The Inside Scoop Behind Our Gig Check-ins

Here's a look behind the scenes of what it looks like to check in at fig. We break our gigs down into three categories: Losses, Learns, Wins. You'll be able to figure out what each category means after you read through. The goal is to figure out what went wrong so we can correct in the future, what went well so we can recreate it, and what skills did we develop that we can bring back to share with others.


My gig from last Saturday:

Eve & Christian
Embassy Suites (downtown)
around 100 guests
Jonathan Hood lead & Russell Furman assist

Losses: catering manager didn't know was not experienced in coordinating an event and running a timeline. There was supposed to be a receiving line, but they were behind in opening the room. Schedule got pushed back about 15-20 minutes. Lining the wedding party up took longer than it should have - they had a lot of questions, jokes, comments, etc. Eliminated part of the schedule (dancing during intermezzo) to hopefully speed the timing for the food, but it didn't help much. Half the crowd left between 10-10:30 and it looked like the party was going to die. Not that many people were dancing during this time.

Learns: ask more questions about the introductions (ie. how are they lining up for the ceremony, do they want to keep that order, where are they going in the room). Take the time to vision out introductions (how they are entering, where they are going). Don't rely on anyone else to run the show - at the first sign that they don't have it handled, handle it. Working with the venue/caterer on timing of food can be crucial to a successful event (had we gone with the original schedule, their steaks would have been overcooked). When you have a bride and groom that aren't making decisions, make the decisions. If they don't like it, they can either suffer or say something - give them something to push against.

Wins: working in the moment with the catering manager to make sure the entree came out close to on time. Moved speeches around and eliminated a few items to keep things moving. Had great rapport with everyone involved. Kept bride and groom in the know about decisions that were being made. Owned the event more so than I ever had (not only was I a dj, but I also acted as the event coordinator). Got Russell on the 1's and 2's, playing music during part of dinner and handling music and mics during speeches/announcements. Worked the must play list in well during the night. When I thought the night was over (the room died around 10 and half the guests left), brought it back with Bust a Move. Had a killer dance set once I brought the crowd back. Recorded the whole thing.


--Jonathan