Growing up, I was enamored by music and entertainment, especially considering English is my second language. Listening to music provided the most exposure to English since reading was too difficult. I recited songs, practiced reading lyrics, and rhyming. 

I was raised in Burlington, Vermont and was a three-sport captain for cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams. I attended Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Management, with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. Through these educational and recreational endeavors, I discovered my passion for facilitating meaningful experiences. Whether helping folks overcome their fear of heights on high rope elements, guiding teams and companies through team bonding programs, or event planning, I thrived in balancing the needs of many people to help forge new connections and memories. 

From my early days spinning tracks at school events, to going to concerts for my favorite artists, I was hooked. For the past 11 summers, I’ve worked at music festivals across New England, whose genres span from bluegrass to heavy metal, serving up dumplings for @ting_ting_dumplings. The long hours on my feet, loud music, and the controlled chaos of feeding thousands of people with a small team, I love it! These experiences exposed me to multifaceted sounds and scenes that inform my unique style I bring into every set I play. I’ve been able to follow groups and artists as they start as openers, and becoming headliners. 

I have always been involved in customer service and am passionate about connecting with people. I was my family’s translator, learning English while helping them navigate life in Vermont. Since then, I’ve done it all—cleaned toilets, sold Ben & Jerry’s at Lake Monster baseball games, organized community events for folks with disabilities, and managed a retail customer service team. I have helped ensure that logistics during Black Friday events go smoothly! Speaking of the holidays, I’ve even sold Christmas trees during the coldest days and nights of winter in Brooklyn. I’ve also worked with neurodivergent individuals and have made it my mission to share my love for the outdoors with people who haven’t had the same opportunities. As your DJ, I value a strong relationship with you, listening to your vision for the event and working hard to facilitate that experience to the best of my ability. 

During and after college, I rode my bicycle to California to raise money for mental health research and awareness. It exposed me to new communities, landscapes, cultures, and genres of music. After these travels, I yearned to settle down back home in the Green Mountains. 

When not DJing and spending time with my wife and son, the time is filled quickly! I am on my bike, running/hiking/skiing/throwing discs in the mountains and woods of New England. You can follow my adventures at @dangtough and dangtough.com.

I got married in the summer of 2022 and was fortunate to have Mike Toomey and Super Sounds there for the best night of my life! I am often told the dance floor of my wedding was the best dance party guests have ever attended! Working with Mike to curate the soundtrack to my wedding day helped to solidify my commitment to creating those everlasting memories for your special day and loved ones. 

Life’s too short not to embrace everything it has to offer, and I feel grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. With every event, I aim to make it something you’ll never forget. I will bring my love for music, and a commitment to making each moment memorable. I look forward to getting to know you and helping make your event unforgettable.