Michigan DJ
Detroit Wedding DJ
Music Entertainment

Mike is a Michigan Wedding DJ who is based in the center of Metro Detroit.
 Respected - Experienced - Professional

MIKE'S HOME PAGE
ABOUT OTHER EVENTS HOW TO HIRE A DJ HOW TO HIRE MIKE DJ SCHEDULE MAKE A PAYMENT
Based in Metro Detroit. Wedding Service Area is Southeast MI and much of Lower Peninsula.

This is Mike with some of his music CDs !
Over 25 Years Experience
Professional DJ Equipment
Dependable DJ Transportation
Large Growing Music Collection

Is Mike Available for Your Wedding ?
You can instantly see his DJ Schedule, link above. For serious inquiries, provide date of wedding then click Check Availability and supply a little information along with your e-mail address.

Have questions that were not answered on this page?
Look in → F A Q - Frequently Asked Questions

Mike is a Great Wedding DJ. Scroll down or jump to
Specifics  Equip  Styles  Music  Prices Deposits  Compare


Intro and The Basics

In 2007, 2008, AND 2009, Mike has been nominated as one of the best Wedding DJs in Metro Detroit at WDIV TV Channel 4 Detroit "4 THE BEST". Click the link to see his profile, read comments from people who have hired him, plus an option to leave your own comment.

Weddings are about the Bride & Groom - not the DJ - therefore Mike appropriately refers to himself as Michael or Mike, not Madman Mike Your Musical Slave in order to show respect for the importance of your lifetime moment and also to give respect to your family, friends and guests in attendance. Madman Mike is the name of his DJ Service, not how he DJ's a wedding.

Usually just $750 Total for a Wedding Reception on Friday or Saturday in the Metro Detroit area, $500 on Sundays. Total includes no time limit, no per-hour charges, dancing lights and back-up DJ equipment, Mike's DJ Assistant is included, Mike's DJ attire is black tux unless requested otherwise. Due to cost of gas, other areas in Michigan might have an extra charge. How does Mike compare to DJs that charge $1,000 and up? click Compare above.

Mike is a Respected, Well-Known Professional Mobile DJ and member of
National Association of Mobile Entertainers  N.A.M.E.
Motor City Music Foundation / Detroit Music Awards  MCMF / DMA
plus several other disc jockey, wedding, music and civic minded organizations.

Mike is a serious Wedding DJ. "I understand the significance of getting married and sharing this lifetime moment with family & friends. Knowing that your special day will have emotions and memories that will last a lifetime, there is no substitute for DJs who can perform up to your expectations. Peace of mind is getting a DJ who takes weddings very seriously and can do things right the first time, considering we can't practice your reception ahead of time."

From elegant sophisticated tuxedo receptions to less structured celebrations, he is a versatile disc jockey who can present himself and the music of your choice exactly the way you prefer. You know what you want and it's Mike's job to make it happen.

Important: Mike is never vulgar. He always shows respect, decency and common courtesy.
He is middle-aged, white, been the DJ for hundreds of weddings - not a kid still learning.

Conveniently located in the center of Metro Detroit (City of Southfield, southeast Oakland County), he is available for weddings in the Metro Detroit area including Macomb County and Wayne County, all southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor area, plus much of the lower peninsula.


If Mike is not available for your wedding, would you like him to recommend a DJ? click here
He does not receive kick-backs, commissions nor referral fees from his recommendations.



