Steven Bradshaw

About Steven... People who have had the pleasure of experiencing Steven's unique and individual brand of acoustic pop/rock all agree on one thing, it has a captivating quality in itself that weaves both the performer and listener through an emotional journey to places they've been, places they're going, and places they stand. Simply put, his music has a soothing and emotional characteristic that can touch the essence of a soul. Steven has most often been compared to a cross between James Taylor and R.E.M./TRAIN with just a touch of Phil Collins and Sting. Quite a comparison indeed, but it suits him well. He has a unique vocal and songwriting style that has landed him on various copulation CD's, & an "Honorable Mention" in Billboard's National Songwriting Contest for his song "Hollywood". He was born in Redstone, Alabama, but grew up traveling all over the Continental United States & Europe. He even spent several years in Guatemala. His father was a distinguished Colonel in the United States Army, so Steven spent the first 17 years of his life on the move & on the road. "I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in this world" he said, "I've met people, been places, and seen things most people will only see in National Geographic". It was during his early traveling years that he picked up his father's mail-ordered Sears Silvertone guitar and started teaching himself how to play. By age 9 he'd started his first three piece band, orchestrated a neighborhood concert, & sold all of the tickets. Yeah, those were the days, & little did he know. He continued his musical endeavors on through Jr.High and High school prolifically writing, performing, & sharing his gift with anyone, any time, and just about any place. He loved to play & people listened. After High School he declined acceptance to Berkley Conservatory, and opted for a year at Marshall University where he eventually recorded his first acoustic release. As a lead vocalist and front-man in his earlier "rock" years, Steven was instrumental in the CD releases of several noteable rock bands, including "Wallstreet"(1996), "Worx"(1997)and "Medicine Man"(1999/2000). He returned to his acoustic roots in early 2001, & has since independantly released (5) solo acoustic albums, including his most recent "Things I Know" to wide acclaim and acceptance. Steven currently averages 150+ performances a year to very diversified audiences, and being enjoyed by everyone from pre-schoolers to teens/college age, on up to 70+ & everyone in-between! Steven's music truly is loved by all. He is drawn to help handicapped children, and plays for E.C.H.O. in Leesburg, Va., on a regular basis. He is also very popular at several of the nursing homes in the northern Virginia area. "Giving Back" is the intention Steven has set for the future, & sharing his music on a much larger and deeper scale is just the beginning. Steven's current repertoire consists of approx. (3) hours of purely original music covering almost any style from James Taylor type ballads, Beatle-type pop, & some new material in the vein of R.E.M. meets TRAIN. He performs as an acoustic solo artist with percussion. The one thing that can be said about his performances and music, is that with just a few minor exceptions, what you hear on his CD is exactly what he sounds like live. He prefers to play (2) one hour sets if possible, & rates vary according to circumstances and/or venue. Please feel free to call for any charitable performance requests though. It is usually only a matter of availability. Steven says, "It's all about the music, & I just love to play, so when I get the opportunity to give something back, or help someone else just by sharing the gift of music... man, it doesn't get any better than that".