Chicago Bands and DJs
Professional DJ Entertainment Built Around the People in the Room
Weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, bars, clubs, reunions, themed parties and live entertainment backed by decades of real event and music experience.
We combine experienced DJs, professional sound, lighting, event hosting and an extensive music collection with something technology alone cannot replace — knowing how to read a room and build the right atmosphere for the event.
Start With the Event Type — Then Choose the Right Package
A wedding, corporate event, reunion and nightclub-style event should not all be handled the same way. Start with what you are actually planning, then match the entertainment and production package to the event.
Receptions & Weddings with DJ Rusty Records
DJ Rusty Records provides wedding reception music, introductions, special dances, announcements and dance-floor entertainment planned around the couple and their guests.
- Reception DJ entertainment
- Ceremony audio available
- Introductions & announcements
- Special dances
- Guest requests
- Professional dance-floor programming
Request a quote for reception entertainment and any ceremony audio you need.
Corporate & Employee Events
Entertainment that can support cocktails, dinner, recognition, presentations and dancing without turning a professional business event into a generic nightclub.
- Employee appreciation events
- Company celebrations
- Holiday functions
- Awards & recognition
- Professional MC support
- Audio and production options
Professional DJ-only through expanded corporate production packages are available.
Birthdays, Anniversaries & Milestones
Private-party entertainment built around the host, the guests, the ages in the room and the atmosphere you actually want to create.
- Birthday celebrations
- Anniversaries
- Milestone events
- Family celebrations
- Backyard and private-property events
- Dance parties
Three-hour DJ shows, with sound, lighting and other production options matched to your venue and guest count.
Entertainment That Gives People a Reason to Come Out
A venue event should feel like an event — not simply another DJ table sitting in the corner. Music, participation and promotion can work together.
- Bars & sports bars
- Nightclubs
- Breweries & wineries
- Country & yacht clubs
- Marinas & patios
- Recurring entertainment nights
DJ entertainment, themed events and interactive entertainment can be built around the venue.
Reunion DJ Party Entertainment
Reconnect classmates, family members and friends through music from the years and milestones they share. We plan the mix around your reunion, with time for conversation, announcements and dancing.
- Graduation-year music
- Decade-based programming
- Guest requests
- Professional announcements
- Dance-floor entertainment
- Projection options available
Reunion entertainment can be matched to the event schedule, venue and graduating years.
Community Events, Organizations & Public Programs
Flexible entertainment for organizations, park districts, associations, fundraising events and public celebrations where clear sound, announcements and audience-friendly programming are important.
- Park district programs
- Fundraisers
- Associations
- Community dances
- Public celebrations
- Outdoor event options
DJ and production requirements are matched to the size, location and schedule of the event.
Four Standard Themes, Plus Special Event Programs
Choose one of our four standard music themes, or plan a reunion, Senior Prom or hosted Hollywood trivia event. Professional DJ and MC duties are handled by your entertainer; décor, lighting and interactive enhancements are selected for the event.
Three-hour entertainment with music, hosting and production matched to your guests. View current pricing and available enhancements on our Pricing & Packages page.
1960’s Rock & Motown Dance Party
Motown, soul, British Invasion, classic rock and dance favorites.
70’s & 80’s Retro Dance & Costume Party
Disco, rock, pop and new wave favorites from two decades. Costumes are optional.
80’s & 90’s Rock, Alternative & R&B Throwbacks
Rock, alternative and R&B favorites from two unforgettable decades.
Yacht Rock, Smooth Jazz & R&B Social
Smooth favorites for marinas, patios, wineries and social gatherings.
Reunion DJ Party Entertainment
Bring classmates, families and friends together through the music and memories they share.
Senior Prom: Baby Boomers & Gen X
Dress up, take photos and dance to the music your guests remember.
Golden Age of Hollywood Trivia
Hosted trivia built around memorable films, actors and movie history from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Christmas & Holiday Events
Christmas Party DJ & Holiday Entertainment
A three-hour Christmas celebration with professional DJ and MC entertainment, holiday favorites, dinner music and dancing.
Christmas Package Includes
- Enhanced sound with an additional subwoofer
- Eight wireless uplights
- 8-foot Christmas backdrop with balloons
- Separate 8-foot lighted Christmas archway — complimentary
Karaoke, Hosted Trivia, Music Video Bingo and other enhancements are available as optional additions. See current pricing and packages.
Karaoke, Hosted Trivia & Music Video Bingo
Not every event needs to be built entirely around dancing. Interactive entertainment can create participation during company events, venue nights, private parties, fundraisers and social programs.
Karaoke
Professionally hosted karaoke with microphones, an organized singer rotation and two 32-inch TVs for the singer and audience.
Hosted Trivia
Team-based competition for company parties, venues, organizations, fundraisers and private celebrations.
Music Video Bingo
Guests identify songs and mark their bingo cards while music videos, professional hosting and organized rounds keep the room involved.
Need a Live Band Instead of a DJ?
Chicago Bands and DJs also features live rock entertainment through The Tall Boys Band — a three-piece Northern Illinois band for bars, clubs, festivals, private events and special events.
That gives clients and venues another entertainment option without trying to force every event into the same format.
Equipment Matters. Experience Matters More.
Modern DJ equipment can reproduce music. It cannot decide what the next song should be, recognize when the energy is changing or understand when an event needs more or less microphone interaction.
A Music Library With History
Decades of collecting and programming music provide a foundation that reaches far beyond today’s algorithm-generated playlists.
- Motown, soul and classic rock
- Disco and classic dance music
- 70s, 80s and 90s specialties
- Pop, country and alternative
- Current music when appropriate
Professional Event Production
The guest experience also depends on sound coverage, microphones, announcements, lighting, timing and the physical layout of the room.
- Professional DJ sound systems
- Wireless microphones
- Dance-floor lighting
- Uplighting options
- Projection and video options
Serving Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin
Chicago Bands and DJs serves organizations and private clients throughout the Chicago region and Southeastern Wisconsin.
Including Lake Geneva, Schaumburg, Naperville, Beach Park, Highwood, Fox Lake and the Chain O’Lakes.
Tell Us What Kind of Event You Are Planning
Send the date, venue or city, approximate guest count and type of event. We can help identify the entertainment format and package that makes sense for the event.
NOW BOOKING THE 2027 SEASON
Weddings with DJ Rusty Records
Reserve your entertainment for your 2027 wedding. Share your date and venue to check availability and start planning your celebration.
Chicagoland & Southeastern Wisconsin