MEET STEVE

That’s Steve’s favorite thing about being a DJ; the shared experience that comes with performing at events. “When I was growing up, I never really saw myself getting into that world. For the longest time, I wanted to become a comic book artist. While I loved music and how it spoke to me, becoming one of those people who uses music to guide a crowd through an event never crossed my mind.”

He grew up in an environment where Motown, R&B and Gospel were ever-present. His musical tastes evolved in high school to include Rock, Alternative and Pop music. By that time, he also discovered a special affinity for House. “It was on the radio every Friday night; the ‘Friday Night Dance Party.’ DJs like Julian ‘Jumpin” Perez, Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk and others would be on every week. Those beats were infectious; I still have fond memories of many of those tracks today.”

College was where Steve caught the bug to actually get behind the board himself. “It started my first year of college; not because I wanted to be a DJ, per sé, but because I really enjoyed dancing. One of my suite mates was a club DJ; I’d invade his room every week as he practiced his set for the weekend. One day, he decided to show me how it works; it stuck.”

Fast forward to Spring 2004: Steve’s wife found an ad offering to train DJs in one of the local newspapers. “I’d been doing the stay-at-home dad thing for a few months by that point. I really missed spinning.” Steve answered that ad, participated in the training program and was sent on his way. “I took nearly every gig that was offered the first couple of years. I’d never performed at a single wedding prior to that point. The joy that came with doing those events every week couldn’t be ignored. It sounds cliché, but weddings are all about three things: Faith, Hope and Love. I get to be a part of one of the most important days for that couple. The Faith that they’re putting into each other as partners, professing their commitment to each other in front of their loved ones; the Hope that they have for their future and weathering whatever storms Life may bring their way; the Love that they are sharing, not just with each other, but with those Lifetime VIPs that are in attendance. Witnessing those moments drives me. Being entrusted to guide those celebrations; that’s as intoxicating and uplifting as it gets.”

Fourteen years and over 900 events later, Steve has decided to embark on his own journey as an event DJ full-time. He’s taken what he’s learned over the last several years and is endeavoring to improve and expand on it. “There’s always room for improvement. Improving means checking my ego at the door and learning as much as possible to become better at what I do. Technology has made things much easier when it comes to the gear that we use, but those are just tools; the Entertainer is the key.”

When it comes to his personal style of engagement, Steve describes himself as “hands-on.” “I thoroughly enjoy playing the director’s role when doing these events. From the first announcement over the microphone until my ‘See ya!’ to send everyone home, there’s a lot of pleasure that goes with commanding the room. While these events are serious business, there’s nothing saying that you can’t have fun with it.” It’s not uncommon to find him dancing along to the music while in his booth. It’s also quite common to see him join the crowd on the dance floor.