Hello, music lovers!
My name is Mike Cohn. If you have gone to a Minnesota Vikings home game, you have seen me rocking out and working security. My coworkers at U.S. Bank Stadium gave me the name DJ Mike since I play music before and after events.
While working at one of the Minneapolis Convention Center car shows, I met Caleb from Mobile Essence. Caleb is a great guy located in Savage, MN. He pimped my mobility scooter with speakers, lights, under-glow lights, and a bright yellow field goal on the back of it, just like they have at U.S. Bank Stadium, making my scooter a mobile dance party on wheels. People see it and smile, but it is not a chick magnet.
Wherever I go, the music goes on, and so does the party.
Where does the love for music come from? From the time I was born until the day I die, I will always love music. Whenever I hear the song “Cecilia,” it makes me want to get up and dance. I am not shy. I create opportunities to meet people. This has allowed me to meet many big-name celebrities such as Jon Bon Jovi, Jimi Jamison, Alex Ligertwood, Freddy Curci, and comedian Jo Koy. They treat me as an equal who loves music and the art of performing. Dance and movement are great forms of physical activity. Prior to doing security, I spent ten years dancing, choreographing, and teaching dance with the all-abilities dance community in St. Paul. I am a rockstar with my mobility scooter!
For any individual like me, I know that this is rare. I am a rare bird. At age 8, I experienced the onset of symptoms where walking and balance became harder, as did my speech. My disability diagnosis is called MEPAN syndrome. I am one of only about twenty people who have this disease. People often ask if I live in a group home because of my disability. I live independently in my own home, I have PCAs, and I work. I have a busy and active life. DJ Mike is ready to release his first album, called Red Rocket.
Knowing that positivity is a great tool, I have embraced the idea of AI to help create music focused on disability positivity. I currently have about eight songs finished. The program is called Forever Songs Studio. You answer a couple of questions, and in a few hours, you get a preview and a complete song that you can listen to. I have purchased eight tracks so far.
Keep it positive, be strong, laugh, and live life to the fullest.
Live life DJ Mike style!
