If you're even a casual consumer of Bay area music, chances are you've heard Steve Connelly — either as a supporting musician, co-songwriter or engineer/producer. In and out of his Zen Recording Studio in Pinellas Park, Steve (who first rose to prominence in the '80s with his band The Headlights, an outfit the Byrds' Roger McGuinn eventually hand-selected to be his backing group) has worked with Rebekah Pulley, Ronny Elliott, Have Gun, Will Travel, The Ditchflowers, Uncle John's Band and too many more to name. It's not overreaching to say his influence on and support for original music in west central Florida is incalculable.
UPDATE: A benefit for Steve has been tentatively scheduled for June 27 at Skipper's Smokehouse. Details to follow.
"For most of my adult life, I’ve been fortunate to count Steve as a mentor, bandmate and friend — but before any of that, as an idol," said longtime musician Ed Woltil (Mad For Electra, The Ditchflowers, Ed Woltil & The Loaded Question) in a statement to CL. " It’s impossible to overstate the influence and inspiration he’s been to me … I’m so lucky to have Steve in my life, as a musician and a friend, and everyone I know feels the same way."
Steve has had some health issues in recent months, and we all know how tough that can be on musicians, most of whom are either woefully underinsured or without any healthcare coverage at all; it's been something of a financial struggle for the engineer many know as "The Wizard." To make things worse, there was a "cave-in" at Zen Studios last week — part of the roof fell in, making it impossible for him to operate his business.
A friend has set up a GoFundMe campaign for Steve, in order to help him through this most difficult of times. Many of the Bay area's most esteemed names have already contributed, lending this particular crowdfunding effort both credibility and a touching air of community. If you can, please consider helping Steve out a bit.
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2015.