Bandleader an experienced DJ

A couple from Georgia chose an unusual mix for their wedding at the Jupiter Beach Resort. For their entrance, Ted played "Malagueña" by the Stan Kenton Orchestra, and their request list ranged from from Charlie Parker and Miles Davis to Pink Floyd, Shania Twain, and Bob Seger.

For a reception at Delray Dunes Country Club in December 2003, the bride and groom asked Ted to play soft Christmas instrumentals for dinner followed by high-energy music for dancing. They burned a CD of special favorites, which Ted was glad to mix with his own extensive collection, and they also had him play the piano for cocktails. 

Ted returned to the Dunes to play for two weddings in 2004. The club's golf pro and his bride, a Pi Beta Phi sister from Stetson University, enjoyed unusual requests such as "Let's get ready to rumble!" for their first dance, and "Hot for Teacher" for the cutting of the cake. Ted returned later in the year to play for the club manager's daughter's wedding. Requests at that reception included "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Foxey Lady."

A Turkish-American couple from New York had Ted's band and DJ music for their wedding at the Palm Beach Ritz-Carlton. First, his jazz quintet played Brazilian jazz for cocktails by the ocean, followed by smooth standards for dinner in the 100 South Ocean room. Later, the band packed up and Ted moved to his DJ rig, where he played dance music into the wee hours.

Party time

A thirty-something couple wanted fun oldies for a party at their waterfront condo in Delray Beach. Ted designed a custom mix that hit all the right notes, and with the client's approval, sent DJ Glen Rovinelli to take care of business. The couple still talk about how much fun everyone had.

For a road rally party held at a home in Boca Raton's Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, owners of forty classic and exotic convertibles enjoyed car songs like the Beach Boys' "Fun Fun Fun" and "Hot Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen.

At a Delray Beach party held for neighbors who were moving away, Ted played requests from a list faxed over in advance. With tunes from Janis Joplin, Meat Loaf, and Warren Zevon, it was a wild time. Plans were made to bring Ted across the state for a party at the couple's new home in Naples.

It's the music that matters

Ted makes all the right announcements but he talks less than most DJs. He skips the jokes and chatter because it's the music that matters. He and his fellow DJs Glen Rovinelli, Larry Ruda and Brian Russell don't do rubber guitars or karaoke for the same reason.

Ted was known for his live music when he decided to add disc jockey service. For his first DJ gig, a college graduation party held in 1983 at the Ocean Club in Ocean Ridge, he played records on twin turntables through a Peavey amp and speakers. Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Jeopardy" by Greg Kihn were among the big hits at the time.

Today his collection is all on CD and iPod. Everything is carefully cross-referenced so that thousands of songs from ABBA to ZZ Top can be located quickly by title, artist or style. The system includes a  1200-watt Stewart power amp, Electro-Voice speakers and Cerwin-Vega sub-woofers, choice gear that produces crystal clear sound at any volume. It's scalable, from a single powered speaker to a full setup ready for the largest rooms. Ted uses quality equipment because he loves music, and he says that hearing it played right is just as much a treat for him as it is for you.

A word from Ted Knight

"A lot of DJs come in with kind of a game plan. They're used to playing certain songs at certain times and making announcements a certain way, and they want you to go along with them.

"I don't feel that way at all. There are too many possibilities to get hung up doing things one way all the time. I want to hear your ideas, to make your wedding fresh and as much fun as possible.

"I have fun working with unusual lists and making the music flow, because that's what makes people come up and say things like, 'Thanks for the great tunes.' And I get to say, 'Your hosts picked out some wonderful music for me to play for you.'

"Although I think the DJ should give the client a chance to be creative, I'm also ready to make choices when the client is not so specific. You don't have to tell me what to play, but when you do, I listen.

"As far as announcements, there's no one right way. I can do an elaborate production, keep it simple, or do anything in between. I have to admit, though, if you're looking for a DJ who keeps up a running chatter, you should really get someone else. My philosophy is, it's the music that matters. I'm here to make your ideas happen. Whether you're into country, rock, jazz, hip-hop, whatever - bring it on!"