Rich Cranston

Owner & Founder | Wedding DJ & Experience Curator

@richcranstondj - Instagram

@richcranstondj - Tik Tok

Rich Cranston creates wedding performances that feel like an experience—not just a playlist. With a career spanning over 1,000 events, he brings a deep understanding of music, pacing, and room energy, reading the crowd in real time and adjusting as the night unfolds.

Rich is obsessively intentional about flow. From how a room is opened, to when energy is pushed or pulled back, every decision is made with purpose. His performances blend modern favorites, timeless classics, and unexpected songs you didn’t even think of - moments that surprise the dance floor and emotionally elevate the night.

Known as a wedding-vendor DJ of choice, Rich commands the room with confidence and polish, telling his couple’s story musically through the decades and across generations. Nothing is forced. Everything is tailored. The result is a celebration that feels natural, elevated, and unforgettable.

Investment: Most couples invest $4,000–$10,000.

John Roach

General Manager & DJ

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

National Director of Education and Member Experience- The DJs Vault

@jrencore

John has spent over 20 years in the Rochester event industry and brings a rare balance of leadership, performance experience, and musical intuition to Encore. As General Manager, he helps set the standard for both client experience and DJ performance, ensuring every event is intentional from start to finish.

Music has always been part of John’s DNA. His first album was He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and that early influence still shows in his approach today. His style blends classic party favorites with modern energy, creating dance floors that feel familiar, fresh, and effortless.

John believes great dance floors are never accidental. To him, timing, crowd movement, and energy are a science, and yes, he jokingly claims he has a PhD in it. When he’s not working events or mentoring DJs, you’ll find him debating his top five MCs of all time: Jay-Z, Ice Cube, Eminem, 2Pac, and Biggie.

Mickey Hamilton

Assistant General Manager & DJ

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

@djmickeyencoreevents

Mickey brings a strong mix of musical training and technical expertise to Encore. With degrees in Recording Technology, Voice Performance, and Entertainment Business, he has a deep understanding of sound, structure, and performance.

As Assistant General Manager, Mickey oversees much of Encore’s digital and technical infrastructure, helping ensure events run smoothly behind the scenes while maintaining a high standard on the performance side. He is equally comfortable troubleshooting systems as he is reading a room.

A trained musician at heart, Mickey applies music theory and arrangement to his DJ style, focusing on clean transitions, pacing, and intentional energy shifts rather than instinct alone. His sets feel polished, thoughtful, and well controlled.

His musical roots run deep. The first album he owned was Bad by Michael Jackson, an early influence that still shows in his appreciation for rhythm, groove, and timeless artistry.

Jentle “Andre” Powell, Jr.

Production Manager & DJ

@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

DJ

@djmikeyv

Mikey V is one of Rochester’s most recognizable DJs, known for his club residencies, festival appearances, and unmistakable presence behind the booth. If there is a packed dance floor somewhere in the city, there is a good chance Mikey is involved.

A musician and producer at heart, Mikey brings a deep love for house music and live performance into his sets, blending rhythm, movement, and crowd connection in a way that feels electric and inclusive.

He is a staple in Rochester and Buffalo’s PRIDE and festival scenes, regularly DJ’ing large-scale community events where personality and connection matter just as much as the music.

Known for his iconic fedora, confident mic work, and genuinely warm presence, Mikey creates spaces where people feel welcome, celebrated, and free to be themselves. For him, it is never just about the music. It is about the moment and the shared experience.

Jordan Rakiewicz

DJ & Director of Client Experience

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

Performer - Pittsburgh DJ Summit

@dj_jnicoleencoreevents

Jordan brings high energy, confidence, and an instinctive understanding of flow and guest experience to every event. With a background in fashion business, she has a sharp eye for detail and aesthetics that shows in how she approaches both performance and planning.

A lifelong musician, Jordan has played trumpet, French horn, piano, and drum kit since the age of nine. That foundation shows up in her timing, transitions, and ability to build momentum naturally on the dance floor.

Her sound leans heavily into early-2000s favorites, balanced with a wide musical range shaped by family influence and years of performance. She has a natural ability to keep every generation engaged.

As Director of Client Experience, Jordan also works closely with couples throughout the planning process, making sure their vision translates seamlessly from conversations to celebration. She is, simply put, an effing vibe.

Adam Dibble

DJ

@adamdibbs

Adam’s musical range spans rock, country, and hip-hop, but his true affinity lives in rock and punk. That influence shows up in his energy, pacing, and ability to build moments that feel raw, fun, and alive.

