10/15/2015
So there I was, a couple weeks ago, doing my last wedding of the 2015 season, and very likely, of my career. Did the math.. My first wedding was in Swanzey NH.. 29 years ago.
It was a horror story! The electric wasn't strong enough to turn my tables, not with all those crock pots running. Also it was hot. Very hot! And from my take they weren't a real happy group of folks.
I had to run extension cords out the basement windows and into the second floor window to get enough juice.
Also they wanted some Country music, something I had little of and knew even less about. It wasn't until Garth released Friends and low places that I started becoming a fan of the genre.
I got paid at the end but was later called into small claims court, didn't show and ended up owing a refund.
Great start... Though now, some 100 or more weddings later, where things typically went great, I'm sure glad I didn't quit! I'm a bit sad that my new job with Home Depot Exteriors, though a great opportunity, has forced me out of the business I loved so much.
I'll keep the equipment and my music. Who knows there might be a late evening gig I can take at some point, or a fundraiser I could help out with.
But for now I'm estimating and educating folks in need of installed roofs, windows, doors, siding, attic insulation and gutters. The money is good and I enjoy the personal interaction with my customers.
The clubs were fun over the years. There was "The dance contest" at Flat Street every Friday night for a good long run, right up until they closed. I started with Bacote's when they opened up. Had a long running gig DJing Rock & Bowl at Yankee Lanes and launched a country version called Boot Scoot n Bowl. There was The Hon Dynasty, Gallelao's, The Viking in Wilmington, The Hot Spot at Killington, all regular weekly gigs. Some ran longer than others, but they all were fun.
There have been many many fundraisers, some Proms, school dances, Jack & Jill parties, family functions and pig roasts, First night celebrations, class reunion, and even a funeral.
I sure am glad I chose to walk this path. Sure, there were a few equipment failures, from those I learned to bring back-up gear. Once I had my van towed to a gig because it broke down on the way figured I'd worry about getting home after the wedding. Hell, I even set-up in a wrong Hall once! The DJ showed up and asked me what I was doing there. Suddenly I realized because I had talked to a bride a day earlier who I was DJing for in that location a week later. Still, I made it. I tore down the equipment threw it in the van and got across town and set up before the guests arrived.
I also trained a number of other DJs who did gigs under the QTP name. Back before digital files, we'd split up music, make taped copies, sort out selections based on who was doing what kind of gig. I remember weekend when we had over 12 gigs between us. All were good entertainers, But few stuck with it. A few went in to business for themselves. Some just stopped. I think only one who still DJs now.
Then there were my assistants, some of the most beautiful and nicest women I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Besides it allowing me to step away from the equipment, they helped me load and unload equipment, took requests, filed away the CDs when I was done with them, but as important, they kept me company and made the DJ booth a much better place to be.
Certainly I will continue to run into folks who had hired me as their DJ... They say kind things. Really.. How often do people thank us for things we did as far back as 29 years? Well... Except for that first one maybe! Quality Time for All Baby!!!! Thank you for letting me come to all those parties to entertain. It has been fun!
