Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Witasea.
Hi Marc, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
About 4 years ago, I was at a local game store, Hashtag Gaming Arena in Herndon, VA, playing Magic: the Gathering with friends. The game store had a bar in it, so you could play tabletop games with friends and have adult beverages as well. Hashtag began hosting GeeksWhoDrink trivia on Wednesdays, and my friends and I would play the game. I joked with my buddies that I would be a great game show host. They agreed and I applied to GeeksWhoDrink.
I started hosting Trivia at Bad Wolf Brewery on Wednesdays, and Hashtag Gaming Arena on Saturdays. I started wearing shiny sports coats, so I looked like a game show host. Just something to make me a little different or special. Eventually I became the Host on both days at Hashtag. I built a small following at this venue, lots of regulars who would come out to play my game.
While hosting at Hashtag, I met James and Natalie Smith. The were regular players at my game, and they were getting married. They asked me if I would DJ their wedding, and of course I said yes. This sent me on a mission to buy the music equipment, lights, and DJ booth to be able to do a good job.
Once I started buying gear, I was trying to think of a way to use it more often. I met Austin and Sarah Walter. They were players at my Trivia game, and one night I mentioned that a few years back my Step Father died, and I inherited his guitar, effects pedal, and amplifier. And I was ashamed that I was not using them. I have been playing guitar since I was 15. Sara Walter also plays guitar and we decided to jam one day. That one jam turned into a whole new project. YMFM (your mom’s favorite music) was born when my wife, Tiffany, became involved as our singer. The idea for this band was to be able to play town fairs, play 90’s hits that are mom and family friendly. I got another wedding gig, but I wanted to do something more regular. This when I started hosting Karaoke.
Also around this time, say summer of ’25, I started hosting Jeopardy Bar League at The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring. I did my regular act with the shiny coats. I have a few different color coats by this point, I also purchased a set of rhinestone microphones, just to push the shiny gimmick further.
After hosting Jeopardy Bar League for a bit at the Casual Pint, I inquired if they had a karaoke night, they did. Every other Thursday they had a company come in a host the night of song and drink. I talked them into giving me a shot at running the Karaoke night, and I put on my show. Lights, music, rhinestones, sequins, and the showmanship that a host should have. I was a hit in that room.
We did our first big party at the Casual Pint last Halloween, Scareoke!
After Scareoke, we went to a weekly format at The Casual Pint. While hosting karaoke, I’ve so many talented people. So I got another idea… I already had all the equipment to produce my own band for outdoor shows, why couldn’t I produce other acts? This led to my first festival, Casualfest, last July. I recruited acts to perform from 2pm-9pm, with my band performing on the bill. It was quite successful. I had solo artists, 3 bands, a fire dancer, and an artist vendor area. I wanted a variety of things to engage to crowd. Jenn Longmeyer-Wood, the owner of The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring, took notice of the success we had, and asked me if I could do it again, seasonally. Of course I said yes, but I wanted to do more…
In August ’26 I my wife and I hosted Voices of the Pint. A 3hr performance with 6 acts, all amazing vocalists. I brought out my light system and a backdrop I built with my new companies logo on it. Witasea Entertainment. It was a smaller event, but a new way to keep using my gear for new performances.
Just last weekend, I had my second festival at The Casual Pint, Octoberfest. I mixed traditional Oktoberfest with halloween themes to make something fun. It was a bigger longer show, noon-9pm. I had 32 performers, 7 crew, and a small army of vendors. YMFM headlined the show, and it was spectacular.
I didn’t mention earlier that when I started hosting trivia, my day job was Crematory Operator. I worked in funeral services all throughout the pandemic era. That experience really helped me focus on what I really wanted to do with my life and my time. I made a choice to pursue the work that makes my heart feel good. I left the funeral home 2 years ago, and began driving during the day for doctors offices, while trying to get more work at night doing karaoke or trivia hosting.
I’m currently working Monday night at The Water Bar in Arlington hosting karaoke, Tuesday Night I host Jeopardy Bar League at The Casual Pint of Dunn Loring, Wednesday night I host Jeopardy at McNamara’s Pub in Arlington, Thursday’s is my long running Karaoke party at the Casual Pint, and I have band rehearsals, private events, and production work with other artists on the weekends. I was able to resign from my driving day job 2 weeks ago, because I’m now busy and earning enough to make ends meet without needing to work all day.
So that’s my story. I’m really just a guy who wants to do the work that makes my heart feel good. That could be a different thing for everybody, for me I’ve learned that I’m here on this planet to bring joy to others by creating a stage that allows myself and other artists to perform.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the Obstacles I’ve come across is finding bookings. My biggest completion is peoples couches. It’s so convenient to stay home and watch streaming services, that is hard to get people out to events. It’s also tough to get bookings for the same reason. I’ve also found that people don’t book me until they have seen me. I’t me and my personality that keeps me working and the people coming out to party.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I worked in funeral as a Crematory Operator for many years. I was the back of house manager at the funeral home. I’ll not go into details, but I did just about any work that you could think of at a funeral home. It was an important job, but it does take a toll on you.
I’ve made an active effort to include more life in my life. I’ve tried to include more colors, plants, joy, fun clothing, and personal relationships in my life because I know how precious and fragile life can be.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me…
My wife, Tiffany matters a lot to me. It’s important to me that I don’t let her down. We’ve been married for 16 years, and together for even longer. We’ve raised 3 children, who are now all in their 20’s. She’s my biggest supporter and my check on reality.
Pricing:
- Karaoke $300/3hrs
- Trivia hosting provided through GeeksWhoDrink
- YMFM booking at @ymfmband on Instagram
- Event Production TBD by event
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marcwitaseaentertainment
- Other: witaseaentertainmentllc@gmail.com
