Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: News

Swartz Creek sophomore Dan Radatz stands next to his Jensen Powerstation 1,500, which he uses for his disc jockey business. "Four of these can pretty much take care of a high school gym," he said. [Click to enlarge]

Standing behind a microphone can change a person into someone completely different.

For Swartz Creek sophomore Dan Radatz, that transformation has a soundtrack.

As his alter ego, "DJ Dan," Radatz has sent dancers into a frenzy across the state.

"Most of my friends will tell you when I'm on the mic, I speak totally different than what I'm like in real life," he said. "My voice changes and my whole persona changes."

Radatz will be in charge of getting the crowd on its feet at Friday's International Dinner and Discotheque at Calkins Hall.

After DJ-ing his middle school talent show and gaining his DJ Dan moniker, Radatz began to buy his own equipment and play at local gatherings.

"It got me into the cool parties," he said. "Plus, I made a little spare change on the side."

As his reputation and bank account grew, Radatz began upgrading to the professional light and sound setup that make up his performance today.

"It's a great source of income because I work minimal hours and get amazing pay for it," he said.

Radatz has filled venues from pole barns to nightclubs.

He also has been a guest DJ at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio, which Radatz says is the biggest event he has performed. DJ Dan played music for the people waiting in line for rides during Fourth of July weekend, the park's busiest time.

"I had people in the queues on a 98-degree day dancing around and enjoying themselves instead of just sitting in the queue," he said. "That made me kind of feel good."

Years of experience as a DJ has taught Radatz what songs get people on the dance floor.

"I'm not going to lie," he said. "It's either the B-52's 'Love Shack' or the 'Cha Cha Slide' ... The songs may be uncool, but as far as getting people on the floor to dance, if you play one of those songs, people will get out there."

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