My name is Elizabeth Ruiz, and most of you know me as Lisa, Liz, Curly and now Dj Dat Gurl. I was born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, better known as the L.E.S. I am 41 years old with 2 children of my own, and a 3rd by self adoption…lol I love them all! I also have beautiful grandchildren whom I adore. I am a kind person who loves to be surrounded by positive people and the wonderful, swirling sounds that we call music.
Those who know me know that MUSIC is my LIFE. It’s what has kept me moving forward and evolving into the person I am today. I currently play at various places that allow me to network and meet others with similar likes and desires.
Since I was a little girl, around the age of 7 or 8, I can remember the sounds of various music such as Latin, Freesytle, Garage & Loft that allowed me to express myself on the streets and on the dance floor. At the age of 12, I was able to explore the Paradise Garage which was an amazing and lasting experience. All I can remember was entering this Garage and walking up the ramp, as I was met by the sounds of freedom that beat on my chest and traveled throughout my body. Then, my life took another musical journey when I experienced the LOFT and all its glorious sounds that claimed my being. All those memories are still very fresh in my mind. Simply put, I’m a Dancer by HEART and Dj By SOUL.
As the musical journeys continued, I then became a bouncer at Gothams West, Fresh 14, Broadway 96, Latin Quarters, and Webster Hall. I did this on and off for about 7 years. As you can see, the musical interaction and involvement was always there. I could not separate myself from what gives me peace, joy, and tranquility.
I then got involved with going to various parties and showing support for other promoters. Soon, I became a promoter for "Dat Party" which I currently hold partnership with Dj Soto, the founder of "Dat Party" (2001-2006). Stay tuned…as we plan on coming back soon - TBA..What happened next you ask? Well, after going through 2 surgeries on my leg, I was not able to dance as much as I wanted to. So, I decided to explore my options and continue the musical journey from a different angle. I decided to give back what was given to me for so many years…the joy of music as a deejay. My debut as a deejay came on my birthday, August 22 2006, on www.facethebass.com. This August will be 2 years of my debut and I am happy to say that I have been able to play alongside some very influential Djs such as Kevin Hedge, Ian Friday, Mr. V, Ruben Toro, Ray Vasquez, Jihad Muhammad, Mark Mendoza, Dj Sonny B, DFO (Da Funk One), Frankie Feliciano, Dj Ras and so many others (If I failed to mention you it wasn’t intentional). I also look forward to someday playing with Louie Vega, Tony Humphries, Joey Mazza, and many others Djs from out of staten like Dj's Fabio Genito, Grobbe, and Happy Martinos, HouseDeal.
I currently have a show called "Sounds of a Dancer" which is featured on 4 internet radio stations such as www.rawcastradio.com featuring a guest Dj every 2 weeks (Fridays 10pm -1am), www.jerseydjs.com (Sundays 9pm - 11pm), www.cyberjamz.com (Mondays times vary mostly 9am - 12pm), and www.prepartyradio.com (Wednesday 8am -11:30am). Coming in July/Aug 08, I will be featuring my show on www.axiomonlinetv.com (dates TBA).
Today, I’m proud of the choices I’ve made and the path my life has taken to achieve and experience all that I have. I am now traveling in a different direction with music where longtime Dancer is now making you Dance, and its my pleasure doing so. I also have an afterwork venue called Dat Afterwork Journey, every 4th Thursday of the month where I feature 2 djs (one female and one male) @ Identity, 511 East 6th St. between Ave A & B. (Lower Level--Free all nite)I also want to say thank you to the following people who movitaed me & allowed me to join their functions:Dj Dru-Tiz, Ace House Nation, Elbin, Chino 3, Rene Hewitt, Jody B Ruben, Louie Gorbea, Mr. V, Alix Alveraz, Soto, Dj Julio, JB, Ruben Toro, Ray Vasquez, Dj Ras,Sammy Rock,Barbar Tucker, Lisa Moody, Ultra Nate, Anane and my idol Louie Vega..and so many other. You all took the time to talk to me about my direction in playing music and I really appreciate it.. THANK YOU.. also.. my GURLS.... I cant forget the gurls who has stood by my side and help me SHINE.. Susie, (Susie Q)Enys,Shereen,Aida G, Lil Lisa,Isa,Roz, without you all pushing me and keeping my head high, I really dont know what else to say is that I LOVE YA..Also I had the pleasure playing with the following events/internets..www.facethebass.com, www.cyberjamz, www.prepartyradio.com, www.rawcast.com, www.jerseydjs.com ,www.handzonradio.com and www.radiogotsoul.com (London)Garden of Eve (Shelter) Roots (Cielo), Just Us World Wide,(Coney Island) Von King Park (Dj Ras) Soulgasm (Sin Sin),Melting Pot(Kervin Mark) Boston AfterParty(Miguel Ortiz) Fashion Show (New Yorker Hotel), 1st Ladies of House (Soul Entertainment), Soul Shack (Mr.V), Langstons(Cameron Da Dj), Sputnik (Dj Hunter), Axiom Studios, Soul Eternity Out Door Party (Ace,Dru-Tiz, Eddie Matos & John Mateo),Deep Touch (Nef Nunez), Kitty Kitty Bang Bang(Sin Sin), Raza (Cielo) and so many others..
CONEY ISLAND MEMORIAL FOR MANNY SANTANA BY DJ RAY VAZQUEZ AN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJpmTQ3zGxI
FAMILY AND FRIENDS DANCING IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEEJAY, DANCER, HUSBAND AND FATHER: MANNY SANTANA! MANNY WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU! SEE YOU AGAIN!
This will always be my memories for a life time..
