Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Steve Zarate began playing acoustic guitar and writing songs at age 15 in 1976, emulating older camp counselors who played music by the great 60s and 70s songwriters and artists around summer evening campfires. Self-taught through learning songs he’d fallen in love with, especially by Elton John, Neil Young and the Beatles, Steve has since copyrighted 172 original songs with the Library of Congress (as of March 2003).

While obtaining Ohio University degrees in Telecommunications, Journalism and Political Science between 1978 and 1991, Steve grew to cherish the charming town of Athens and the green southeast Ohio countryside. In early 1992 he released an 18-song cassette called "Athens Solstice." Steve has played at many Athens events and, since 1989, has gained “entertainment chops” as a well-known street performer, mixing originals with hundreds of cover tunes for enthusiastic college student crowds.

Having spent the summer and fall of 1988 as a carpenter and NPR news reporter in Petersburg, Alaska, Steve returned to the 49th state in September 1992, this time staying five years. After co-producing and contributing the song "Photosynthesis" to a 1992 Homer, Alaska, benefit compilation, "Welcome The Spirit Green!," Steve relocated to Juneau in 1993. Several years of state employment there helped finance his first CD, "Homecoming," which included 13 original songs.

The CD’s simple arrangements placed Steve’s solid vocals, evocative lyrics and melodic acoustic guitar work in tasteful settings featuring some of Alaska’s finest players on fiddle, mandolin, pennywhistle, flute, bass, percussion and harmonies. Steve named the self-produced 1996 release "Homecoming" “because the songs describe the journey from a state of imbalance back to balance, tending to focus on healing connections with nature, our higher selves, and the sacred, magical spirit of Love itself.”

Basing himself again in Athens, Ohio, since September 1997, Steve continues to compose and perform. In early 2002 he released a second self-produced CD, "Invisible Campfires," recorded in a solo acoustic setting. With 12 stirring songs (including the 1992 version of "Photosynthesis") and two lovely instrumentals, all original, "Invisible Campfires" displays Steve’s visionary gift for creating hopeful music combining eloquent positive imagery, catchy melodies and intricate guitar parts. The popular title track, about how a little energy and imagination can turn ordinary sidewalks into virtual singalongs, celebrates the street music experience and the sharing of well-loved songs.

In early 2003 a new Steve Zarate song, "Jewel Of The Hocking," was selected for inclusion on "Four Year Heaven," a CD celebrating songs about Athens and Ohio University by The Local Girls, a nationally-known singing group based in Southeast Ohio. In 2004 and 2005, Steve recorded tracks for "Blowing On Embers," a third full-length CD filled with hopeful original songs and instrumentals, eventually released in Spring 2006. Meanwhile, the Fall 2005 release of a 4-song live CD, "Jewel Of The Hocking," recorded at Athens' Donkey Coffee in June 2005, bridged the gap between full-length albums while garnering several positive reviews.

Encouraged by warm responses to his recent material and warm-hearted performances, Steve hopes to do right by his music. “I see these songs as kind-hearted children that constantly teach me how to heal and grow,” he says. “I want to honor them by planting healing tunes wherever they will take root and sharing them with anyone who may find them helpful or enjoyable.”

Quotes:

“An honest and energetic voice…(whose) lyrics are really loaded with interesting images and raw enthusiasm.” –Dirty Linen

“I really like your craftsmanship in your lyrics. Consistency of meter doesn’t come easily but you achieve it. Good job!” –Tom Paxton, letter to artist

“Steve’s off to a good start; his debut recording is a strong offering…showcasing not only exceptional songwriting and guitar playing, but his ability to draw the best performance from his fellow musicians.” –Capitol City Weekly, Juneau AK

Shared stages with:

Greg Brown
Guy & Candy Carawan
Donna Mogavero
Ford James (formerly Kate Wolf’s bass player/harmony singer)
Bruce Dalzell
Laura Nadeau
Missy Whaley
Sarah Guthrie
Megan Cameron
Matt Peters
Troy Gregorino
Timi Singley
Rusty Smith
Mark & Hilarie Burhans (of The Hot Point String Band)
The Paranormals
Joey Hebdo
Dan Minuskin

Venues and Appearances:

The Thirsty Ear, Columbus OH (1999-2003)
The Front Room, Athens OH (1989-1992, 1997-2005)
Donkey Coffee, Athens OH (2002-2006)
The Blue Gator, Athens OH (2005-2007)
The Smiling Skull, Athens OH (2003-2006)
Toscano’s/The Oak Room, Athens OH (2002-2003)
The Union Bar and Grill, Athens OH (2002-2005)
Uncle Buck's, Albany OH (2002-2005)
Rhapsody Restaurant, Nelsonville OH (2006-2007)
The Piano Works, Logan OH (2007)
The Sandstone, Logan OH (2007)
The Alaskan Bar, Juneau AK (1994-1997)
Alaska Folk Festival, Juneau AK (1993-1997)
Southeast Alaska State Fair, Haines AK (1993-1994)
Anchorage Folk Festival, Anchorage AK (1993)
WOUB, Athens OH
WYSO, Yellow Springs OH
WORT, Madison WI
KTOO, Juneau AK
KHNS, Haines AK
“River City Folk” (public radio show), Omaha NE

Contact info:

Water Medicine Music
19 East Clearview Drive, Apt. B
Athens OH 45701
740/593-3768
stevezarate@hotmail.com

(Pronunciation: "Zarate" rhymes with "karate.")