“Man, does he swing–and he has one hell of a good time doing it” – Chris Thompson, All
About Jazz
For over three decades, drummer Steve Johns has been a major presence on the jazz
scene, collaborating with many of the music’s most renowned practitioners. Artists from all
points on the musical spectrum have consistently sought him out because they know his
musicianship, versatility, deep commitment to his craft, and enthuaism will enrich any
performance. Leaders such as Nat Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker,
Ronnie Cuber, Jimmy Owens, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Carter, and Sonny Fortune appreciated
the fact that, no matter what the gig, from the world’s greatest concert stages to the smallest
clubs, Steve brings the same total commitment, utmost professionalism, and pure joy at making
music. He is also a total musician, who continues to expand his musical horizons by studying
piano and trumpet.
Steve Johns was born into a musical family in Boston in 1960, and began playing drums
at the age of nine. His mother, Goldie Tyler Johns, was a songwriter, and three of her brothers
were saxophonists, including the legendary Jimmy Tyler, who was Steve’s primary influence and
inspiration. It was Jimmy who encouraged the youngster to study formally Alan Dawson, and his
three years with the master percussionist and educator enabled him to make rapid progress.
While attending Natick High School, Steve played in both the concert and jazz bands and earned
chairs in both the district and state jazz ensembles. After graduating in 1979, Steve continued his
studies at the New England Conservatory of Music where he received a thorough grounding in
classical percussion from Vic Firth and Fred Buda, while playing with such local jazz greats as
James Williams, Miroslav Vituous, Jeff Berlin, and Mike Stern. At NEC he met his wife-to-be,
Debbie Keefe Johns, a fine saxophonist in her own right. In 1982, Steve made the move to New
York quickly establishing himself as an inspirational player at home in any musical style. Over
the ensuing three decades, Steve has worked in every conceivable setting, from big bands such as
the Gil Evans and the Count Basie orchestras, to accompanying singers like Jessye Norman,
Helen Merrill, Diane Schuur, and Dakota Staton, to more experimental settings such as the
Thomas Chapin Trio and ? He has toured worldwide as the regular drummer for Sonny Fortune,
Benny Carter, Dr Billy Taylor, and many other luminaries. His three-year (?) tenure as a
member of Taylor’s trio brought him wide exposure, including 75 performances for the pianist’s
NPR program Jazz at the Kennedy Center with such guests as Wynton Marsalis, Nancy Wilson,
Milt Jackson, and Randy Brecker.
Steve has appeared on over sixty albums by Leon Thomas, George Russell, Thomas
Chapin, Dr. Billy Taylor, Houston Person, John McNeil, Sonny Fortune, Peter Leitch, Gary
Smulyan, and Bob DeVos, among many others. In addition to his work as a sideman, Steve is
also a member of the collective group Native Soul, and has been co-leader on recording projects
by that group (Soul Step, 2008, Talking Drum Records), as well as on an album with saxophonist
Peter Brainin (No Saints, No Sinners, 2000, Playscape).
In addition to his extensive credits as a player, Steve has long been active as an educator.
While with the Billy Taylor Trio, he took part in over a hundred lecture/demonstrations
throughout the U.S., and has regularly served on the faculty for educational programs at the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Long Island University, Montclair State University, the
Litchfield Jazz Camp, the Vermont Jazz Center, and Jazz House Kids.
Steve and Debbie’s musical talents have been passed directly to a new generation; their
son, bassist Daryl Johns, while still a teenager, has already made his mark as one of the most

highly touted musicians to burst onto the scene in recent years. A highlight of Steve’s career was
the 2015 release of his CD aptly titled Family, on which Steve, Debbie, and Daryl were joined by
guitarists Dave Stryker and Bob DeVos.
The consummate team player, Steve Johns has always managed to retain his own singular
sound and distinctive musical persona while serving the common purpose of any group he is
with. "One thing I love about jazz is having the freedom to express your own style," he told once
told Star Ledger jazz writer Zan Stewart. "I knew from a young age you have to have your own
voice."

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:45 and 8:05. Respective performances begin at 6:15 and 8:30 with $8 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.