. DJ/MC Matthew Stevens 217-585-4008 Springfield, IL