Frequently Asked Questions about Sounds Abound

Thousands of satisfied clients know. We call it the Sounds Abound Difference: Better DJs. Better Customer Service. A Better Approach to Entertainment. Read on to fully understand all there is to know about our company. For client testimonials, check out our Entertainment Consultants page or each DJ's personal page.

Sounds Abound President Ken Overbey founded the company in 1990. Sounds Abound has grown in size and prestige every year since then, and today we are the biggest and best full-service DJ company in the Chicagoland area.

Founder and President Ken Overbey has spent years finding the very best disc jockeys in the city, and assembling them all into his own "DJ All Star Team." Every one of the top-level DJs at Sound Abound are professional masters of ceremonies, highly trained and experienced both in music selection and public speaking. Even more importantly, they understand the psychology of the DJ trade -- the subtle ability to read an audience in order to keep them excited and involved from beginning to end.

A disc jockey plays your music. A great DJ has encyclopedic knowledge of music selections, and can pick the right song for the right moment to ensure that your dance floor stays full and every guest gets involved in the fun. Our MCs are fantastic DJs, some of the best in the business. But an MC does much more than simply play music. He is also the presentational leader of your event. From making the grand introductions that start the event, to leading you and your guests from one stage of the evening to the next, to interacting with guests on the dance floor (as much or as little as you desire), your MC will single-handedly make sure that your event flows smoothly and everyone has a wonderful time.

While our Master of Ceremonies level DJs are certainly the best in the business, Sounds Abound prefers to send out a "DJ Team" - an MC and an Assistant DJ. Our assistant-level DJs are often times young men who are training to become top-level DJs in the future. You'll be amazed how smoothly the evening flows as your MC presents on his wireless microphone from the center of the dance floor while his Assistant makes sure the music never misses a beat. We've perfected the interaction between MC and Assistant DJ to ensure a seemless presentation.

About 25. See the Choose Your DJ page for a current list of our top level masters of ceremonies. New MCs join the list from time to time as we promote our assistant level DJs.

Every one of our disc jockeys is a professional master of ceremonies. That means they are extremely skilled in public speaking, and your introductions and announcements will be delivered perfectly. In addition, our DJs have mastered the subtle art of reading a crowd and delivering the right song for that moment. We believe the mark of a great DJ is one who can let the music do the talking. Everything he plays and everything he says on the microphone will be tasteful and classy.

This is entirely up to you. All of our DJs are fully capable of infusing your event with energy and enthusiasm, whether or not they get “hands on” with your guests. You decide how much or how little you would like your DJ to interact. Remember, at Sounds Abound, a “low key” personality never means a low energy party.

While all Sounds Abound DJs are extremely talented, there are personality and style differences that make each DJ unique. We encourage all our clients to pick the Sounds Abound DJ whose personality and style is right for them. To help you decide, short video clips of each of our DJs may be viewed on our website, or DVD videos may be viewed in the Sounds Abound office. A Sounds Abound office staff member can help you narrow your choices based on your preferences as well as DJ availability.

Yes, and yes! All our DJs carry back-up music and equipment with them at all times. In addition, we always have one or two DJs "on-call." In the rare case of an emergency, a professional DJ with a full sound system and a complete music library is only a phone call away. And you never need to worry about ending up with a generic presentation. We keep your personal music choices and reception details digitally stored so that they can instantly be sent to the on-call DJ. Bottom line: we make sure your show will always go on, no matter what.

Sounds Abound DJs use only top-of-the-line professional equipment. While every Sounds Abound set-up has been standardized to provide the highest level of quality for your event, each DJ's system varies slightly according to his personal preference. Some of the brands we endorse are: Shure microphones, Mackie and JBL speakers, American DJ and Chauvet lights. For a more detailed list of equipment, speak to a Sounds Abound Entertainment Consultant.

We know that planning a wedding or any other big event requires hours and hours of preparation. We want you to know that we're here to make the process as smooth and easy as possible. (At least as far as the entertainment is concerned!) From your initial consultation, to booking us as your DJ, to planning music choices, to meeting with your DJ, we have a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to assist you every step of the way. Most of our clients are planning a large event (like a wedding) for the very first time. We know how overwhelming the process can be. Come in and visit us, call us on the phone, or send us an email, and we're ready to help.

Absolutely! Our Online Event Planner is a state-or-the-art internet tool that allows you browse our music library, choose songs (including must plays and don't plays!), and plan the various stages of your event. Log on from home, from work (don't get caught!), from anywhere. Of course, for those clients who prefer the "old-school" method of planning, we always provide pen and paper forms as well.

Want a hands-on approach to music selection? Stop by our office and use our Music Listening Rooms to privately browse our massive collection of over 20,000 songs. All songs are in mp3 format on the computer, simple to search and even easier to play. Feeling overwhelmed? Help is never more than a phone call or email away. Or stop in and visit our DJ office and meet with us face to face. Our DJs and office staff are here to help you, as often as you need. Don't forget, we do this all the time. Let our expertise guide you, and together we can create the perfect event.

We ask that you complete your planning no later than 15 days prior to your event. This will give our office staff opportunity to confirm your event details, and will give your DJ ample opportunity to prepare your music. Your online planner will lock you out on this date, so please call in any last minute changes directly to the office.

A $200 deposit is required upon booking in order to hold the date of your event. The balance of your account is due two weeks prior to the event date. Payment options are: credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover), personal check, money order, cashier's check, or good old fashioned American cash. Overtime and tips should be paid in cash directly to your DJ at your event.

Most downtown Chicago events require a $100 loading charge. Events outside of the Chicagoland area will be charged a travel fee on a per location basis. Otherwise, our prices are all-inclusive. No tax, no hidden extra fees.

Of course! Remember, your DJ wants to know you just as much as you want to know him. The more communication we have before the event, the more confident you'll feel about the job we do, and the more confident we feel that we're giving you a personalized performance. If you would like to schedule a meeting with your DJ at the Sounds Abound office, please call the office staff at least one week in advance. Otherwise, you should expect to hear from your DJ during the week leading up to your event.

Your DJ will arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before your event begins.

One six-foot or eight-foot banquet table located in proximity to the dance floor with a nearby electrical source. For outside events, your DJ will require some type of overhead protection (tent, awning, canopy, etc). Sounds Abound can provide a canopy for a minimal charge.

A tuxedo is worn for all formal events. For informal events, attire will be event appropriate.

While most clients do provide a meal for their DJ, this is entirely optional. If for some reason you choose not to provide a meal, we ask that you let your DJ know well in advance so that he can prepare accordingly and make alternate plans. Keep in mind that your DJ’s work begins approximately 2 to 3 hours before the start time of your event.

Our goal is to provide you with the best service possible. Your gratuities are greatly appreciated.