How far in advance should I book my DJ?

Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock…

Getting ready for your wedding can be a series of schedules, reservations, and deposits that require an army of assistants to keep track. Reserve a hall, get a minister, find a dress…The list goes on and on…And you cannot, must not, absolutely should not, forget to book a DJ! If you don’t schedule your DJ in advance, you might just find yourself scrambling to find someone with an iPod and portable speakers!

There is no set time period to book a DJ, but bear in mind that some times of the year are busier than others. Most good full-time DJs will book up quickly. I would suggest booking a DJ about 12 to 18 months in advance of a wedding and 6 to 9 months in advance of any other function. As soon as you know your wedding date, you should be booking your DJ as well.

Remember that there are many talented DJ’s but during the holiday season and the Spring and Summer, it make will take reservations made several months in advance to get the DJ you want.

Audio To Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators

Charlotte, North Carolina

The Audio To Go Team

Who’s Who? The Audio To Go Team

Hiring a DJ for a company party, school dance, or wedding is an important decision. You need to know that the DJ you entrust to play the right music, emcee the event and keep the party moving, is a person of character, a professional with experience and a passion for what they do.

Are you curious about who makes up Charlotte’s greatest musical force? Here is a quick look at the Audio To Go Team, the best DJ crew in the Carolinas!

Brian Hines - Owner/Emcee
Brian Hines has a genuine passion for bringing fun into peoples' lives. With over 10 years of wedding entertainment experience, and over 15 years in the broadcasting and entertainment fields, Brian is a vital and dynamic force both nationally and in the Charlotte, NC community. His reputation is well-known along the Southern Seaboard and Brian has entertained in venues as varied as The Peninsula Yacht Club, The Ballantyne Resort, The Biltmore Estate, The Bank of America (Panther) Stadium, and even at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Read more about Brian



Drew Parham - DJ/Emcee/Coordinator
Drew started with college radio at Western Carolina University where he majored in Communications and was Program Director and On-air personality on WWCU. His first gig in Charlotte was on KISS 102 then later moved over to KISS 95.1 where he was the night time personality and Assistant Music Director for 8 years. He then moved over to WSOC FM 103.7 for another four years. Drew has a love for all types of music (Top 40, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, or whatever you and your wedding guests would like to hear). Drew has interviewed numerous stars over the years including Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Destiny's Child, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and more.
Read more about Drew.



Trey Perry - DJ/Emcee/Coordinator
As a Native Charlottean, Trey has lived in the Queen City all but 9 years. He spent 4 years at the Citadel, in Charleston, SC and 5 years in Eastern North Carolina. Trey is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He is truly a Carolina Boy with a deep love and knowledge of Beach music and party planning. But don't let that sway your decision, because Trey is well versed in all genres of music and really knows how to get down. As a resident club DJ for Audio to Go, he has major skills in knowing what is popular and what will push your event to the next level. Read more about Trey.



Sean Owens - DJ/Emcee/Coordinator
Sean, originally from New Jersey, has lived in North Carolina for the past 14 years. With 2 years experience as a college radio DJ, Sean has over 15 years of experience working in the sports and entertainment industry.
Read more about Sean.







Shani Heartley - DJ/Emcee/Coordinator
Shani graduated from UMCP with a major in communications. She got her start in the entertainment industry by interning in promotions with a local music store. She continued her love of communication by working part-time doing promotional modeling and as a brand ambassador for Tag Promotions in Washington, DC.
Read more about Shani.




Kristen Hines - Owner/Music Mixer
Kristen was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and moved down to the Carolinas in 1998. During her school years she was introduced to many forms of music and entertainment. Kristen played the flute in band, she took drama classes, she was on the color guard, and she was a star cheerleader! Just like many aspiring entertainers, Kristen loves to be around people and decided to wait tables for about four years before she hit it big and found the career that she had always dreamed of. She is now part owner of ATG with her husband Brian Hines. Read more about Kristen.


