DO YOU WORK AS PART OF AN AGENCY / ARE YOU AN AGENCY
I am an independent Artist, not part of an agency or group. If you hire dave donato, you are hiring dave donato as your DJ and can expect to work with dave donato before, during and possibly after your event.

HOW WILL YOU PLAN FOR MY EVENT
As your event approaches I would ask that you complete my Online Reception Planner (which includes song samples with audio) - We'll then go over your night in good detail creating a solid outline of your evening. (This planner is inside the protected 'Client' section.) I assure you, all of this planning will not make your event appear stuffy or overly-planned - Rather it will provide a very relaxed yet discreetly structured, elegant yet fun atmosphere, as well producing a smooth flow for you and your guests to enjoy.

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH ETHNIC EVENTS
Yes -  Here is a partial list of the various types of events I've done in the past:
•  Irish / Scottish - (Guests flown from Ireland / Scotland) - Bagpipers
• Jewish / Klesmer - Including Hora, Challah and Wine, most Jewish traditions
• Greek - Performed both on my own and in conjunction with a Greek band
• Indian / Hindu - I do own some Sitar, as well other various Indian club dance-mix type music
• Russian - Often times within Jewish / Klesmer style of music
• Japanese - More than a few times, once where only a few spoke English
• Chinese - Usually working closely with Bride / Groom about music selections
• Thai - Guests arrived from Thailand; somewhat familiar with Thai music and traditions
• African - Guests flown from many African countries, somewhat familiar with African music / traditions

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU ABOUT YOUR DJ WORK
It is very important to me that your wedding always be about you, the Bridal Couple, rather than me as the DJ. I understand the DJ or Band can make or break any event, (as can an inferior sound system.) I work hard to maintain both aspects of my DJ work.

DO YOU HAVE A SET DJ APPROACH OR PLAYLIST
I realize each event is very different than the next, and how imperative it is to stay in touch with guest's current music interests. I also believe that being able to quickly read a crowd and determine what musical interests will entice the multiple age groups and diverse backgrounds is another critical element of a successful evening. For these reasons I try not to begin an evening thinking that I mighty know what songs will work. What works musically at one event might not at all work at another event, as similar as these events might appear at the outset.

CAN I PICK MUSIC WE WANT TO HEAR, OR SET A  PLAYLIST
With the above first being said, to this question my answer is 'Most Definitely'. What is important to you musically is what is important to me. I want to play only that which you find appropriate, and if a list of songs to be used a s a guide is how you'd like to present that to me - Then I definitely encourage one.

From there - We will work together to create a framework of your evening; Produce a structured sequence of events; And discuss what you wish to do and not do, including suggested music selections and most importantly - Your "Do Not Play" lists.

MAY WE BRING OUR OWN MUSIC IF WE WISH?
Yes, definitely. I welcome you to do so if you'd like - Most helpful when your musical interest is specific to a particular nationality or ethnicity.

DO YOU BRING ASSISTANTS, PROPS, LIGHTS, OR TEACH LINE DANCES?
I bring no assistants, no props, no lights, and do not teach line dances. I also do not use the microphone as entertainment or to encourage dancing. Of course we do the emcee work as appropriate for your event, we are not shy - I believe it is my purpose to create a fun, elegant atmosphere without typical DJ chatter.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."
- George Bernard Shaw

HOW WILL YOU WORK WITH OR INTERACT WITH OTHER VENDORS AT MY EVENT?
• It is very important that the DJ work harmoniously and in conjunction with the other vendors present at your reception
• Making sure the natural timing of the evening flows smoothly
• Coordinating the timeline of the evening with the site coordinator

Further, I believe a good DJ or Band Leader will assume the role of director of the evening, unless a dedicated event Coordinator is present. I do believe this is crucial for a seamless evening, and for the Bride and Groom to enjoy the evening uninterrupted. I have been complimented by event guests, bridal couples, vendors, and function directors on my ability to achieve this.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF YOUR MUSIC FILES
I have paid much attention to the sound quality of all my MP3 and MP4 files. Every song has a very high bit rate, and does sound excellent. I do receive many compliments on my sound at nearly every event, both on quality of sound and on volume levels (not being too loud or too low). My system produces crystal clear sound, and therefore appears non-offensive at any level.

WILL I FIND YOU ON ANY PREFERRED VENDOR LISTS AROUND NEW ENGLAND
Yes. I am on many "Preferred Vendor Lists' from Boston, to the Cape, to Central Massachusetts and beyond. Some of my most valued compliments and referrals come from the venue directors - Whereas, they see many common DJ's coming with overplayed song selections played through sloppy / outdated / inferior sound systems. These accomplished individuals can really objectively appreciate professionalism, attention to planning and important subtle details, combined with the professionalism that comes with years of multi-cultural event experience.