Entertainer Spotlight - DJ Velvet

In this month's "Entertainer Spotlight" we highlight Ryan Kulka a.k.a. DJ Velvet. Since 2005, Ryan has entertained at over 300 weddings and corporate/private events, and is one of the most requested and highly sought after event DJ’s in the state of Minnesota. Ryan can also be seen DJing at various nightclubs in Minneapolis as well as at select MN Timberwolves home games in the Backcourt club and Upper Level.

1. How did you get your start in the music/DJ’ing scene?

Ryan: My first musical performance was at my grandma's retirement party when I was 3 years old. My absolutely stunning rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" (a classic retirement party jam) got rave reviews and I knew from that point on I wanted to be an entertainer. Honestly though, I started DJ'ing weddings in 2005 to earn additional dough in college between acoustic and full band gigs with my group 36sunrise. By the time 2010 came around I had cut my chops enough to be asked by DJ Mad Mardigan to help him start GenNOW...and here we are today!

2. What was your first concert you attended?

Ryan: My first "real" concert was Phish at the Target Center. I still get into "jam band" phases every once in a while.

3. First tape/CD purchased?

Ryan: Cooleyhighharmony Boyz II Men....BOOM!

4. If you could have Dinner with 3 other people (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

Ryan: Michael Jackson, Richard Branson and Justin Timberlake. I love my life and I wouldn't change it for anything, UNLESS, I could swap with JT for like a week...enough said. Richard Branson has one of the most interesting lives and entrepreneurial journeys ever...He is an obvious choice for brain picking! And...who wouldn't want dinner with the King of Pop?

5. Who is an artist that you have never seen perform LIVE that you wish you had?

Ryan: Stevie Ray Vaughan

6. Tell us something about you that a lot of people don’t know?

Ryan: I've been on the cover of a Wheaties box.

7. If you were given an opportunity to Open for an artist who would it be and why?

Ryan: I would open for Billy Joel....dude has an amazing live show and I know like every word to all his songs, so he'd have to let me sit in on his set, fo sho!

8. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ryan: Peanut butter....straight off the spoon.

9. Favorite late night snack?

Ryan: Totino's Pizza Rolls, for the win!

10. Pet Peeve?

Ryan: People who use the lines, "It is what it is." or "Livin' the dream."