Richard turned his passion for great music and parties into a second business. An MIT graduate and information systems manager by day, Richard has developed top-quality professional audio systems for Star Sounds. Since founding his business in 1983, he has expanded his library to over 3,000 CDs and over 40,000 song titles, ranging from Glen Miller to Top 40 hits. His top-notch professional quality equipment including backups and wireless microphones, is neatly organized.

Richard consults extensively with his clients. He sends them album and song lists, and makes suggestions appropriate to the age of the guests and the type of event. At the event, he actively solicits requests from the guests. Sometimes his wife, Diane, accompanies him, getting the crowd going and acting as MC. They tend to stay away from heavy metal, but every other type of music is available. The couple has entertained groups as small as 20 at a backyard patio and as large as 2,500 at the Academy of Sciences. During his years as a DJ Richard has gained some true followers who hire him for their parties year after year.

I had a chance to see Richard and Diane in action, and I really loved their work. Since the host and hostess knew the type of music they wanted, but not many album and song titles, Richard designed an evening of music and refined it to include requests from the guests. Due to unexpected rain, the garden party moved to the garage, which did not leave much room for Richard’s equipment. He was very cooperative and creatively made do with the limited space. During dinner, the music was soft enough for conversation, and during dancing it was just perfect. Diane brought maracas and tambourines and encouraged people to dance. There could not have been a better DJ for this event.