JT
Every once in a while, Denon & Doyle has the opportunity to be more than just a great entertainment company. Sometimes, we can even give back to the community. JT is an example of just how valuable Denon & Doyle is in that capacity.
You see, JT grew up living a hard life on the mean streets of Moraga and Orinda. As a sixth grader at Orinda Middle School, he quickly became aware of a problem: the administration had nothing but "healthy" snacks in the vending machines and snack shack. It didn't take long for this bright, ambitious street-hustler to recognize an opportunity.
With the help of an ex-gang member he only refers to as "mom", he purchased massive quantities of candy from Costco, a well-known wholesale supplier in these parts. He would then break the packages down for individual sale, despite what is clearly written on the wrappers of these sweet morsels ("not for individual sale"). He would toss said supplies into large duffle bags then hang out on the fringes of campus, ready to deal.
"You could find me in the quad," he said coolly. "Or down on the field."
It didn't take long for the administration to catch wind of this young Wonka. They told him to shape up and get the sugar out. But neither JT nor "Mom" were ready to make nice. She argued her "son" was learning valuable business experience about supply and demand and setting a market price. The administration simply didn’t have the manpower to keep such a force at bay.
Ultimately, JT and "Mom" succumbed to the fierce forces of capitalism. JT fell prey to other competitors who ruthlessly undercut and marginalized him. He walked away from the business a little richer in the pocket, and with a world of wealth in the noggin.
A few years later, a graduate of Miramonte High School and relatively clean, JT got a call from "mom". She mentioned a career opportunity with Denon & Doyle. A light bulb popped on.
"You mean the Denon & Doyle that DJ'd my Mitzvah back in the day?" he asked.
"One and the same," 'Mom' said.
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"For our daughter Sophia's Bat Mitzvah dance party we used the team of Ellis, JT, Ari and Lauren and could not have been more pleased. Our daughter and her guests had the time of their lives - and even the adults got out on the dance floor and had great fun. My daughter's friends are still abuzz about how great the party was; and our friends and family said it was the best party they had been to in a long time - no easy feat to please both kids and adults. Ellis, JT, Ari and Lauren all had terrific energy, connected with the kids, kept all the kids engaged and made the party easy and fun for us. Our highest recommendation. We had also used Ellis and JT for our son's Bar Mitzvah dance party about 1-1/2 years ago. As Ellis said too bad we don't have any more kids so we can have another Bnei MItzvah party with them - okay, from our perspective, not really :)"
-Barbara Smith, Harbor Point Racquet Club, August 22, 2009
"Our son Quentin's Bar Mitzvah party was awesome thanks to JT and Seth! There were folks talking all evening long about how much fun it was. Later on we heard (from our bar tenders having a view like flies on the wall) that this will be the party everyone will be talking about for a long time.
These two guys make a killer team for any dance party event, we recommend both Seth and JT for the greatest party imaginable."
-Denise Irwin, Private Residence, August 8, 2009
"JT was simply awesome. He worked very hard to make the party a huge success ...the music he played was awesome and people were reluctant to leave the dance floor. JT also accommodated us by hooking up our own foot microphone and mixer to his to facilitate the Indian classical dance performance that preceded his music and the speeches at the grad party ..all in all JT and your DJ company were simply outstanding ..we will not be looking at any other DJ in the future for our parties. Thank you so much for everything.!"
-Sapna Reddy, Ambrose Hall, July 25, 2009
"The music was terrific. The JT played all the right music and kept the party going. Thanks for everything."
-Kim Licht, Renaissance Clubsport Hotel, June 5, 2009
"The dance was super. We had over 100 girls and about 80 dads. JT was "outstanding". He got everyone up and dancing the entire time. He taught a couple of dances and played the tunes we wanted. As soon as we have dates set for next year we will get back to you.
Thank you again for making everything so easy for us. Please tell JT that we were very happy with the job he did."
