DJs

Shelby Johnson

Shelby Johnson is a self-proclaimed music snob, who fell in love with jazz at an early age listening to the sounds of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He really fell in love with swing music in the 6th grade thanks to a music appreciation class, and later started playing jazz in the 8th grade after 3 years in band as a drummer and percussionist.

In high school, Shelby started playing the vibraphone and would transpose his parts for most pieces, as many pieces didn’t provide written music. This developed Shelby’s ear for music that was a huge catalyst for him catching the swing dance bug in 2011 in Orlando, Florida. And BOI, what kind of journey that has started! 2 years later, Shelby became one of the premier DJs in the Southeast, being featured at exchanges in Florida and South Carolina.

In 2013 Shelby moved to Dallas, TX, where he continues to deliver awesome syncopated tunes for Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and Collegiate Shag.

Shelby’s passion for social dancing, teaching and competing landed him the 2016 Frankie Manning Ambassador Scholarship to Herrang Dance Camp where he expanded his knowledge on Jazz Dance and Music History. Now, Shelby is back in Columbus, OH ready to continue bringing people groovy and rhythmic tunes to dance their best to.


Kate Holden

Kate’s DJing career began eight years ago with her college scene at the University of Delaware. She has since DJ’d for events and local scenes alike, up and down the east coast.

As the DJ Coordinator for Jazz Attack in Philadelphia, her favorite part of the job is ensuring that every social dance is filled with great music that gets everyone swinging out.

Kate brings enthusiasm and energy to every event and hopes you’re as excited to hear her sets as she is to play them!


Om Choudhary

Om Choudhary was first introduced to blues dance in 2010 in Pittsburgh and started spinning blues tunes in 2012. Devout to the blues music, Om loves to dance and DJ to emotions, strongly believing that music is what – feelings sound like.

As a DJ, he draws his inspiration from local blues artists, live musicians, and the dancers on the floor. Om has DJ’d various events and workshops specifically geared towards Slow Drag, slow Jazz, Delta blues, Chicago style blues and more.

In addition to Blues, Om can be seen dancing to Bhangra and Bollywood music, and has cherished his love for folk Rajasthani music for over 21 years.


Emcee – Daniel Verdon

Photo Credit: Hannah Joy

Daniel fell in love with swing dancing over a decade ago, mesmerized by the healing power of dance. After several years as a dancer, he first starting giving back to his scene by DJing and then learning how to teach dance. He has spent the last several years as an organizer for his hometown scene in Cincinnati and is the proud co-owner of Queen City Swing Dance.

As an Emcee he loves to promote swing bands and deejays and share the energy and joy that dancing gives him. PittStop is one of his favorite events, and he cannot wait to serve at the event this year!