I’ve always been in love with music. Music as long as I can remember, music has always been the “friend” that is patiently waiting to spend time together when I needed it. Music gives my emotions, my mind, and my body a voice when my words don’t express accurately. It is an outlet when I need one, and a passenger when I need a companion.

Growing up, I have very fond memories of my father showing more raw emotions when listening to music than he did in any other aspect of his life. He would reward my brother and I with prizes if we were able to “name that tune” that was on the radio. I carried that passion and ear for music throughout my childhood while listening to every genre from Motown, R&B, Rock, and even country.

In 2009 after I got out of the Marine Corps, a few years after my father’s passing, I decided that I needed a more active role in the “friend” that is music. I purchased a piano and began to teach myself to play. In conjunction with that I invested in some equipment and began hosting karaoke at local bars and DJing weddings. During that time an original member of Bad JuJu heard me sing karaoke and asked if I have ever considered being in a band. I auditioned and was offered the part, thus beginning my Bad JuJu journey.

In October of 2017 I began practicing with Bad JuJu and played my first gig on January 20, 2018. Admittedly it was extremely nerve racking and satisfying all at the same time. I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to work with a group of talented and experienced musicians in this band. Their teachings, advice, and motivation helped me learn and grow as a vocalist and performer. The knowledge they imparted has been critical to my success as a member of Bad JuJu.

Speaking for members past and present, we have been blessed with the most loyal and supportive fans of any band. My personal goal with every show is to take the fans on a journey so that they can feel the emotions that my music “friend” is gracious enough to make me feel.

To all of the friends, family, and fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to share this journey not only with you, but because of you.

My music Journey began pretty much when I was born. My dad was a guitarist so I had an amazing situation growing up having an in house teacher and equipment. I would love to hear about the gigs he played and couldn't wait till I had my chance to play put. This lead to my first gig as a drummer when I was 15 playing in a small bar in Northfield, Ohio.

When I turned 18 I gave up the drums and concentrated on guitar full time. I cut my gigging teeth while in college playing for a country band called The Concrete Hillbillies in the early 90's. From there it's been non-stop bands. I have spent most of my adult life gigging and playing all types of music from classic rock, a Journey Tribute, Southern Rock Tribute, MTV Tribute, ZZ TOP Tribute and even a Red Hot Chili Pepper's Tribute.

I was able to get into Bad JuJu Cleveland on kind of a fluke. I was looking at Facebook in early 2020 and came across an add looking for a part- time guitarist. JuJu's full time guitarist was looking to branch out and wanted to share their gigs with another player. Everything went great at the audition and at the end of March 2020 I played three gigs over what would be the last weekend bars would be open for a while. After a bit of downtime from Covid 19, JuJu reached out and asked if I would like to join full time and share guitar parts with their current guitarist. It was perfect timing. I was looking for a band just like this playing 90's rock and playing a lot. After about a month the current guitarist decided to move on to another project leaving me to be the only guitarist in the band.

Playing in Bad JuJu Cleveland has been such a growing experience for me. There were so many places that I wanted to play in the Cleveland area and with JuJu I have been able to do that. It's taken my playing and performing to another level and there is no end in sight. I look forward to every show and love our fans!!! I'm very lucky to be where I am.

My musical journey was set in motion before I could even hold a drumstick—thanks to my dad, who himself is a seasoned drummer. Growing up, I had the privilege of an in-house drumming mentor and a drum kit to practice on.

I got my first taste of performing live in my early teens, sitting in on drums for local jam nights. My passion for drumming only intensified. Since then, I’ve played in several tribute bands, covering legends like Journey, ZZ Top, Green Day, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Motley Crue. The experience was fantastic and led to me meeting Dennis and Steve. Our musical tastes and performance styles blended seamlessly and we’ve always kept in touch.

In 2019, fate had me cross paths with Bad JuJu, and I briefly joined the band. Initially, I played drums, but I also got the opportunity to showcase my bass skills when the need arose. The initial short stint with Bad JuJu planted the seed that eventually led to my return.

When it comes to drumming influences, I've drawn inspiration from the greats—John Bonham, Tommy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Van Halen and Danny Carey to name a few. Their styles have not only influenced my drumming but also shaped my understanding of music as a whole.

Aside from live performances, I’ve been channeling my love for local music through my podcast, "The Cuyahoga Sound Podcast." It's been an incredible platform to discuss Cleveland's vibrant music scene and engage with fellow musicians and fans.

Joining this band feels like the culmination of years of hard work and learning. I'm excited about the endless possibilities ahead, the venues we'll rock, and the fans we'll win over. I'm grateful for this journey and eager to see where it takes us next!

My musical Journey started on the piano around eight years old.  My parents set me up with some lessons on an old dilapidated out-of-tune piano in our living room.  I had an ear for music and picked it up really fast but after a few years, I got bored and quit.  I needed a new challenge.  Around thirteen, I got a guitar for my birthday but didn’t really know how to play it.  A kid from the neighborhood came over and showed me how to play barre chords on it.  Now I could listen and play along to the songs on the radio.  As a teenager, I discovered music like Van Halen, Foreigner, Boston, Styx, Journey, and yes, KISS.  And soon was playing along to their songs too.  Some older kids from school had formed a band that practiced right next door to our home.  I would go over to listen and watch and learn from them what I could, so I could get better.  One day, their bassist announced that he was quitting the band.  Since we were all friends and they needed a replacement, I told them I’d give it a shot.  So, with a borrowed bass guitar and amp, I auditioned and got the job!  And boom, the switch to bass was made. 

And then it happened.  The sweet smell of debauchery of the Big 80’s.  I played in many Top 40, Dance, Pop, Classic Rock and Hair bands in many, many clubs around the Akron/Canton/Cleveland circuit, half of which I don’t even remember.  Again, debauchery.  During the 90’s, I didn’t play nearly as much.  Having become a husband, father, and homeowner, all of that took up center stage now.  But I was still a huge music fan and still dabbled in a few groups here and there.  Around 2013, I discovered the world of tribute bands.  I’ve been in several of them, including two different Journey tribs, southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, an 80’s trib, ZZ Top and Pat Benatar. 

My road to Bad JuJu actually took a few years.  Dennis, whom I’ve known for around ten years, called me in 2020 and asked if I’d be down for doing an opening set at a JuJu gig with him and our good friend Chuck on drums.  Of course, I said yes. It was the first time I had ever seen Bad JuJu.  As I sat and listened to them, I thought to myself, man I could really get into being in this band.  And I made it well known too!  Over the next couple of years, I actually did some fill in gigs with them when their regular guy couldn’t make it.  Finally in the Fall of 2022, Dennis called again and asked if I would fill in for a couple of gigs and possibly come on full time as a change may be coming.  My current band wasn’t playing very much, and I wanted to play more.  They understood and with their blessing, I joined the JuJu’s.  I’ve been totally blown away by the huge fan support these guys are blessed with.  It’s absolutely amazing to see all the JuJu shirts at the gigs and all the people that have made me feel most welcome.  So, to the band, and all of you, I can only say THANK YOU JUJU NATION!

Love and Peace, Steve.