-Linda Brown, Bolinger Canyon, May 8, 2009
"Your crew (Ellis, JT, Ashley and Mark) was fabulous. I can't say enough about them. Ellis is a great leader and every one in the group worked like mad to keep all the kids engaged and dancing. I can't compliment them enough. We heard from many kids who said it was 'the best party' they ever attended. Our party planner, Barbara Kweller, said she received several calls afterward from people who called it 'the party of the year'. I attribute that to your crew! Thanks for everything!"
-Robert & Pam, Lake Merritt Sailboat House, March 7, 2009
"JT was outstanding. I heard parents saying what a great time they had. We especially liked how JT got out from behind the table and taught the boys to do the superman. Also, they loved the limbo and the challenge between the moms and the boys. We all had a great time. We look forward to seeing JT at our next event in May."
-Linda Brown, Bolinger Canyon, February 20, 2009
"We can't thank you enough for your exceptional help at Paris' Bar Mitzvah. Solomon, JT and Rachel were beyond fantastic. They set the tone for the evening and I can assure you that they made evening a smashing success for both the kids and adults. We love everything about working with your team. From the early planning sessions to the detailed schedules to the song selections to sensing the mood of the kids and adults at all times to, most importantly, the engagement of everyone at the event. Your team worked so well together with each other and with us, it was simply an absolute joy to have you running the entertainment.
I run a theatrical production company myself, and I can attest to you and any future clients that there is no more fun, professional, or thoughtful firm doing the work you do anywhere. Kudos to you all for the making ours son's and our night one of the most joyous celebrations ever."
-Sloane & Nick, UC Berkeley Gaculty Club, January 24, 2009
"Everyone did a fabulous job!!! I'm waiting for the CD to share the pictures, as so many people have complemented the bar and booth. The staff (JT & Natasha) were easy to work with and super nice. I have already recommended Denon & Doyle for another event this coming weekend!
Great job from start to finish!!!"
-Irina Kofman, Google, December 5, 2008
"I do need to say this was one of our best dances mostly because of JT can we PLEASE have him for our 3 other dances this year? The kids loved his energy and the music he played. Everything was great!!"
-Karen Schneider, Charlotte Wood, September 19, 2008
"I wanted to thank you and your firm for the great event last Friday nite. JT and Ally were excellent and did a perfect job of providing music, etc.. Alex and his friends were extremely pleased with the event and Alex has received several "Best party ever!!" follow-up comments.
Thanks again to you for all of your help and holding my hand through the whole event."
-Rose Dobberteen, Joaquin Miller Community Center, September 5, 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
"Our party was fantastic. My information is all secondhand, as the parents of the attending students didn't stay, but based on everything I heard from the kids and from the chaperones, it was amazing. The DJ was great, and all of the add ons (photo booth, lighting, etc.) were totally worth it. I also really appreciated that Chris sent me a link to the photos. We made CDs for several of the parents and they were happy to have that as a keepsake.
This is the third time I have personally used your company, and I have recommended you several times to friends, and in all cases I have had a great experience."
-Rebecca Sarokin, Hall Middle School, June 13, 2008
"JT did a fantastic job with the music and directing the flow of the party. He was professional and personal. he put me at ease and was just right with the kids. I couldn't be happier. He's got the right gifts and personality for this job. A++!"
-Sharon Chipman, Private Residence, June 12, 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
"I just arrived home from our "Mother/Son" dance at Bollinger. I couldn't wait to write this e-mail :) J.T. was fantastic! Everyone commented all evening on how great he was. He made the evening perfect for all the kids. He even checked with me if a song was acceptable to play-since I said no rap! I can't thank you for helping plan a perfect evening. We were worried about how to keep kids 5-11 entertained, and he did it perfect. Again, thank you so much. We hope we can have JT back for our Father/Daughter dance in May. "
-Merideth Bullock, Bolinger Canyon, February 8, 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