30+ Years in the event industry
Built in Boston. NOW Established in Southwest Florida.
From professional DJs and confident MCs to ceremony audio, uplighting, photo booths and live musicians, 617 SWFL Events provides everything needed to bring your celebration to life. Our team manages the music, announcements, timing and technical details—from the first guest arrival through the final song.
Formerly The 239 DJs.
Southwest Florida is about to get even more exciting!
I’m Jimmie Espo, Founder of The 617 Event Group, and I’m proud to introduce 617 SWFL Events—bringing more than 30 years of experience together with an incredible local DJ Team.
From weddings and private celebrations to galas and community events, we’re here to create the perfect vibe, fill the dance floor and turn life’s special moments into unforgettable memories.
Let’s go, Southwest Florida. We’re ready to celebrate with you!
Jimmie Espo
Founder:
THE 617 EVENT GROUP
At 617 SWFL Events, we believe your wedding should feel like your wedding. Led by DJ and MC Jimmie Espo, our team brings decades of experience and thousands of weddings to the room. We’re trusted by wedding venues for polished DJ and MC services, thoughtful planning, and the ability to bring a celebration to life.
We’ll work with you on the music and the moments that matter most, from your introductions to your last dance. Our MCs keep the day moving without taking it over. And when it’s time to party, our DJs read the room, mix live, and build the energy on the dance floor.
Your soundtrack should reflect your style, not a DJ’s favorite playlist. We’ll play the songs you and your guests love, stay flexible as the night unfolds, and help create the kind of memories you’ll talk about long after the wedding. We can also bring ceremony audio and LED lighting together with the entertainment.
Planning a wedding in Southwest Florida? Tell us about your day and let’s see if your date is available.
We used The 617 Event Group for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
Highly recommend Brian {DJ Rifik} throught The 617 Event Group and 239 Djs! DJ Rifik was a great communicator and met with my wife and I prior to the event to get to know us and discuss the wedding music. On the day of the event at the Bay Forest HOA Clubhouse in Naples, Brian and Yuri did an amazing job reading the crowd and keeping everyone on the dance floor. Everyone was still talking about the DJ the next day!
Vinny S. - the Knot.com
DJ Jimmie Espo – Owner of The 617 Event Group – has been a successful disc jockey for over 25 years. His versatile resume spans from performing at Boston’s hottest nightclubs to becoming the accomplished, premier Wedding MC he is today. Since reloacting to Naples, FL… Jimmie has opened “617 SWFL” and will continue to pack dance floors both in Boston and Southwest Florida!
DJ Jimmie Espo transitioned his unique DJ skills to the wedding entertainment industry in 1998, where he took his fresh approach at mixing the classics with current dance and top 40 hits to pack the dance floors at weddings just as he did in the clubs. Jimmie launched the original Move It Music that same year. Now, Jimmie performs at over 90 weddings per year and is constantly being recommended by the most exclusive Wedding Venues. Jimmie has been featured as a wedding entertainment industry expert in prestigious magazines, wedding blogs and online channels. He has also co-authored two books titled “How to Plan the Perfect New England Wedding” and “The Ultimate Wedding Reception.”
Jimmie has been chosen as a speaker at WeddingWire’s WORLD Conference 3 times and was featured in Scene Magazine Boston’s Spring 2012 issue covering what’s hot and trending in Boston. For this feature, Jimmie was part of a wedding themed fashion shoot at the beautiful Copley Fairmont Hotel. Jimmie and The 617 Event Group was also features in BostonMan Magazine’s Summer 2021 issue. Article Link Here As well as being featured on the cover of BostonMan Magazine in Fall of 2023!
Hands down 617 weddings are the BEST! Jimmie espo is the best dj around! You won’t regret hiring him for any event! He’s genuinely a great person and makes sure you have the best wedding ever! Everyone from 617 takes the stress out of everything and makes sure the day is perfect! Jimmie made sure everyone was always on the dance floor and kept the party going till midnight! I seriously can’t thank him enough for everything he did to make the day go so smoothly and perfect! I’m forever grateful for him and his team! Wedding of the century!
