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After almost 4 decades of doing weddings, Mark has officially retired from the wedding market. He'll continue with his weekly trivia events, and will still do some banquets and corporate work. He will be more than happy to refer future brides and grooms-to-be to some other excellent capital region DJ's!!

Monday

• Trivia Night at Carson's Woodside Tavern 7pm

Tuesday

• Trivia University (w/Prof. Mark Hersh) At Henry’s Tavern 7:00pm
• Trivia Tuesday at Nanola Cajun Restaurant & Bar, Malta 7pm
• Trivia at The Factory Eatery, Ballston Spa, 6pm

Wednesday

• Jeff Brisbin at Henry's Tavern
• Open Mic at Quarter's Bar, Saratoga Springs, 7pm

Thursday

• Trivia Tonight (w/DJ Mark Hersh) at The Brickyard Tavern & Grill 7:00pm

Friday

• Jeff Brisbin at Henry's Tavern 7-11
• Auto Racing at Abany Saratoga Speadway

Club Contact Info:

• Albany-Saratoga Speedway, 2671 U.S. Route 9, Malta, 587-0220
• Andy’s Adirondack Grille, 2872 Route 9, Malta Ridge, 580-1269
• Bentley’s Tavern & Grill, Parade Ground Village, Malta, 899-4300
• Brickyard Tavern & Grill, 70 Milton Ave., 884-2570
• Coffee Planet, 100 Milton Ave., 884-9913
• Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern, 511 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake, 306-4987
• Dozer’s Bar & Grill, 411 Geyser Rd. 587-9478
• Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St. 885-1149
• Factory Eatery & Spirits, 20 Prospect St. 885-0500
• Governor's Taphouse , 6 Round Lake Rd., Ballston Lake 899-8900
• Henry’s Tavern, 19 Front St. 309-3584
• Milton Tavern, 430 Geyser Rd. 708-9567
• The Mill on Round Lake, 2121 Route 9, Round Lake 899-5253
• Nanola, 2639 Rt. 9, Malta 587-1300
• Next Door Kitchen & Bar, 51 Front St. 309-3249
• Nostalgia Ale House & Wine Bar , 113 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake 584-0227
• Recovery Grill, 2537 Route 9, Malta 899-8156
• Sunset Grill , 42 Front St., Ballston Spa, 885-8550
• White House Bar & Restaurant, 95 Milton Ave. 885-6797

In addition to the many Weddings we’re involved with, there are several other events that we regularly work at throughout the year. These events include but are certainly not limited to the list below.

• Anniversary Parties
• Birthday Parties
• High School Reunions
• School Dances & Formal Proms
• Office Parties (Holiday Parties/Seminars/Retirements)
• Annual Installation Banquets (Fire Companies/Ambulance Corps/Police Agencies)
• Fairs & Festivals
• Retirement Parties
• Trivia Nights
• Karaoke Nights

Hi Mark,
THANK YOU for EVERYTHING! It was a BLAST! Thank you for sharing your musical talents with us. The music and entertainment that you supplied was absolutely fantastic! You put together a memorable reception for
us and we will always be grateful. We will recommend you to anybody we know for weddings or other functions! Thank you for working so well with us. We enjoyed meeting you and having you be a part of our special day! Best wishes to you and your family always!

– Kim and Chris Park
10/15/2005 Longfellows Inn

Mark,
Wow! What a great time had by all! Thank you for creating a great party. Everyone loved the music… Even the electric slide! (Ha Ha) You succeeded in making me sweat. Thank you too, for playing our song, ‘At Last’ a second time, it made my heart sing!

– Anne Kicinski
May 2005, Longfellows Inn

Dear Mark,
Great job at our wedding, May 31st. You were fabulous to work with from the beginning, and the event was just perfect. We felt very confident knowing you were behind the mic. Everyone’s telling us that our wedding was the best and we know you were a big part of that. Thanks you for the genuine good job.

– Emily & Tom Kontos
May 31, 2003

Mark,
Thank you so much for everything! We thought you were fabulous. Everyone raved about you. Thank you especially for playing all my favorite music when I actually had a chance to dance with everyone! Everyone had a great time and we can attribute much of it to you! We will definitely recommend you to anyone that asks! Take care, and thank you again for helping to make our special day such an amazing success!

