Meet the team | turnitup

DJ & Celebrant Jono Salisbury

Turn It Up is set up and spun by DJ Jono. From rolling around in a cloth nappy to the record player to watching his Dad entertaining crowds as a DJ, it is not surprising Jono developed a passion for music from an early age. Keen to upgrade the boombox, Jono built his own speakers, pushed play on the tape decks and played music to anyone within ear shot. Before long Jono was sharing his love for music DJing at parties and in bars at various spots around New Zealand. A three year OE saw Jono spending more time playing in the crowd than to it. With his travels, grew his appreciation for music from a vast range of sound and genres.

Back in Aotearoa, Jono noticed a blatant gap in the entertainment market. After attending one too many functions of flat music and disappointed punters he has turned his hands back to the decks.

Jono is an experienced and relaxed DJ who runs with a no rules philosophy - open to playing what you want, when you want, where you want. He knows what works and how to keep the dance floor moving. Jono will happily pull out the dusty classics and proudly play NZ tunes from our endless back yard talent. Say cheese and you'll get it. Requests are lapped up if that's the way you'd like the music to flow...afterall it is your party, your people, your call...or if you'd rather just not think about it, Jono will do what he does best - play to the crowd and play it right.

Jono has spent countless hours building up his music collection, ensuring he has a mixture of the old, the new and everything in between. You can expect Jono to deliver nothing but the best, at a reasonable price. Jono knows when to play it down and more importantly, when to turn it up!

Jono and Dad

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Dj Dan Wairepo

Jono and Dan first met on a long bus ride from London to Cornwall in search of some salt air and surf. A few waves and a few more cold ones in the walkabout later, a tight friendship built on mutual respect and a love for music, waves and a good time. When there’s a lull in his Engineering Study or the surf, Dan is reaching for his guitar and he’s not shy on the karaoke mic. Many a night have been topped off with a Dan lead sing along.

After years living it up around the globe, they eventually both returned to their roots in NZ where their friendship has stayed strong. When looking for a wingman on the DJ decks, Jono knew without hesitation Dan was the guy for it. Naturally being a keen muso and party fanatic, Dan leaped at the chance and has never looked back. He has entertained lolly charged 6 year olds, merry legged 21 year olds, love birds down the isle...whatever your function, Dan will make it move.

Like Jono, Dan has an extensive understanding of a wide genre of music and is open to playing whatever tickles you. Hunting for fun, funky melodies is what they do. You just get to kick back and enjoy them. Reggae and soul make his heart throb and as a Westie and guitarist can’t say he doesn’t dig rock. Plus with his urge to grab the karaoke mic, anything sing along is right up Dans alley.DJ Dan is a real good sort. He’s our cool calm happy charm who will bring spark to your celebration. We like him and we know you will too.

Dj Fernando Gru

Fernando is the youngest member of the Turn it up family. He started his music journey in the early 2000s; in the boom of electronic music in Buenos Aires. With his Argentinian roots and as a travel enthusiast he connected with many different cultures and music styles.

After spending a few years as a music lover he took the stage, sharing his music to the people. He played in different small clubs, private parties and weddings from South America to Europe. And we know it all! Where ever he goes, he will make you happy with his groovy tunes.

Fernando knows how to be on both sides of an event and therefore he knows how a party should be done. With his unique skills for organizing and relaxed attitude he will make your day. He has an excellent talent for creating an environment that is for everyone.

Fernando is excited to be part of the Turn it Up family, where we share laughter and beats.

“Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

Celebrant Sandy James

Sandy met Jono many years ago; they moved in similar social circles, played sport together in Drury and worked both in the teaching profession and at wedding functions.

“Our paths simply kept crossing and because I have always admired Jono’s passion and enthusiasm for life, his mature and positive manner in every situation and his talent and dedication to music, when the opportunity was presented to me, I knew I was on to something exceptional. I feel so blessed to join such a passionate and professional team”.

Sandy has joined the team with a wealth of life experience, travel, career and business experience and a commitment to working with you to make your day special. Sandy is a passionate and enthusiastic person who discovered her passion for ritual, ceremony and celebration as a university graduate in Auckland. She loves planning a great party with all the trappings and trimmings, so her last celebration was ‘Great Gatsby’ themed. No prizes awarded for guessing who the debonair DJ was at this party. She is the director of her own small company and spent five years moonlighting as a bar manager at wedding functions, which is where she was inspired to pursue a career as a Marriage and Civil Marriage Celebrant.

Sandy takes pleasure in writing her own wedding ceremonies and vows for you or with you and she always works with dedication and professionalism, paying attention to detail. She is easy to relate to and her life experience make it easy for her to communicate with people from all walks of life. She is a relaxed, confident and practiced speaker and prepares for those ‘wonderfully unpredictable’ moments. You will benefit from having an energetic, passionate and dedicated Celebrant like Sandy working with you on your most monumental day. She will touch your hearts, win over your guests and make your day truly special.