I know it has become ‘cool’ for professional DJs to not take requests these days. I have never really understood this but it is getting to be the norm versus the exception. Fortunately for the fun people at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford last night, I am not one of those kinds of professional DJs. I love requests! They are a great way to connect with folks and learn what they want. It is even more fun when guests ask for songs to be sent or dedicated to others present at The Office Bar and Grill.
Last night we had a young lady at The Office Bar and Grill who will remain nameless, at least for the time being, who kept approaching me and asking for songs to be sent to various members of the crowd. Some she knew already, others she met ten minutes before. Before you knew it, another woman and then two guys started joining her in this playful activity. It was not long before we had three pages of songs requested and being dedicated or sent to friends, family or even strangers at the bar. Of course, there were a few ‘dedications’ that were not meant with the best of intentions but we found a way to work around that and still have lots of fun.
When I was first offered this gig at The Office Bar and Grill in Cranford, it was described as a young crowd who like popular music. This is partially true. There certainly are more young folks than older folks but the music is really diverse from Young Money to Eddie Murphy, Foo Fighters, The Spice Girls, Nicki Minaj and the list keeps going. Near the end of the night, the original ‘requester’ asked if I would send out “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”.
I laughed; you mean the Trace Adkins song?”
“Yes. That’s the one!”
“OK if that is what you want…”
Five minutes later we had Trace Adkins cranked up and a young guy who had just requested Young Money asked if I could play some Jason Aldean. I thought he was kidding and I asked, “How about ‘Big Green Tractor?”
“Yes1 That is exactly the song I was thinking of! You are definitely my new DJ”.
So Jason Aldean followed Trace Adkins, next had a request for Toby Keith “Red Solo Cup”.
It was almost closing time and a young woman came up put of breath and asked, “Can you please play Katy Perry “Peacock” before you finish? Please?”
I did and then we closed with Modest Mouse, “Float On”. It was a great night and everybody had so much fun. Can’t wait till next Saturday night at The Office Bar and Grill when I am their professional DJ for the Cinco de Mayo Party!
