Our Services
Weddings
With over forty years of experience and thousands of weddings behind him, this DJ knows there are no second chances on your big day. He nails every moment, from the ceremony to the last dance, bringing skill, professionalism, and polished expertise refined through workshops and conferences across North America. His five-star reviews say it all. If you want a DJ who delivers an unforgettable celebration, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about your day.
Corporate Events
Thunder & Light Entertainment delivers a professional DJ/MC experience for any corporate event, from picnics and minglers to holiday parties and fundraisers. Damian can bring high-energy interaction with games and crowd engagement, or keep things smooth and subtle with polished background music and clear announcements. Whatever your company’s vibe, he creates the perfect soundtrack. Reach out to Damian to elevate your next event.
School Events
Damian brings the energy your school event needs with today’s hottest remixes, favourite throwbacks, and a cutting-edge light show powered by clean, high-quality sound. With fun extras like bubbles, smoke effects, games, and contests, he packs the dance floor while keeping everything school-appropriate with clean, professional music sources.
From elementary events to senior formals and grads, Damian’s experience and top-tier gear make him the DJ schools invite back year after year.
Shags
Planning a Shag is a big job, and you need a pro who can make it unforgettable. With years of experience running some of the city’s biggest themed Shags, I know how to pack the floor, hype the crowd, and keep guests of all ages energized.
My focus is simple: help you raise as much money as possible. With expert music programming, a strong mic presence, and clear, engaging announcements, I drive participation and keep the party moving. With TLE on board, your Shag becomes a high-energy, profitable, and truly memorable event. Yeah baby, YEAHHH!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Celebrating a birthday and want a party that actually feels like a party? Damian brings the perfect mix of today’s hits, classic favourites, and high-energy remixes to get everyone dancing. Whether it’s a sweet sixteen, a milestone birthday, or a wild night out with friends, he reads the room, sets the vibe, and keeps the energy high from start to finish. With top-tier sound, dynamic lighting, and a smooth, professional MC style, your birthday becomes an unforgettable celebration. Let’s make this the kind of night people talk about long after the candles are blown out.
KARAOKE!!!!!
Ready to turn your event into a full-on singalong party? Damian brings professional karaoke hosting with crystal-clear sound, an easy-to-use system, and a massive library of hit songs spanning every decade and genre. Whether your crowd wants chart-toppers, rock classics, country favourites, or guilty-pleasure throwbacks, we’ve got the tracks to make everyone feel like a star. With fun hosting, smooth transitions, and a supportive vibe that gets even the shy singers up there, your karaoke night becomes an unforgettable, laughter-filled experience. Let’s get those mics fired up and the good times rolling.
DAYTIME COORDINATION AVAILABLE TO BOOKED WEDDING CLIENTS!!!!!!!
- Logical Floor Plan
- Itinerary/Timeline
- Vendor scheduling, and facilitating communication starting approximately two hours before Ceremony and/or Reception
- Ceremony Rehearsal discussion with Officiant, other vendors if applicable, and Wedding Party on order of Ceremony
- Organization and direction prior to and during Rehearsal, Ceremony and Grand Entrance for family members and Wedding Party
- Advice on speeches and incorporating them into a schedule
- Discussion on games, fun activities and other entertainment, (magicians/musicians/singers/video presentations), and advice on incorporating them into the day
FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST OF OTHER DAYTIME COORDINATORS!
HOW??????
Because I’m already there 🙂
If a couple is looking for FULL Day Coordination, or much more detailed and personal services usually managed by family and friends? I’d be more than happy to suggest some excellent local Full Day Wedding Coordinators.
WARNING; REASONS WHY YOU SOULD
RE-CONSIDER HIRING ME FOR YOUR WEDDING……..
- Sorry – I probably won’t sit with your guests during dinner, making me appear unsociable. I like to sit with my equipment so I can consistently monitor music volume throughout dinner and be immediately available or any announcements that need to be made.
- Sorry – I actually am very antisocial when it comes to drinking. Meaning, if one of your guests offer me a shooter or a drink, I will politely decline, as I only drink water at weddings. So if you’re looking for a dj to get drunk with you all, I’m probably not the best choice. I can absolutely refer you to a few dj’s who would love to drink on your tab though!!!
- Sorry – I won’t just keep to myself and sit behind my dj table like a robot during dinner. I’ll be proactive – working with photographers, videographers, staff and mc’s – helping us stay on schedule, making sure lighting is at proper levels, ensuring you’re completely taken care of, etc. Unless you’ve paid for a Coordinator. Then I’ll relax and catch up on Wordle.
- Sorry – I don’t really like wearing ties, unless you specifically want me to. I’ll wear dress pants or business casual shorts (outdoor wedding), with a nice shirt. I have yet to hear any complaints that I don’t like wearing ties. (Except from other dj’s, lol)
- Sorry – I’m going to approach the two of you a couple of times during the night just to make sure you’re happy with everything and to ask if there’s anything I can do for you.
