Ellis is inspired by stories
that inspire and connect people both to the story and each other. As a
first-generation American, with parents who hail from Kenya and raised him in
Columbus, Ohio, he is a product of his diverse environment.
Columbus is home of Ohio State University. The city is officially about the Ohio State Buckeyes and it’s athletics, home of scarlet and grey tailgates that stretch for miles on gamedays. Ellis, himself, was a Buckeye for about two years until his feet got itchy and he took a bite of the Big Apple to the east. He did well in the big city, modeling commercially in one of the world's fashion capitals. But, like a late season snow storm, he didn't stick there.
Back in Columbus, Ellis found comfort in knowing everyone has the same foundation. At the same time, he'd had a taste of big city adventure and wanted more; a place filled with forward, conscious, environmental thinkers that is, at the same time, rooted in Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin; a place where Renaissance types flock, the weather is moderate and the streets appear to have been laid out by an insane genius. Mere months into his pilgrimage west, he's more than left his heart in San Francisco, he’s asked to have it donated to City Hall. Inspiration and bold cultural connection are everywhere in The Bay Area, and he is happily, deeply entrenched in it.
“When I got here it was like an atomic bomb -- especially coming from the fanatic Buckeye way,” Ellis says. "It was a bit of a culture shock."
He brings with him a career which has seen him perform ballet as a child, entertain in the music world for nearly a decade and produce and perform in a few fashion shows of his own. His current drive to is be a screenwriter. And that makes sense as he lives a life that does exactly what he enjoys watching.
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"Your staff was incredible! They made the party! Ellis was awesome and had the kids on the dance floor the entire time. His energy was fantastic. We are so pleased with your service. The dancers were adorable too. Many of our friends have asked for your info -- everyone was impressed. We can't thank you enough."
- DJ Schrick, Private Residence, October 4, 2008
"The party was fabulous! Ellis, Seth, AJ and Reese had endless energy and the kids adored them. Sam said that they were absolutely great. I really appreciated how they made a place for the adults too. My friends were quite impressed. We wouldn't change anything. The kids (and adults) had a lot of fun with the photo booth too. It is a really nice addition and gives the kids something to take home with them. I went to a friend's house yesterday and the photos from the photo booth were already displayed in her daughter's room. Thank you for everything. Sam is looking forward to seeing your staff at another party soon!"
- Bonnie Roditti, Congregation Beth El, September 27, 2008
"We had a great time at the party. I thought Ellis did a wonderful job. I have a family that likes to dance and he did a good job keeping everyone on the dance floor."
- Adrienne Chapman, Blackhawk, September 20, 2008
"The buzz was fantastic about Ellis and Drew.. .they did such an awesome job keeping everyone going and they were very responsive to our constantly changing needs. Hopefully this will lead to many more engagements for you all. I know the big parties coming up next year are not planned as yet, but I know they were very much the cause of the success of the party. "
- Carol Strub, Shoup Park, September 13, 2008
"The team did an amazing job of getting the party going! The clients said it was the "best party they have ever had!" I don't believe I have ever seen a better DJ than Ellis, to be honest! There were some technical difficulties with the karaoke, but Eliis did an awesome job of smoothing that over and fixing the problem. Thanks again, I am so glad I got to work with them and feel confident in a DJ for any future events, thank you again."
- Heidi Koerner, Rancho Victoria, August 23, 2008
"I just wanted to let you know that Ellis and team did a fantastic job at Matthew's Bar Mitzvah reception. He had everyone (young and old) up and dancing throughout the party. The adults and kids had so much fun. People were raving about him that night and continue to tell me how much fun they had at the party."
- Helene Workman, The Cypress Hotel, August 16, 2008
"Ellis was really great to work with. Ellis was on time, communicated wonderfully with me and completely professional. He really did a great job and got people dancing.
The bride was so shy when it came to any type of DJ talk over the speaker and she did ask me to have him tone it down a bit, which I really reluctantly did, but the guests loved him. Please send him my thanks. He was fantastic.
As usual, I am very happy with D&D. It's great to know I can always count on you guys to do a stellar job."
- Michelle Martinez, Allure Consulting, August 9, 2008
"This is going to sound like a paid testimonial but it's not. I really didn't know what to expect, never having hired a dj before. Ellis, Tyler, and Nicole did a fantastic job. Everybody was thoroughly entertained and thanked us for such a great party. No one seemed to be bored at all, even for a moment. There were about 30 kids and they all had a great time. The games were great and it was amazing how you guys could create so much fun. I struggle to come up with the right words to describe the party. I know that everything was planned out so well and yet the atmosphere was so relaxed. That's the perfect party. And everybody of all backgounds loved doing the Hora. Glenda and I would like you to let Ellis, Tyler, and Nicole know how extremely pleased we are at how they handled everything at Nathan's bar-mitzvah. We would definitely recommend you to anyone planning an event like this."
