Special Needs Disco

[Pe7e]

I've found myself persuaded into doing a charity day time disco, with a 'loose' valentines theme for Special Needs young adults. It's been a long time since I personally did an event, so a bit of playlist help/suggestions would be much appreciated, especially the current stuff :beer1:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I do a yearly AGM for people with learning difficulties and its always a blast.

I cant suggest a playlist because the choices they make are so diverse. I would even go as far as saying that the music choice is more diverse than a "normal" gig.

The best advice i could give is to go with the flow, be prepared for everyone to be your best friend ;) and requests will come flooding in constantly, as well as shout outs and a bit of banter...in a nutshell...treat it like any other gig ;)

[Jay]

I've done 3 discos for disabled/special needs children and music wise they just wanted mostly the same as usual, i.e. Chart music and modern stuff.

I have always had a helper with me as they don't always know their limits etc with regards to coming behind the desk. I also put a couple of tables surrouning my stand sorted that out too.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I think you're missing the point of this thread, lads: Pete hasn't DJ'd AT ALL for some time, so his post is more asking for general advice, and what's currently popular - ie "the usual" doesn't give him much of a clue. :)

[Jay]

Didn't realise that sorry,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles

I would go with every one of those songs for a start, because what I found is that it's not only the dancy type songs they wanted played. And not just a couple of them but often the majority of them wanted the same ones.

Hope its a start for you

[Creature]

I always find they like the bouncy upbeat songs mainly from teh 60s - 80s era

you will find it will be the easiest of bookings as usually all they wanna do it dance and have a good time.

[mikeee]

As much of the cheesest cheese you can muster. Dances with movement - Steps 5,6,7,8, - Rednex cotton eye joe - Macarena etc etc Current (ish) Pop - Cheryl Cole, Lady Ga Ga, etc

It really depends on the level of "special needs" and their age. You say young adults - 14 to 18??. Have a chat with the organiser, and "plan" a format and playlist (of sorts) or you may end up in a muddle on the day.
The one I did for Woodlarks last year had - wait for it - Gary Glitter Leader of the gang, so I questioned the request, and was told, very simply, It's a good party, and these people have no pre-conceived ideas.

It will probably be one of the best parties you have ever done.
Oh and don't use a star cloth, they will either pick out the lamps, or tear it with their wheel chairs :D (assuming you have wheel chairs there :D

[Excalibur]

Sorry I have no particular advice to offer, other than as suggested, if it's anything like the ones I've done, after half an hour you'll have no worries about thinking what to play. ;)

In the dim and distant past, I did a 21st party for such a lad, and his college friends. I have a strong suspicion that this gig was offered to me because the regular one didn't fancy it. His loss, it was a truly great night, memorable for what happened when as suggested, some of them love to come behind the gear and have a nosey. It was in the days when I was still using CD's. A couple of the guests came behind the gear and saw the boxes of CD's. From ten feet away, they were able to identify the CD's they wanted, and tell me which number track without even picking the CD up!! :eek: :eek: :eek: I considered signing them up on the spot, as roadies. ;) ;)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Rihanna - Whats my name/Whos that chick/Only girl in the world
Taio Cruz - Dynamite
Katy Perry - Firework
Bruno Mars - Billionaire
Usher - OMG/DJ Got Us Falling In Love
BEP - Dirty Bit
Gyptian - Hold Yuh
Katy B - Lights On
Flo Rida - Club Cant Handle Me
Must have current chart tracks

[Booche]

Hopefully Pete will be sorted now as he has a helper ;) lol

But i suppose any help is better then non :D

[MikeW]

I do about 4 or 5 a year for people with special needs, the ages being from about 18 to about 60.

As well as current chart, the ones I DJ for are really just up for a party, with lots of interaction.

All the usual party tracks go down well eg Macarena, Casper Slide, Music Man etc.

I also give away lot's of prizes (but not anything edible as you never know what they are allowed in their diet)

The best part is that they are all usually up for a party and on the dancfloor straight away.

Just relax and enjoy.

Hope this helps.

[Pe7e]

Thanks chaps for all the suggestions, and a special thanks to Dave (Abstract), the event was a great sucsess.

[Booche]

Thanks chaps for all the suggestions, and a special thanks to Dave (Abstract), the event was a great sucsess.

No mate thankyou it was a absolute blast, i've never actually worked with Pete before but i can say he is a top bloke and i'm hoping to work along side of him quite alot more ;) (expect a PM Pete) lol

All the people were fantastic and really made me laugh in a good way as they were very welcomeing and loved every bit of it.

One lady loved Pete that much she wouldn't stop speaking about him :D

Many thanks again Pete :D

[funkymook]

Thanks chaps for all the suggestions, and a special thanks to Dave (Abstract), the event was a great sucsess.

Excellent - good work! :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Great thing about the forum! Glad you guys had a good time!