Party porch brings smiles and dancing to NEPA – Scranton Times-Tribune

EJ Dougher, known as EJ The DJ, plays music on his back yard patio at his West Scranton home on Monday, March 30, 2020. With his DJ schedule cleared for the month due to COVID-19, Dougher broadcasts a live stream dance party every afternoon on Facebook Live.Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer

Unable to work during the coronavirus pandemic, EJ Dougher still manages to get thousands of people on their feet and dancing.

Now should be the start of the busy season for the West Scranton DJ, known as EJ the DJ. But, with weddings postponed and the school events for which he often provides music canceled, Dougher still wanted to reach an audience.

Each day, he sets up his equipment, wears his signature hat and hosts live dance parties on Facebook, from his party porch.

I thought if I could get everyone up and dancing for one hour, it would be great, he said. They forget about whats going on.

Family, friends and complete strangers say they do just that: enjoy the music from their homes, without worrying about the outbreak.

Dougher mentions birthdays and anniversaries and highlights local businesses that remain open, or businesses that people can support by buying gift certificates. His live videos are often viewed 4,000 times or more.

His wife, Penny, acts as producer, and daughters Olivia, 16, and McCae, 19, make dance party appearances too.

Its been cool, Olivia said. Its hard for him with his job, not being able to do anything. ... Its been nice to see my dad happy.

McCae thought the dance parties would just reach some of her dads friends, not people from around the world.

Its a good way to spread positivity, especially in times like this, she said.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Editors note: As Northeast Pennsylvania deals with the coronavirus, residents continue to help their neighbors and serve others. Let us know about the good things happening in our communities by sending an email to the newsroom at shofius@timesshamrock.com or calling us at 570-348-9133.

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Party porch brings smiles and dancing to NEPA - Scranton Times-Tribune