He can create a dance floor from virtually any genre or decade on the fly, relying on instinct and experience rather than premade playlists or shortcuts.

Adam’s first DJ gig was a holiday company party for his dad’s former store, powered by a home stereo system and a portable CD player, long before DJ’ing was streamlined or automated.

A resident DJ at Country Roads, Adam thrives in rooms where energy, connection, and authenticity matter most. His approach is confident, flexible, and rooted in a genuine love of music.

Ryan Becker

DJ

@raynbec

Ryan brings a calm, welcoming presence to every event, paired with a deep appreciation for sound, storytelling, and hospitality. His background includes recording radio advertisements for a retail business he has owned and operated for over a decade, sharpening his ear for tone, pacing, and audience connection.

His love for sharing music began in the MySpace era, where curating profile songs was a daily ritual and an early glimpse into his instinct for mood and atmosphere.

Beyond DJ’ing, Ryan produces original music and ambient soundscapes, with hopes of one day sharing his own work on a festival stage.

One of his most memorable sets took place at 4 a.m. in Amsterdam, DJ’ing alongside a canal during his honeymoon. Known for his friendly, approachable nature, Ryan creates environments where guests feel comfortable, included, and genuinely cared for.

Shane Allen

DJ

@shanejokez

Shane brings a unique blend of performance, timing, and personality to every event. With experience as an on-air radio DJ and as the host of multiple podcasts (The Gentlemen's Club, The Innerloop Podcast, & House School), he is comfortable behind the mic and instinctive about pacing and crowd connection.

He has also spent over a decade in stand-up comedy, writing, producing, and hosting live shows across Western New York. That background gives him an exceptional sense of timing and audience awareness on the dance floor.

Shane’s musical superpower lives in pop-punk, emo, and alternative energy. He is known for delivering unforgettable late-night moments built on nostalgia and communal sing-alongs, when the timing is right.

A multiple-time Best of Rochester winner, Shane is bold, intentional, and unapologetically fun. He even DJs his real estate clients’ housewarming parties, because the party does not have to end.

Dominick Xomvimane (ZOH-vee-mahn)

DJ

@dominickxom

Dominick brings a modern, globally influenced sound to every event, drawing inspiration from artists like Dom Dolla and Kaytranada while shaping a style that is distinctly his own. His sets blend Afrobeats, R&B, and EDM into a groove-driven experience that feels current and intentional.

Before DJ controllers were on his radar, Dom taught himself to mix directly on his laptop, developing a strong understanding of phrasing, transitions, and musical flow early on.

Raised on nonstop MTV music videos, his appreciation for rhythm, movement, and visual culture runs deep. His first album was 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole, an influence that still shows in his appreciation for storytelling and texture.

Tony Franklin

DJ

@djjustone94

Tony is deeply rooted in the Rochester club scene, with residencies and appearances at venues including del Lago and Vinyl. His nightlife background gives him a sharp instinct for pacing, genre blending, and reading a room in real time.

With 17 years behind the booth, Tony’s style is built on fluid transitions and seamless crossover between hip-hop, open-format, and club-forward energy.

He began DJ’ing in clubs at just 13 years old, gaining early experience that shaped his confidence and adaptability in high-energy environments.

Tony has opened for nationally recognized artists including T.I. and Nelly, experiences that sharpened his professionalism and performance awareness. His first album, Urban Legend by T.I., still reflects his appreciation for rhythm and culture-driven music.

Dr. Kendrick Heintzelman

DJ

@kkendrickk18

Yes, Kendrick holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and that precision and awareness carry over into how he approaches music and movement on the dance floor.

He has been producing music for over 12 years and created the intro track for the podcast Sticks & Beers, showcasing his ability to craft sound with intention.

An unapologetic EDM enthusiast, Kendrick thrives on big builds, immersive drops, and high-energy moments. His passion for electronic music runs deep, and yes, he once built his own Marshmello helmet with working LEDs.

Despite his EDM focus, his musical foundation is classic. The first CD he owned was Queen’s Greatest Hits, and he somehow knows every word to “DotA” by Basshunter, in Swedish.

Stephanie Hyde

DJ

@_s.hyde_

Stephanie brings a thoughtful, musical approach to every event, shaped by her background as a former on-air radio personality. She is comfortable behind the mic and instinctive about pacing and tone.

With a background in clarinet, Stephanie believes musicianship sharpens her ear as a DJ, and it shows in her transitions and natural ability to build energy throughout the night.

Her style blends feel-good classics with modern favorites, always prioritizing joy and connection. She firmly believes every wedding needs at least one universal, hands-in-the-air moment, and for her, Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody is non-negotiable.

