Naomi & Grant
WEDDING
"We couldn't have imagined better entertainment for our reception. We got everything we asked for (blues, funk, psych, jazz, disco, and more) and our friends are still raving about the music a month later!"
We’re a Peoria-based, all-vinyl DJ collective delivering fun, inclusive vibes that will leave the crowd feeling fine every time! With more than 30 years of collective experience as DJs in the Peoria, Champaign, Chicago, Baltimore and DC markets, our work has extended from cozy affairs in low-lit bars to weddings, breweries, corporate and nonprofit events. If you need a mobile DJ crew that knows how to work a crowd and refuses to feature the same vanilla playlist that’s sure to bore the room, you’re in the right spot!
Why vinyl?
Because it provides the wow factor that will make your event memorable. From classic throwbacks to modern faves, we tastefully curate a wide variety of musical styles into an enjoyable experience for your guests. Some of the genres we focus on include ‘60s soul, ‘70s funk, ’80s pop, jazz, disco, hip hop, modern rock, indie, afrobeat, reggae, post-punk, old-school country, and classic rock ’n’ roll. We understand that every event is unique. So we leverage our vast vinyl collections (that’s 15,000+ records!) to ensure there’s something for everyone.
We’re booking for 2024!
Contact us: rivercitydjcollective@gmail.com
Work With Us
BARS + RESTAURANTS
Yep, we’d love to spin in your space! We promote ourselves on social media and show up with friends who’ll stay for a while. We’re happy to supplement a larger event with music or take center stage ourselves. We’ve been resident DJs (in bars) and have hosted ‘80s nights, thematic one-off events, and open-format (anything goes!) gigs. Maybe you’ve seen us spinning in Peoria at Black Band, Pour Bros., or The Missing Zither?
WEDDINGS + SPECIAL OCCASIONS
We’ll work with you and your wedding planner to make sure the musical accompaniment for your special day is, well, special. From the pre-ceremony music to the cocktail hour and on to the dance party, we’ve got you covered all the way. Because vinyl is a physical format, we don’t take endless requests the night of the event, but we’ll work with you ahead of time to make sure what we play reflects who you are and the vibe you’re going for.
CORPORATE + NONPROFIT EVENTS
We’d love to provide a fun musical backdrop for team-building, to boost your brand or simply entertain your coworkers at the company’s big shindig. We’ll help you get the party started right and – bonus! – you won’t have to listen to Carl sing karaoke one more time. (Sorry, Carl – you’ve got a good set of pipes!) We have plenty of experience with nonprofit events and fundraisers as well (ask for our nonprofit discount!).
Meet the DJs
DOUG HOEPKER
➜ DJ Hepkat
Doug returned to Peoria in 2023 after spending the previous two decades living in Champaign-Urbana and Baltimore. An Editor by day, he’s been DJing since 2001 and has had residencies in C-U and B’more in addition to experience spinning vinyl for weddings, record fairs, skate park fundraisers, and brewery events. He formerly curated the successful music podcast Little Records.
BENJAMIN SCHICK
➜ Hudson Vinyl
Ben sells records as Hudson Vinyl at the Peoria thrift store Two Sisters and Warehouse and has likely served you a cup of coffee a time or two. He moved to Peoria after spending his youth living in Mexico. He DJs an eclectic mix of music at Pour Brothers and The Missing Zither as well as weddings and other events.
JONATHAN WRIGHT
➜ DJ juanGoblin
Jon is a longtime fixture of the Peoria music scene — as a musician, concert promoter, co-founder of multiple record labels, and producer of more than 15 vinyl/CD projects. He co-authored the book Punks in Peoria, is a correspondent for WCBU, and previously served as Editor in Chief of Peoria Magazine. As a DJ, he’s spun at The Twelve Bar, Broken Tree, Contemporary Art Center, Studios on Sheridan, and for weddings, parties, fundraisers and other special events.
Happy clients!
Rachel & Abhilash
WEDDING
"We asked you for traditional music for an Indian wedding ceremony, jazz for a cocktail hour, and a reception featuring hip-hop and dance music -- no easy task and you absolutely nailed it! The emceeing was perfect and our wedding planner loved working with you too!"