Ellis is inspired by stories
that inspire and connect people both to the story and each other. As a
first-generation American, with parents who hail from Kenya and raised him in
Columbus, Ohio, he is a product of his diverse environment.
Columbus is home of Ohio State University. The city is officially about the Ohio State Buckeyes and it’s athletics, home of scarlet and grey tailgates that stretch for miles on gamedays. Ellis, himself, was a Buckeye for about two years until his feet got itchy and he took a bite of the Big Apple to the east. He did well in the big city, modeling commercially in one of the world's fashion capitals. But, like a late season snow storm, he didn't stick there.
Back in Columbus, Ellis found comfort in knowing everyone has the same foundation. At the same time, he'd had a taste of big city adventure and wanted more; a place filled with forward, conscious, environmental thinkers that is, at the same time, rooted in Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin; a place where Renaissance types flock, the weather is moderate and the streets appear to have been laid out by an insane genius. Mere months into his pilgrimage west, he's more than left his heart in San Francisco, he’s asked to have it donated to City Hall. Inspiration and bold cultural connection are everywhere in The Bay Area, and he is happily, deeply entrenched in it.
“When I got here it was like an atomic bomb -- especially coming from the fanatic Buckeye way,” Ellis says. "It was a bit of a culture shock."
He brings with him a career which has seen him perform ballet as a child, entertain in the music world for nearly a decade and produce and perform in a few fashion shows of his own. His current drive to is be a screenwriter. And that makes sense as he lives a life that does exactly what he enjoys watching.
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"Thanks for the follow up-- Ellis was very professional and did a wonderful job at our event yesterday! He did a great job hosting the Limbo and hula-hoop competitions we had for the kids and was very accommodating of our members' song requests. We would be happy to have him back at Round Hill. Thank you!"
-Rachel James, Round Hill Country Club, September 5, 2011
"I didn't get a chance to tell [Ellis] at the end of the night! Thank you for a great party!!! I appreciate the energy [he] brought and the fun was had by all! The party girl, Lindsey, was especially happy! Thank you for a great night! Let me know how it went for you!
-Jackie Sage, Peninsula Temple Sholom, August 20, 2011
"The dance was a huge! Success. The kids are saying it was the Best dance ever. Danielle said that even the geekist kids were dancing and having fun. Ellis, Dillon, Drew, and I forgot the girl did a fabulous job; please thank them on behalf of the 8th grade parents. It sounds like it might be a Bowditch tradition to have Denon and Doyle for their Grad dance. Danielle also said the Tiffany’s staff seems to also be enjoying themselves, and was dancing. The kids also raved about the music choice they played, being Great! Thanks!"
-Linda Shapiro, Bowditch Middle School, June 17, 2011
"The kids had a great time and really enjoyed how Ellis and Brian interacted with them. I emailed Dan Orhman after the dance and gave him positive feedback on both Ellis and Brian."
-Kurstin Montero, Foothill Middle School, June 8, 2011
"What can I say. How about WOW! you guys were the party and the placed rocked from the beginning till the last minute!! Your trio worked extremely well together and the photo bar was fantastic. I saw many of the photo bar pictures which will make super additions to the photo album and everyone had a fun time playing with the props. The games were fun, the energy was high and palpable and everyone, kids and adults alike, were well entertained. Everyone had a blast and the kids talked about the party for days. My daughter was so thrilled, she will remember this party for years to come. I even had a few kids come up to me later asking me to please give the name of your group to their parents because they must have you at their party. I will definitely refer you to anyone who asks who the best DJ/party entertainers are and will not consider anyone else for my future parties. Thank you for a fantastic evening, you guys were awesome and worth every penny we spent and more."
-Noellette Falkow, Mark Hopkins Hotel, April 9, 2011
"Everything was exceptional and all my guests agreed. I would love to write up all of my positive feedback and will do so soon. I am so behind on everything else in my life that I won't be able to get around to it this week. I so appreciate everyone I dealt with at Denon and Doyle. They were all professional and helpful and crucial to things runing smoothly."
-Monica Podlesh, The Mountain Winery, March 26, 2011
"Thanks for checking in. It was a great party, and the D & D team was fabulous. they did such a great job, and everyone had a great GREAT time. Ellis was unbelievably sweet and accommodating, and totally took in our wishes and put his all into creating what we wanted. the venue made it a little tricky to achieve our original vision of the kids and adults mixing all night, but the truth became quickly clear -- after some great dancing, our friends and family really wanted to just hang out in the lounge and spend QT talking. It was a GREAT night, and we loved every minute of it. Kudos to the whole team -- Ellis, the DJ and the girls -- they knocked themselves out to make it a great night for everyone."
