Fun. Outgoing. Energized. Extreme?
While the first three words aptly describe MC/DJ extraordinaire Joel Brown, we aren’t quite sure that the fourth does. Sure, at times he may have some extreme moments in his life, but we’re not sure that qualifies someone as extreme.
Is someone extreme because they prefer their roast beef sandwiches with mayo and honey mustard in lieu of traditional mustard? Hardly.
What about someone who will binge watch entire seasons of his favorite shows on Netflix? Having too much time on your hands doesn’t necessarily make you extreme.
Oh, and his love for the outdoors and “extreme” sports like BMX riding and skateboarding. They may sound a bit intense, but all of that is in the past. For example, if he was to dislocate his arm again after a failed ollie attempt up a curb, the mature Joel would take the heavy numbness in his arm (so bad he felt like his arm wasn’t even there) as a sign that he should immediately see a doctor, instead of simply continue on with his day and go to a movie with friends—like he did when these events actually unfolded years ago.
Even his musical tastes and aspirations might be mislabeled as extreme at times. Just because he surrounds himself with all things music (concerts, festivals, producing and creating his own), doesn’t mean he’s an extreme DJ and performer—just that he is extremely good at what he does. His ability to play to the crowd is also one of the attributes that makes him a great MC. He has an appreciation for the role that music plays at each event and relishes the opportunity to grab the mic and take control so his clients can enjoy the party.
Joel thrives on the energy of the crowd, and is also adept at creating it with his smile and outgoing personality. His most memorable event takes him back to the Meadow Club, where he relives memories of an incredible dance party. “It was special because I knew the family wanted a lot of dancing time,” Joel recalls, and “being able to work in the formalities in a way that honored tradition but also kept with the family’s wishes was a great feeling.” A feeling that was only topped by a palpable energy buzzing all night on the dance floor. “It was crazy,” Joel admits, “they just kept going.”
For a guy with extremist tendencies, it seems the only things truly extreme about Joel are the dance floors he commands and the memories he helps create.
“Everything was great! It was an amazing event and you sent a great team to us! The dance floor was packed from start to finish and the games and dances kept everyone engaged. We had so many dads participating as well, which was wonderful to see. Thank you to you and your team for being wonderful.”
-Lindsay Cross, Orinda Country Club, May 21
“I know I was very fortunate to work with each of you. It’s a pretty amazing thing- when ones vision is able to become a reality. Your professionalism, eye for detail, organization and artistic abilities culminated into one beautiful day; A graceful, stylish and delicious luncheon To an elegant, fun and flavorful evening.
I have requests for each of your talents- and will be referring you out to all. I hope each of you keep this list of talent- as together you orchestrated- from what I hear ‘The Best Party Ever.'”
-Laura Raney, Danville Veteran’s Memorial Hall, April 16
“Just wanted to let you know that Joel did an awesome job for us on Saturday night. Everyone seemed to have a super time. Great music and games and dancing and MC-ing. Very happy with it all!”
-Jeffrey Eckber, Albany Community Center, March 19
“I wanted to let you know that my experience with Denon & Doyle, from start to finish, has been the best service experience I’ve ever had with any vendor — in my personal or professional life. Dan, you are so responsive and proactive, and you do an amazing job of guiding your clients. I was so appreciative your advice.
Joel was fantastic. I was so impressed that he came out to our home to meet with us, and we got a sense of what to expect from one another. He also clearly knew what needed to happen and when, and provided outstanding advice.
The team at the party was amazing. EVERYONE was out on the dance floor — all night! Keep in mind that we had no other entertainment to distract the kids or the adults. The onus was completely on the DJ team to keep the party going, and they exceeded expectations. Numerous people approached me to tell me how great they were, and to ask me how I found you. We couldn’t be happier with our experience with you guys. Both the kids and the adults told me they had the best time.
Thank you for making a great party. You really brought it!”
–Giselle Lederman, Portuguese Cluteral Center, March 5
“Just wanted to say thank you and let you know what a wonderful job Joel did last night at Ally’s bat mitzvah. Everyone had a so much fun and was raving about the entertainment. Ally’s younger brother has already requested Joel for his bar mitzvah in a couple of years.”
–Lauren Sorof, The “W” Hotel, January 2
“Joel and Chaz gave us absolutely everything we had hoped for and more! Joel is exceptionally talented and we would be thrilled to work with him again as well as Denon & Doyle.”
-Cynthia Leavitt, University Club-SF, November 14
“The kids had a fantastic time! Mara was extremely happy with her day and didn’t want it to end. She said her legs were a little sore for a couple days afterwards from all the dancing. Joel did an excellant job in keeping the kids engaged and the music was great. The girls all think Joel and Justin are ‘Hot’! And of course everyone had fun with the photo booth. We appreciate you keeping us on task through the whole process.”
