05/20/2020
Hi Covid-19,
This is long.. But you probably know that I'm a DJ, a DJ that loves what he does! and I'm damn good at it and appreciated by so many people, except you're making that kind of hard right now. My definition of a DJ is a people person who can spin music at a nightclub, an event, a wedding and can make that music sound much more incredible, that DJ can make someone's night that much more amazing! My definition of a DJ can embody the feeling of the room to match the crowds emotions and lift them off to space creating incredible memories for years to come! Let me tell you I LOVE WHAT I DO. I am so appreciative to be chosen by a couple to ensure their special day is full of these impressive memories. Helping these couples has given me such gratitude and a sense of pride, its given me an remarkable passion for this business! Spinning songs in packed nightclubs in the Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland & Buffalo area has led me to meet so many people and create lasting friendships! But, Covid-19, you have STRIPPED me entirely of my career, my passion, and my livelihood (I'm shedding tears right now and you don't care!). Nightclubs are closed, and gatherings of more than 25 people have been banned due to your aggressive attack on our World. This attack of yours has had a 100% impact on my financial well-being and is causing me to have ZERO income(Unemployment DENIED). Nightclubs being closed = no gigs. You have murdered people in poor health! And now, the media has everyone standing still in fear. You are instilling panic in the 2020 Brides and Grooms. This fear, Covid-19, fear of you, has had couples unsure of what the future holds for their already booked weddings. And so, that brings on the cancellations 😞
Now I know I am going to upset some people (you can't make everyone happy) but I am straight up asking you, Covid-19, what do I do? Knowing that I only have a set number of Saturdays in the wedding season, happy couples secure their dates WAY in advance (with a retainer fee) to know that they will have the wedding of their dreams my team and I can make that all come together seamlessly. However, with this retainer fee comes with a contract. As a businessman (a big-hearted one at that) I must protect myself (and the talented DJ’s in my company) by having contracts signed with a retainer fee. This legal binding document protects those few Saturdays (because there's only so many in a wedding season). Well, Covid-19, you decided to crash the 2020 wedding/events season, and weddings/events have been postponed left and right. However, as a good businessman, I am honoring contracts for rescheduling as long as the Governor allows it, hopefully we re-open very soon. I don't back out of my contracts when someone offers me way more money to cancel, I agree to the services of the contract and I will fulfill that. However, due to fear, there are some couples who are trying to cancel their wedding altogether. Although I have sympathy, the contracts protect me, and my business and financial obligations still need to stand. Even though I am not currently DJing bars, events, or weddings, my personal financial obligations do not simply just go away. My bills are still chomping away of whats left in my bank account. I've come so far only to lose most of what I have worked for so quick, that painfully hurts.
Now I know this statement comes with some opposing viewpoints. How can I continue to honor a contract when the wedding is being postponed? That is exactly what we do... postpone it. I will do my best to honor that contract, later (as long as the state is not open). And for those of you who are upset, angry, and will have the world to say about me… I know you can't hold back, but I am sorry Blame Covid-19. Blame the phases we are in. Blame the Governor. Blame China. But please, don’t blame me. I am, just like the rest of the country, trying to stay afloat in these unprecedented times. please share
Sincerely,
DJ Henry GQ
GQ Events DJs