-Julie Fingersh, Stonetree Golf Club, March 12, 2011
"The celebration was a great success and your crew was wonderful. Band members told me that it was the best party that they have ever attended (and I know that between the 6 of them they have attended many parties). Even before the party (during setup time) there was a really nice environment as the two crews ate, drank, and did their setup activities and just enjoyed the sun. It was almost a pre-party. I can't say enough good things about Ellis, he is a pleasure to work with - as are the rest of the crew."
-Orna Resnekov, Hillsborough Residence, August 21, 2010
"Ellis is fantastic as were the whole team. Truly - he is a gifted, joyful, motivational entertainer. His terrific dance music is just a part of the energy, enthusiasm and magic he helps create. This team provides a way for every single guest to participate in sharing in the joy-adults and children were dancing together, laughing and fusing in the importance and fun of this special night. Ellis's tips for me when he met with me also really helped me sculpt the evening just right. "b>-Elizabeth Mckoy, Private Residence, May 29, 2010 "I wanted to send a big thank you to Ellis. Pippa's party on Saturday was a huge success. Ellis did a great job, the music was great, he had the kids dancing in minutes after they arrived and all in all everyone had a great time. Ellis you are AWSOME:)"
-Annika Temple, Pacific Athletic Club, April 17, 2010
"Ellis is the man! The kids loved him and he was amazing to work with"
-Eileen Bocci, Sacred Heart, March 19, 2010
"We hired Denon & Doyle (DJ Ellis) for our daughter's bat mitzvah party and it was a fabulous party! They ran the show and got every 13 year old dancing and having fun, which freed me up to enjoy the party myself. They had creative and silly interactive games that had everyone laughing. Worth every penny."
-LeAnn Biscoff, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, October 24, 2009
"The party was a huge success. The seniors were so excited to dance-the-night-away in the "black box" to great music provided by Ellis. His music selection was very appropriate for the seniors and you could tell they were enjoying his company too. It was a perfect event! Well done. Thanks a million!"
-Renee Capovilla, Sacre Heart Prep, September 19, 2009
"Thank you so much for checking in with us. The wedding was perfect-- we couldn't have asked for anything more and wouldn't have changed a thing! You guys were absolutely fantastic!! It was such a nice and seamless process working with you, Chris and Ellis. Thank you!!!!!! Please let Ellis know that we thought he was wonderful, and that everyone loved him! He did an AMAZING job with the music. It was so much fun! We are so glad that our DJ situation worked out the way it did. :)"
-Daisy Chang, Viansa Winery, September 5, 2009
"Shaina's party was fabulous! Ellis and the rest of the team were great! The plan we came up with to separate the kids and the adults for various portions of the event seemed to work really well. The kids had time with their music at the beginning and while the adults were eating. That worked great, so we did not have to listen to very much of their music. There was also plenty of time for all of us to dance together to a broader range of music. Thanks again for everything, Dan. Beyond the great party, Ellis was a pleasure to work with and every interaction we had with him throughout the process was positive!"
-Beverley & Maury, E&O Trading Co., August 30, 2009
"For our daughter Sophia's Bat Mitzvah dance party we used the team of Ellis, JT, Ari and Lauren and could not have been more pleased. Our daughter and her guests had the time of their lives - and even the adults got out on the dance floor and had great fun. My daughter's friends are still abuzz about how great the party was; and our friends and family said it was the best party they had been to in a long time - no easy feat to please both kids and adults. Ellis, JT, Ari and Lauren all had terrific energy, connected with the kids, kept all the kids engaged and made the party easy and fun for us. Our highest recommendation. We had also used Ellis and JT for our son's Bar Mitzvah dance party about 1-1/2 years ago. As Ellis said too bad we don't have any more kids so we can have another Bnei MItzvah party with them - okay, from our perspective, not really :)"
-Barbara Smith, Harbor Point Racquet Club, August 22, 2009
"Ellis was great..... Everyone loved him and many of the guest said that he was the best dj they have ever seen at a home party..... So please tell him thanks for everything. Thanks to you too for coordinating everything in such a short time frame."