- Richard Janis, Congregation B'nai Tikvah, August 2, 2008
"WOW! Rave reviews from all my guests. Ellis and his crew rocked the house and everyone had a great time. I am so sore from dancing for almost 4 hours straight. I was surprised how successful the photo booth was with the kids. I have sent a payment on line for Ellis, Patricia, TJ and Ari. Please see that they know how much fun their party was and give them a huge pat on the back for me. Their energy kept the party moving all night long. Save the Date... August 2010 for the younger sister's Bat Mitzvah.
They were fantastic and really kept the party alive. The photo booth was a huge success with the girls too. Ellis really knows how to rock the house. Thanks for everything and I want first dibs on Ellis and crew in August 2010 for Kira's Bat Mitzvah."
- Tori Herzog, Harbor Point Racquet Club, July 19, 2008
"I can't express enough how great our party turned out. Your guys were incredible and EVERYONE commented on how great they were. Everyone, young and old, were dancing the entire time and Ellis and Katie were awesome in getting them involved and dancing. Many people asked for their names and I am happy to refer them to you. Thanks again for an incredible event,"
- Nancy Taitz, Harbor Point Racquet Club, June 14, 2008
"Everything went absolutely great! Ellis, JT and Sasha were great. The two people running the photo bar were great two. Ellis was flexible with the schedule which was appreciated and kept everything running smoothly. He also engaged everyone. I noticed several kids who didn't know anyone (besides their parents) participating. Also, I had placed my parents (who are a little hard of hearing) by the side door so they could go to the patio and sit if they wanted too. My parents stayed inside the entire party which is a great sign. Andy said, "he had a GREAT day!!" and my dad said "I had one of the best weekends of his life." So, my goals were overachieved. Thank you!!"
- Linda Tripp, Contra Costa Country Club, May 31, 2008
"It was fabulous, your team was great! We were beyond happy."
- Jan Reicher, Glas Kat, May 25, 2008
"The party was huge hit. Kids told Mathison afterwards it was the best party they've ever attended. Of course, not having adults around was a big plus ;o) Your team was fantastic. Ellis comes in for special compliments for his poppin', lockin', and head spins. But everybody worked their butt off... and probably took a few pounds off the kids in the process.
A special mention of Patrick too. It wouldn't have been a party without him. Thanks for a great job!"
- Suzanne & Jonathon Young, Temple Isaiah, April 26, 2008
"Ellis was fantastic!!! His energy, enthusiasm, charisma, as well as his management of tons of kids (& adults), the judgment calls he needed to make, were outstanding. He is exceptional DJ and was an integral part of making the event such a success. I wish him all the best in his new life in the Bay Area and I look forward to seeing him at upcoming events."
- Victoria Love, Frantoio Restorante, February 9, 2008
"I just wanted to write and say thank you to you and your crew. You guys are tremendous. You make the party. Your team's attitude is incredible. Ellis, Kyle, Chris, the girls -- all phenomenal. I know the Maluth's were thrilled.
- Linda Noack, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, February 2, 2008
"They were GREAT!!!. They got everyone up and dancing. During the cocktail hour, the kids magically disappeared, and when we adults arrived in the social hall, they were in full swing. It wasn't too loud for anyone, none of the sound-sensitive kids needed earplugs. Most of the kids were up and dancing much of the time. They were terrific at organizing everything. The kids at Isaiah just LOVE Ellis, I suspect he will get many more requests throughout the year. Grace and Kelsey were a great addition, they had boundless energy. I am forwarding your request for feedback to my friend whose son has been depressed/off kilter for several months. This boy was dancing nearly the whole time, she said it was the best day that he's had in nearly a year! I hope she sends you feedback! "
- Karen Fessel, Temple Isaiah, February 2, 2008
"I can't say enough good things about how great your team was at Julian's party!! Ellis was a HUGE hit.... his style, his energy, his interaction with the kids and adults, his whole approach to the party was terrific. All the kids really loved him. It wouldn't have been the same without him. You have a great guy on your hands! JT,Grace and Quinn were absolutely wonderful with the kids. Thanks so much for coming through for us and making Julian's party so great. Sophie's Bat Mitzvah is coming up in '09 and we will certainly be thinking of you!"
- Barbara Smith, Mt. Tam Racket Club, January 19, 2008
"Please give them all a tap on the back! They did an awesome job, and it was such a memorable night! I've heard the best ECC party to date!"
- Jeniffer Faria - ECC, Westin St Francis Hotel, December 22, 2007
"Our Party was a complete success, thanks to your DJ's Ellis and AJ. They were absolutely wonderful. They have great outgoing, fun personalities. They were able to read out group perfectly and I might add that they were quite entertaining."
- Chris Chiovare (Chevron), Emabassy Suites Burliingame, December 15, 2007
"Jordan came home from school today and remarked that all of his friends said his party was "awesome!" This came from some of the most difficult to please as well. I couldn't let that go without letting you know. See you in 2009, if not before at another event."
- Joannie Liss Events, Temple Emanu-El, December 8, 2007