Wedding DJ
Seamless ceremonies, elegant cocktail hours and high-energy receptions. We blend your must‑play songs with crowd‑pleasing hits so everyone feels included.
for weddings, corporate & private events
515•675•8391
Des Moines'
Premiere
All vinyl DJ providing an unforgettable music experience
About DJ Chop Shop
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a DJ. Growing up in Dubuque, Iowa, I'd stay up late listening to WLS Chicago — 50,000 watts of the best music in America bouncing across the Midwest into my bedroom. That signal set the hook.
I've been DJing in one form or another since 1981 — first as the self-appointed DJ at high school events in Dubuque, then spinning 45s at The Stein in Cedar Falls in the mid-80s, and never really stopping since.
I got my formal start at KCRS, the student radio station at the University of Northern Iowa, where they taught me how to be a radio DJ. From there the path expanded fast: KWLO in Waterloo, KWAY in Waverly, and KUNI/KHKE in Cedar Falls, where I ran satellite feeds and reel-to-reel tapes for public radio. The overnight oldies shift at KWLO was its own music education — deep immersion in 50s, 60s, and 70s catalog while simultaneously discovering new wave and punk at UNI. I was getting a complete survey course in American popular music history while my peers were only focused on what was current.
Being in the music scene in the 80s was a blast. College radio had intersected with the mainstream, R.E.M. was on the Top 40, and the dance floor was on fire every night. I've loved that music ever since.
During the COVID lockdown I made the transition to an all-vinyl rig — two professional Audio Technica AT-LP140 DJ turntables, a mixer, and EV powered speakers delivering 3,000 total watts of crystal-clear audio. I've spent years poring through the CMJ New Music Report, Billboard dance charts, and my own collection to assemble a 400+ LP catalog heavy on 80s college, new wave, post-punk, and dance music.
I bring printed song menus to every show — binders listing over 800 songs so you can browse the collection and send up requests all night. People love the interaction. And watching someone pull records from sleeves, cue them up, and mix by hand creates a show within the show that a laptop DJ simply can't match.
I call myself DJ Chop Shop. The brand is the invitation. The music is the experience.
“
Any DJ can stand there and push buttons. I pull records from sleeves, drop the needle, and mix by hand. That’s not just music — that’s a show.
— Colin Lamb, DJ Chop Shop
services
Music that fits the moment , not just the playlist
From the first guest arrival to the very last song, we curate sound for every part of your event. Choose exactly what you need — or let us help you build the perfect mix.
Bars / Clubs
A unique all-vinyl experience for your guests. 10 years of satisfied club owners and event experiences.
Outdoor Events
Birthdays, anniversaries, rooftop parties and everything in between. We read the room in real‑time and keep the energy right where you want it.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Real words from couples, teams and hosts who trusted us with their most important nights.
— Anne Lawrie, Marketing Director, RAGBRAI
“We hired DJ Chop Shop for two RAGBRAI Roadshow events in the fall of 2020. His vinyl collection and ability to create the perfect playlist shuffle kept our guests and our team singing and dancing throughout the event. DJ Chop Shop is at the top of our list whenever we need a DJ. .”
— Dave Deibler, Octopus College Hill Cedar Falls
“Halt and Catch Fire/80's Videos w/ DJ Chop Shop is one of the easiest and enjoyable events we do. Colin is a total pro. Once he starts with his endless supply of 80's videos the smiles on people in the bar don't stop. It works on a couple different levels. People can watch the videos or just listen to the music. Highly recommended. .”
— Robin S., Mother of the Bride
“With limited notice and no equipment provided by the venue, Colin provided equipment, lights, and a playlist for the evening, including special selections chosen by the bride and groom. Fairly priced and self-sufficiency meant no wedding day DJ music headaches for the parents of the bride.”
— Mark W., Regular at the Triangle Tap
“The best 80s night in Des Moines, hands down. He actually plays the deep cuts you forgot you loved.”
— Dave H., Show attendee
I sent up a request slip for a B-side I hadn't heard in 30 years and he had it. On vinyl. That's dedication..”
— Facebook review
“The sound quality through real vinyl is just different. You can feel the warmth. Incredible night every time.”
DJ CHOP SHOP
Photo Gallery
Outdoor events, indoor events, weddings, corporate events. We always have a blast!