-Pat Ellis, Private Residence, July 25, 2009
"LOVED Ellis and the whole crew!!! They saved us because for some reason the video wouldnÕt work in the lap top they had, so we used your lap top and the video worked great. They all just come to the forefront to make sure everything runs great. Photo Xtreme was perfect. We had so much to cover, they had Havdalah, then the video, and on top of that I had this painter guy that does a routine and paints the Bar Mitzvah Boys picture while everyone watches. There wasn't a lot of time for DJ but Ellis MCed the whole party and it was fantastic. Ellis had DJ for the beginning and the band came on after dinner and after the painter guy, so they just took it home until 11:30. I would have Ellis with me any time. I also absolutely love the guy (Tyrone) that runs your photo xtreme. Everybody was really fantastic. The next kid is July 16th, 2011. We'll do it all over again. All I can say is that everyone worked as one big team and it was an amazing event. Clients are beyond happy."
-Joannie Liss, Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, July 11, 2009 "Your team did a stupendous job. Everyone was on the dance floorÑ young and oldÑand Ellis read the crowd extremely well. Josh said it was the most fun he's ever had. I, personally, did not stop dancing, and my feet are a testament to that!"
-Emily Cohen, Gala Arts Center, June 27, 2009
"Just wanted to let you know how impressed we were with Ellis and AJ! They were fantastic and all the kids loved them! Again, it was a pleasure working with you and thanks for putting these two guys on our event -- we loved them!"
-Susan Casey, Miramonte, June 12, 2009 "Patrick, Ellis, Mark, and Nicole ROCKED THE HOUSE! They were beyond fantastic that even my 2 year old son, cried when they shut down at 11pm. Everyone stayed to the very end, that we even had to pay the shuttle drivers to stay to take guests back to the hotel. Arielle has been doing the Bat/Bar Mitzvah circuit now for several months. The pick up time is usually 10:00pm and most of the kids are calling their parents for pick up at 9:15pm, waiting outside, talking on their cell phones. At ArielleÕs party, the kids didnÕt want to leave the dance floor. We had parents waiting for probably 30 minutes until Patrick closed down at 11pm. It was great for the really little ones, bigger kids and adults.
Everyone stayed until the very last minute, because of Denon & Doyle, and mainly Patrick. We canÕt thank you enough for this incredible experience. Many people asked for you as referrals. Even our photographer was rocking out! We are so appreciative. Patrick, Ellis, Mark and Nicole worked incredibly hard and everyone is still talking about it and will continue for a very long time."
Beth, Gregg, Arielle, and Cody, Palo Alto Hills CC, June 13, 2009
"I just wanted to let you know what a great job that Ellis and his crew did at CharlesÕs Bar Mitzvah on Saturday night. Everyone there had a great time, and we have gotten really positive feedback from all CharlesÕs friends. The adults enjoyed themselves tremendously as well."
-Lisa Harris, Sun City Roseville, June 6, 2009
"Wow! Ellis and the crew made the party! I have never seen so many kids and adults up there dancing and all having such a great time! It was everything we were hoping it would be! From the planning stages to the party Denon and Doyle has been first class! I cannot thank you enough for EVERYTHING! "
-Julie Ross, Hyatt St Claire Hotel, May 9, 2009
"Your crew (Ellis, JT, Ashley and Mark) was fabulous. I can't say enough about them. Ellis is a great leader and every one in the group worked like mad to keep all the kids engaged and dancing. I canÕt compliment them enough. We heard from many kids who said it was 'the best party' they ever attended. Our party planner, Barbara Kweller, said she received several calls afterward from people who called it 'the party of the year'. I attribute that to your crew! Thanks for everything!"
-Robert & Pam, Lake Merritt Sailboat House, March 7, 2009
"I recently attended a bat-mitzvah on 11/8/08 with Ellis as the emcee and I wanted to let you know how fabulous the whole staff was. They really encouraged both kids and adults to have fun. The crew was full of energy and smiles all night long. Both the photo staff and music staff were polite, energetic and outgoing. I will definitely remember your company and recommend you to everyone I know."
-Lori Gloates, Embassey Suites, November 8, 2008
"Ellis: simply put WHAT A TREASURE!!!!!!!! We could not have been happier, the kids were over the moon, the entire 7th grade class of Marin Country Day School simply left Jake's Bar Mitzvah absolutely madly in love with the guy. We felt so lucky to have him. He is adorable, mind bogglingly (is that a word?) talented, uplifting, creative, capable, in control, fun, perceptive to the needs of the moment, when to slow it down, when to speed it up, when to re-direct it---- all while remaining calm cool tirelessly hip, and endlessly unruffled--- consistently handling a couple of nervous parent/ hosts with confidence and good cheer...... the only moment where we were in any way even remotely dissatisfied was when it ended and we had to say good-bye....... we never want to have a party without Ellis.
