Staying true to the DJ art form, Jason Fioto has always let his music speak for him. For more than 10 years, his music has spoken volumes while he’s manned the turntables at some of the hottest nightspots–from Marquee and 1Oak in NYC to TAO in Las Vegas. With an uncanny ability to read the crowd and mix diverse genres into one night of music, Jason’s energized style has translated seamlessly from the clubs to weddings and to social events. Jason’s innate skills as a DJ has earned him a reputation for creating an authentic DJ experience, and is the foundation upon which Generation Events is built. Jason is one of the most sought after private event DJs among NYC’s most desired venues and event planners, and has earned him recognition in popular magazines, including New York Magazine and Life & Style Weekly.

We thought we’d talk with Jason a little bit about who he is and what he does…

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  What inspired you to get into event entertainment?

{JASON FIOTO}:  My lifelong love of music was the driving force. I also recognized a need for a niche within the industry for a boutique-like business that offered a modern yet personal approach to wedding entertainment services.

{TBC}:  What specific entertainment services do you provide?

DJ’s and Live Entertainment.

{TBC}:  What five words would your colleagues use to best describe you?

Dedicated, Intuitive, Flexible, Creative and Fun.

{TBC}:  What’s the top reason brides and grooms select a DJ instead of a band or orchestra?

A DJ lends a certain authenticity to a wedding by having the flexibility to play any song through out the night by the original artist. Another benefit is that the DJ has the ability to react faster to the needs of the crowd whereas a band or orchestra is generally confined to the music within their repertoire.

{TBC}:  What advice would you give to a newly engaged couple about wedding music?

To select music that will get their guests up and dancing without compromising their musical taste.

{TBC}:  What are the most popular First Dance Songs currently requested?

1. “That’s How Strong My Love is” by Sam Cooke”

2. “Stay With You” by John Legend”

3. “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison.

{TBC}:  What music request always surprises you?

Not too much. All of my clients usually have different musical tastes, which is always fun and refreshing and keeps every wedding unique to the client.

{TBC}:  What’s the most incredible wedding entertainment package you’ve produced recently? What made it so cool?

I’m actually currently working on an event in Aspen where I will be accompanied by two conga players and an electric violinist during my DJ set. It’s really cool because it will create a live and interactive experience with the crowd.

{TBC}:  What’s your position on having the DJ visible or invisible in the stage design?

I would rather the DJ be visible. Deejaying is a very interactive experience so it’s important for me to be close to the dance floor in order to get a sense of what the crowd is responding to.

{TBC}:  What do you like most about being a wedding DJ?

Events by nature are a celebration, so guests are always excited and ready to have a great time, which makes for a really fun environment. The clients are also extremely grateful which is very rewarding.

{TBC}:  Did you come from a music background or upbringing?

My first experience with instruments was actually the drums (which of course my parents we’re not thrilled about). I later took up piano and then bought my first set of turntables and started to DJ. (I was hooked!)

{TBC}:  When the energy in the room isn’t grooving, what’s your go-to, gets ‘em dancing every time, tune?

“I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5; or “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz; and also “Like a Prayer” by Madonna.

{TBC}:  If you could work a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Dubai, I think it would be an amazing experience.

{TBC}:  Knowing you work most weekend nights, where would we find you at 9:00am on a Sunday morning?

If I have any say in the matter, in bed sleeping!

{TBC}:  What’s your all-time favorite musical artist or album? And why?

That’s a tough question especially being a DJ because I love so many different styles of music and artists. However, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson would definitely be on the top of my list.

{TBC}:  What’s the secret to packing the dance floor at a wedding?

Creating a great mix of music throughout the entire night and really reading what the crowd is responding to.

{TBC}:  What do you wish you’d have known 5 years ago that you know now?

As of now nothing really…each experience has been a lesson in some way, which I am grateful for.

{TBC}:  If you weren’t working as a wedding DJ, what career would interest you?

A Songwriter.

{TBC}:  What are you most excited about at the moment? What’s next for Generation Events?

Expanding my business and also helping to set trends within the event entertainment industry.

We thank Jason Fioto of Generation Events for all his uber-cool answers to our questions about wedding entertainment. If you would like more information on Generation Events, hop on over to Jason’s groovy website or check out his Creative Partner profile.