– Samantha and Douglas Ernst
Nov. 19, 2005, Longfellows Inn

Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for the fantastic job you did with the music at our wedding on July 21, 2001 at the Gideon Putnam. You did a great job! You kept all the age groups out there dancing and having fun. I have never seen so much participation at a wedding and we got a number of compliments. Your contribution helped provide us with a perfect wedding day. Thanks again.

– Dave & Jessica Colello
July 21, 2001, Gideon Putnam

Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for making our Wedding Reception a complete success. Everyone had a fabulous time! Many people commented that you were the best DJ they had ever seen! Thanks again for adding to the perfect Wedding.

– Craig & Eileen Dooley
April 2, 2005 Saratoga Holiday Inn

Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for the fantastic job you did with the music at our wedding on July 21, 2001 at the Gideon Putnam. You did a great job! You kept all the age groups out there dancing and having fun. I have never seen so much participation at a wedding and we got a number of compliments. Your contribution helped provide us with a perfect wedding day. Thanks again.

– Dave & Jessica Colello
July 21, 2001 Gideon Putnam

Dear Mark,
I apologize for the late thank you but life has been pretty busy since July 20th. Mark and I would like to thank you so much for playing the music at our wedding. You came with such professionalism and were so awesome. I was so happy to have you be a part of our special day! We will recommend you 100,000 times over and over again! You made our day even more special. Thanks so much again! God Bless.

– Mark and Lauren Greutman
July 20, 2002 –Tent Wedding, Middlegrove, NY

Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did at our wedding. All of our guests are still talking about the wonderful time they had. I don’t think there was any time that the dance floor wasn’t full! Thanks again for making our very important day so much fun!

– Cyndee and Tim Powell
July 1997, Saratoga Holiday Inn

Dear Mark,
Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did at our holiday party. Everyone had a great time and many people have commented to me about the music. As a professional event planner, the pressure is really on when I am asked to find entertainment for a holiday party for the employees I work with, many of whom make their living working the events I plan. I couldn’t have a made a better choice hiring a DJ. The music you played kept the group dancing and entertained. This is no small feat. Our group ranges in age from 16 to 65. Your professionalism is unsurpassed. Many DJs must rely on gimmicks and loud commentary to motivate the crowd to dance. It never ceases to amaze me how you are able to motivate the crowd time and time again without resorting to those methods. You accomplish this by expertly reading the crowd and playing just the right mix of music. Mark, always, it was a pleasure to work with you and I will continue to recommend you as I have for the past 12 years.

– Joanne Speck
December 4, 2002 Longfellows Inn and Restaurant

Dear Mark,
We are writing to tell you how pleased we were with your work at our reception at Longfellows on July 11th. Our only regret is that it couldn’t go on longer! We have received numerous compliments on your performance and we are especially pleased with your choice of songs for the slide show. You were really able to capture exactly what we were aiming for (and remarkably so, given how vague I was at our meeting). The entire evening went off without a hitch with many thanks to you! All of our guests remarked how they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you for taking charge of the slide show, and for being so professional and entertaining. We would like you to know how much we appreciate your work, and we would also like to thank you for making our wedding reception so much fun!

– Ellen and Jeff Manor
July 11, 1998 – Longfellows

Mark,
Thank you very much for all your great work. Everyone commented how you were a great disc jockey and that they’ve never seen one get so involved in the dancing. Thank you very much for helping our special day to go perfectly and smoothly.

– Michelle and Dave Muller
August 1995

Mark,
Chris and I would like to thank you for your quick response calls & video to view. You were professional from start to finish. You did a great job at our May 6th Wedding. Everyone had a great time. The dance floor was never empty.

– Chris & Beth
May 6, 1995

Dear Mark,
You’re the best! Thanks so much for keeping our guests on the dance floor until the very last song. Everyone had such a great time & I attribute much of that to you. If you ever need references please don’t hesitate to use our names. Thanks again!

