Donald Blair
He’s on a path. Like many paths, it’s had numerous twists and turns, unexpected ups and downs and a few complete washouts that forced him to step back and reassess. But he likes where he’s at right now.
Donald heard a calling back when he was teenager. His aunt told him with his voice he had to go into radio. And, as that suggestion came from an adult, Donald the teenager did all he could to do the opposite. In his career he’s been a manger at a Check n Go, worked with Julia Butterfly Hill (one of the original tree sitters), owned and operated a massage therapist business, sold jewelery at JC Penney, been the director of child care at a Chicago Military Boys school and sold life insurance.
That job”, Donald says, referring to the life insurance gig, “really sucked.”
He’s been a Bay Area guy for about 12 years now, after spending the bulk of his time in the midwest. As it is for many of us, the weather, natural and cultural appeal justifies the other costs.
“I would say about five days a week I just have to stop and realize how beautiful it is here,” he says.
After all these years he is using that gorgeous voice his aunt told him about as a mobile DJ. It is soothing and friendly to say the least. His "hello" immediately puts a smile on your face.
He’s too much of a traveller to make this one thing his only thing but, again, the path he’s on right now has a bright beam of sunshine on it. And he’s very much enjoying walking it.
GoTo Links:
"Thanks for checking in! Our wedding was perfect, and we want to thank you for hooking us up with such a great DJ! We sent a check in the mail a couple weeks ago for Donald as a thank-you."
-Katherine Tsai, Silverado Country Club, June 18, 2011
"Sorry this is a little late, but the wedding was great. Donald was wonderful. He played a great mix of music and got everyone on the dancefloor. He handled the MC situation perfectly for us -- a few comments when needed to keep things moving, but nothing more. I really appreciated how he handled the anniversary dance (making my elderly grandparents the center of attention long enough for them to feel special without exhausting them). He was great.
Thank you for all your help in the planning process. Everything went smoothly. Mike and I were very happy."
-Maggie Clipper, Mountain Terrace, May 20, 2011
"Just wanted to say everything turned out well and Donald did a great job."
-Maureen Pereira, Bridges Golf Club, May 7, 2011
"Donald was awesome. He had just about everyone up and dancing. His selection was great and was super about taking requests, not to mention the fact the he's a really nice and respectful person. I'd have no hesitations in recommending him to anyone."
-Lulu Braunstein, Lafayette Residence, December 18, 2010
"The party was a big hit! Everyone had a blast and the music variety was awesome. Donald did a great job of accommodating to the music requests of our company. We could not have asked for a better company to work with. We would like to thank Denon and Doyle for being able to do it on such a short notice, yet remained professional."
-Neevee Phamie, Berkeley Art Museum, December 11, 2010
"Donald arrived early, set-up quickly and was ready to get the party started when the time came. He was so committed to helping my couple's guests enjoy themselves that he actually got on the dance floor to lead one of the group "cha cha" song steps. It was a pleasure working with him."
-Nicol Irvin, Little Blue Box Weddings, V. Sattui Winery, October 16, 2010
"Everything was amazing. Donald was fantastic and the photo booth was a huge hit. The lighting was spectacular and the mic worked perfectly…. Only great things to be said. Thank you so much for all of your help… please thank Donald for me again."
-Denise DeMartini, Bridges Golf Club, October 8, 2010
"We are more than thrilled with both the music and Donald at the wedding. Not only was the dance floor packed the whole night, but even the people in chairs were singing along and enjoying the tunes. My mom said that she must have been asked a couple dozen times "who picked this music? it's great!". Please thank Donald for us because even though I gave some ideas and specifics, he really pulled out all the right songs at the right times."
-Dayna Santin, Jack London Lodge, September 25, 2010
"I want to tell you what a wonderful time we had. The sounds and Video setup was excellent, and worked perfect throughout the night. Donald and Dale were very Gracious, professional, and accomodating. They went the extra mile to make sure our event was all that we could imagine. They will tell you, it was a busy night, and everthing went smooth. We went with D&D because you are a will organized business who has been entertaining people for over 20 years. This event was just another notch on your belt to prove it. Thanks again. If you need us as a reference, I am more than happy to tell anyone about our satisfaction with your work."
-Roger Bird, Greek Orthodox Church, August 28, 2010
"The wedding was fabulous! We had a great time and are so happy we had Donald as our DJ/MC. He was GREAT! Very professional and provided good energy. Thanks for everything!"
-Ronyelle Banks, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, August 14, 2010
"The party was a huge success!! I couldn't have asked for a better D.J. Donald was fabulous!! "
-Debbie Micell, Camel Barn Museaum, July 17, 2010
"Donald was fantastic, we heard a lot of compliments about the music and especially about his professionalism and friendliness. It was wonderful to know that the event was in good hands.
Thanks for helping us to create a marvelous reception!"
-Carrie and Elliott, Bancroft Hotel, July 10, 2010
"We were so happy that we used Denon and Doyle for our big day. We experienced a Denon and Doyle DJ at our friends wedding the year prior, so knew you were a very professional service that helped with the flow and energy of the evening. We were not disappointed! Donald was outstanding. He kept everything on track. That day, it became even more clear how important that role is. He played the best music, taking the requests we had and going from there. He also has a great presence. Nothing could have been better. We are still in awe of the day."
-Stacy Ward, Relais Du Solell, May 22, 2010
"Donald was great, our party rocked and we made a ton of money for our schools! Woo hoo! Thank you so much to Donald for helping us set the mood and keeping our guests pumped and bidding!"
-Lynne Hosier, Claremont Resort, May 1, 2010
"Donald did a great job with selections, volume, reading the crowd, etc. We had a blast"
-Russ Cooper St Francis Yacht Club, February 12, 2010
"The event was great and Donald did an amazing job. The party-goers have all raved about the event so we consider it a success! Thank you and we look forward to working with you in the future."
-Samantha Rogers, The Flood Mansion, January 8, 2010
"The party was AWESOME! Better than I could ever have expected! My friends told me it was the social event of the year! I was so impressed that all of my favorites were played. My family was teasing me that they were having a "Deja Vu" from the movie, The Big Chill!