BELLE FOURCHE—The new year brings a new opportunity for Belle Fourche resident Michael Meemken. After more than 20 years working as a DJ for other companies, he launched his own business, Pass the Mike Entertainment.
After Mike’s first time singing karaoke, he was hooked. At the young age of 19, he got his start DJing in Southwest Minnesota. His first time on the mic, he wasn’t even old enough to get into the local bar that was hosting the event, so he had no choice but to sneak in to sing. “The guy that was DJing there asked if I ever thought about DJing—because I was just up there singing and having a good old time,” explained Meemken. “I stayed there until closing and ended up getting hired! I learned that, as entertainment, you don’t need to be 21 (to be in the bar) so I got hired with their company!”
Meemken has been a DJ long enough that he has seen the technology change. Around 2002, vinyl setups gave way to digital systems. “I went from flipping discs to digital,” he said.
The DJ moved to Belle Fourche area in 2005. “I set up at Brooster’s Brewery on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. We started Thursday night Kamikaze Karaoke, where they would sing songs they’ve never sang before, or I’d randomly pick one for them—it kicked off really good,” shared Meemken.
He continued working and filling in for other companies and DJs until Rhonda Schild at the Outlaw Bar decided to buy a system and reached out to Meemken. “She asked if I would DJ and so I helped her pick out her new system. Rhonda has been very supportive over the last 10 years,” he said.
A dream that Meemken has had for a really long time finally came to fruition this year. “I bought my own system, finally,” he shared. “First of all, finally, just finally—I’ve talked about it for years, and I just finally did it! I started looking online and found a website that I could order everything from—the lights and the mixer, speakers, the whole bit, everything that I need. Before everything even arrived, I got booked for a show!”
Getting his own system is something Meemken has wanted to do for a long time. “I lived out here for 20 years and I’ve turned down so many weddings because I never had my own system,” he explained. “I’m ready to do weddings now—I’ve already booked two for this year without any advertising!”
Going by the name DJ Smiley Mike, he is all about getting everyone involved with having a great time with great music! You can find him once a month at the Outlaw. “I’ll be there February 13 and 14 for Valentine’s Day weekend,” he said.
He uses a system called Karafun, so he is able to get most any song participants may request. “They have all your new songs, so there’s very few songs I don’t have for karaoke…they take care of all my licensing and everything, so I don’t have to worry about that,” explained Meemken.
Coming up in February, DJ Smiley Mike will be partnering with the one and only Lil’ Raya, his daughter, for the elementary school Glow Light Party. Raya, 13, gets to help pick out music for the event.
This is a part-time gig for Meemken, as he works full time at Hersruds Auto Family. He explained, “Karaoke is my addiction, and this is my way of feeding it—doing weddings and stuff—it’s just fun. It’s great!”
For more information, you can reach out to DJ Smiley Mike at Pass the Mike Entertainment on Facebook.
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