LAWTON – Patrick Reynolds has been spinning records as a DJ since 1979 and the juice is still flowing for him and the many dance crowds he entertains.
Entering into spring, Reynolds is headed for a busy time with graduation parties, weddings and proms. However, his company Journey Productions is more than music. In the late 1980s, Reynolds branched into the rental market and began providing chairs, tables and other accessories for the big events.
“People were asking about rentals and we listened to them,” he said. “It takes a combination of everything. You’ve got to have chairs. If they (customers) don’t have anything else, they’re calling for chairs.”
However, 45 years later, music remains his passion.
“It’s what I love to do the most. It gives you a connection to people,” Reynolds said. “I was fortunate to have found something I like to do. Some people like making widgets all day. I’m one who likes variety (as DJ and rental business).”
Although current popular music doesn’t attract many people to the dance floor, Reynolds remembers a time when Elvis, the Beatles and the Beach Boys were big music draws and easy dance songs.
“That music still works today,” he said.
So does disco era songs, rap and hiphop. Reynolds has a music selection of more than 20,000 songs from big band music, 1950s through 1990s, line dances, country and current top hits.
Reynolds also performs his DJ magic at larger festivals and galas in the Comanche County area which is where he gets most of his business.
“I’ll play current trends, although country (music) is dead for the audiences I play for. I would say there’s a moderate response but that might change since Beyoncé put out a country album,” he said.
According to the company’s website, Reynolds comes to every event “prepared to MC your special activities and play audience participation songs such as the chicken dance and the Wobble.” The DJ sound and lighting systems are custom designed for each event ranging from a basic sound and lighting system to a dance party DJ show complete with laser lights and ground fog, the website shows.
Journey Productions is located at 3701 SW 11th St. in Lawton. For more details, call (580) 355-1293 or visit www. rentjp.com.