Katherine Johnson - Music Mixer
Katherine was born and raised in Charlotte. During her school years she was involved in theater and drama. Acting and doing stage work gave her a taste of show business.

She also was in choirs, at school and church. As well as being on a vocal team and a singer in a church band. While in school she played soccer, volley ball, ran track, and cheered. She has a very bubbly and outgoing personality. Katherine is the newest member to the team.
Read more about Katherine.



Robin Hopkins - Office Manager
Robin joined our company in September 2008 after pursuing a 10 year career in event planning and administration with the federal government and the corporate accounting industry. In addition to her job duties, Robin often served in a leadership role on various campaigns, NFP’s, and within her community on fundraising events, artistic endeavors, and landscape beautification projects. As the coordinator for such events, she possesses keen organizational skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work well with a diverse range of team members. Read more about Robin.

Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Our Favorite “First Dance Songs”

“Always & Forever” by Heatwave - A classic love song that used to get a lot of play on the airwaves and the dance floor, “Always & Forever” is now popular throwback that makes a special couples’ moment terribly memorable.

“At Last” by Etta James - Classically beautiful, haunting, and meaningful, Etta James’ soulful ballad sets the stage for a distinct moment between the new husband and wife.
“Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts - Rascal Flatt’s signature song is the perfect ballad for any couple that is just “a little bit country…”

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John - Some might think it a little corny, but Elton John’s soaring power chords make this Disney hit a standard at any wedding.

“Can't Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis – They don’t call Mr. Presley “the King” for no reason. Spin this one up on the turn tables and watch – there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

“Faithfully” by Journey – Over the years, classic rock had an uphill battle to reclaim “cool”…But anyone who says a bad word about Journey is messing with us. The best song, EVER!

“Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel - The Piano Man knows how to lay down some bittersweet and endearing words, accompanied by some melodies that will ring through your brain all night long.

“Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers – It is a classic standard that all other songs are measured by, and sometimes – fall short of. If you can’t beat it, then play it.

Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:
Charlotte, North Carolina

What To Look For When Hiring a Wedding DJ

Whenever you are planning an event, you probably scrutinize every detail: The food, the décor, the ambiance, and most certainly the bar. Sometimes, the DJ is last on the list of things to do – and it gets shuffled to a decision of "How much do they cost?" Cost should be a factor your considering, but it shouldn’t make or break your DJ selection.

Don't start out by just asking "How much do you charge?" Instead, tell your DJ choices a little about YOU and YOUR EVENT. We want to work with people that we are friends with. We need to connect with out clients and a great way to do that is to actually meet with you. Hiring a DJ becomes a personal relationship, because you are inviting us to the most monumental day of your life! Let us know when you are available to meet or talk and we can go from there.

Shopping for a DJ is like shopping for any important accessory. The cost is a final factor, but what is most important is what that DJ brings to the table. Experience, ability, personality, and skill are not measures to dime down. If you want attention to detail and time spent with your MC to plan your party the right way, you need to ensure that will happen. Do you want to leave out the light show but add party props? Are you looking for 6 hours of playing time instead of 4?
There are many things that can be added or taken away from your reception or party that will influence the overall investment. Having a budget is GREAT, but knowing what you want from the DJ and what they can do is pivotal. Let your DJ know your vision for the event and what you would like them to accomplish. Bounce ideas off of us and ask us for our suggestions. The deliberations you have had over your cake flavor, and napkin colors, are important. The time you spend on your music is just as so. Make sure you hire a DJ and/or Emcee that can work with you to construct an incredible auditory experience. Remember any events, weddings, dances, parties that you have been to, for good or for bad….What did you like or hate about them? 4 out of 5 times the music selection, and the atmosphere those tunes create, is the deciding factor in a fabulous bash or a spectacular flop.

Hire a DJ that knows what he/she is doing, and is willing to go the extra mile to work with you. We will not know the exact rate until we find out exactly what YOU want. Please give us a call, there is no obligation! We look forward to customizing an event for you soon!

Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Greater Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators

Charlotte, North Carolina

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a DJ

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a DJ


10. Any song, any artist…DJs have everything at the fingertips. They shouldn’t be stumped or shocked with a choice you or your guests’ request.

9. All music styles, all the time. Talented DJs can bridge an event between different musical choices, they can find subtle and imaginative ways of going from slow to fast, classical to country.

8. More efficient stage area…One or two DJs and all their equipment take up such little space, you have extra room for more guests, more presents, or the world’s largest congo line.

7. DJs can play dinner, cocktail and dance music.

6. No breaks! Nobody is suggesting they work till they drop, but a DJ is able to spin for the entire length of your event. There is an art to the turntables, no doubt – but not one that requires anybody to take too much time away from your special event.

5. Better volume control, you can dictate if your party will shake the chandeliers or simply soothe a savage beast.

4. Greater musical value – you get more for your money.

3. Two words, "Electric Slide!" This or any of your favorite line dances or theme moments – your DJ will know and be able to throw with good cheer and grace.

2. A DJ can please more guests. With nearly infinite number of possibilities, your guests will find there every whim and fancy is attended too!

1. Built in Master of Ceremonies & expert Ice breaker! The DJ is always there to warm-up the crowd, keep the event happy and on-schedule, and to make any wallflowers or shrinking violets join in the fun. You won’t be able to be in every corner and with every guest every time, but the DJ is your ambassador of ambiance – making sure every guest is happy and having fun.


Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Your Event, Your Music: Our expertise meets your favorite songs

The bottom line is, people hate when they request a song and the DJ doesn’t have it. A good DJ will understand this and want to give you and your guests the best experience possible. This is why we bring a huge collection of music from all musical formats, and why we work with you to explore your musical tastes and preferences. For example, Audio to Go DJs receive all the new music as the stores and radio stations receive them, so go ahead and try to stump us! We have it all! In addition, we have a huge collection of everyone’s favorites from the past.

With Audio to Go, you can literally control every song that is played. You will have as much say as you want to, after all it's your event, not ours! Although we do supply you with a listing of the "most requested" music and the "newest hits", we don't use just this as a play list. We expect that you will use our lists as an idea starter and add your favorites. The play list will be developed from your list of favorites, great companion songs, event standards and special requests. Each event is unique—and the songs played for yours will be hand-picked and custom just for you.

Best of all, in addition to being able to hand-pick every song for your special event, you will be able to "ban" your least favorite songs and we will guarantee that they are not played. It is your special day, you should have the right to pick what tunes you get to hear and dance too.

If you prefer, you can just select your favorite formats or eras and we will "play to the crowd" and take requests from your guests. Again, it is your special day, and your DJ is just there to make it more memorable.

Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Best Wedding Songs

Everyone wants their wedding to be perfect. And when planning for that special day every couple gives a great deal of thought to the songs that will be played at both the ceremony and the reception. The songs played conjure up cherished memories, wonderful feelings for the couple, but the songs aren’t just for the bride and groom, they’re also for the parents, the siblings, the friends and family that all attend. You’ve chosen a special song for your solo dance, but have you considered the other slow romantic tunes you will ask for? The following playlist includes the most requested wedding songs selected by all sorts of couples – young, old, newlywed and long-married!

Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
A classic and classy.

Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
Guaranteed to make your parents cry.

The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
The Chairman of the Board!

It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
A new favorite with old soul.

What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
Honestly one of the best…

I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
Sometimes overlooked, but always delivers.

I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One)
New-fangled fun…

No Ordinary Love (Sade)
Smooth, silky, and completely sexy…

Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
Inspirational and iconic…

On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men)
A favorite for several generations…

Audio to Go Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators servicing the Charlotte Area. Call 704-537-9300 to book your event today.

Professional DJs, MCs, VJs, Event Coordinators, and Party Motivators

Charlotte, North Carolina