Specifics

Mike is in High Demand for Weddings

  Why?  Here are some of the reasons
• Unlike many DJ services, Mike does NOT invite strangers (observers) to your reception.
• Mike is your DJ, not a surprise trainee or subcontracted fill-in.
• Back-up equipment including amp, mixer, microphone and more is at your reception.
• Being a Mobile DJ is how he makes his living, it's his only line of work, and he's good at it.
• He brings an assistant with him to help coordinate and act as back-up DJ, no charge.
• He keeps the reception focused on the bride & groom, not himself.
• Mike owns and uses professional DJ Equipment, which is shown lower on this page.
• Mike owns and uses dependable DJ transportation, also shown lower on this page.
• Flat Rates (prices) with no hidden costs, no per hour charges, no time limit.
   Most everything DJ related is already included in his rates.
• Simple "no fine print" contracts. No surprise costs.
• Mike books only ONE event per day, which means that you get peace of mind ...
   no potential "over-bookings" or "double-bookings" and that YOU stay #1 for that day.
• Mike has DJ Liability insurance, a necessity just to work at some banquet facilities.
• Mike does not advertise: no signs, no flyers, no business cards on tables, etc.
• Created his own reception information worksheet so important details aren't missed.
• Music Volume: your choice. (usually "easy to talk over" low to start, higher for dancing).
• Reception music: your choice. It's your day - listen and dance to the music you like.
• Mike already owns about 60,000 Legal Music Selections.
• And his music is Updated Every Week using JonesTM Prime Cuts cd music service.
• Around 1,000 CDs are taken to each reception, played on anti-skip cd players.
• He also buys MP3's from iTunes, Napster, others. Over 9 Million available songs.
   Plus he has his own On-The-Job Wi-Fi access to iTunes and Napster (most locations).
   He doesn't need a venue wi-fi and he can download songs while being the DJ!
   That means at most venues, nobody can offer more music selections than Mike.
• If Mike doesn't have songs that you want, he will get them at no charge to you.
• DJ Style: your choice. Sophisticated to interactive [see styles below].
• DJ Attire: your choice. Mike wears a black tux unless something else is requested.
• DJ Equipment is set up before guests arrive. automatically included, no extra charge.
• Mike coordinates with photographers/videographers so important moments are captured.
• If desired, he is good on the microphone: necessary for announcements and introductions.
• If needed, Mike can help you organize the formalities, special moments, recognitions, etc.
• Mike is available for meetings before receptions to go over details.
• Mike has experience at many banquet halls and facilities [see list on separate page].
• Good when dealing with people. DJs need to be nice before and during receptions.
• Mike never bothers the guests.
• Mike keeps your information confidential. privacy policy



DJ Equipment Mike uses at wedding receptions

Mike understands that no one wants to be embarrassed at their wedding.
His set-up is professional and in good taste, no tacky advertising.
guests view of Mike's standard wedding set up

Keep in mind that Mike's DJ system is not simply a laptop, cheap mixer, amp and two small speakers that some DJs use. That limited set-up is used by amateurs. Mike owns and uses a Full Professional DJ System plus he brings additional back-up DJ equipment with him.

Mike's Professional (also known as commercial) DJ System includes Numark and American DJ anti-skip dual CD players, Shure 58 wireless microphone, Numark 200 FX MKII mixing board, Gateway 17" Intel duo processor laptop, Crown amps, Peavey speakers, and more. Lights are multi-colored rotating atmosphere type which means older guests won't be hit in the eyes with laser shots, strobes or extremely bright lights. To see more pictures and specific details about Mike's DJ equipment, click here



Below is Mike's full size DJ Van: clean, no advertising, no markings.
Mike's DJ Van: a 2005 Chevrolet Express 2500



Styles

Mike As Wedding DJ in 2007. Picture was taken after he spent the whole previous day in the sun!

  You Can Tell Mike How To DJ Your Wedding!

When hiring a DJ for the first time, most people are not aware that they can tell their DJ how to present themselves and their music. Therefore, Mike gives you these handy guidelines for the four basic styles and a way to express them to any Wedding DJ you might hire.

• Strictly Sophisticated. The reserved, "prim & proper" low key style.
Basically, no talking on the microphone except for planned introductions (if any) or required announcements (if any). If talking is required, it is done in a clear, monotone voice. This style allows for strict time-lines and pre-formatted music programs.

• Pleasant and Nice. The "most requested style".
Smile, do approved introductions and announcements, occasionally say nice things. Talking is done in a positive "today is your special day" type voice. Don't be boring, everything done in good taste, nothing cheesy. This style offers the most flexibility during a reception. Plus it allows for more song requests from family, wedding party and important guests.

• Strictly Sophisticated then later Pleasant and Nice.
You could also call this the "play it safe style" - trying avoid the chance that your DJ will become obnoxious and offend someone.

• Interactive and Fun. The high energy "party style".
Similar to a club/bar DJ actively motivating people for dancing & celebrating. Talking is usually in a very upbeat "this is the greatest day of your life, so let's party!" type voice. Dance music is the highest priority and designed to keep people on the dance floor. That means fewer song requests from bride & groom, family, wedding party and guests get played.



