When you watch Ali Llacer perform on stage or emcee an event, you might start to make some assumptions. You would see the talent, the charisma, and the confidence it takes to do what he does and assume those were traits he’s had since childhood. But as Ali has shown time and time again, there is more to him than meets the eye. For starters, “Ali” isn’t even his first name—it’s a nickname his aunt gave him when she jokingly referred to him as the one-year-old version of Muhammad Ali. The name stuck so completely that he didn’t realize he had a different legal name for years. What really makes Ali’s story unique, however, is the reason music didn’t become a big part of his life until his pre-teen years.
Born the eldest of five children to two deaf parents, Ali grew up in a household where sound wasn’t the dominant language. He relied on other means of communication (including learning sign language) and learned to pay attention to details many kids might have ignored, like body language and micro expressions that create context when words cannot. He also became the family’s interpreter, helping his parents navigate appointments and errands in a world that wasn’t always built for them. “It forced me to overcome any shyness that I had,” Ali recalls, “because my parents depended on me to communicate clearly and effectively with any adult and in any situation we were in.” That early responsibility helped him develop a confidence and courage that would shape the rest of his life.
When music finally did come into the picture—thanks to the influence of his extended family—Ali quickly fell in love with singing, dancing, and performing. His newfound love, combined with the courage to act, led Ali to incredible experiences that took him all over the world. Whether it was teaching dance throughout Northern California (including at Sacramento State), accepting a position with Universal Studios in Japan for several years, or headlining as the entertainment on cruise ships, Ali was drawn to opportunities to connect with people through music and movement.
One of those opportunities came when he was asked to emcee a Bar Mitzvah years ago. It gave him a new perspective on performing. “People go on cruises for vacation so the expectation at those shows is a little different than when I emcee an event,” he explains, “and being able to help people celebrate the biggest moments of their lives with their families and friends is a feeling like no other.” Since joining Denon & Doyle, Ali has quickly become a favorite with clients for the professionalism and positivity he brings to every event. As he helps you plan the details of your big day, he will share his experience, share his advice, and, if you ask nicely, he may even share what his actual first name is, too.