Isaac Freed
Owner + Musical Director
Music in Tahoe was founded in 2008 by Reno/Tahoe local Isaac Freed, a formally trained musician and stellar DJ/MC. Today, Music in Tahoe has grown into a highly-talented team of DJs, musicians and sound/lighting professionals who work collectively to provide a highly personalized experience for clients who want music to tell the story of their relationship and guide the journey of their wedding day. More than simply wedding DJs, our team is creating a personalized soundtrack for your big day. We not only curate playlists but mix/blend/beat match, play live music, create custom arrangements of favorite songs, write original compositions, and deploy the right technology to create unforgettable events.
With musicians who have logged serious tour miles and stage time with well known acts, as well as actively performing in the local Reno/Tahoe music scene, Music in Tahoe is fluent across a wide range of genres including jazz, classical, Americana, funk, soul, top 40, hip hop, and latin styles. Working collaboratively with each couple, we use a meticulous pre-event planning process to ensure that every musical aspect of the event matches your vision and flows seamlessly with the timeline of your day. From the most formal indoor soirees to completely off grid affairs, Music in Tahoe specializes in creating magical musical moments that make for a truly unforgettable experience.
Milton Merlos
DJ/Musician
Milton brings unique flavor and an incredible amount of talent to the team. Milton plays the guitar masterfully, speaks fluently in Spanish and English and DJs to top it off! Milton's guitar playing stands out and he has made tasteful arrangements of modern pop music, classic hits, latin favorites and more. Milton grew up in Boston, MA and has lived in Spain, Palm Desert, Santa Barbara and now resides in Reno, NV.
Milton has shared the stage with many top-tier artists; Ozomatli, Michael Franti, George Benson, Jay Leno, Jessey Cook and The Doobie Brothers. If you're looking for a highly-talented guitarist, bilingual emcee and energized DJ for your wedding than Milton is the best fit for you!
Maxwell Giesler
DJ/MC
Max grew up surrounded by music, thanks to his family who enjoyed a wide range of genres and styles. Max's formal musical education started with piano and then saxophone but 2000s EDM and its power to fuse songs together into something that feels both fresh and nostalgic was an irresistible pull that got him into DJing. Max enjoys blending different styles and finding new sounds within this artform. 'DJing, to me, is a storytelling experience. While individual songs tell short tales, blending them together produces a novel-like experience, unique to each event or session.' Max has performed at many different events and functions, from intimate gatherings to crowded nightclubs since he began in 2010.
Working with Music in Tahoe came as a happy accident; Max and his wife Ingrid had Milton Merlos perform at their wedding in 2021. They were impressed by Milton's professionalism and ability to craft an extraordinary mix with a diverse array of music that they had requested. A few months later, Max and Isaac connected and led to Max joining the team of exceptional DJs and musicians. 'Although I enjoy DJing in many different settings, weddings hold a special place in my heart. Crafting a unique musical experience for our couples is a true delight, and I enjoy the challenge of tailoring mixes to our couples' collective tastes. Every mix I make is one-of-a-kind, making sure the music is spot-on and unique.'
Lucas Arizu
Guitarist
Lucas is one the area's premier guitarist specializing in jazz, classical and custom arrangements. Lucas was born and raised in Buenos Aires where he developed incredible skill and mastery of the instruments. Lucas relocated to Reno, NV where he further developed his musical resume in jazz, classical and various other styles. As a soloist, Lucas brings the ultimate musical ability to the guitar offering custom arrangements, original works and more.
Karl Busch
Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Karl is our woodwind artist with experience across virtually all genres, he brings his versatility, virtuosity, and impeccable taste to every performance. When not busy with Music in Tahoe events, Karl can be seen playing regularly with the Reno Chamber Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic, the Reno Jazz Orchestra, and Classical Tahoe. A first-call freelance musician, his recent appearances include performances with Johnny Mathis, Kurt Elling, Diane Schuur, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marie Osmond, national Broadway tours of Chicago, Motown, Ain’t Too Proud, among many others.
Sam Ravenna
DJ/Musician
Sam is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, has surrounded himself with music his whole life. An accomplished bassist, guitarist, singer and bandleader, he has toured internationally with a diverse number of artists as well as his own projects, and played venues from small NYC clubs to Colorado’s Red Rocks. When settling in Tahoe, he found a niche and passion for providing the soundtrack for the "most important day" of people's lives. Now he is available to add some soul to your wedding with a solo or band set of classics from Motown to modern, acoustic guitar for ceremony, and a seamlessly mixed DJ dance party. Whether it's the quality of the sound, guest interaction and engagement, or the over all customer care and prompt communications, Sam makes sure all aspects of his services are top notch. After all the prep; emails and phone calls, learning songs and digging for tracks, there’s nothing Sam loves more than to see the bride and the groom grinning ear to ear and getting down on the dance floor at the end of a fun and unforgettable night!”
Christopher Sexton
Pianist
Christopher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Nevada, Reno with an emphasis in Jazz Performance and Studies. Although Christopher’s primary focus is jazz piano, he is also a talented classical pianist and composer. During his time at UNR, he played piano in the Lab I Jazz Orchestra and had the pleasure of studying alongside world class pianists such as David Ake, Adam Benjamin and James Winn. Christopher has 11 years of experience performing piano and touring internationally with bands such as The Sextones (P-Vine Records – Tokyo, Japan), Whatitdo Archive Group (Record Kicks - Milan, Italy), Dainesly and The Peanuts Gang Trio. He has played piano with Delfeayo Marsalis, Donny McCaslin, Uri Caine, and Steel Pulse. He has also opened for bands such as The Wood Brothers, Galactic, Jurassic 5, and Black Uhuru. If you’re looking for an experienced musician that can perform various styles of piano, Christopher is our highest recommendation.
Chris Waechter
Violinist
Chris has been extensively involved in music from age five. Beginning on piano, his new passion for the viola initiated a promising string career. When he was twelve years old he began taking lessons under the influential Munjoon Alison of the New West Symphony and with Barbara Corbato of the Grand Rapids Symphony through college. Chris received a music scholarship during his college career and has appeared at The Cave, The Ventura Artwalk, The Henry Ford Museum, the Reagan Library, the Historic Thunderbird, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, the Chart House, Devos and Brown Bag Showcases, Revivus Music Festival, the Venice Canals, on the streets of Denver, Lincoln, Santa Monica, Ventura, Holland, South Lake Tahoe, Charleston, Santa Barbara, and at various colleges. He has also played with groups such as the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, Charmante String Quartet, Hope College Symphony, Chapel Band, Steve Talaga, and The Brilliance. The Emerson String Quartet, Trio Solisti, and Brentana String Quartet master classes also provided his exceptional playing style that he brings to his audiences.