Approachable, confident, and intuitive, Stephanie creates dance floors that feel inclusive and effortlessly fun.

Rich Post

Performer - MEX Convention DJ Takeover

DJ

@djrichpost

Rich is one of Encore’s long-standing DJs, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of how music, technology, and energy work together on the dance floor.

A true gear enthusiast, Rich loves exploring how sound, lighting, and technology can be used creatively to elevate an event. To him, a laptop and turntables are just as expressive as any traditional instrument.

He thrives in the ’90s and early 2000s, blending throwback favorites with modern twists that keep dance floors familiar but never predictable.

Rich’s approach is technical, playful, and intentional. His musical roots go back to Van Halen’s 1984, and that bold energy still shows in how he builds moments that get people moving.

Li Jensen

Assistant Production Manager & DJ

@little.jensen

Li brings deep musical knowledge and technical precision to Encore as Assistant Production Manager, playing a key role in how events are built and supported behind the scenes.

They spent three years performing in an Irish folk band and were part of a choir that opened for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, experiences that shaped their appreciation for live performance and dynamics.

Li began music lessons at six years old and later earned degrees in Recording Technology and Music Theory. That education now drives their work with Encore’s production systems and gear.

While they DJ on a limited schedule, Li’s impact is felt at nearly every event through the systems they help power. Their first album was This Is the Story by The Proclaimers.

Justin Reed

DJ

@djjustroc

Justin brings a broadcast-level understanding of music and audience connection to every event. His background includes extensive work in Rochester radio with 103.9 WDKX, The Beat 105.5, and MEGA 97.5.

Growing up around both music and technology, Justin naturally found his lane combining the two through DJ’ing.

He DJ’d his first wedding at just 16 years old, learning early how to read crowds and adapt in real time.

Musically, his style pulls from hip-hop, pop, and R&B. His high school soundtrack included Jay-Z, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Akon, influences that still shape his feel for energy and flow.

Jack Laino

DJ

@jacklaino

Born and raised in Buffalo before making Rochester home, Jack brings confident, no-frills energy to every event.

He is highly technical behind the booth, with a deep understanding of his gear and how to use it creatively. Every feature has a purpose, and Jack knows how to apply it to elevate transitions and builds.

Jack’s favorite moments come from interaction, cutting the music at just the right time and letting the crowd sing every word back.

His musical taste spans hip-hop, EDM, and ’80s classics. One of his earliest influences was Discovery by Daft Punk, an album that shaped his appreciation for groove and innovation.

Savannah Sexton

DJ

@thinksavy

Originally from Cincinnati and now based in Rochester, Savannah brings big-city experience and sharp performance instincts to every event.

Before relocating, she built a strong presence in the Cincinnati club scene, hosting and opening for artists including Nitty Scott.

Savannah has also performed at high-profile events, opening for Steve Aoki at an ANA Airlines event in New York City and DJ’ing private events in Los Angeles, including Sommer Ray’s Christmas party.

Her style is energetic and genre-fluid, shaped by fast-paced environments that demand confidence and adaptability. Early influences ranged from No Doubt and The Offspring to Britney Spears, a blend that still shows in her versatility.

Ray Tiano

DJ

@dj_tiano81

Ray is a technician behind the booth, known for clean cuts, precise transitions, and an instinctive ability to read a room. He is a DJ’s DJ, focused, disciplined, and always in control of the mix.

His superpower lives in ’90s and 2000s hip-hop, funk, and R&B, where timing and feel matter most. Ray understands those eras deeply and knows how to build momentum without overplaying moments.

While that is his lane, Ray is fully open-format and comfortable across genres, adapting effortlessly to different crowds and energy levels.

His style is smooth, cohesive, and confidently executed from start to finish.

Austen Reid

DJ

@dj_areid

From his earliest performances, Austen learned quickly that energy is powerful and that managing it with intention is what separates a good party from a great one. His first event came with a noise ordinance ticket, and his very first controller quite literally died in flames. Those early moments shaped his perspective. Preparation matters. Control matters. Reading the room matters even more.

Over the years, Austen has refined his approach into one that balances high-impact dance floor energy with thoughtful timing and seamless transitions. He understands when to build momentum, when to let a moment breathe, and how to keep guests fully engaged without overwhelming the flow of the evening.

Music has always been central to his life. His first album was Santana’s Greatest Hits, a fitting introduction to rhythm-driven, feel-good sound. Outside of weddings, he once won free Taco Bell for a year during a dance-off at a Red Wings baseball stadium, a story that reflects both his competitive spirit and love for a packed crowd.