Rich Cranston

CREATIVE VISIONARY

Owner & Founder - DJ - Available Worldwide

@richcranstondj - Instagram

@richcranstondj - Tik Tok

• Top DJ & Entertainer: Renowned as one of Western New York's most in-demand DJs, I craft unforgettable performances that make your wedding the talk of the town. My clients include other wedding professionals who trust me to deliver exceptional entertainment for their own events.

• Industry Expert: I share my insights as a presenter and educator at elite industry events like Las Vegas Mobile Beat DJ Convention, MEX Convention, Wedding MBA, and DJ Collective.

• Versatile Music Selection: My passion spans a wide range of genres—from hip-hop and EDM to timeless classics and modern favs. I keep the dance floor energized with surprises and tracks you might not have considered.

• Voiceover & Public Speaking: As an accomplished voiceover artist and nationally recognized public speaker, I bring a polished and engaging presence to every event.

• Investment Range: My clients typically invest between $4,000 and $10,000 for a premium experience that exceeds expectations.

• Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram & TikTok @richcranstondj for more of my work, the latest trends and planning tips.

John Roach

AGENT OF AWESOME

General Manager and DJ

Presenter & Educator - Mobile Beat DJ Convention, MEX Convention, Wedding MBA, DJ Collective

@jrencore

• 18 Year Veteran of the Rochester Event Industry

• John has opened for National Recording Artists like Jason Derulo, LMFAO, Lil John, FloRida, and Big and Rich.

• John’s first album was “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.

• John’s signature DJ style is characterized by blending classic party favorites with modern beats and energy.

• John believes that dance floor success is a science, and he has a PhD.

• Co-Host of YouTube’s THE REAL DJ SHOW!

• His top 5 MCs of all time are, in order: Jay-Z, Ice Cube, Em, 2Pac and Biggie. Don’t @ him.

Mickey Hamilton

CHIEF ENGINEER OF HYPE

DJ & Director of Digital Operations

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

@djmickeyencoreevents

• Holds Degrees in Recording Technology, Voice Performance, and Entertainment Business

• He is Encore’s Full-Time digital technical genius

• Producer of YouTube’s THE REAL DJ SHOW.

• He will never turn down an opportunity for some good karaoke… and yes there is such a thing as good karaoke…

• Once won a dance battle in Inchoeon,, South Korea… Go USA!!!

• Performer for the MEX Convention DJ Takeover - 1 of 12 selected from hundreds of applications nationally.

• First album he bought: Michael Jackson’s Bad

Andre Powell

THE ARCHITECT OF STYLE

DJ & Department Head for Production

@jentle_p

• As Encore’s Full-Time Production Manager- he makes all of our magic happen from behind the scenes!

• Dre is Encore’s most tenured DJ, and his energy is still limitless.

• Believe it or not, he’s our resident musical redneck, but his musical range is crazy.

• Hands down, one of Encore’s most fashion forward dressers. No Question!

• First Album: Lynyrd Skynyrd “Second Helping”

Mikey Viavattine

AMBASSADOR OF BASS

DJ & Director of Sales and Business Development

@djmikeyv

• Mikey is one of Rochester’s most popular Club DJs, holding many residencies. Ask him where he will be this week.

• Musician, Producer, Bassist, House Music Enthusiast, Mikey has been DJ’ing in Rochester for over a DECADE!!!

• Once opened for Deborah Cox, Jennifer Holiday, and DJs for Roc Pride Events

• Has DJ’ed the TEDDI 24 hour dance marathon at St. John Fisher multiple times

• First completely memorized album: Hall and Oates Greatest Hits (Thanks Mom)

Jordan Rakiewicz

CHIEF DANCEFLOOR OPERATOR (CDO)

DJ & Director of Client Experience

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

@dj_jnicoleencoreevents

• She graduated college with a degree in Fashion Business and, for some reason, can tell you the Pantone color of the year…

• She has the most DJ swag in the business. Don’t believe me? Watch the video below.

• Her favorite era of music is the 2000’s but her family heavily influenced her musical taste so she can keep everyone on the dancefloor!

• Since the age of 9, she’s been able to play Trumpet, French Horn, Piano, and Drum Kit!

• Performer for the MEX Convention DJ Takeover - 1 of 12 selected from hundreds of applications nationally.

• Her First CD that she ever bought was the album: Usher - Confessions Pt 2

Austen Reid

FOREMAN OF FRESH TRACKS

DJ & Production Specialist

@dj_areid

• Joined Encore Events after owning his own DJ Business since college.

• Got a noise ordinance ticket during his first DJ event ever.

• His first DJ controller literally died in flames. The set was that damn hot.

• He once won free taco bell for a year at a dance off at the RedWings baseball stadium.

• His first album was Santana's Greatest hits.

Shane Allen

GROOVE CONSULTANT

DJ

• Worked as an “on-air” radio DJ and is currently the host of three podcasts (The Gentlemen's Club, The Innerloop Podcast, & House School)

• Shane has been doing stand-up comedy for over a decade and performs, produces, and hosts live shows all over Western NY

• He's our resident Emo Expert and has a collection of guitar picks from bands like Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, and Taking Back Sunday to prove it.

