About us
Jim Collins
DJ and Owner
Music triggers so many memories and emotions. If you stop and think about it, I bet when you hear a song from your past, there is a memory associated with it. Maybe a song that reminds you or a friend, family member, or time in your life? How about a song that comes to mind that was playing in the background when you first met your fiancé, on your first date, or during your first kiss? There’s nothing better than being able to combine music with a celebration of two people and create moments that result in emotional reactions.
My performance journey began at the age of seven. My family talked me into singing at a talent show at the elementary school I attended. It was in a brightly lit school gym, packed with 800 parents, students and faculty. I was terrified! There was nowhere to hide except behind the microphone. I closed my eyes, let myself go with the melody of the song. At the last note of the song, I opened my eyes and people were out of their seats applauding and cheering. I loved the idea of being able to connect with so many people at the same time through melody and music. I continued writing music and performing live all throughout middle and high school. After high school, I moved out to Boston where I played in a band with the former drummer of the band Boston, Sib Hashian. I was able to learn how to entertain large audiences of people and become a better performer. Music is in my blood.
Upon moving back to CT, I met the love of my life in college. I popped the question five years later and now have two amazing children. Before I started DJing, I attended quite a few weddings and saw far too many DJs play the same old songs, be cheesy or obnoxious, make it all about them, or try to be funny. I felt couples deserve more than that. In 2012, I started my own entertainment company with the goal of wedding personalization in mind. When I am not DJing events, I seek out professional development opportunities to further educate myself and become better at what I do.
Every celebration is completely different from the next and that’s why I get so pumped working with couples and helping them plan amazing weddings! I can’t wait to learn about the vision of your day and share some fun ideas that you can use for your wedding!
Song currently played on my car ride to events: “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson.
Kevin Barnett
DJ
“I’ve been in the entertainment and music industry for most of my life. When I was thirteen years my parents got me a bass guitar. I started playing in bands within a couple of weeks and was playing shows every weekend by the time I was in high school. I attended HCC to pursue my audio engineering degree. That transitioned perfectly into DJing.
I love helping couples achieve the ultimate wedding experience! When I’m preparing for a wedding I am always searching for new ways to make each celebration unique. I love helping couples create a vision for their special day and ensure that vision becomes a reality.”
Songs currently played in my car on the ride to events: “High Hopes” by Panic At The Disco, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “ABC” by The Jackson 5, “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran (with Justin Bieber).
Maurice Charles
DJ
Born and raised in the Bronx, I grew up in a city that was considered the mecca of music and the birthplace of the original DJ. I was inspired to begin Djing in the summer of 1993 where I was inspired by such legendary acts as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc and Jam Master Jay.
From a young age, I had the gift of creating great music. I studied for years playing several instruments including piano, guitar, bass and drums. Even though I continued playing music for many years, the passion of Djing was always there.
When I’m not performing, I spend all of my time with my beautiful wife and 3 children. I specialize in entertainment for events and also promoting my radio shows. Entertaining people is my passion. I love what I do! I have developed a unique universal sound where I can play and enjoy any type of music from any genre of music. I am very energetic, funny and charismatic while maintaining a great state of professionalism like no other can. So with that being said, let’s create the greatest party in history together!”
Here are some of the songs that I currently play on my playlist before doing events: “Party Rock Anthem,” by LMFAO and Lauren Bennett, “Shake It Off,” by Taylor Swift, “Yeah!” By Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris, “Moves Like Jagger,” by Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, “Jump Around,” by House of Pain,” “Riptide,” by Vance Joy, “Mambo No. 5,” by Lou Bega.
Collins Entertainment
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Ask Us About Our Off Season and Weekday Wedding Rates. Off
Season dates are January 1st through the first weekend in March
Weekdays are Monday through Thursday.
Testimonials from our happily married couples!
Testimonials
Collins Entertainment
When we were in the process of hiring a DJ/MC, Jim immediately impressed us with his attention to detail. He kept in touch with us throughout our planning process, and his online platform made it so easy to choose songs and to communicate our wishes to him! He was very willing to hold our meetings virtually since we live in Boston and couldn’t get down to CT. We were particularly impressed with the way Jim got everyone to the dance floor – and no one left until the end! I can’t recommend Collins Entertainment highly enough!
Elizabeth L
Collins entertainment did such an amazing Job!!! Jim was amazing and planned everything out with us perfectly!! And Kevin did an awesome job as our DJ/MC!! It was such an awesome time and he times the music perfectly. Between the Albanian music and American music, we had the perfect collaboration! Thank you so much!!!!
Amanda T
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