Mike's Wedding Reception Music

Variety music from today's top tunes to way back. Cupid Shuffle to In The Mood by Glenn Miller. Flo Rida, Soulja Boy and Lady GaGa to Elvis and Sinatra. Kid Rock and Beyoncé to The Temptations, Johnny Cash, Big & Rich, Black Eyed Peas, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift...
Take a look at Mike's Most Requested Songs - Popular Slow Songs - The Music Collection

Mike can suggest songs for a Father-Daughter Dance. click → Father-Daughter Songs

If desired, Mike has additional standards such as Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, Nat "King" Cole, Natalie Cole, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, James Taylor, Etta James, etc.

If desired, Mike has jazz music for cocktails/dinner. Larry Norzero, Dave Matthews, Rick Braun, The Rippingtons, V Miles Out, Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Diana Krall, etc.

If desired, Mike has classical music for cocktails/dinner but strongly recommends against it. Unlike using headphones or Live musicians who keep their sound at an even level, when DJs play classical through a P.A. system there is an extreme high-low effect. When DJs set the sound level so the loud parts don't get too loud, the lows usually get so low that you can't hear it which then creates a lot of "dead air" moments even though the music is playing.

If desired, Mike also has Polkas: Big Daddy Lackowski, Misty Blues, Frank Yankovic, etc.




Some of Mike's Wedding and Ceremony CDs

The Following Are Full length CDs:
DJ Tools - Specialty DJ Wedding cd (for DJs only, not available to the public)
New Wedding Traditions Volume I - features "A Song For My Daughter" on her Wedding Day
New Wedding Traditions Volume I - also features "A Song For My Son" on his Wedding Day
New Wedding Traditions, Vol. 2 - has "A Song For My Son" on his Wedding Day (country)
Yours, Mine & Ours [2001] - features "My Little Girl" by Steve Kirwan
Love Is a Voyage CD - features "Daughter of Mine" by John McDermott
12 Songs for the Groom and His Mom
Wedding Songs for the Bride on Her Wedding Day [2002]
Set Your Wedding to Music [1999] (classical & standards)
Bride's Guide To Wedding Music (classical)
Music For Weddings (classical)
Everybody's Favorite Wedding Music (classical)
The #1 Bach Album (classical)
Today's Bride - Florida Symphonic Pops
Wedding Day Music
Great Wedding Songs
Rockin' & Rollin' Wedding Songs Vol. 2
This Is Where I Came In (Bee Gees) featuring the song: Wedding Day
All Occasions Album
Vivaldi: the Four Seasons - Silverstein/Ozawa/Boston Symphony Orchestra
Reader's Digest: A Celebration Of Light Classical Favorites (4 cd set)
Most Famous Overtures
Reader's Digest: Candlelight Magic - Piano Favorites (2 cd set)
The Great Vienna Waltzes (3 cd set)
The Most Beautiful Waltzes Ever Recorded
48 Champagne Classics
Body Talk - The Language Of Love 1965 - 1995: forever (2 cd set)
Body Talk - The Language Of Love 1965 - 1995: just for you (2 cd set)
Body Talk - The Language Of Love 1965 - 1995: moonlit nights (2 cd set)
Echoes Of Love (2 cd set)
Love Songs (2 cd set)
Eternal Love
Starland Music Presents: Lost In Love (2 cd set)
Everlasting Love (2 cd set)


Most Requested Ceremony Music in Mike's collection:
Wedding March / Bridal Chorus (Here Comes The Bride - Wagner, instrumental)
Wedding March / Recessional (end of ceremony - Mendelssohn, instrumental)
Canon In D (Pachelbel)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)


• Want to know how to hire Mike?  Click Here

• Never hired a mobile DJ?  read Mike's in-depth How To Choose and Hire a DJ

• Have general questions about Mike?  read Mike's Frequently Asked Questions

• Want to see Mike's DJ schedule for this year and some previous years?  Click Here




Some DJ services allow strangers, usually called "observers" - people you don't know, the DJs don't know, were not invited by you, but invited by the DJs to watch them work at private events such as weddings. In effect, these DJs might use your private moment as a public audition. Mike does not do this.

