It all started when a childhood friend, Michael Kazmierczak, said those inspirational words, ‘Dude, you have to go for it man. You gotta get your music out there.’”##M:[more]##
Gabriel Manak, born in Queens, New York, moved to Plainsboro in 1999. He began writing poetry in the sixth grade. He bought his first guitar when he was a sophomore at High School North, taught himself how to play, and there is no stopping him now. “I learned the basic chords but there is a still a lot for me to learn,” he says.
He had his first performance at It’s a Grind Coffee House in Plainsboro with a small amp and his guitar. He has since performed at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Lawrenceville, festivals, charity shows, fairs, a New Year’s ball, as well as private and block parties.
During his high school years he was in choir, church choir, and a choir at a Russian school. “Singing has always been in my life,” he says. His mother, a church choir director, had the lead role in a production of “The King and I” when she was younger. The composer Rachmaninoff was a relative on his grandfather’s maternal side. “My family is a big support system.” he says.
A graduate of North, Class of 2005, he is majoring in television and film at Mercer College. His film, “Last Night,” received a best producer award at the school, and he is submitting it to film festivals. His co-producer is his friend and fellow band member, Dan Lalumia.
After having shows every month, he started performing with some of his friends; Lisa Bondi and Michael Villastriggo. His band jelled a few months ago and they have recorded some new original songs. Manak is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Their music is inspired by bands such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Daughtry, Stone Temple Pilots, and Bon Jovi.
The band performs at It’s a Grind on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, August 21. The group also performs in Hillborough on Sunday, July 19.
For information visit www.myspace.com/manakmusic, E-mail manakmusic@yahoo.com, or call Gabe Manak at 609-947-6595.
Gabe Manak Band, It’s a Grind Coffee House, 7 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro, 609-275-2919, www.itsagrind.com. Thursday, July 23, 7 p.m. and Friday, August 21, at 7 p.m.
