Spark Entertainment Group: 10 Questions with Duerell Jones

DJs - Duerell Jones

Business: Spark Entertainment Group
Location: Chicago, Illinois IL
Experience: 12 Years
Profile: Spark Entertainment Group
Website: www.sparkentertainmentgroup.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

DJ D. Jones has been booked and trusted by some of Chicago’s most discerning clients and has become one of the most well reviewed and highly recommended event DJs in Chicago. Crafting his signature open format style for upscale clients at private and corporate events, he has developed a reputation for painting soundtracks for celebrity, corporate and gala events.

Since 2008 DJ D. Jones has been a trendsetter with the single goal of creating better DJ experiences for clients and party goers. In addition to his impeccable reputation as a well rounded party rocker - DJ D. Jones founded the successful Weddings By D. Jones brand and most recently the Spark Entertainment Group in 2019. He has established himself not only as a DJ but also as an astute branding guru, business owner and team leader for his roster of equally talented DJs and musicians. He has pushed his brand and event presentations higher each year through his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Performing at well over 160 events each year DJ D. Jones has mastered the art of open format DJing by infusing the musical standards with the sounds of today. He is truly one of the few DJs who has successfully crossed the lines of the nightlife, corporate, wedding and private events scenes.

DJ D. Jones has a diverse group of clients that include professional athletes & international companies like Boeing, Expedia, Puma, Gatorade, Live Nation and over 40 others.

2. What's your experience as a wedding DJ? How many weddings have you done?

I began playing weddings in 2013 and enjoyed the experience so much, I never looked back. I personally play between 55 - 60 weddings each year.

3. How far in advance do couples need to book your services?

I'm not a sales person and I never push booking dates with us but the truth is, I get booked 1-2 years in advance of a wedding date and it's been that way since 2017. I'd suggest that a couple book myself along with any other key vendors as soon as they identify the person that they are seeking to have join their wedding dream team.

4. What's your rate? What does that include?

We offer talent based pricing here.

We litterly work with some of the best DJs in Chicago. Every DJ has been hand picked and trained on weddings by the award winning DJ D. Jones. Since each DJ is at a different point in their career, we offer talent based pricing that is determined by each DJ. 100% of the talent fee goes to your DJ for the night. We do not take a cut. Our goal is for our DJs to feel great about their work and continue to pack dance floors with stellar music, night after night.

Besides sounding good, we also like to look good while complimenting your meticulously decorated wedding reception. We currently offer our popular all white looks, a rustic look and an essential noir look. Pick the package that works best for you and fit's your style. Have an idea for DJ Decor? Let's us know and we'll work to bring your bespoke vision to reality.

Our typical client investment is between $1500 - $3300.

5. Are you available to travel if needed?

Yes, we travel to domestically and internationally.

6. How would you describe your style?

I am an open format, club style DJ. I specialize in playing a little bit of everything for everyone at your wedding. As a club style DJ, I am always missing live and playing all of the best parts of your favorite songs in the moment. I don't do cookie cutter. What I play for a client on a Friday, might be completely different than what I'll do for a client the next day. I love to create custom DJ sets based on the needs of each client.

7. What's your backup plan if there's an equipment malfunction? Do you bring backup equipment?

Our company has our own A/V team that accompany's our DJs to every event. We bring one back up subwoofer, main speaker and extra microphones to each event. Our DJs also carry an extra laptop with them to each event.

8. What's your sick day policy?

Our agreement includes a toll free number that you can call in case of an emergency. In the event that your entertainer is sick, we will assign our on call DJ for the weekend to your event.

9. How do you motivate a shy crowd to dance? What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?

I love to emcee a lot at the begin of the night. I feel like great interaction early, sets the tone and most dance floors eventually develop their own vibe. I use quick mixing to get in and out of songs when I am feeling out the crowd and trying to get people dance. Sometimes one of the best approaches to get people back on the dance floor is to switch from party mode to a slow song. Guests always love a good slow song.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Deposits are non refundable.

Cancellation of the engagement by the client for any reason including acts of god and government shall forfeit the deposit. Deposits are non refundable. The deposit received will be kept on file for 365 days and can be credited towards a future date booked within 365 days of cancelation. Cancellation of the engagement by the client WITHIN 90 DAYS of the date of engagement shall also require payment of the balance to the act, unless the same act is rebooked by the client for an open date within 365 days of the cancelled date. Payment of the balance will not be required if the act obtains a suitable substitute booking elsewhere, or if cancellation is due to a verifiable death in the immediate family of the client. A client canceling their engagement by telephone must also verify that cancellation in writing (via email).