If you are comparing DJ services and want to include those that do allow observers and watchers, Mike has important legal advice for you → click here. After learning how to protect yourself regarding observers, click your Back button to return to this page.

If you want to see Mike on-the-job, it will have to be at a public invited event. For a full explanation why, see his FAQ. To find out when he will be working at an event where the public is allowed, keep an eye on his Public Schedule.



Prices and Deposits

The Following Prices (rates) Apply To the METRO DETROIT AREA.
Other areas in the lower peninsula may cost more depending on travel distance, cost of gas.

• Flat Rates (total cost) » no per-hour charges, no hidden costs. see Specifics above
   Example: 4 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours all have same price. [explanation]
• Deposits are non-refundable.
• Deposits are SUBTRACTED from rates.
• Balance (rate minus deposit) to be paid at Beginning of your reception.
• Mike's PEACE OF MIND FACTOR: You are NOT asked to pay in full before your reception!
• To see what is included in rates, look in Specifics section above.

or more*: explains potential additional costs to these posted rates.

Date: Friday or Saturday
Rate: $750    NOTE: this rate is Temporarily Discounted by $225! see explanation
Deposit: $300
Balance: (rate minus deposit) is to be paid at beginning of reception.

Date: Sunday through Thursday
Rate: $500
Deposit: $200
Balance: (rate minus deposit) is to be paid at beginning of reception.

Date: Sunday through Thursday on a legal federal holiday
such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc.
Rate: $650
Deposit: $250
Balance: (rate minus deposit) is to be paid at beginning of reception.

Date: New Year's Eve Wedding (no matter what day of the week)
Rate: $1,100
Deposit: $400
Balance: (rate minus deposit) is to be paid at beginning of reception.

• Supplying music for wedding Ceremony at same location as reception: no extra charge.
• Supplying music for Ceremony NOT at same location: extra, but most times not possible.

Serving Our Country $50 Bonus Discount (good for every day of the week)
Mike's way of saying Thank You for serving. If you are a current service member or a veteran, you can add this additional discount making a fri/sat total discount of $275. This applies to those getting married and those who are paying Mike to DJ a family member's wedding.


How far in advance do you need to book Mike?
Answer is in → Mike's Booking Policy. Read it then click your back button to return here.



Reasons for  or more* (potential additional costs)

• Additional Gas Charge if not in Metro Detroit. When gas is around $4 a gallon, using Mike's full size van (required to transport his DJ equipment) to drive to and from some areas in Michigan could cost up to $200 dollars. When gas is around $2 a gallon, about half that. Gas charge would depend on distance to your event from the City of Southfield which is located in the center of Metro Detroit and the anticipated price of gas on day of your reception.

• Outdoors: in case of rain, having Mike supply his own shelter to cover his electrical DJ equipment costs more because of the need to hire an assistant who is physically able to help put up - then - take down a portable shelter.

• Carrying DJ Equipment Up/Down flight(s) of stairs with NO Elevator would cost much more because of additional cost to hire another dependable roadie to lift Mike's heavy professional equipment before reception starts AND at end of reception.

• Loading Docks that are wall-only with no ramps/elevators (i.e. Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center) would cost more because additional roadies or special loading equipment is required.

• Supplying a P.A. for 400+ guests would cost more because extra P.A. equipment would be required and perhaps another vehicle to transport it.

• Special Lighting costs more - (normal dancing lights are already included, no charge).

• Expensive Novelties cost extra - non-reusable purchased for just one event.

• Simultaneously supplying two full sets of DJ equipment (same event, two different areas) will cost double because additional vehicle, DJ and DJ set-up would be required.





Compare

More Information About DJs For Wedding Receptions

Opinions from other Disc Jockey Services and wedding websites about getting your DJ

Some of Mike's colleagues believe you should spend a minimum of $1,000 for a Wedding DJ. Read this from the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) - Michigan Chapter: "Consider that if you are paying less than $1,000 for your Disc Jockey, you are taking a chance on a Disc Jockey who is most likely not a truly skilled professional and may very well sell your reception to an even less qualified Disc Jockey that you will meet for the very first time at your reception or special event."

