I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give you a
little background on my disc jockey services. My name is Mike Bollea of
Mike's Music Machine, and I have been providing a professional disc jockey
entertainment services since the late 1970s.
I started in this business at the age of 12, working my first gig on New
Year's Eve for friends of my parents. I made the princely sum of $20, plus
an additional $6 in tips. In fact, I still have that original $26 payout to
remind me of when I started. By age 15, I had my own oldies show on a local
South Coast radio station. Before I was old enough to drive, I found myself
working as a deejay at a restaurant, a roller skating rink, and various
private functions. I remember often reflecting on how truly lucky I was to
be able to have a career doing something I loved - playing music and
entertaining. I found it such a thrill to be a part of people laughing,
smiling, dancing, and having a good time. Thirty years later, I still have
the same respect, passion, and love for this wonderful business.
My music library continues to grow, with over 40,000 songs now available. I
am able to provide music from a wide variety of genres, including light
dinner/background music (classical, piano, easy listening, soft rock, and
smooth jazz), tastefully chosen and played at an appropriate volume so that
guests may engage in conversation. We can also accommodate other tastes
including music from the big band era, country and western music - both
traditional and modern - oldies but goodies (featuring one of the largest
collections in New England), all-time dance classics of the 70s, 80s, and
90s, current Top 40 hits, and much more.
I do not "farm" out my work or hire other disc jockeys to work for me. When
you hire Mike's Music Machine, you get Mike Bollea. For me, it's a quality
control issue. I strongly believe that this is the best way I can guarantee
the results a client requests and deserves. Mike's Music Machine is unique.
With our focus set squarely on professionalism, personality, and that
personal touch that dresses up every occasion, we draw on four decades of
experience to create a comfortable, pleasant, and fun atmosphere.
Through the years, I have been honored to provide musical entertainment for
thousands of shows and clients and have had the good fortune to work with a
variety of artists including Tony Orlando, Herb Reed and the Platters,
Joey Dee and The Starliters among others. For the past eight years,
I've had the opportunity to perform at various public and private functions for one
of New England's largest casino properties. Make no mistake about it, though,
Mike's Music Machine can tailor the program to your event regardless of
venue or crowd size. I have provided music for over 1,500 weddings, and
countless anniversary celebrations, class reunions, birthday parties, car
hops, and other events at hundreds of function halls and night clubs
throughout New England. It never gets old, and I'm always looking forward
to the next engagement!
What to look for in a DJ: My Goals
Much of our clientele at Mike's Music Machine consists of repeat customers
and referrals from clients or guests at a previous event. The key to
success as a disc jockey rests in presentation and the ability to maintain a
successful business. We're more than willing and, in fact, encourage a
pre-event meeting with potential clients. Let us demonstrate our
willingness and ability to provide the right type of entertainment and make
your function a successful and memorable one.
At Mike's Music Machine, the latest we ever are is on time. We're sure to
arrive early and stay late. We dress professionally, don't take breaks, and
keep the music going from start to finish unless otherwise requested.
We believe that a good DJ is someone who knows how to read and interact with
the audience. I can guarantee the night won't be one continuous mix of
songs or a guy sitting at a table, hitting buttons on a computer. I
appreciate the value of entertainment and seek to entertain you and your
guests or patrons. It's important that the DJ not make him or herself the
center of attention, but equally essential that they're able to utilize
personality, stage presence, and appropriate interaction with guests to
create a fun atmosphere.
Through years of experience, I've learned how to "read" my audience, and
believe I have developed the skills to play music which can be appreciated
by all those in attendance. I encourage requests, unless it has been
prohibited by the hiring party. When I do, I am sure to analyze the
appropriateness of each request based on the type of function or setting, as
well as those listening to the music. Nothing can dim a good time quicker
than playing music which is inappropriate for the given setting. I try to
play something for everyone. It certainly makes for a very long, boring
evening when only one type of music is played throughout. It is not
uncommon to hear a mixture of genres when I play --- from the 1940s, to
oldies but goodies, and top 40, with everything in between. Based on
customer requests and experience, I admit that we limit heavy metal and rap
music, as this is not typically expected by those for whom I work.