• Fun Fact: Shane has won multiple "Best Of Rochester" Awards

• Funner Fact: Shane Allen is the only Real Estate Agent in Rochester known to DJ his client's housewarming party

• First CDs: Linkin Park's "Reanimation, Weezer's Green Album, and Christina Aguilera's debut album

Tony Franklin

PROFESSOR OF BEATS

DJ

• Has opened as a DJ for both Nelly and T.I. (No Really, one of our staff was in the audience for one of those performances, can you guess who?)

• Tony has DJ’ed and been blending genres for 17 years.

• His debut in a club setting came when he was only 13 years old!

• Favorite DJ: Camilo

• First Album: T.I. - Urban Legend

Dr. Kendrick Heintzelman

DANCEFLOOR ENGINEER

DJ

• Seriously, he holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

• He knows all the words to “DotA” by Basshunter………………. In Swedish…..

• Not only has he been a music producer for 12 years, he also made the intro song for the podcast: “ Sticks & Beers”

• When we say he’s a huge EDM fan, that doesn’t even begin to cover it… No really! He once made his own Marshmello helmet, including the LED’s!

• First CD: Queen’s Greatest Hits

Stephanie Hyde

SWAG CAPTAIN

DJ

@_s.hyde_

• Claims that learning the clarinet makes her a better DJ.

• Former On-Air Radio Personality.

• Believes that all wedding couples should have Whitney Houston’s - I Wanna Dance With Somebody, on their Must Play List!

• First Album she ever bought: Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.

Rich Post

MASTERMIND OF FUNKY TECH

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

DJ

@djrichpost

• Rich is one of Encore Event’s original DJs. Get yourself an OG!

• One of Encore’s true gear-heads. There isn’t a piece of tech that Rich doesn’t love, or want to turn into a way to rock your dance floor.

• Rich believes a laptop and turntables are as powerful as any instrument.

• The 90s and the Aughts are Rich’s true wheelhouse, but watch him mix an old classic into something crazy and contemporary.

• His home is a true menagerie: an energetic shepherd-husky, 2 cats, a chinchilla, and fish, and also 3 kids.

• Performer for the MEX Convention DJ Takeover - 1 of 12 selected from hundreds of applications nationally.

• Van Halen 1984 was his first album….so might as well JUMP!

Justin Reed

BEAT-MAKER IN CHIEF

DJ

@djjustroc

• Has an EXTENSIVE background in radio in the Rochester area including 103.9 WDKX, The Beat 105.5, and MEGA 97.5!

• Grew up in a house where his mom was involved in Music and his dad was involved in computers and technology and he found a way to combine the two through DJing.

• DJed his first wedding (With some help) when he was only 16!

• If Justin could put together a mixtape from when he was in High School, it would include artists like Jay-Z, Rihanna, Mary J Blige, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Akon!

Jack Laino

MIX NINJA

DJ

@jacklaino

• Born and raised in Buffalo, NY before moving to Rochester but we’re not sure if he likes drums or flats.

• Yes, he actually knows what ALL of those buttons do. He knows exactly what each feature does and how to apply it creatively to his mixes.

• His favorite part of DJing is cutting the music and hearing the crowd sing the lyrics back to him. What a rush!

• First album listened from front to back: Discovery – Daft Punk

• Jacks’ favorite genres to mix include, hip-hop, EDM and 80s classics.

Robert Torres Russell

TURNTABLE GENERAL

DJ

• Got an early head start on DJing at just 9 years old

• Grew up in NYC surrounded by his musically talented family

• His wheelhouse include 90’s Hip Hop and R&B.

• His first album that he bought was Craig Mack - Flava In Ya Ear on Vinyl!!!

• One of Encore’s TRUE Turntablists who learned on Real Vinyl, a true OG!

Savannah Sexton

ADMINISTRATOR OF VIBE

DJ

@thinksavy

• New to Rochester, NY, Savannah was born & raised in Cincinnati, OH. Savannah has hosted and opened for an extensive amount of events and clubs in Cincinnati, including playing sets for many artists, such as, Nitty Scott.

• She’s opened for Steve Aoki for ANA Airlines in NYC and played for Sommer Ray’s Christmas party in LA.

• Her first album (always stealing from her older sister): No Doubt-Tragic Kingdom & The Offspring-Americana (Actually for her personal collection) Britney Spears -…Baby One More Time

• PS, Encore’s got a new fashion forward dresser.

Ray Tiano

COMMISSIONER OF REMIXOLOGY

DJ

@dj_tiano81

• Years ago we found Ray in a bar and we knew we had to bring him on! His ability to read the room and mix songs of different genres is like no other.

• You should hear his remix of ‘Summer of 69’! You won’t regret it.

• You love Latin Beats? Ray is your guy! Come hear him in one of our Open Houses!

• Fun Fact: If Ray could trade places with anyone, it would be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.