How does Mike compare to ADJA DJs in Michigan and other local higher priced DJs?

1. To help during current economic downturn, Mike lowered his rate to $750 Total within Metro Detroit (a temporary $225 friday/saturday discount!). The Michigan ADJA still says you should pay at least $1,000 and up. So do many other Michigan DJ Services. Mike is different - he understands this is a difficult time, wants to help, so he lowered his rates. see details

2. Being a Michigan DJ is how Mike makes his living which is not true for most DJs. Ask the ADJA-MI if each of their DJs make most of their money from being a DJ or get their primary source of income from other jobs in a different line of work.

3. Mike is the on-the-job DJ for weddings which means he doesn't sell them - which is just another way of saying subcontract them to someone else. He has more wedding experience than most disc jockeys (including Mike Staff DJs and ADJA-MI DJs), owns his own DJ equipment, large music library and transportation. He can meet before your wedding, and provides you with more "no hidden information" on this website than they do on theirs.

4. Mike has his own Portable Wi-Fi access! A good thing since most venues don't allow their internet access to DJs. At most locations he can download songs of special requests during a reception, with access to over 9 Million Songs while being the DJ. If there is a song he doesn't already own, he can get it right then and there! Only a few DJs have their own portable wi-fi internet access to download legal MP3 256 quality songs on-the-job, and Mike is one of them.

The higher priced DJs are usually very good and Mike compares favorably to them. And in todays economy, Mike's temporary discount on Friday & Saturday comes in handy. But if you need a production crew, dancing instructors or dancers, or massive club style lighting at your reception, then one of the higher priced DJs would be the proper choice.


Additional comparisons and information pages that might be helpful.

How To Hire a Wedding DJ - article includes a list of questions to ask DJs.
Questions To Ask when Interviewing a mobile DJ
How to Choose Your Wedding DJ
Meet/Choose Your DJ Before Booking at multiple DJ Company? - Not Always. see faq #10.
Wedding DJ Rates - 4 Price Ranges Guideline - Metro Detroit and Michigan
Honest Advice about Wedding DJ Rates in General
Mike's Links to Mobile DJs in Michigan - over 130 of Mike's colleagues and DJ Services!



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Below Is A Quick Guide To Other Important Pages On Mike's Site

ABOUT MIKE FATHER DAUGHTER SONGS MUSIC EVENTS IN MI BANDS MUSICIANS IN MI FUN AND WEIRD SITES
MICHIGAN WEDDING DJ POPULAR SLOW SONGS BIG POPULAR EVENTS IN MI DJs IN MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS AND SANTA
BLOG  |  F A Q MOST REQUESTED SONGS MORE GREAT EVENTS IN MI KARAOKE IN MICHIGAN GREAT HALLOWEEN STUFF
MIKE'S MUSIC LIBRARY ASK SONG QUESTIONS HALLOWEEN IN MICHIGAN FIND ENTERTAINERS IN MI GREAT PARTY SUPPLIES
MIKE'S LOCAL MUSIC BANDS AROUND THE WORLD METRO DETROIT HALLS HIP-HOP RAP IN MICHIGAN SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
MIKE'S DJ SCHEDULE HELP FOR INDIE ARTISTS METRO DETROIT BARS MI MUSIC STORES - EQUIP WEDDING RESOURCES
CHECKING OUT BANDS DJs AROUND THE WORLD MAGIC + COMEDY IN MI MI MUSIC STORES - MUSIC U.S. HOLIDAYS DATES
MUSIC LINKS DJ SITES RESOURCES ENTERTAINMENT IN MI RECORDING STUDIOS in MI ENTERTAINMENT
MUSIC LINKS 2 HOW TO HIRE A DJ PHOTOGRAPHERS IN MI MI MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS RELATED LINKS
WEDDING MUSIC KARAOKE DANCE + DANCING IN MI MUSIC LESSONS IN MI LINK TO MIKE
WEDDING LINKS MUSIC CONTESTS WEDDING SERVICES - MI ALL MUSIC IN MICHIGAN Privacy Policy
WEDDING LINKS 2 MUSIC EQUIPMENT EVENT SERVICES IN MI INTERESTING MUSIC SITES Site Map

This Helpful Entertainment, Music and DJ website is owned and updated by Mike