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DJ Matthew Cope mixing on CD turntables at a wedding reception

From Discman to DJ: My Journey in the World of Entertainment

April 02, 20232 min read

From Discman to DJ: My Journey in the World of Entertainment

Sacramento Wedding DJ Cope Entertainment

I'm Matthew Cope — Sacramento wedding DJ and the one person behind Cope Entertainment. Before any of that existed, there was a Discman, a PA system, and a high school quad in San Jose. This is the origin story, and a thank-you to the two people who shaped my career: DJ Adrian Cavlan and "King" Raffi Nalvarian of Sound In Motion Entertainment Group. Their guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my DJ career, and I owe them a debt of gratitude.

How did I start DJing?

It all started back in 1997, during my senior year at Pioneer High School in San Jose. A group of friends and I managed to persuade the administration to let us spin tunes in the quad during lunch on Fridays. Little did I know that seemingly small opportunity would shape my future. With nothing more than a Discman, a PA system, and a microphone, I took my first steps into the world of DJing (yes, an actual Discman).

Why did I start Cope Entertainment?

In 2001, I began my formal training as a professional mobile DJ with Sound In Motion in the Bay Area — the same year I made Sacramento home. Over the next decade, I honed my craft performing at weddings and events of every kind. In 2011, fueled by passion and experience, I took the leap and launched my own company: Cope Entertainment Wedding DJs & MCs. My mission? To deliver experienced, quality-oriented, and non-cheesy mobile DJ entertainment that exceeds expectations.

What's this blog for?

This blog is your backstage pass into the world of entertainment and wedding planning. From personal anecdotes to expert advice, I'll be sharing stories and insights to help you navigate the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of event entertainment.

Thanks for joining me on this journey — I can't wait to share more with you soon!

Until next time,

Matthew Cope 🎧

Sacramento wedding DJCope EntertainmentMatthew Cope DJDJ origin story
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Matthew Cope

I'm Matthew Cope — Sacramento wedding DJ and MC, and the one person behind Cope Entertainment. DJing since 2001, running Cope Entertainment since 2011, with 200+ five-star reviews across Google, Yelp & WeddingWire. I write about wedding planning, event entertainment, and what actually makes a dance floor work.

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