– Shaun (Hazelton) Meleski
May 1997

Dear Mark,
People often say that a Wedding Reception lives or dies with the ability of the DJ and the music that was selected. I am so very thankful and grateful that we selected the best person for the job. Mark, you helped to set the tone for the reception with great desire in letting everyone relax and have a wonderful time. There were so many remarkable compliments from everyone, from our families to the wait-staff, that they were delighted with the music selection and how you parlayed that into such fun for us all. I was very impressed with the poise ad uncanny ability you have to read the audience and decide how you could keep the entertainment to a maximum at all times. You certainly helped to keep the edge off our stress and turn that into a magnificent outcome. Sarah and I were able to enjoy each other’s company and dance to several tunes that our hearts warmly share, and a big thank-you comes from us for that. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and dedication that you provided.

– Chad and Sarah Slagle
September 17, 2005, Eagle Crest Country Club

Mark,
We’d like to thank you for your services at our Winter Fest Party. Everyone had a great time. You made it fun as well as entertaining. This is one party they will never forget. Whenever we need a DJ you’re the first one we will call.

– Sandy & the AC Moore Staff
Winterfest Party, Saratoga K of C Hall/ Jan. 8, 2006

Dear Mark,
We just wanted to thank you so much for being our DJ at our Wedding November 12th at Costanzo’s. You’re the best and everyone seemed to have so much fun dancing. All the music was great! We will highly recommend you!
– Carol & Woody Clewell
November 12, 2005 Costanzo’s, Waterford, NY

Mark,
Thank you so much for everything!! You made our special day a blast as well! We had a ton of comments on you and how much fun you made it. I would recommend you to anybody that asks for a DJ service, sorry you couldn't find a parking spot to hang out at Gaffneys after, it would have been a lot of fun! Thank you so much for the pictures they came out great!! Tell everyone we said hello, and maybe we will see ya at football this year sometime!! Thank you sooo much again!

– Bob and Stacy Cox
June 3, 2006 Saratoga Elks Club

Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for the great music. Everyone loved it. We all had a blast, I'm sure you could tell. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone I know getting married.

– Matt & Shannon Nopper
June 16, 2006 – Italian American C. Center

Mark,
We both can't thank you enough. You were wonderful. And we both really enjoyed working with you, you made everything really easy. I recommended you to everyone I could think of that night. And if we need a DJ again you are on the top of our list. Let us know if the bar will be closing its doors we would love to come down and have a drink with you.

– Lindsay and Dale
November 11, 2006 – Century House

Mark,
I just wanted to thank you for the awesome job you did at the wedding. Everything was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. Our entrance was awesome. People are still talking about the perfect timing with the bagpipes! Thanks for all the Elton John. It really fit us – all of it.

– Stephanie & Sean Hotaling
July 29, 2006 – Canfield Casino

Mark,
We want to thank you for the fabulous job you did at our reception! Once things got going, the dance floor was packed the rest of the night. It was just wonderful. The props were great for the kids and the adults, and our guests complimented us on our choice of DJ! The music was great, and we had a blast. Thank you!

– Stacy & Graig Pattison
September 9, 2006, Saratoga Holiday Inn

Hi Mark,
Sorry it took so long to reply! But thank you for being our DJ you were great. The music was good and everyone loved the props and glow necklaces. Everyone had a great time! Thank you again!

– Nick & Shelley Marano
September 22, 2006 Best Western Sovereign Hotel, Albany, NY

Mark,
A DJ and a Photographer!!!!! We got really lucky. We enjoyed your music and now we are enjoying the slide show. You are a 10+ in our book. Please free
to use us as a referral. We have been talking about you to everybody AND more importantly everyone has been telling us about "OUR" DJ, his music and THE WEDDING. You were a great addition to the ASHLEY and JESSE WEDDING.

– Dan and Lori Czupryna

Henry's Tavern

19 Front Street
Ballston Spa
(518) 309-3584

"Henry's Trivia Night” Looking for that perfect early in the week fun and delicious activity? Then give Henry's Trivia a try! Now in its 10th year!! Various topics covered each week. Music, Sports, and maybe even some Einstein stuff. Enjoy some tasty food, try the craft beers, and win candy and giftcards too! All aboard! It starts at 7pm!

Brickyard Tavern & Grill

70 Milton Avenue
Ballston Spa
(518) 884-2570

Join us each and every Thursday night for 'Trivia Tonight' at the Brickyard Tavern & Grill. Three separate rounds beginning at 7:00pm! Play one! Play them all!

• FREE to play!
• Gift certificates awarded for each round winning team!
• Plus! A gift certificate awarded for the overall winners!
• A great family night out!

