Exclusive | Post photographer who moonlights as DJ to open for Steve Aoki on Long Island

This is a dream gig for a Post photographer.

A photographer by day and DJ by night, he’s transitioning from capturing breaking news to spinning tunes this weekend as the opening act for Steve Aoki on Long Island.

“After 30 years of shooting weddings, I often found the DJ lacking,” explained Dennis A. Clark, who has embraced his alter ego as DJ Dennis the Menace.

“The atmosphere was off; the DJ seemed disengaged and just playing music.

“I wanted to change that. I interact with the audience and ensure everyone is having a great time. DJs must remember that our role is to make the crowd enjoy themselves, not just to play tracks.”

Clark’s energetic performance style is a perfect match for Aoki, known for his lively antics that include throwing cakes into the audience.

This exciting event will unfold at a free concert in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County, with doors opening at 5 p.m. on Friday, and Clark taking the stage at 6:30 p.m.

“As DJ Dennis the Menace, I truly embrace my name,” said Clark, a Wantagh local, who prides himself on mixing live without pre-recording his performances.

“I plan to give the crowd an energy boost right before Aoki hits the stage.”

For over 20 years, Clark has been a photographer for the New York Post, capturing significant events like the September 11 attacks and the American Airlines Flight 587 crash while also shooting famed personalities like Danny DeVito, Shaquille O’Neal, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan.

“As a photojournalist, I’m constantly pursuing stories; but as a DJ, the crowd comes to me,” he chuckled.

<pIn 2021, he ventured into the entertainment business, learning the modern digital DJ equipment, transitioning from his casual experience with vinyl records in the 1980s.

“After just three lessons, my instructor told me, ‘You don’t need my help; you’ve got this,’” he boasted.

Before long, Clark became known for his vibrant and entertaining performances.

By 2022, upscale clubs in the Hamptons were reaching out, and he was also spinning at prestigious wedding and event locations, such as the luxurious 620 Loft and Garden at Rockefeller Center.

When it’s time to perform, Clark feels no lack of adrenaline; he has flown with the Blue Angels, dove with sharks, and has even been suspended from a helicopter to photograph Trump’s wedding at Mar-A-Lago.

“Even with all that experience, you never get used to the thrill; every moment brings a different excitement, and I’ve learned to embrace it,” Clark shared, noting that this weekend will host the largest audience he’s ever performed for, following last year’s show which drew 30,000 attendees.

“If there’s ever a moment I’d want captured for my life, it would definitely be Friday night.”