The Disc Jockey Blues

Benny Wells was the go-to disc jockey for rhythm and blues events in Portland. So, it was no surprise that he was selected to emcee the trendy Pearl District’s Blues-Jam. His responsibilities included setting up the sound system, emceeing, and playing music between sets. He couldn’t wait to meet the musicians, and he spent weeks researching their music so he could be an informative and entertaining host.

Staging an unforgettable performance

The event organizer constructed a stage that included a temporary roof structure to shelter the bands from adverse weather. Benny found that the roof was also a perfect place to house elements of his sound system. The sound set-up went exactly as planned. However, Benny was a little concerned that the air seemed humid and unusually still. Sure enough, at 4 p.m., thunder started rolling. Benny was disappointed but not too worried. The blues crowd was not the type to let a few raindrops stand in the way of a good time.

Blown away

The first band came on stage at 5, greeted by an enthusiastic audience. At 8:14, the sky darkened. Then, at 8:29, a gargantuan gust of wind hit the structure, causing it to shudder and sway. Startled, Benny announced a short break and the band quickly exited, just as his sound system crashed to the ground. The band members escaped without injury, but people in the front rows weren’t so lucky. Five people were injured and one had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. A few days later, Benny was slapped with a million dollar lawsuit.

Looking back, Benny could hardly believe that he’d never even thought about insurance when he agreed to set up the sound system. What a huge oversight! Fortunately, his DJ business was already insured with industry-tailored protection that included liability coverage. His insurance policy paid for his costly defense. The court found that the event sponsor was also partially responsible for the injuries caused by the collapse, so Benny’s policy only had to pay $448,000 on his behalf. Benny shivered thinking about what might have happened if he didn’t have insurance.

The confidence of industry-tailored protection

Today, Benny grooves with confidence knowing that his DJ/KJ/VJ insurance policy has his back. Exclusively available through R.V. Nuccio & Associates Insurance Brokers, the program provides everything DJs need in one convenient place: General Liability, Property/Equipment, and Employee Crime Insurance. Underwritten by Fireman’s Fund, part of the largest property and casualty insurance group in the world, this tailored package provides specialized “A” rated protection. Endorsed by the American Disc Jockey Association and the National Alliance of Special Event Planners, R.V. Nuccio and Associates is the only online nationwide insurance source for DJs, KJs, and VJs, offering the most customized protection at the most competitive rates. Coverage is also available for photographers and videographers.