Don’t forget the power conditioners, especially when you are DJing in a home. I figure it is best to say that first; because if that is all you remember, then this article is a success. As we were setting up, everything was great until we added the speakers in the lawn. The hum from hell pounded the sides of our heads for nearly 30 minutes as we rearranged the power cabling, the signal cabling, and tested the equipment. Switching out cables and unplugging speakers lowered the level of the hum but we couldn’t stop the hum completely. We couldn’t even get the hum to an acceptable level. Finally like a slap from a beautiful woman, I stopped making a fool of myself and grabbed a power conditioner for the outdoor speakers . . . and like that the system went silent.

Fumbling around like an idiot is one of my favorite past times. It would seem that after playing with sound systems sense I was in high school I wouldn’t have overlooked something as obvious as adding power conditioning to the outdoor speakers. This year at the White Party we added 3 outdoor speakers for the gardens. Naturally I didn’t know about the extra speakers till I got there and we didn’t turn on the system till we were finished. Honestly I was only responsible for the lighting but problems seem to fall on my shoulders. The lighting guy is usually the problem so the sound guys like to say. Mr. DJ you got hum? First check to see if the power is conditioned then blame the light guy.

DJ Levi Brown and I were asked to DJ and design the dance floor at the White Party for the second year in a row. One of the hippest benefits in Charlotte every year, the White party raises money for Metrolina AIDS project. Levi and I try to maximize the space to bring the best party for the best price, so most of the money goes to those that need it. Similar to the last year’s design, I focused on the ceiling. Without the aid of haze or fog, beam effects are useless; in a crowded, room the floor cannot be scene; and crowd blinders are inappropriate. However, the 6 movers scanning the ceiling created both a dynamic lightscape visible throughout the space, and reflected indirect light highlighting the dance floor. (To read more check out last year’s article).

Learning my lesson from last year, I created a barrier. When the DJ booth is a cloth table without a riser, it is difficult to keep drunken enthusiast away from the gear. Seldom do guest have ill will, just an alcoholic’s enthusiasm. This year I used 4 pieces of 5’ box truss uplit in Blue LED Par30 fixtures. The stands discouraged side entrance into the DJ area and the moving lights on top of the truss made the stands practical. The DJ area not only had impact; it also was now distinguished from the dance floor.

The White party brings awareness to the Metrolina AIDS project in Charlotte. It also rewards those who are actively raising money for MAP. I feel privileged to be apart of the creative process the last two years and I hope to continue for years to come. However, next year I won’t forget to bring the power conditioning.