When Jake Dela Cruz, a junior at Newsome High School, was just seven years old, he decided that he wanted to become a DJ. Now, at just 16 years old, Jake has performed at some of the country’s biggest events, including Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis.
Dela Cruz is an Open Format Mix DJ. Dela Cruz explained, “A mix DJ takes a list of songs and musically combines and rearranges them to form one continuous track. As an Open Format Mix DJ, I can play music from all music genres from Top 40, Hip Hop, Rock to EDM (Electronic Dance Music). This allows me to be more versatile and have the opportunity to play for many different events.”
Dela Cruz runs his own mobile DJ business and is a part of DJ Fresh Events. Dela Cruz’ mentor, Doug Hensel aka DJ Fresh invited him to perform at the NFL Store at the Super Bowl Experience. Dela Cruz said, “The crowd was a mix of Patriots and Eagles fans. Approximately 125,000 people came through the Minneapolis Convention Center over the three days I was there.” Dela Cruz met many celebrities including Comedian Kevin Hart, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodelll and NFL Hall of Famer, Cris Carter.
Dela Cruz said of the experience, “I was able to get a picture with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Unfortunately, I was not able to go to the game, but I am very grateful for the experience.”
Dela Cruz has played at many major events in the area including pre-game entertainment for the Tampa Bay Lightning with the Streetlaced Marketing & Promotions Team, he has opened for groups such as Sugar Hill Gang, Rob Base and KapG and Lil Pump and he performed the pre-show for the 93.3FLZ JingleBall concert for several years.
Dela Cruz also donates his performance time to groups including FishHawk Relay For Life, The Children’s Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society.
Dela Cruz said, “Music is a common bond that brings most people together. You may not come from the same place or share the same views, but when the new song comes on, you know, the one that everyone is singing, all of a sudden it is like magic.”
You can hear DJ Jake Dela Cruz on his show Audio Mix Therapy on Evolution 93.3 HD Radio and on the iHeartRadio App every Saturday from 7 to 8 p.m.
For info call 489-9277 or email djjakedelacruz@gmail.com.
