As soon as possible. Saturday nights are the most popular so waiting too long to book your DJ (or any service) may result in disappointment if your date is taken. You can book your event a year in advance with a 30% deposit to lock in your date.

Of course you can, it’s your party! While we are happy to make suggestions, you have total control over the music that is played at your event. We have clients who choose every single song to be played; we have clients who leave it entirely up to us, and everything in between. We’ll discuss your music selections at our planning meeting, which is typically scheduled one month prior to your event.

If it’s trending, chances are I can play it. If you have particular music requests, please let me know in advance so I can be sure to have that available for your event.

We use state-of-the-art, professional-grade sound equipment. We have wireless microphones, dance lights, and a premium sound system.

Yes and yes. We’ll discuss setup at our consultation meeting. We can easily provide additional equipment, from mirror balls to light-up dance floors, at an additional cost.

Travel up to to 40 miles is included in the base package. Beyond that, it depends on the distance if additional costs will be incurred.

Maybe. If I’ve been provided with a “Do Not Play” list, then I am obligated to respect my host’s wishes and cannot accommodate your request. Assuming that to not be the case, yes, certainly I will try to fit in your request, at an appropriate time during the event.

Yes. A 30% deposit is taken at the time of booking to lock in your date. The remaining balance is set up on a convenient payment schedule with final payment made prior to date of the event.

While it is understandable to want to see a DJ “live in action” please understand that all of the events I book are private affairs. You certainly wouldn’t want a stranger lurking around your event, ‘observing.’ We are happy to provide references for recent clients.

Absolutely! I am experienced and delighted to serve as the emcee at your event. We’ll plan this out in advance of your event, so that there are no surprises or disappointments.

We only require an electrical outlet and a 4 foot table.

Not usually. I’ve worked in every possible situation in my decade of doing events and can make virtually any room or space work. Please let me know if you have special needs or there are particular circumstances for your event that might make setting up challenging.

How much does a car cost? Exactly. Because no two events are going to be the same, all pricing from Rising Star Entertainment is custom. Entertainment service includes everything you need and nothing you don’t. Let’s talk about the amazing party you wish to put on, and I’ll quote you a price that fits your specific needs.

I’m not a mind reader / only average at “Name That Tune” / am trying to stay on my game and run an event here.

Ask your cousin / ask the bartender / ask Google / and then come back to me with your request.

The word “karaoke” comes from the Japanese word “Kara” which means empty, and “Oke” (Okesutora), which means orchestra. Rather than include both vocals and music, karaoke provides an “empty orchestra” allowing YOU to provide the vocals! The lead vocals are provided by the performer singing the karaoke song!

This isn’t American Idol, no one is there to judge you. Everyone in attendance is just there to have a good time. Try not to think about how you are performing; focus on how much fun you’re having. And remember – everyone in the audience will have a turn on stage; we all cheer for each other.

So thoughtful of you, glad you asked! Here are a few tips:

• Please avoid (at all costs) walking in front of the stage while someone is performing.
• Please support other performers by refraining from booing, judging, or heckling. This isn’t American Idol, you’re not Simon Cowell. We’re all just here to have a good time.
• Please respect the mic and the equipment. This is expensive, professional equipment; treat it as such.
• Please applaud every performer. Doesn’t matter how good or bad you think they were, we all need encouragement. And, it’s going to be your turn soon enough – you’d want the support for yourself. We’re all just here to have a good time!
• Please support your local establishment. Karaoke is sponsored by the venue, the bar or restaurant you’re out at tonight. Show your gratitude for the entertainment by having dinner, ordering appetizers, and enjoying a drink or two (Offer to buy the KJ a drink? How kind of you!).

Yup, sure do! You can complete my convenient inquiry form to share the details of your event with me. I’ll check my calendar for availability and quote you a price.

Choose a song, write it on the provided slip of paper with your name. I’ll add you to the list. It’s first-come, first-served. While you can peruse my song selection (on your phone) at the event, you can also review my song list in advance so you’ll be ready with your choice when you arrive.

It’s first-come, first-served. Once you’ve submitted your song request, you just have to be patient. If you pester me with this question — while I’m trying to run my show, while I’m trying to usher singers on and off the stage, while I’m busy — there’s a good chance your request will get pushed down to the bottom of the list of singers. Be patient – everyone gets a turn.

There are a lot of songs and it can be overwhelming! If you know you’ll be coming out to a karaoke night, we advise you to check out the song list in advance. You’ll be able to see what’s available and choose something that’ll you enjoy and can perform to your abilities. Here are a few tips for choosing a song:

• Choose a favorite song of yours, one you already know the melody and lyrics for. You’ll already be ahead, simply by being familiar with the song.
• Choose a crowd pleaser. An upbeat tune will get everyone rockin’ out with you versus a sad, slow ballad when they will tune out or fall asleep. Likewise, a popular tune will have everyone singing along with you, compared to your favorite B-side track that fewer people know.
• If you’re a beginner, do yourself a favor and avoid Adele, Mariah, or Whitney. That’s karaoke 2.0; wait til you’ve got a few sessions under your belt before attempting any of their challenging songs.
• Breathe! Even if you’ve sung that song a million times in the car, you have to account for the fact that you’ll be singing louder on stage and your accelerated heart rate, brought on by excitement.
• Retain some sobriety. While we respect the “liquid courage” that helps you get on stage in front a room full of strangers, having your wits about you will ensure you give it your best effort.
• Enjoy yourself! To quote one of our favorites, “Lose yourself.” Karaoke is as much about the performance as it is about the vocals. You don’t have to be a great singer, to be a great performer. Get up there, dance your tush off and just enjoy yourself – that’s what the crowd will respond to!

You’ll want to bookmark my Events Page to find out where and when Rising Star Karaoke is hosting karaoke. Be sure to follow me on Facebook so that you’re informed of random pop-up karaoke events.