...and my younger son left almost in tears because he can't stand the thought that when he has his Bar Mitzvah in 2 years ...... he might not get Ellis..... so consider us booked and when we get the date... you will be the first that we call. How is that for feedback? Dancers were adorable, cheerful, and patient and encouraging with the kids.... so glad we had them.... they make a huge difference.... Get flipped crew were cool, hip and cheerful.... Jake thought that maybe they could have explained it a bit better to the kids as they came through because some did not understand that it took two shots so they would kind of rush past after the first shot and then they had to pull them back and do the second shot--- and it created a bit of a back-up-- not enough to be a real big problem but that was Jake's feedback... other wise they all had a great time and they cheerfully let them come through as many times as they could fit and never made them feel bad for doing it over and over again...... All and all we were a very happy family....."
-Lisa Rosenberg, Presidio Golden Gate Club, October 18, 2008
"Your staff was incredible! They made the party! Ellis was awesome and had the kids on the dance floor the entire time. His energy was fantastic. We are so pleased with your service. The dancers were adorable too. Many of our friends have asked for your info -- everyone was impressed. We can't thank you enough."
- DJ Schrick, Private Residence, October 4, 2008
"The party was fabulous! Ellis, Seth, AJ and Reese had endless energy and the kids adored them. Sam said that they were absolutely great. I really appreciated how they made a place for the adults too. My friends were quite impressed. We wouldn't change anything. The kids (and adults) had a lot of fun with the photo booth too. It is a really nice addition and gives the kids something to take home with them. I went to a friend's house yesterday and the photos from the photo booth were already displayed in her daughter's room. Thank you for everything. Sam is looking forward to seeing your staff at another party soon!"
- Bonnie Roditti, Congregation Beth El, September 27, 2008
"We had a great time at the party. I thought Ellis did a wonderful job. I have a family that likes to dance and he did a good job keeping everyone on the dance floor."
- Adrienne Chapman, Blackhawk, September 20, 2008
"The buzz was fantastic about Ellis and Drew.. .they did such an awesome job keeping everyone going and they were very responsive to our constantly changing needs. Hopefully this will lead to many more engagements for you all. I know the big parties coming up next year are not planned as yet, but I know they were very much the cause of the success of the party. "
- Carol Strub, Shoup Park, September 13, 2008
"The team did an amazing job of getting the party going! The clients said it was the "best party they have ever had!" I don't believe I have ever seen a better DJ than Ellis, to be honest! There were some technical difficulties with the karaoke, but Eliis did an awesome job of smoothing that over and fixing the problem. Thanks again, I am so glad I got to work with them and feel confident in a DJ for any future events, thank you again."
- Heidi Koerner, Rancho Victoria, August 23, 2008
"I just wanted to let you know that Ellis and team did a fantastic job at Matthew's Bar Mitzvah reception. He had everyone (young and old) up and dancing throughout the party. The adults and kids had so much fun. People were raving about him that night and continue to tell me how much fun they had at the party."
- Helene Workman, The Cypress Hotel, August 16, 2008
"Ellis was really great to work with. Ellis was on time, communicated wonderfully with me and completely professional. He really did a great job and got people dancing.
The bride was so shy when it came to any type of DJ talk over the speaker and she did ask me to have him tone it down a bit, which I really reluctantly did, but the guests loved him. Please send him my thanks. He was fantastic.
As usual, I am very happy with D&D. It's great to know I can always count on you guys to do a stellar job."
- Michelle Martinez, Allure Consulting, August 9, 2008
"This is going to sound like a paid testimonial but it's not. I really didn't know what to expect, never having hired a dj before. Ellis, Tyler, and Nicole did a fantastic job. Everybody was thoroughly entertained and thanked us for such a great party. No one seemed to be bored at all, even for a moment. There were about 30 kids and they all had a great time. The games were great and it was amazing how you guys could create so much fun. I struggle to come up with the right words to describe the party. I know that everything was planned out so well and yet the atmosphere was so relaxed. That's the perfect party. And everybody of all backgounds loved doing the Hora. Glenda and I would like you to let Ellis, Tyler, and Nicole know how extremely pleased we are at how they handled everything at Nathan's bar-mitzvah. We would definitely recommend you to anyone planning an event like this."
- Richard Janis, Congregation B'nai Tikvah, August 2, 2008
"WOW! Rave reviews from all my guests. Ellis and his crew rocked the house and everyone had a great time. I am so sore from dancing for almost 4 hours straight. I was surprised how successful the photo booth was with the kids. I have sent a payment on line for Ellis, Patricia, TJ and Ari. Please see that they know how much fun their party was and give them a huge pat on the back for me. Their energy kept the party moving all night long. Save the Date... August 2010 for the younger sister's Bat Mitzvah.