"Trivia At The Brickyard Is The Place To Be On A Thursday Night!" Great Food! Great Conversation! And The Spirits Are Always Flowing!

Mark Hersh was born and raised in the quaint upstate New York village of Ballston Spa. The youngest of three siblings, he has both a brother and a sister. His dad was a draftsman for the General Electric Company for many years, and his mom was a devoted housewife & loving mother.

As a child, he always loved music. Whenever he would visit anyone’s home, he was always drawn to their record collection. In most cases, this would be in the basement, where he would have free roam to play whatever music he chose. At that time, it was the pop hits of the late 60’s and early 70’s that he liked the most. To satisfy his mom’s wishes, he studied the trumpet. He enjoyed doing concerts and playing in the school band, but hung up his horn after a few years stating he didn’t have the lip to keep playing.

Mark began his work in the mobile Disc Jockey business in 1974, while only 14 years old. A good friend of his was helping someone else perform at local schools and asked Mark to come along. His job at that time was to help get the audience motivated and into a dancing mood. Without any formal training or dance lessons, he would perform dance routines and imitate popular entertainers such as Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. His nick name in the early years was “The Disco Kid”. He attributes the watching of countless episodes of ‘Soul Train’, as the inspiration for his love of dancing.

He and his friend, Duane Lineback, would eventually DJ for themselves. During the late 70’s, the duo performed at just about every Junior High and High School in the region. Disc Jockeys were just coming into the Wedding and Banquet market at this time too.

Leaving the area for a couple of years, he kept the DJ work going while attending Herkimer County Community College in Central New York. He worked on the school radio station, performed at clubs & schools on the side, and studied business and studio photography for his major. He graduated with an Associates degree in 1981.

Following college, he returned to the Capital Region and continued to perform, now getting more into the banquet scene. The music wasn’t supporting him at that time, so he was also working at his brother’s restaurant, where his chores included short order cooking, waiting tables and catering. It was also at this time that he began to work at his hometown tavern, “Monaco’s Village Inn”. For the better part of 20 years, he would create hundreds of party themes for the establishment, and continued to work there until the legendary tavern closed its doors in 2006.

The work became so plentiful, that in 1987 he went into the business full time and filed a DBA for Hersh Productions. From that point on he would perform at thousands of Wedding Receptions, School Parties, Anniversaries, Birthdays and dozens of other themed banquets. He was proud to be on the referral lists of several regional establishments.

In the early 90's Mark began to step outside of the box and his company would produce a string of Country Music events. Each one would prove to be successful for him, but his producing skills were still evolving. During the promoting of his first event, he would stumble upon The Northeast Country Music Association, a non profit group that supports the regional country music artists. It would prove to be a very rewarding tenure with the group, as it would allow him to hone his producing skills with a series of different events. He wrote articles for local magazines, produced scores of live music showcases, and even produced a compilation CD. A highlight moment would come in 2003, when he wrote, produced and directed the association's annual awards show, held at the historical Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady. He also served as the association’s president for three years.

It was around this time, when the demands of running his own business and volunteering for the non-profit group, was taking a toll on his family life. While he would keep working, he toned things down, so he could spend more time with his wife and two young children. His business would still continue to grow at this time.

When his children got a little older, he was ready to reinvent himself once again, and began to get involved with events that would allow him to build up followers. These events included 'Karaoke' parties and 'Trivia' nights. They would serve as great filler events in between the formal banquets and corporate events.

Now in the 21st Century and in his 4th decade as a producer, director and mobile entertainer, he is proud to have a well established business. While he no longer does the Elvis routines, His name is synonymous with providing an excellent time at parties. He currently produces two weekly Trivia events, and you'll catch him 3-4 times a week, singing at several nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He attributes his success, to his ability of always keeping the personal touch as part of his business.

“When you speak with each and every client, it’s quite easy to find out what they’re looking for, and then deliver it”. It’s that theory that has gotten him this far, and when asked how long he'll stay in the music business, Mark says, “As long as there’s music to play and people who want to dance and party to it, I’ll be in the business”.

Addendum 2022: While he will continue to do his trivia events and midweek parties, Mark retired from the wedding market at the conclusion of the 2022 wedding season! A heartfelt thanks to the thousands of brides and grooms who have supported him over the years!

