From CMU to the main stage at NBA All-Star Weekend

CMU alumnus Brett Darago, known professionally as DJ Chachi, was recently tabbed by the NBA to work as a DJ for NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, providing entertainment for the annual All-Star Game, Skills Competition, and Celebrity Game. The 1999 Broadcast and Cinema Arts grad is still in awe over the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“LA was so much fun,” Darago said. “I learned a lot from production people from all over the world. I also met so many big-name celebrities. I mean, (former) President Obama dapped me up and told me, ‘You did a good job today, son.’ It was like an out-of-body experience.”

Darago has been an in-house DJ for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings for over 10 years. Known for incorporating Detroit-centric music into his playlists, the Flint native says he’s always wanted to perform and entertain people, and the spark for his career was ignited during his time at Central Michigan.

“It was a great place to become a DJ,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing what I am right now if it wasn't for CMU.”

During his first day on campus as an undergrad, Darago visited a job fair. There, he was hired by a DJ company based in the region. He worked at weddings, restaurants, bars and clubs, while also DJing on local FM radio.

“My first nightclub DJ job was at the Wayside, and then I started working at bars all over,” he said. “The Cabin, Boomers, you name it, I probably DJ’d there.”

He also worked as a sports anchor/reporter for News Central 34, dabbled in film and theater production, and played soccer at CMU. In fact, it was his soccer teammates who gave him his nickname.

“My teammates called me the poor man’s version of Chachi from Happy Days. The program ended after my freshman year, but I stayed because of the awesome broadcasting program and how much I loved it there.”

From a campus job fair to one of basketball’s biggest stages, Darago’s journey is a reminder of where a CMU education, coupled with some maroon and gold grit, can lead.