They were fantastic and really kept the party alive. The photo booth was a huge success with the girls too. Ellis really knows how to rock the house. Thanks for everything and I want first dibs on Ellis and crew in August 2010 for Kira's Bat Mitzvah."
- Tori Herzog, Harbor Point Racquet Club, July 19, 2008
"I can't express enough how great our party turned out. Your guys were incredible and EVERYONE commented on how great they were. Everyone, young and old, were dancing the entire time and Ellis and Katie were awesome in getting them involved and dancing. Many people asked for their names and I am happy to refer them to you. Thanks again for an incredible event,"
- Nancy Taitz, Harbor Point Racquet Club, June 14, 2008
"Everything went absolutely great! Ellis, JT and Sasha were great. The two people running the photo bar were great two. Ellis was flexible with the schedule which was appreciated and kept everything running smoothly. He also engaged everyone. I noticed several kids who didn't know anyone (besides their parents) participating. Also, I had placed my parents (who are a little hard of hearing) by the side door so they could go to the patio and sit if they wanted too. My parents stayed inside the entire party which is a great sign. Andy said, "he had a GREAT day!!" and my dad said "I had one of the best weekends of his life." So, my goals were overachieved. Thank you!!"
- Linda Tripp, Contra Costa Country Club, May 31, 2008
"It was fabulous, your team was great! We were beyond happy."
- Jan Reicher, Glas Kat, May 25, 2008
"The party was huge hit. Kids told Mathison afterwards it was the best party they've ever attended. Of course, not having adults around was a big plus ;o) Your team was fantastic. Ellis comes in for special compliments for his poppin', lockin', and head spins. But everybody worked their butt off... and probably took a few pounds off the kids in the process.
A special mention of Patrick too. It wouldn't have been a party without him. Thanks for a great job!"
- Suzanne & Jonathon Young, Temple Isaiah, April 26, 2008
"Ellis was fantastic!!! His energy, enthusiasm, charisma, as well as his management of tons of kids (& adults), the judgment calls he needed to make, were outstanding. He is exceptional DJ and was an integral part of making the event such a success. I wish him all the best in his new life in the Bay Area and I look forward to seeing him at upcoming events."
- Victoria Love, Frantoio Restorante, February 9, 2008
"I just wanted to write and say thank you to you and your crew. You guys are tremendous. You make the party. Your team's attitude is incredible. Ellis, Kyle, Chris, the girls -- all phenomenal. I know the Maluth's were thrilled.
- Linda Noack, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, February 2, 2008
"They were GREAT!!!. They got everyone up and dancing. During the cocktail hour, the kids magically disappeared, and when we adults arrived in the social hall, they were in full swing. It wasn't too loud for anyone, none of the sound-sensitive kids needed earplugs. Most of the kids were up and dancing much of the time. They were terrific at organizing everything. The kids at Isaiah just LOVE Ellis, I suspect he will get many more requests throughout the year. Grace and Kelsey were a great addition, they had boundless energy. I am forwarding your request for feedback to my friend whose son has been depressed/off kilter for several months. This boy was dancing nearly the whole time, she said it was the best day that he's had in nearly a year! I hope she sends you feedback! "
- Karen Fessel, Temple Isaiah, February 2, 2008
"I can't say enough good things about how great your team was at Julian's party!! Ellis was a HUGE hit.... his style, his energy, his interaction with the kids and adults, his whole approach to the party was terrific. All the kids really loved him. It wouldn't have been the same without him. You have a great guy on your hands! JT,Grace and Quinn were absolutely wonderful with the kids. Thanks so much for coming through for us and making Julian's party so great. Sophie's Bat Mitzvah is coming up in '09 and we will certainly be thinking of you!"
- Barbara Smith, Mt. Tam Racket Club, January 19, 2008
"Please give them all a tap on the back! They did an awesome job, and it was such a memorable night! I've heard the best ECC party to date!"
- Jeniffer Faria - ECC, Westin St Francis Hotel, December 22, 2007
"Our Party was a complete success, thanks to your DJ's Ellis and AJ. They were absolutely wonderful. They have great outgoing, fun personalities. They were able to read out group perfectly and I might add that they were quite entertaining."
- Chris Chiovare (Chevron), Emabassy Suites Burliingame, December 15, 2007
"Jordan came home from school today and remarked that all of his friends said his party was "awesome!" This came from some of the most difficult to please as well. I couldn't let that go without letting you know. See you in 2009, if not before at another event."
- Joannie Liss Events, Temple Emanu-El, December 8, 2007