The easiest and most thrifty way to handle party music is to create a playlist on your iPod. A week before the party, create a soundtrack for the evening, advises Brown. It should be a continuous playlist that starts mellow and picks up the pace as the party gets into full swing. If you have the budget, consider splurging on live music for the first hour or two of your party. Cut costs by recruiting local talent: Ask a neighborhood bar or coffeehouse who they use, or seek out student talent from a nearby high school or a college music department.

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