- Sorry – if there are any dogs at your weddings, I will probably pay more attention to the dogs than any one else there. Creating a situation where I may end up being covered in dog hair. On that note, I’m not a huge fan of cats. Therefore, if there is a cat at your wedding, I will literally pay zero attention to it whatsoever and it may feel left out.
- Sorry – during our final meeting, I may gently attempt to push you to let me do games to entertain you and your guests. Because even though I’ve done numerous weddings without games that were fantastic, the truth is, the best weddings I’ve done? Most have incorporated a wild game or two prior to dancing.
- Sorry – if we do end up doing games, my ultimate goal is to have at least 10 people in the room crying from laughter during them.
- Sorry – kids really like me. Especially when I turn on the bubble machine or let them play “Dj” for some photo ops. Therefore, if there are children at the wedding, they may be congregating more around me than their parents.
- Sorry – I won’t be introducing your guests to “brand new music” which most of them have probably never heard before. I may play the occasional brand new track that just came out, but only if I know for sure it won’t hurt the dance-floor or mood. Weddings aren’t nightclubs to test out new music just because I like it.
- Sorry – I also will not stand behind my equipment or on the dancefloor and lead everyone in the YMCA, or Chicken/Bird Dance. I won’t even play these songs unless the couple specifically requests them. I know this may be a deal-breaker for many future clients, but that’s just the way it is. If you would like, I can also give you a list of jocks who always play these songs. Added bonus – they all wear ties.
- Sorry – I probably won’t bow my head during grace. But if I’m playing Wordle it’ll look like I am.
- Sorry – I have a REALLY good sound system. So if your Reception is in a hotel, some room-guests may hear your epic party. If it’s outside, the bass may disrupt the natural reproduction cycles and mating rituals of local wildlife for a couple of hours. Or it may help the animals hook up if they like to party. Who knows really…..
- Sorry – I always use two Macbook Pros. Some may find this arrogant. In reality, I only use the best equipment money can buy as I recognize how important a persons Wedding Day is and mistakes like a cheap-ass computer crashing and music stopping for 30 minutes without a backup is simply not an option.
- Sorry – if a guests’ speech goes on wayyyy too long, I may start to drown them out with the Jeopardy Theme Song. (That one was actually a joke which my Mom dared me to put in…..)
- Sorry – if someone has a birthday that night, instead of getting everyone else to sing them Happy Birthday… I may bring them up to the mic to sing Happy Birthday to themselves in an opera voice with an echo on the microphone. You’ve been warned.
- Sorry – I’m a hugger. So don’t be surprised if I give you or your parents hugs at the end of the night.
Again, you may want to seriously reconsider hiring me for your special day.
FREQUENTLEY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much experience do you have?
I consider myself the most experienced DJ in Thunder Bay. With decades of experience in large nightclubs across western Canada and thousands upon thousands of events and weddings under my belt, I am adept at catering to any demographic or age group. From Kindergarten to Seniors and everything in between.
What kind of music do you specialize in?
I particularly enjoy playing 90s Euro dance and hip-hop. But MUCH more importantly, I focus on playing music that energizes the crowd and keeps everyone dancing. I take pride in my ability to “read the room” and adapt to the energy of the event.
Do you take song requests from guests?
Absolutely. I find that taking requests usually enhances the experience. I am very approachable and have no issues accommodating guest requests, within reason. If a request is inappropriate or unsuitable for a particular event setting, I will suggest an alternative, which they always appreciate.
What sound equipment do you provide?
I use top-of-the-line QSC speakers, and either EV or QSC subwoofers, depending on the venue. Wireless microphones are top of the line Sennheisers.
Do you offer lighting or other special effects?
Yes, I offer specialty lighting, including 3 Chauvet Gig Bar options dependant on the room, Chauvet Freedom Sticks, and LCD mirror balls. Coming soon; top-of-the-line uplighting which will be available for next Wedding Season. I also have fog machines, a BRAND new beeeeautiful Dry Ice machine, and of course, the infamous bubble machine which I wouldn’t even dream of charging extra for. (The bubble machine is used only when the dance floor is full, ensuring that bubbles do not cause slippery floors.)
Could you be our MC as well?
I am often asked to act as the MC for events. At Weddings and some Coorporate events (depending on certain situations), this service incurs an additional fee due to the extra work involved. I have extensive experience in MC’ing, and I am happy to assist if needed.
How do you handle transitions between songs?
I handle song transitions exceptionally well, utilizing decades of mixing experience and advanced DJ tools like “Stems.” This ensures smooth, seamless transitions without any “dead air,” distinguishing me from amateurs who rely on platforms like Spotify.
Can we provide a list of must-play and do-not-play songs?
Absolutely. We will meet a week or so before the event to review these lists and ensure all preferences are accommodated.
How do you get guests on the dance floor?
