ABOUT.

Hi, I’m Primo Giammusso—a passionate entrepreneur, DJ, and event production specialist based in Buffalo, New York. I’m currently a junior at the University at Buffalo, pursuing a degree in Business and Finance with plans to graduate in 2026. My journey into the entertainment industry began at an early age and has been marked by passion, hard work, and a relentless drive to create unforgettable experiences.

As a child, I was fascinated by lights, sound, and the magic of live production. While other kids played with action figures or video games, I spent my time tinkering with extension cords and PVC pipes. At 10 years old, I asked for Chauvet lighting equipment for Christmas and began hosting mini light shows in my parents’ basement using an old DMX controller. My passion for production only grew from there.

In fifth grade, I had my first real opportunity to showcase my skills when my school needed lighting for the fifth-grade dance. Armed with my small setup, I transformed the gym into an energetic space that impressed students and teachers alike. That night, I earned $100 and free snow cones, and I was hooked.

By middle school, I was obsessed with learning everything I could about event production and DJing. I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos of professional DJs and production specialists breaking down their setups, techniques, and gear. Those videos became my virtual mentors and played a huge role in inspiring my creative approach and technical knowledge.

At 13, I discovered that my school had a stage and tech crew responsible for lighting, sound, and set design for musicals and events. I joined immediately and got my first hands-on experience with professional-grade lighting and sound consoles. By 14, I was bringing in my own gear to supplement school productions, hanging lights on battens, and programming them for shows. Between middle school and my senior year of high school, I designed lighting, constructed sets, and programmed six musicals, along with numerous plays and smaller events.

When I was 16, my uncle asked me to DJ his wedding. Although I had no formal experience as a DJ, I said yes. Using the equipment I already owned, I put on a successful show for friends and family. After that event, referrals started coming in, and I officially began DJing as a sophomore in high school, setting my prices and booking gigs for private parties and community events.

Around the same time, a family friend gave me the opportunity to help out with the World’s Largest Disco at the Buffalo Convention Center. This was my first experience with large-scale production. I volunteered 120 hours over Thanksgiving, skipping school two years in a row to be part of this iconic event. I met professionals in the industry, gained valuable insights, and built connections that would prove instrumental to my growth.

Then, in March 2020, COVID-19 hit. Every gig I had booked was canceled, and the world seemed to stop. While the pandemic was devastating in many ways, it gave me the time to focus on building the foundation of my business. In August 2020, I legally founded Primo Lighting and Sound, created social media platforms, built a website, and began marketing my services.

As restrictions eased, I networked with venues, promoted myself, and booked an incredible number of events for the 2021 wedding season. By my junior year of high school, I had more gigs than I could handle, and I reinvested nearly all my earnings into upgrading my sound equipment and DJ controller. That year was a huge success, and by my senior year, revenue grew by 50%.

When I turned 18, I took a major step in my professional career by joining IATSE Local 10, Buffalo’s chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. This union represents skilled technicians in stagecraft, including lighting, sound, rigging, and more. Through IATSE, I worked on some of Buffalo’s largest productions, gaining hands-on experience and collaborating with seasoned professionals. I also began working for a local production company specializing in lighting design and rigging, which allowed me to further refine my craft.

In 2024, Primo Lighting and Sound officially became incorporated. Today, we handle over 100 events per year, including weddings, corporate events, proms, and large-scale productions. With a team of four part-time staff members, we specialize in lighting design, sound systems, video walls, and special effects like cold sparks.

Outside of work and school, I have a variety of hobbies that keep me inspired and grounded. I’m an avid soccer and hockey player, a licensed ham radio operator, and a passionate traveler who loves exploring new places. Whether I’m hanging out with friends, working on new ideas, or enjoying downtime, I’m always finding ways to recharge and stay connected to the things I love.

Looking ahead, I plan to expand Primo Lighting and Sound by constructing an office and warehouse space for equipment storage, client meetings, and demonstrations. My journey has been an incredible mix of passion, learning, and growth, and I’m excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for every client.

For me, this isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong mission to bring joy, connection, and lasting memories to every event I touch.