Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service govern any inquiry, booking, or event service arranged through edwitles.com or directly with The Elegant DJ (Ed Witles Entertainment, "we," "us," "our," "Talent"). By submitting an inquiry or signing a Reservation Agreement with us, you ("client," "Purchaser") agree to these terms. Your specific Reservation Agreement — with your event's date, fees, and details filled in — takes precedence over this general page in the event of a conflict, but the terms below are the same standard terms included in full on every Reservation Agreement we send.

Services & Direction of the Performance

We provide DJ, MC/hosting, uplighting, and related event entertainment services as described on this site and as agreed in your specific Reservation Agreement. You retain complete control, direction, and supervision of our performance at your event. If you'd like us to follow a specific event or music timeline, please send it to us in writing so it can be included in our programming; with or without a written list, we'll attempt to play your and your guests' requests but can't guarantee every selection will be available. Music requests sent in writing at least two weeks before the event get extra effort to have on hand.

Booking & Reservation Fee

A non-refundable reservation fee is required to secure your date — the exact amount is stated in your signed Reservation Agreement. Dates are not considered booked or held until this fee is received, and it is subtracted from your total performance fee rather than charged on top of it. The remaining balance is due in full by the date stated in your Reservation Agreement, unless otherwise agreed in writing. All payments are made payable to Ed Witles.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods are Zelle, CashApp, or check by mail (see our payment page for details). In the event of non-payment, we retain the right to attempt collection through the Anne Arundel County, Maryland courts; you'll be held responsible for any resulting court fees, legal fees, and collection costs. A $35 fee applies to each bounced check, plus a $7.50 service charge for each collection notice.

Cancellations, Rescheduling & Force Majeure

If you need to cancel, please notify us in writing as soon as possible; the reservation fee is non-refundable in all cancellation scenarios, as it secures your date. If we are unable to perform due to illness, accidents, riots, strikes, epidemics, Acts of God, Force Majeure, Acts of War, or any other legitimate condition beyond our control, we'll make every reasonable effort to find a replacement entertainer at the fee you agreed to. If we can't find a replacement, you'll receive a full refund of all fees paid. In every circumstance, our liability is limited exclusively to refunding fees paid — we are not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from any breach of the agreement.

A signed Reservation Agreement can't be terminated except by mutual written consent of both parties. If you initiate termination in writing and we agree to it in writing, you'll owe the reservation fee plus any unrecoverable costs we've already incurred (never more than the total fee agreed upon). Otherwise, the full fee remains due.

Arrival & Setup

We guarantee we'll be ready to perform at your event's start time. We can't guarantee a specific arrival time before that, so we ask to be allowed at least 45 minutes before the engagement and 45 minutes after it for setup and takedown, along with ramp or elevator access between the parking/service entrance and the setup area where applicable.

Client Responsibilities & Working Conditions

You agree to provide safe and appropriate working conditions, including: a 3-foot by 3-foot area for the main DJ setup; space for speakers and lighting stands; a 120-volt, 3-prong grounded outlet with at least 15 amps available, from a reliable power source within 50 feet of the setup area; additional outlets on separate circuits if lighting is contracted for; a facility that fully covers and protects our equipment from adverse weather (direct sun, rain, excessive wind); crowd control if warranted; and directions plus free parking to the venue. You're responsible for paying any charges the venue imposes — parking, electric power use, fire marshal fees for fog, and overtime before or after the event related to our setup and takedown. You accept full responsibility for any damages, injuries, or delays resulting from a failure to provide these conditions.

Equipment, Safety & Insurance

All equipment remains the property of The Elegant DJ. You agree to take reasonable steps to protect our equipment, music, and personnel during your event; damages from a lack of reasonable protection on your part (outside of our own gross negligence) are payable by you, up to the cost of repair or replacement and any related medical treatment. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance. If we determine a situation presents a threat or implied threat of injury or harm to our staff or equipment, we reserve the right to pause performance; if the situation is resolved within a reasonable time (up to 15 minutes), we'll resume under the original terms of the agreement. Full payment remains due regardless of whether the situation is resolved or performance resumes. We also reserve the right to deny any guest access to the sound system, music, or other equipment to prevent damage or injury.

Liability & Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the total fees paid for the event in question — we are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us harmless from claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising from our performance or from your (or your agents' or invitees') intentional, willful, or negligent acts. We agree to do the same for you regarding our own conduct or that of our agents. If a civil action arises to enforce any provision of the agreement, the losing party pays the prevailing party's attorney's fees and court costs.

Governing Law

These terms, and any Reservation Agreement entered into with us, are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland. Any suit involving or relating to a booking will be filed in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

General Provisions

• A Reservation Agreement may not be transferred to another party without our prior written consent.
• An agreement is not binding until it has been received and signed by Talent. Any changes must be in writing and signed by both parties — oral agreements are non-binding. If any clause is found to be illegal or unenforceable, the rest of the agreement remains in force.
• Any addendums or attachments must be initialed to remain part of the agreement.
• If we elect not to exercise a right under an agreement on one occasion, that doesn't waive our right to exercise it later, within the applicable statute of limitations.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these general terms from time to time; the version in effect at the time of your signed Reservation Agreement governs that booking.

Contact Us

Questions about these terms can be sent to info@edwitles.com or 202-657-2225.