Standard Wedding Package (with ceremony music included)
*Prelude music to start 30 minutes prior to the Ceremony
*Our portable speaker can go anywhere on the location (inside or outside)
*Ceremony music (custom designed by Bride & Groom)
*Ceremony (microphone available if needed)
*Cocktail Hour Music (custom designed if desired)
*Bridal Party announcements into the reception (custom design your entry music)
*Dinner Music (can also be custom designed)
*Formalities (1st Dance, Parents’ Dances, Garter/Bouquet, more - All optional)
*Party Time Music!! (We work off of your request list)
*Special effects lighting for the dance floor!
**$1,050.00 up to 6 hours including prelude

Extra Hours: $150 per hour

Special extended-hour packages can also be arranged.

Note: A party is not confirmed until we have received a deposit and a signed contract

For pricing on all over events, please call or email us for a quote

We are honored to be on the referral lists of these remarkable establishments. Please consider them while planning your next event.

• The Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn

  Julie 584-6511 x288

• The Gideon Putnam Hotel

  Pam 226-4700

• The Inn at Longfellows

  Geri 587-0108

• Van Patten Country Club ‘The Vista’

  Mark / Kim 371-3798 x5

• The Inn At Saratoga

  583-1890

• Fine Affairs (Decorating Company)

  Geriann / Robin 587-4648

• Albany Mariott

  Chris 437-6345

• Hiland Park Country Club

  793-2000

• Allerdice Rental (Tents & Rental Supplies)

  Debbie 584-0002

• The Factory ‘Eatery’ & Banquets

  Mary / Cara 885-0500

While there are many other selections in our song library, here is a sampling of some of the popular requests. Any song can be requested and we can work off of the song list that you provide.

Oldies

Wooly Bully, Devil w/a blue dress on, Rock around the Clock, Johnny Be Good, Jailhouse Rock, Build me up Buttercup, Twist & Shout, Shout, The Twist, Let’s Twist again, Great Balls of fire, The Wanderer, Runaround Sue, Respect, I Feel Good, Surfin’ USA, Gimme Some Lovin’, Mustang Sally, Wipe Out, Sherry, Ain’t too proud to beg, Tequila, Rockin’ Robin, Do you love me, ABC, La Bamba, Heard it through the grapevine, Louie Louie, Dance to the music, Proud Mary, Brown eyed girl, Domino, Soul Man, Splish Splash, Wild Thing

Rock

You shook me all night long, Honky tonk woman, Satisfaction, Mony Mony, White wedding, Keep your hands to yourself, Some kind of wonderful, Born to be wild, Sweet child o’ mine, Paradise by the dashboard lights, Sweet home Alabama, Sharp dressed man, Enter Sandman, All Summer long, Rock & Roll all night, I love Rock & Roll, Back in Black, Sweet emotion, Gimme three steps, Devil went down to Georgia, Pride & Joy, Black magic woman

Hip Hop

Shake it off, Roses, Say So, Uptown Funk, 24k Magic, Worth it, Timber, Finesse, Fireball, Blurred Lines, Low, I Gotta Feeling, Party Rock Anthem, On the Floor, Yeah, Moves Like Jagger, Shut up & Dance, Shots, One Kiss, Old Town Road, We Found Love, Cake by the Ocean, Can't stop the feeling, Danza Kudaro, Mi Gente,

Disco

Brick House, Play that funky music, Stayin’ alive, We are family, Celebration, Dancing queen, I will survive, Funkytown, Get down tonight, It’s raining men, YMCA, Le Freak, Don’t stop ‘til you get enough, Car wash, Hot Stuff/Bad Girls,

80’s

What I like about you, Come on Eileen, Walking on sunshine, Thriller, Billie Jean, Footloose, Relax, Tainted love, Holiday, Shoop, Push it, Rapper’s delight, Love Shack, I wanna be sedated, Let the music play, Girls just want to have fun, I love Rock & Roll,

Slow Dancin’

Perfect, Thinking out loud, At Last, Unchained Melody, Because you loved me, Unforgettable, Wonderful tonight, Everything I do, Can’t help falling in love, Have I told you lately, Amazed, What a wonderful world, Faithfully, From this moment on, Lady in Red, In my life, I swear