Wedding Reception DJ at Tacoma's Landmark Event Center Rooftop

On July 4th, 2014, I had the pleasure of DJing Brian and Rachel's wedding reception at Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center — specifically the Roof Garden Ballroom, a stunning rooftop venue with panoramic views of Commencement Bay and Mt. Rainier.

One of the highlights of the evening was getting introduced to the Grand March — a traditional German wedding procession where the newlyweds lead their guests in a lively, choreographed march to open the reception. Rooted in 18th and 19th century European folk culture and brought to the US by German and Czech immigrants, it was a tradition I'd never been asked to coordinate music for before. Getting to be part of that moment — providing the music as the whole wedding party marched together — was genuinely special.

The reception also featured a performance by Japanese Taiko drummers. Taiko is a centuries-old percussion tradition deeply embedded in Japanese ceremony and celebration — introduced to Japan as early as the 6th century and known for its powerful, thunderous rhythms. Hearing it performed live on a rooftop in Tacoma was something else entirely.

Playing a wedding reception is one of the most rewarding gigs a DJ can take on. You've got to read the room constantly — shifting between first-dance slow jams, dinner-hour background grooves, and floor-packing party sets as the night builds. Doing it outdoors on the Fourth of July, with all of those cultural moments woven into the evening, made it unforgettable. The night air, the skyline, and the fireworks over the sound were just the cherry on top.

The Landmark is a beautiful historic venue — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 — and the Roof Garden Ballroom's outdoor deck was the perfect stage for it all. Big thanks to Brian and Rachel for having me.

Photos by Alicia Clifford. She left some kind words:

"…I also must make mention that DJ Benny, was extremely talented and his on-the-spot mixes were pretty fabulous to listen to and watch him make." — Alicia Clifford