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vendor reviews: disc jockeys
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A DJ with experience and an inspiration for music, is worth his weight in gold
Merv Keyes, owner of Magic Tunes Entertainment, has a name that has well-earned its respect in the community. Merv has DJ'd in just about every setting, from gigantic parties of up to two thousand guests to the intimate backyard wedding. After twenty years in the business, Merv knows how to properly EQ a sound system in a second, tell you what the speed of sound is and explain how it 'delays' in speakers that are 40 feet apart. Just as easily he can offer tips that could have you making $400 in fifteen minutes at your Stag & Doe. The experience that Merv brings to your wedding planning table can't be taught, but it's worth its weight in gold on your wedding day. Let us explain...
Personally speaking... Merv Keyes' undoubtedly excellent reputation is due in part to the close-knit relationships he seems to so easily make with leaders and experts in the event industry. His popularity with brides, however, is most likely due to his involvement in charity and media events, corporate functions of all sizes, and - most importantly to you - weddings. He has an intense respect for the level of responsibility that music has on a wedding.
With over twenty years experience playing music that knows when to be romantic, fresh, fun, and entertaining, Magic Tunes is easy to trust with one of the most important elements of a wedding day. To every event they play, Magic Tunes brings with them class, microphone etiquette, quality equipment, an extensive collection of tunes and unquestionable audio expertise. Merv explains, "Your five year old flower girl won't be dancing to explicit lyrics and Dad won't get feedback when he makes his speech."
Weddings have always played the biggest part Merv admits that weddings have always played the biggest part in his busy schedule and in his future plans. "I get a lot of personal satisfaction from the larger corporate events... But all the things I've ever learned about music, people, wiring, technical requirements and bugs, creating the right mood, and being a DJ... all of those things come together at a wedding," he says. "You have every age group, every taste in music, every type of moment and mood... I really have respect for the responsibility and impact that music has on a wedding day."
Specialty: hands-on help and all-in pricing Merv is well-liked, well-respected, and the purest form of perfectionist we have met to date. One of his favourite parts of being a DJ is helping couples plan for their music and reception schedule. He chronologically walks each couple through their wedding day, at least one week prior to the wedding, just because he believes that, "Knowing those little details, not worrying that you've forgotten or missed something, can make all the difference to the wedding day." In fact, Merv invites you to bring Emcee (MC) to your final consultation if you think he/she might need help with scheduling and speeches. Since Merv has played an integral role in the planning of several of The Ring's events, we can personally attest to the comfort level that comes with putting your trust in his abilities.
Merv Keyes approaches a wedding with several goals; having your guests happy, laughing, dancing, or feeling sentimental - all depending on what the moment calls for.
Magic Tunes disc jockeys are professional, dress for the occasion, take guest requests (if the bride and groom 'okay' that), emcee when needed and spin the right mood for an evening to remember. White speaker covers and very small signage means that your DJ booth will blend as much as possible with your wedding décor.
Magic Tunes' pricing is 'all-in', meaning that you everything you need will come with your DJ. His costs are approximately $1150 for a wedding day that goes from 5:30 pm to 1 am. "I won't pretend to be the lowest bidder, but I'll make sure you're taken care of and we've covered every detail and possible situation that can come up at a wedding." Speakers, extra 'subs', cordless mics, a full library of music and lighting basics are included, even if you don't need it. "You always know that it's there in case it's required. There's no reason not to bring lots of power... I bring what I need to do the job right, even if some of it never needs to get used."
Because he's almost always early for an event (Merv says he would never 'show up after dinner' and set up while guests are in attendance), he's been known to light a few candles on table centrepieces and lend a hand with those last minute details that need attention at crunch time. All of this happens after he has set up, put on any necessary background music, taped down the wire and cords for safety and checked all the mics.
Why a bride would want to hire Magic Tunes Merv personally handles the consultations and planning meetings with each bride and groom that come through his doors. He has one associate Disc Jockey (and long-time friend) that Merv will recommend for wedding dates that he is already booked for. Even then, all pre-wedding consultations are handled by Merv. Music lists, wedding timelines, music mixing, email correspondence and follow-up are all handled by Merv. By the time your wedding day arrives, you know that, if nothing else, your music and mood of the day is covered.
Magic Tunes' goal is to 'warm the dance floor'. Merv uses what The Ring refers to as 'cheese-free' lighting - ambient lighting that is timed to each song and subtle in appearance. Ambient lighting works best when it is either programmed correctly or manually operated throughout the night, ensuring that the speed, display and beats of the lights match those of the songs playing at the time. You are much less likely to have a guest complain about annoying lighting or headaches with Ambient lighting that is operated properly.
Merv aims to do what he describes as 'warm the dance floor'. Without having obvious lighting and equipment fixtures visible to your guests, Merv uses projectors for subtle lighting effects such as water ripple and fireplace designs that splash on the ceiling or floor (moving to the beat) making the dance floor inviting as opposed to scary. And because so many brides fear that no one will dance at and enjoy their wedding day with them, this is one of our favourite things about Magic Tunes. Merv knows that sometimes ultra loud music played at the wrong time or pulsing strobes and spotlights can keep even the bravest of dancers from being the first to dance. "You want your to feel safe jumping onto the dance floor", he explained. Using his 'smart lighting' in combination with volume levels and the right music selections at the right times to encourage a great night for everyone. "I eliminate the cheese-factor for the weddings I play at."
For more information on Magic Tunes Entertainment, contact Merv Keyes by phone at his office at 519-895-1157, or on his cell at 519-778-1157. You can also reach him by email at info@magictunes.com with any questions you may have, to set up a consultation, or to check his availability for your wedding date. Check out Magic Tunes online at www.magictunes.com.
- The Staff at theweddingring.ca
*prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Magic Tunes Entertainment |
Interviewing Merv Keyes, Owner and
DJ at Magic Tunes Entertainment
Your Magic Tunes
wedding...
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