JT Michaels Entertainment, Up Close and Personal

Getting Up Close and Personal with some of the Professional Vendors I love working with is always a treat for me....some I have had the chance to know personally and have become really good friends with and JT Michaels has become one of them. He has a heart of gold.....you'll see with some of the personal accomplishments and life events he shares with me. So sitback and read about the talented JT Michaels Entertainment.......

Q: What made you decide to become a Professional DJ, what year did you start? 

A: 1989

I love music. I began collecting vinyl in the 80's, then CD's in the 90's. Because I had a large music library and also enjoy the nightlife, it was a natural fit being a DJ. It's also rewarding to help make a wedding couple's reception a complete success....all while having fun doing so. 

Q:  How was your first event and what would you have done differently if anything? 

A: It was a graduation party for my cousin, Erynn at Darby Creek Park. I wouldn’t have done anything differently, but looking back it would have been easier to create a playlist ahead of time.

Q: What makes couples want to hire you? 

A: That’s easy…just look at me. I’ve always been irresistible to both women & men. LOL 

I’ve been told my pricing is very reasonable. There are so many inexperienced DJ’s offering “too good to be true” pricing like $200 using home stereo equipment. Then there’s DJ’s demanding  $1,500 to play for 3 hours. I charge $100 @ hour for weddings and I’ve not raised my prices in years. 

Q: How do you make sure couples feel confident in your business? 

A: I have references available from hundreds of events I’ve performed at over the past 20 years. I have a $2 million insurance policy. I also make sure there’s an easy-to-understand event agreement…and I don’t rush or pressure them into signing it. 

Q: Do you book more than one event on the same day? 

Q: Not when it comes to weddings. 99% of events throughout the year are single-day events. There are a couple of exceptions. For example, I donate my DJ services each year to the Buckeye Ranch. On August 24th , they asked me to play from 11am – 2pm. I also do events for Macy’s, though, and got a call from them recently asking me to play from 9am – 9pm. I had to decline. They were persistent, however, and asked if I would stop by afterwards and play the rest of the day (approximately 3pm – 9pm) so I agreed to that.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time with family and friends or by yourself? 

A: Well, today I spent the afternoon with my son at Easton. After lunch, we met up with Bobby Rahal who is also donating his time to the Buckeye Ranch by putting on an event called RALLY FOR THE RANCH. This is the 2nd year for the car show. I also enjoy traveling (I’ve been to 47 states), OSU football, video games, aviation, NASCAR, concerts, and romantic walks on the beach. 

Q: Do you have any hobbies? 

A: Anything music-related, flying out of Bolton Field, football.

Q: What is the best advice you can give to a couple when planning their wedding? 

A: Make sure daddy has some deep pockets! LOL  Seriously, though…my #1 piece of advice would be to plan ahead. This benefits everyone. Not just the wedding couple, but the venue, the vendors, and both families. Try and give yourself at least one year in advance to properly plan out everything. Second piece of advice…hire a wedding planner such as Nora McCoy to ensure your day goes smoothly. This will take away a HUGE amount of stress because you’ll have a non-family member by your side when you need her.

Q: Would you say your pricing is compatible with almost any budget? 

A: Yes. As I mentioned, I’m told my pricing is very reasonable and in many cases below what other DJ’s with less experience are charging. It pays to shop around. I offer discounts for Sun-Thur events, those in the military, and those needing more than 6 hours.

Q: What is the funniest thing you have ever seen at a wedding? 

A: Hmmm…well, I could write a book on this one. If I had to pick just one, it would probably be a couple years ago when the groomsmen had a good laugh at the bride & groom’s expense. After a very long day (and even a longer night), they were exhausted and just wanted to head home in order to be finally alone. I watched as they said their goodbyes to everyone and headed out the door ready to begin their honeymoon. Unfortunately for them, the guys had wrapped their car completely in industrial strength plastic wrap. The inside was jam-packed with colorful balloons, too. After a few laughs (and after taking some photos), they all pitched in to help the groom with removing all of it from his car so they could finally go home.



Q: How can couples contact you to set up a consultation? 

A: I’m available by phone at 614-571-0820 or you can email sales@jtmichaels.com.

Q: Do you charge for a consultation? 

A: Never

Q: What trends do you see coming for 2014 couples? 

A: When it comes to fashion, I’ll probably let someone else answer this one. From an entertainment perspective, I see the wedding DJ as popular as ever. Photo booths aren’t as popular as they have been in previous years, but uplighting still continues to be strong and will be throughout 2014.

Q: Are you married, single, children...tell me a little about yourself! 

A: Sorry ladies…I’m engaged to my long-time girlfriend of 8 years (I know, I know). I have one son from a previous marriage. His name is Christian. 

JT shared some personal stuff with all of us and I enjoyed learning more about him. 

A few things most DO NOT know about me….

I have worked many odd jobs...I can drive a forklift, I was a credit card fraud investigator for 3 yrs, worked for my best friend and his father’s construction company briefly, I know how to build websites, worked in Master Control for FOX28, a radio personality for 5 FM stations here in Central Ohio, etc. 

I’ve proven repeatedly that money only goes so far in life. I’ve broke up with a “rich girl” on more than one occasion because I was more attracted to a down-to-earth girl making barely minimum wage instead. 

 At age 17, I was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. 

My parents did their homework and discovered St. Jude and I still fly regularly to/from Memphis, TN to help out whenever I can. My father and Fred Ricart are friends and put together a St. Jude’s benefit about ten years ago. This is an annual event held in July with 100% of the proceeds going to the hospital.

I LOVE 80’s music! Journey, Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, etc. I opened up for Wang Chung and The Fixx this past weekend at the Hollywood Casino and it was a dream come true! In August, I’ll open for the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s and in September, it’s the band Starship and John Waite.