Z-Music Disc Jockeys

Jeff Zahrt

Jeff Zahrt — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:04:29 +0000

Jeff is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is the owner and operator of Z-Music DJ’s. Jeff has been performing as a mobile Disc Jockey in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area since 1985. His background and experience is rooted in radio. Jeff graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications. He spent three years working at UNI’s student-run radio station, serving as morning DJ, program director and music director. Jeff’s mobile experience comes from doing numerous weddings, corporate parties, proms, homecomings, private parties, class reunions and club work. Jeff always has a rhythm in his head and is usually moving to a groove.

“Making people dance and getting their body moving to beat is an absolute blast. When they are smiling and dancing and sweat is running down their cheeks, I know they are having a great time. It’s a great feeling.”

Paul Gormley

Jeff Zahrt — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:37:47 +0000

Paul is originally from Amana, Ia. and presently lives in Marion. He started DJing in college in 1986 and started his own business in 1988. Paul Graduated from Iowa State University with both a BA in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. Paul has specialized in wedding events and high energy school dances since 1986, each requiring their own unique kind of production.

“When I am working with a client, I see it as a collaboration. I first try to understand their vision, and then I help them make it real. It may sound cliche, but each event I help create is not only special to the client, it is special to me.”

Paul uses a mixture of his love of music, an eye for group dynamics and technology to produce exactly the right mood for the moment at any event. He can take a room from a subdued and cool reception feel to the red hot energy of a beat-mixed video club. But only if that meets with the wishes of his clients and the needs of their guests.

Professional, yet fun and creative is how Paul is described often by his satisfied clients.

Z-Music DJ’s

Jeff Zahrt — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:25:49 +0000

Z-Music DJ’s was started in 1985 when Jeff was still in college. At the time, Jeff was working at the student run radio station at UNI, and also the lead DJ at a local 50′s era bar in Cedar Rapids (which meant lots of nights driving back and forth).

While working at the 50′s era bar, Jeff got lot’s of requests to DJ weddings and private functions. So, with the purchase of some equipment, and lot’s of 45′s (yes, 45′s), Jeff started his DJ Business.

Over the last 25 plus years, there has been many changes in the DJ industry. From Records, to Tapes, to CD’s to now all digital. Jeff has seen them all. (he actually still has one of his original Techniques MK1200 turn tables).

In 2007, Jeff added a second DJ by the name of paul. Paul has been DJ’ing since 1986. Both Paul and Jeff have very similar DJ styles, and so it was a perfect fit for Paul under the Z-Music banner.

Z-Music DJ’s was started because we love to play music and get people to dance. And that still holds true today. Regardless of the technology, and lights, it’s about the music. And, we love having fun. There is something about watching people walk off the dance floor exhausted, sweaty and smiling from ear to ear and still bouncing to the beat of the music. it still makes us smile.

Website Updates

Jeff Zahrt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:19:47 +0000

By now you have figured out that the website is undergoing some changes. We have a new look and lots of new features to talk about. the website will be getting lots of new additions over the course of the next several weeks. So check back often. First up, was getting the “Client Log-in” area and “Availability Checker” sections on the site. They may still move around a bit, but they are up and ready for use. As I said earlier, we have lots of new features to talk about coming up such as

- Up-Lighting

- Event Photography

- Event Videography

- Wedding Dance Playlist

- Monogram lighting

- And our new Self-DJ unit. Very fun stuff

We will be at the Gazette Bridal Show coming up this Sunday the 15th in Coralville at the Marriott. So if you haven’t decided yet on a DJ, come down and check us out. We have a special “Bridal Show” offer only available at the show. And, only good during the show. Keep checking the site. – Jeff

Weddings

Jeff Zahrt — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:54:37 +0000

Getting married is one of the biggest days in your life. You want everything to be perfect, from the flowers, to the walk down the aisle, to the correct music. Choosing music for your cocktail hour, dinner and subsequent reception dance is just as crucial. Having the correct music could even be one of the most critical aspects of your reception. The music must be just right. From the time your guests walk in until we start your first song, and continuing through the night. The music helps set the atmosphere for the entire evening. Ask yourself how often you have left a reception because the appetizers tasted bad? Now ask yourself, how often have you left a reception early because the music wasn’t fun, or was too loud, or just plain offensive?.

We understand that this is a “Big” day. We get it. Research shows that this day is one of the most stressful a person can go through. We also understand that the center of attention is the bride and groom. Z-Music will tactfully blend in with your reception and your guests. We will interact with your guests in a respectful manner. In short, we will communicate with “you”, your photographer, videographer, caterer, hall manager, etc., to help ensure that your reception is stress free for you.

Z-Music has a very comprehensive music library covering just about all areas and styles of music. All of our music is high quality MP3′s (ripped from the actual CD, not downloaded, and we rip our MP3′s at a rate that is equal to CD quality). Plus, we use “raided hard drives” for our back-up music library. Our music spans from the swing and big band era through the 50′s & 60′s, the best disco right up through the 80′s and the current Top 40 of today. We always try to play as many requests (if appropriate) as possible and actively solicit requests throughout the evening. We believe this is the best way to program your reception dance. Playing the songs that you and your guests want to hear and dance to.

Since we concentrate on performing at weddings, we have experience in all aspects of any reception. We can help you pick the right music for background music and dinner music as well as help coordinate and announce the following:

Grand Entrance of the Wedding Party
Cutting of the Cake
Beginning of Dinner
Children’s bouquet
Garter & Bouquet Tosses (from Classy to Wild)
First Dance of the Bride & Groom
Wedding Party dance
Mother & Son dance
Father & Daughter dance
Dollar dance

We coordinate with your photographer and/or videographer to ensure that none of these memorable moments are missed by anyone.

Some other benefits you will receive when you book your wedding reception with Z-Music are:

Planning consultation (either in person, on the phone or by email – your choice)

Coordinating your reception
Picking the music you want played as well as what you “don’t” want played.
Picking your requests by using our on-line music database
PLUS – you never have to worry about “have we booked enough time? Our rates are all inclusive for the day!!!