Krystle - the Knot.com
We had the pleasure of working with Jimmie for our wedding on October 8th. From the moment we met with him we knew he was going to be the perfect fit for our reception. He was extremely familiar with our venue which put us at ease, was flexible scheduling calls, and made us feel like rockstars the entire night. He kept the party going with hit after hit for 5 straight hours. From the moment the first song played, to the very last one, not a single person left the dance floor. His energy was unmatched and we can’t thank Jimmie enough for making reception AMAZING. A week later and all of our guests are still raving about him! Thank you Jimmie for making our day so special.
Jessica - the Knot.com
Meet DJ Rifik, aka Brian Marino, a seasoned DJ with a passion for spinning tracks that spans over three decades. Originating from the vibrant city of Boston, MA, Brian honed his craft in the depths of his basement before making waves at hot 97 and on his college radio station. Relocating to Florida in 2004, he seamlessly integrated his love for DJing with a role at IHeart Radio, contributing to the beats on Y100.
Brian’s journey continued to ascend as he climbed the ranks at IHeart, ultimately becoming the On-Air Personality for the prime-time show on 105.5 The Beat in Southwest Florida, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Short-E. His vibrant sets have graced stages across the region, opening for acclaimed artists like Pit Bull, J. Cole, and Krewella (just to name a few). Notably, Brian held the title of the official DJ for FGCU for four years and maintains a prominent presence in the local club scene in Fort Myers and Naples, including the coveted role of onstage DJ at Blue Martini.
Transitioning his musical prowess, Brian has spent the last five years captivating audiences in the Wedding and Private Event space. His talent lies in seamlessly mixing and remixing songs live, creating an unparalleled vibe on the dance floor. Possessing an eclectic music knowledge, Brian can read a crowd like no other, curating unforgettable event-day experiences.
Beyond the turntables, Brian’s magnetic presence extends to the microphone, enhancing Grand Introductions and keeping guests engaged. When he’s not orchestrating unforgettable moments on the airwaves or at events, Brian treasures moments with his family, particularly his son Lyric. Naples-based, he extends his musical magic across SWFL, covering areas from Fort Myers to Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and beyond.
Highly recommend Brian Marino (DJ Rifik) through The 617 Event Group and 239DJs! DJ Rifik was a great communicator and met with my wife and I prior to the event to get to know us and discuss the wedding music. On the day of the event at the Bay Forest HOA Clubhouse, Brian and his assistant Yuri did an amazing job reading the crowd and keeping everyone on the dance floor. Everyone was still talking about the DJ the next day! -Vinny 12/9/23
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and raised in Danville, California, Andrew Lux found his way into music through an unlikely path.
At 21, Andrew joined the Navy, beginning an eight-year journey that took him from Groton, Connecticut, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Pensacola, Florida, and eventually Fort Meade, Maryland, where he worked in the intelligence community. It was during his time in Hawaii that his music career began to take shape.
After experiencing his first electronic music festival at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park in Honolulu, Andrew became fascinated by the energy of the scene. Not long after, he played his first DJ set at a beach bonfire on Oahu’s North Shore. The experience hooked him, and he began DJing and producing music of his own.
While stationed at Fort Meade MD, Andrew began building his name as a DJ throughout Baltimore, performing at weddings, bars, and venues across the city. As his profile grew, he moved into the Washington, D.C. nightclub scene, performing at venues including Echostage and Soundcheck and sharing lineups with artists such as Steve Aoki, Galantis, and Lost Kings. By the time his Navy service was coming to an end, he had become a regular behind the decks throughout Baltimore.
In January 2020, Andrew left the Navy after 8 years of service and headed west to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time while continuing his education. He graduated from ICON Collective, an electronic music production school, while performing throughout the LA nightlife scene at venues including Academy, Avalon, and Exchange. His career eventually expanded into the festival world, with performances connected to Insomniac events including Nocturnal & Beyond Wonderland, as well as EDC.
