Derek Rice, aka DJ Rice Pilaf has been an integral member of Burlington’s music scene for over a decade. Derek has performed from behind the decks as well as behind his keyboard, keeping dance floors bouncing and parties vibing. With years of experience both in event production and music editing, Derek loves building custom experiences, working directly with couples to make their wedding unique and memorable. Derek is a true professional and very creative DJ who simply wants everyone at the party to have the best experience possible!
What people have to say about Derek:
“Hiring Derek as our wedding DJ was hands down one of the best decisions we made! From the moment we found him, everything was effortless. Derek’s super friendly and chill demeanor instantly put us at ease, and his passion for his craft truly shines through. We gave him a simple “inspo” playlist with a few must-plays, and he completely understood the assignment. He nailed the vibe perfectly and read the crowd like a pro, keeping the energy high all night. Derek was also great at navigating song requests—even when a friend suggested something that just wasn’t right for the moment, he handled it with ease and kept the mood intact. His mixing skills were top-notch, watching my friends, family, and husband out on the dance floor had my soul singing. Our guests are still talking about how incredible the dance floor was—especially when we compare it to other weddings we’ve attended since. The energy was unforgettable. Derek’s genuine excitement to be a part of our day made it all the more special. If you’re looking for a DJ who is professional, passionate, and knows how to keep the party going, look no further than Derek. Highly recommended!” – Sarah and Ben, Portland, ME October 2023
“We hired DJ Rice Pilaf to DJ our wedding and he absolutely crushed it. Over a year later, people still bring it up — and not just in the ‘wedding highlight reel’ kind of way. Friends & family who didn’t know him have asked for his name unprompted, even months later, just because they remember how good the music was and how electric the vibe felt. He has a unique ability to create a dance floor that feels inclusive, exciting, and personal — like the music is part of the story being told. Can’t recommend him highly enough.” – Jon and Eliza, Orleans, VT September 2023
“Derek was a great choice for our wedding and he really brought the party! Derek was communicative, punctual, available and reliable. He accommodated our requests for a custom mashup first dance song and all our guests song requests too. Derek was professional, polite and knows how to keep the dance party going. We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding DJ and would absolutely recommend him to everyone.” – Scott, Burlington, VT June 2022
“Derek was the best! He made all our wedding music dreams come true and our guests loved him as well. Derek was open to all our requests and kept everyone on the dance floor all night long. Derek was a dream to work with. He was great with communication and never left our questions unanswered. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice. Thanks for helping to make our wedding night special, Derek!” – Adriane, South Burlington, VT June 2022