I started "Spin the Black Circle Productions" in 2010 because I am a huge Pearl Jam fan. I quickly found out that my name did not really attract wedding couples, so I switched to Lake Placid DJ Services.
A decade later, my business goals have not changed: provide quality and personal service to couples to ensure their day is everything they wish. I have been lucky enough to work with over 100 couples and have compiled 100% positive reviews. I have been lucky enough to DJ weddings as small as 24, and as large as 275; I have been the DJ for celebrities and everyday people and for many local wedding professionals.
No hype, no gimmicks, nothing cliché. I just want your day to be perfect, and I hope you include me!
I work full-time as an elementary school principal and hope to earn my doctorate in educational leadership. I have three children and have been married for thirteen years.
I consider myself an avid endurance athlete, having competed in Ironman Lake Placid, trekked to Mount Everest base camp, and have run countless marathons and ultra-marathons.
Music I like? Well...Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, The Lumineers, Caamp, Nathaniel Ratliff & the Nightsweats, Mt. Joy, and anything 90's pop.
($2000 Minimum for any Event)
All-Inclusive, Never Any Extras!
- Bose Entertainment Sound System;
- Wireless Handheld or Lapel Microphones;
- All Announcements and Formalities; and,
- LED Lights.
Wedding pricing also includes the following: Ceremony Music, Pro DJ Software, Travel, Set-Up (at least two hours before event start), Take-Down, Back-Up Systems, and an Unlimited Music Library.
I am much more than just a DJ / emcee; on the night of your event, I will act as the liaison between all site staff and vendors to ensure the event meets your predetermined and personal needs.
Music:
I will work with all client requests, from the very specific to the lofty. As a couple, you can be as hands-on and involved in the music selection as you choose to be, and I am happy to offer my suggestions.
I do not make a playlist prior to events and stick to that playlist. Instead, I like to employ two strategies. First, I read the crowd and go with the flow. I am not a hog the microphone DJ, nor do I consider myself a “party motivator.” Instead, I like to keep people dancing with good music. Second, I take requests from the crowd, so long as they meet couples conditions. I am not the cliché or fancy DJ - I do not mix or scratch, I just have fun!
The bottom line, your guests will dance and I will lead the party!
Q: What's your story?
A: I started this DJ business in 2010. Back then I went by "Spin the Black Circle Productions," as I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan. I am in education and I thought this would be a fun way to get through summer and earn some cash. Since I have grown tremendously: I am now an LLC, my equipment is much more professional looking and sounding, my skills are improved, etc. I still teach and I still love to DJ. I am married (13-years) with three kids (no dog).
Q: What if something happens to you and you can’t make the wedding?
A: This has only happened once, when I contracted COVID - and luckily local wedding professionals were able to step up in a pinch and help out. Otherwise, I have never canceled an event.
Q: Do you have any references?
A: I have tons of references. Many are posted on this website, Google, and Wedding Wire / The Knot for reviews and endorsements. I encourage couples to talk to local planners, coordinators, and vendors. Talk to other DJ's too - they might offer something I don't.
Q: How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?
A: You can select as much or as little of the music as you want. Generally, if I get a feel for the music you like I can go from there, but I have also had couples pick every single song. I do not create a playlist before the event - I like to let the event guide itself and select music as the night progresses. I can read a crowd and people will dance!
Q: Do you offer lighting?
A: Yes, and it's included. However, because the venues in the Adirondacks have such great features and indoor lighting, I sometimes don't even use them. Your wedding reception should not be a light show, and I think dancing with limited lighting looks better for pictures. Lighting, and other props, should not take away from the event, it should compliment it. If you want lights I have them available for no extra fee.
Q: When do we need to submit our music requests and event details?
A: Ideally, it's done in the weeks leading up to the event and we will communicate in the days before to finalize plans. Music requests and even little details can be changed last minute. I am a go with the flow type and can accommodate anything!
Q: Can we submit a DO NOT PLAY list?
A: Yes, PLEASE, you should!
Q: When do you arrive to set up for the wedding?
A: Well before your first guest arrives. I can also attend rehearsals by request with prior notice.
Q: Are you insured?
A: My equipment is fully insured and can provide proof. I also have full liability insurance.
Q: Do you offer a written contract?
A: I do require a written contract. The contract is flexible and is only a means to hold each party to certain terms.
Q: Will you be the DJ providing services on the wedding day?
A: For the day of services I will be the DJ. I am the owner and only DJ for events. This is a HUGE perk because I am the only one exchanging emails and phone calls and therefore understand your event night needs completely. Why risk having to select a DJ or wonder which DJ will arrive for your day?
Q: Are we able to meet with you in person before our event?
A: YES! I would be happy to meet anytime. I love and prefer to meet with couples and/or their coordinators before the event to iron out specific details. I can also meet via FaceTime or Skype.
Q: How long have you been a DJ and approximately how many weddings have you done?
A: 2023 is my 13th year as a professional DJ. In 2022 I have been the DJ for 40+ weddings across four states.
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: My primary setup is a Bose Professional Audio System called the Bose L1 Model II with B2 Bass. With that comes a Shure wireless microphone system, both handheld, and lapel. My secondary (backup) system is called a Turbosound Inspire ip2000, which is very similar to the Bose in appearance and sound quality. For smaller ceremonies or venues I also have a Bose L1 Compact system. I use a Numark mixer from which I run off an Apple iMac and iPad. I do not scratch or mix - I am not that kind of DJ. The perk of my setup is you will never see bulky speakers setup in multiple areas or be tripping over wires. This setup is very professional and fits perfectly with any wedding design.
Q: What makes you different from your competitors?
A: I DJ as a hobby. This means when I book an event I devote as much time as possible to make the event as personal and awesome as I can. I won't play the typical cliché songs - I will get a feel for what the couple wants and does not want and stick to that. I am also different because I am not a hog-the-microphone DJ. I limit my announcements and guest interactions and let the party guide itself. I am always professional and play good music to keep the party going. On that note, I never have a preset playlist. I am not a show-up and plug-in DJ; I make the event personal! Finally, I own the business and I DJ the wedding - I am the guy you communicate with start to finish.
Q: Do you act as the emcee and make all of the announcements?
A: Heck Yes, That's what you pay me for! I will make as many announcements as necessary including introductions. However, during formalities and dancing, I am not a microphone hog - I let the party guide itself.
Q: Do you offer a photobooth?
A: I do not. I can give a couple reasons why: First, my specialty is being a DJ / MC and I want my entire focus on the wedding day falling under those duties. I am not a photographer, so leave it to the pros. Second, where do you want the focus of your guests and DJ to be? What if something goes wrong with the photobooth, where is the attention? I can however recommend companies locally who specialize is offering phtobooths, affordably, who do a phenomenal job!
Q: What are the legalities?
A: The legal business name is "Lake Placid DJ LLC," but I also operate under the assumed name of "Lake Placid Wedding DJ" and "Lake Placid DJ Services." I kindly ask that competitors not use my name, pictures, website content, social media content, and anything else.
Lake Placid DJ LLC, 2591 Main Street, Unit #962, Lake Placid, NY 1296
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