At Weddings, I have a few effective techniques to guarantee a full dance floor from the moment it opens. At other types of events, especially Shags, it takes a little longer, but I almost always end up with a full and energized dance floor. But especially at weddings, my reputation in the city speaks to my ability to fill the floor with nearly every guest from the start.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes, I am fully insured with $5 million in liability coverage through Brokerlink Insurance, and am a long-standing member of the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association. If you choose another DJ, please ensure they are also licensed and insured, as lack of insurance can lead to significant risks.
How early will you arrive to set up?
I will arrive an hour and a half before any event the to ensure everything is properly set up. I have never been late for a gig – in my life.
Do you require a deposit, and is it refundable?
I require a 30% non-refundable retainer. However, I am flexible with applying it to a different date or future event and can make exceptions in extreme cases.
What’s your overtime policy?
I’m happy to play a few extra songs beyond the scheduled time. If you require me to play until 2:00 am, there is usually an additional charge of $150, though this is rare as guests are usually quite exhausted by then.
Can you help us choose music for special moments?
Certainly. I have extensive experience and enjoy working with clients to select music for special or specific moments. My input is often appreciated in creating memorable experiences for people.
Can you provide microphones for speeches and toasts?
Yes, I provide the best wireless microphones available in the city: Sennheisers.
Do you offer any customization options for your setup?
I generally do not use or offer “DJ furniture” or extensive customization, as I believe that my reputation and the quality of my performance speak for itself. A DJ can have the most beautiful setup on the planet and have an empty dance floor all night long if they don’t play for and properly read the room. I honestly don’t think any guests have a better night because the DJ setup is really fancy or expensive. To be honest, if I could be invisible, I would, lol. If requested, however, I do have a white facade I can supply for a small fee. But my typical setup is neat, and I have never received a single complaint.
Can you provide music for both the ceremony and reception AT OUR WEDDING?
Yes, I typically provide music for the entire Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and dancing for 8 out of 10 weddings.
How do you handle unexpected song requests that conflict with our preferences?
While I prioritize the clients specific song/theme/mood preferences, I also aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all guests. I handle requests with common sense, timing, and politeness.
Do you need a meal during the event?
I request a meal for events that occur over dinner. Please note that I do not drink alcohol, so water is sufficient for me.
Can you provide references from past clients?
I have numerous five-star reviews on my Facebook page and Google. You can still find many reviews on this Website as well.
Do you have clean versions of songs?
For every song that contains explicit content, I have a clean version. This is essential for events with children (especially schools), or parties where inappropriate lyrics are not suitable. I also keep the original versions of all the songs for clients who prefer unedited music at their events.
Where do you get your music? Are you properly licensed?
Not only do I use licensed versions of Serato and Virtual DJ – two leading DJ software programs for high-quality and LEGAL music playback – but I’ve been DJ’ing for nearly 40 years. As a result, I possess what I believe to be the most comprehensive and meticulously organized music collection amongst any DJ I’ve ever met. My library boasts almost half a million songs on my hard drives, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi at your event. I subscribe to five of the top record pools available to professional DJs: Promo Only, DJCity, Direct Music Service, Club Killers, and XMIX. This gives me unparalleled access to the latest releases and exceptional remixes, all of which are completely legal and licensed for public performance. Additionally, every track in my collection includes a clean version specifically for schools.
Do you have a Socan License?
A growing number of clients have started inquiring about music licensing and legality issues for public music play. As a long-standing member of the Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (CPDJA), I’d like to clarify how the licensing laws work. It’s actually quite straightforward. There are three main licenses involved: CONNECT, SOCAN, and RE-SOUND. You might have encountered venues that discuss fees for these licenses. Some venues list it as an additional charge, while others include it in their booking price. The venue is responsible for the SOCAN and RE-SOUND licenses, not the DJ. In Canada, the DJ is responsible for obtaining a CONNECT license, which grants the legal right to play copied music from a laptop in public settings. I have a Connect License which I have on my possession at all events.
Do you scratch, or fast mix music?
There’s a couple of tricks I use here and there, but nothing to the level of professional scratchers. It’s a fantastic skill and very cool to watch. It takes years of practice to do it properly, and I have mad respect for Dj’s who do it well. However, my lack of scratching ability has never affected a dance floor, crowd response, or client satisfaction in my entire career. While scratching is impressive to watch, I find that interesting transitions between songs, proper beat mixing, and avoiding dead air are more important for maintaining the energy on the dance floor. In the end, people just want to hear their song. Fast mixing, which involves playing a song for less than a minute or so before transitioning to the next track, is a tactic I use occasionally under certain circumstances. However, I find that many people prefer a song to play for a decent amount of time. On the other hand, no one wants to hear “Cotton-Eyed Joe” for 5 1/2 minutes. There’s a fine line that highly experienced DJs can “feel” when it comes to introducing the next track. It’s very hard to explain, but it’s all about watching your dance floor and “feeling the vibe”, which is one of my strongest skills.