-Mina Kravutz, Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall, October 24
“It was a terrific party. Joel, we really appreciated your enthusiasm and checking in from time-to-time to get a sense of real-time wants and needs. That was fantastic customer service and made for a great event. Here’s the real testimonial: one of our daughters, a tough customer by any measure, mentioned TWICE on the ride home after the event (direct quote) “I loved Denon & Doyle, they’re awesome.” For a 13 year old to even remember the name of your company in the midst of all the excitement says a lot. We had similar kudos passed along from other guests of all ages. Thank you for making this special event even more so with your professionalism and energy.”
–Jamie Rose, Jewish Home of SH, August 29
“Our heartfelt thanks for the most amazing [party] we could’ve ever expected. We knew it would be fun but had no idea how great the DJ and Joel were. The kids raved about the party and the adults had a great time. I’m embarrassed I ever hesitated using Denon and Doyle. I now know there is no replacement. There’s no question whatsoever that we will use you for all of our future events and recommend your services to our friends.”
–Manny Berston, Ondine, June 20
“I wanted to thank you for your company’s excellent service and for your amazing team that rocked the night away at Yarden’s celebration last night.
The “A” team: Joel, Christina, Alex, Gabe and Justin were simply amazing! They were fun, energetic, super professional. The kids loved them and they exceeded our expectations. Joel did an outstanding job orchestrating the entire event and was very minded to all our requests. He has a great rapport with the kids.
I am happy to recommend your company and your teams outstanding services.”
-Sharone Melamed, Private Residence, May 30
“I can’t begin to explain how great Joel and Justin were last Saturday night. The event was so expertly handled and so well received, due overwhelmingly to the efforts of these two outstanding guys. I’m sure they could feel the excitement and the energy of our guests, and I hope they could feel it from us as well.
I wanted to make sure that you know how truly awesome and remarkable they were. It was really better than we could have ever hoped for. Clara and I continue to receive such positive comments from people who attended, and I know the other staff at the venue felt the same way. We are all just blown away at how fun and entertaining it was.”
-Nancy Feldman, 25th Street Collective, May 23
“Thank you very much for your great service! We had a blast at our event on August 27th. And I especially want to put in a good word for the DJ, Joel Brown. He was very professional — arrived on time, worked flawlessly with our set up, played a great mix to kick us off, and was responsive to requests once the dancing got started. A complete pleasure to work with.”
-Susan Cass, UC Berkeley, August 27
“Joel did a great job at the Swim Team Banquet. We had a good crowd and he was able to get the kids involved. He brought along some great props so that definitely helped!”
-Vanessa Crabtree, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, July 20
“I wanted to let you know Joel did a FANTASTIC job today at the picnic. The client absolutely loved him! Thanks for all your help, as always.”
-Lindsay Breining, Kennedy Grove, July 10
“Everything went great! Joel was on time, very kind to all the members, and really just a great guy all around. Thank you for sending him, he was perfect for the event.
I really appreciate your professionalism, and your follow up email, such a wonderful company to work with!!”
-Heather Mitchell, Menlo Circus Club, May 26
“I wanted to make sure to give you an update. Joel did SO AMAZING at our father daughter dance. He had the girls and their dad’s dancing the whole time. He did a great job with keeping the hype up and his music choices were both age and event appropriate. He was taking requests and knew what music would keep the girls and their dads entertained. He looked so happy the whole time and was so sweet to the girls. He really looked like he was loving the event. I attached a video to this email to show you how great he was and how much fun the participants were having.
Thank you again for the awesome event!”
-Donica Katayanagi, Lafayette Community Center, February 28
“Last night was amazing, and it was in large part to you and your team! The 4 of you worked so hard and the party was over the top! I want to thank all of you for making the night such a memorable and fun time. The energy and enthusiasm was contagious! Everyone had a wonderful time, and there was not one kid who didn’t participate. Watching them all together was such a joy and the compliments I had were continuous. Looking at the photos today, it was such a delight to see adults having as much fun (if not more) and seeing the dance floor filled all night.
Thank you for your professionalism and for helping out when the catering staff had fallen down on their job. I really appreciated how you all stepped in without being asked and allowed me to return to my guests. I have already had several parents contact me to tell me that their kids said it was the most fun Bat Mitzvah ever. I am singing your praises so I know that we will be seeing you again at an event soon! You truly made the party and we will be forever grateful!”
-Laurie Biros, Etz Chayim Synagogue, January 11
“I had to write to tell you what an amazing time all of our guests had last night. And when I say ‘all’ of our guests, I mean that literally. Everyone from age 4 to age 80 was up dancing for some or all of the night. Joel, Ben and crew were an absolutely INCREDIBLE team. They made sure we got EXACTLY what our vision was for the party (a dance party where kids and adults would be involved and having a blast).
So thank you and please thank every member of your great team that helped us out last night. Can we please book those 4 for our son’s bar mitzvah? He says he wants ‘the exact same thing.'”
–Dana Chalif, College of San Mateo, November 2