There is nothing I enjoy more in my 28 years of experience as a disc jockey than seeing a group of people go from casual mode to raging party rock mode. It is my ultimate responsibility to find the “pulse” of the dance floor and bring the room to life for all in attendance. I take my craft seriously, but not too much. Fun is weaved into preparation and organization to achieve the final result of the people: Best. Party. Ever!

My music and performing career started out in the small town of Strasburg, North Dakota in the shadows of watching Lawrence Welk rise to fame and visit his childhood hometown on occasion. My father Leo N. Ternes would perform imitation shows of the legendary band leader and I was holding cue cards and playing accordion at the age of 5. Music was always a HUGE part of my family’s lives growing up, as my five older siblings taught me all about the hair bands of the 1980’s, while my classmates and I learned about pop / hip-hop in the 90’s and finally my love for country music grew on me as I went through my twenties. All genres are fair game in my shows and that is what I like best – variety being the spice of life.

I try to really understand what things will be most important to each wedding couple and make notes about certain songs or dedications to people who matter the most in their lives. The difference between a jukebox and a disc jockey is the emotional human element that can turn a well-timed song or set into a memory to last a lifetime. Caring about what I play and the timing of it has been what has set me apart from others over the last three decades.

My two older brothers started a mobile DJ company back in the 80’s and I would tag along and take mental notes of what could be done to improve each show. If you’ve watched “The Wedding Singer” movie and remember the part where Drew Barrymore’s character is gifted a CD player… that was just like my life when digital music was introduced. I went to college for broadcasting to DJ on the radio and also do play-by-play for sports and games, something I still do today on iHeart radio stations throughout the state of North Dakota. It didn’t take long before I was being asked to play music and bring my special touch to my friends’ weddings…. Which grew and grew by word of mouth to where I am today: Over 1,000+ weddings and events performed in every venue you can imagine from Almont to Zap.

Thank you to Dave Harmon and the rest of his “Dream Team” for the opportunity to continue bringing the best shows to the people of our communities. I look forward to putting my all into making your event or wedding the day one that you and your friends & family will never forget!

Events / Teams / Organizations DJ Dan has performed for since 1996 (DJ / MC)

• Bismarck Blaze & Roughriders Indoor Football
• Bismarck State Athletics
• UFC / Mixed Martial Arts Main Events
• Bismarck Bobcats Hockey
• Dakota Wizards Basketball
• North Dakota Political Party Conventions
• ND Country Fest in New Salem
• North Dakota State Student Council
• North Dakota National Honor Society
• University of Mary Orientation gatherings
• Many outdoor/indoor church celebrations
• State Line Resort Summer Festival
• North Dakota Teen Challenge
• Several Marathons and many high school and college cross-country meets
• 1,127 Weddings throughout ND, SD, MN, MT, AZ, FL and Hawaii
• 58 different high schools for Proms, Snoball and Homecoming Dances
• 9 COVID weddings moved outside (sound and microphones provided)