David Shiffman was born in New York City and raised in northern New Jersey. At a very young age, he was coaxed into eating a poisonous wild mushroom by a flirtatious playmate. Though the incident led to a decade of mushroom-hating, his years living at the unruly Phi Who fraternity at Penn State University changed his perspective on mushrooms and in turn, opened his mind up to the wonder of the universe.
     After graduating and sailing around the world in a program called Semester at Sea, Dave returned home to pursue a career in the arts. He spent the past decade studying acting under Sally Johnson, writing for various music publications and acting in various commercials, plays and films, most notably, Faux-Real Theater Company's full-sensory hit, "Funbox 2000." Additionally, he wrote, directed and acted in an off-off Broadway comedy entitled, "Getting Rasta" which was performed at the SoHo mainstay, Here.
     Dave has spent what little money he has made on his extensive music collection, which he has dubbed, "Rootsdude Sound System." He has a feverish passion for reggae music, Rasta consciousness and island culture and plays ice hockey religiously for Team Rasta, a recreational team he founded and manages. His favorite food is Mexican beer, especially Pacifico.
     He is the nephew of sculptor Dennis Valinski.