THE BACKGROUND

Gabriel aka Groove started his dj career at a very young age with the help of his family and continues 16 years later. Starting early at the age of 10 years old...its tough to afford turntables and a mixer, so thanks to his brother who dj'ed at the time, Gabriel was able to get his hands on some equiptment and records. Influenced by a local dj at a skating rink, Gabriel visioned himself in the booth one day playing to the crowd. Later on in middle and high school Gabriel became DJ Groove. He was Djing all kinds of events like school dances, parties, birthdays, graduations, reunions, special occasions, and most importantly learning how to read crowds of people. After high school Gabriel landed his first nightclub/bar job at Santorini's (96') in Wasington Township, NJ, spinning Friday nights' Happy Hour! Yes...playing everything from Stevie Wonder to Lil Suzy.

Gabriel's love for all music styles grew as he got older and house music became his staple. Influenced by local DJs on Radio like Timmy Tee (Boss 97-FM), EC LaRock (WDAS-FM), and Joe "Too Cool" Callari (WUSL-FM), they all helped expand the knowledge of music for Gabriel. Other influences included local nightclub djs like Robbie Tronco, Josh Wink and King Britt. Along with international influences like Danny Tenaglia, Carl Cox, Junior Vasquez, and the Tribal America Record Label.

Gabriel grew musically and wanted to expand his following and help educate people the way his early influences did, so he landed his first nightclub gig at FIGI nightclub (97') in Blackwood, NJ and spun Hip Hop in the clubs lower level, while the likes of Robbie Tronco and a few others spun House in the main room. Although, Gabriel was happy playing out, he wanted to play his own style, so he left the job and landed his first House DJ gig at one of the Jersey shore's hottest club, DELIRIUM in Margate (99-00'). GROOVE built a huge following, which led to Gabriel's first gig in the main room on the main weekend night at the club. Gabriel grew more popular and his music style progressed, which led him to spin events at ENVY & SHAMPOO Nightclubs in Philadelphia in 99' and 00'. Gabriel teamed up with a local promoter and helped a new club known as Envy creating their Wednesday night Cheetah parties by spinning the opening party. Gabriel has been very influential in the business by being asked by a number of club promoters, djs and owners to spin at there establishments and parties. Gabriel was asked to play the likes of STUDIO SIX, along with clubs ENIGMA and CASBAH in Atlantic City, during (00'-02'). Groove also has a long list of places he spun in Philadelphia, including EMERALD CITY, 1616, SPICE, MARMONT, TRIBECCA, SHAMPOO, ENVY, EVOLUTION, DECO. (for more listings you can check the places in his news/events link)