As his DJ career continued to grow, so did his presence as a producer. His music and remixes began gaining traction, receiving support in sets from artists including Skrillex, Fred Again.., Benny Benassi, Diplo, and Gryffin. In 2024, Andrew reached another milestone when he joined Dr. Fresch and Habstrakt on a supporting tour across the US and Canada.
Alongside DJing Andrew continued developing his technical side of music. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Audio Engineering from the Los Angeles Film School and began working professionally as an engineer in LA. His studio work brought him directly into the world of commercial music, recording artists and producing music associated with Empire Distribution.
After six years in LA Andrew made another major move in 2026, relocating to Naples, Florida, to be closer to his family after spending nearly his entire adult life away from them.
Today Andrew brings together years of experience across DJing, music production, live events, studio engineering, and some unconventional chapters far outside the traditional path of a music producer.
We used 617 for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Andrew and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
We used 617 weddings for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
With more than 20 years behind the decks, Rickie Sharp knows how to read a room, bring the right energy, and make any gathering unforgettable. Whether he’s setting the vibe for an upscale private party, a high-end corporate gathering, or an exclusive celebration, he brings a seamless mix of technical skill and genuine passion to every set. It’s never just about playing music; it’s about crafting the exact soundtrack and atmosphere a crowd needs.
That versatility has taken Rickie all over Florida, moving effortlessly from premier local spots like Rooftop at Riverside to rocking club stages across the state and performing at major music festivals. He brings that same festival-level energy and top-tier sound design to private events, ensuring that whether you are hosting an intimate VIP crowd or a massive dance floor, the audio experience is always dialed in.
Off the stage, Rickie is just as deeply connected to his community—serving as President of Moose Lodge 1454 in Bonita Springs and staying hands-on with regional electronic music projects. He’s professional, easy to work with, and treats every booking like a collaboration. At the end of the day, it’s all about great music, good people, and turning a great night into a legendary one.
We used 617 weddings for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
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We used 617 weddings for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
We used 617 weddings for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com
When it comes to transforming intimate gatherings into unforgettable experiences, the DJs from 617 Southwest Florida Events are the maestros of ambiance. With an eclectic blend of musical expertise, they have the power to curate a sonic landscape that mirrors the unique vibe of your event. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or a romantic celebration, our DJs pride themselves on their ability to tune into the pulse of the crowd, seamlessly transitioning between genres and creating a rhythmic journey that resonates with every guest.
Beyond their musical prowess, The 617SWFL Team are expert MCs, effortlessly blending entertainment and sophistication. Their charismatic presence adds an extra layer of energy to the atmosphere, ensuring that your gathering is not just an event, but a cherished memory. From personalized playlists that reflect your taste to expertly timed beats that elevate the mood, Southwest Florida Event DJs understand that the secret to a truly remarkable experience lies in the details. With your 617SWFL Team at the helm, your intimate gathering is destined to be a harmonious fusion of joy, laughter, and shared moments that linger in the hearts of your guests long after the music fades.
DJ Brian Marino turned my recent 50th Birthday Party into an unforgettable night of music and celebration. His ability to read the crowd and seamlessly transition between genres kept the energy high and the dance floor alive throughout the evening. Brian’s curated playlist was a perfect blend of nostalgic hits and current favorites, catering to the diverse tastes of the guests. What truly set him apart was his infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for his craft, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt compelled to join the festivities. Brian Marino’s expertise and charismatic presence made my milestone celebration not just a party, but a personalized and joyous experience that will be remembered for years to come. If you’re looking for a DJ who goes above and beyond to make your event extraordinary, DJ Brian Marino is the one to trust.
Jessica - North Napes
We used 617 weddings for our wedding DJ and Uplighting. Our DJ was Jimmie Espo and he was incredible. We went to a wedding that he DJed a couple years before ours and knew we had to book him once we got engaged. He’s very easy to communicate with. He really knew how to read the crowd at our wedding. People were dancing all night long, well before dinner was even served! He knows how to help put on a good party.
Amy - the Knot.com