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Have you ever met someone who seems to have a soundtrack following them around? That’s Steve. Equal parts trumpet, sea breeze, and good vibes. He’s an incredibly talented musician with a quick-wit and a heart full of Cape Cod stories.
Hanging with Steve is always a good time! We recently spent an afternoon in Cotuit doing one of his favorite things - digging for quahogs - and let’s just say, the laughs were flowing as easily as the tide (which comes in too fast when you’re quahogging!)
His story is full of music, memories, and that unmistakable Cape spirit - and we’re excited to share it with you.
In his own words:
Let’s start with your story – can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you do?
Greetings fellow lovers of The Cape. I’m Steve Ahern, summer resident and a freelance musician. “Living the dream”, I know it’s a popular saying, but I am.
At 10 years old, I wrote a letter to a local restaurant offering my services as a musician. It started that young!! Though I didn’t hear back!! I started performing around Cape Cod in 1974.
Being a musician has given me the opportunity to perform all around the Cape in some of the most amazing and beautiful places.
What does Cape Cod mean to you personally?
Personally!! I first came to the Cape when I was 6 weeks old, I went down the canal in my grandfather’s boat. That was my first breath of Cape air that I experienced. I spent many vacations with my family and friends all around the Cape.
Why did you choose this particular t-shirt?
I have several tees: one is “For the Love of Monument Beach”. I spent time there at a very young age where I learned to swim, fish and shellfish. Another of my favorite tees is “Most likely to be…a quahogaholic”.
What’s one place on the Cape that always brings you a sense of peace or joy?
For some reason, I find that the dunes in Truro, especially Longnook, always brings a sense of relaxation and peace to me.
Do you have any favorite local businesses, artists, or causes you’d like to shout out?
Being a musician, I have great respect for my musician brothers and sisters that continue to play round the Cape. It’s a tough business and my hat’s off to all who continue to make gigs happen. Also a shout out to all the theaters and theater performers who keep putting out excellent quality performances!
What’s something about Cape Cod you’d want others to experience - something that never gets old for you?
The beautiful vistas, the excellent seafood, being with great friends who share these same feelings. “winding roads that seem to beckon me…”
Where can people learn more about you or support what you do?
I don’t have a lot of links. There are many YouTube videos that I perform on with my friends around the Cape. Fortunately, my wife Donna is super active on Facebook and always spreads the word of upcoming performances.
(Note from Lauren: I found links! 😊 Check out some of his awesome playing here…
1) Cape Cod Museum of Art – (see Steve shine around the 1:37 mark!) Dane Vanatter with the Cape Cod Jazz Quartet at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, 2023 Summer Music & More
2) A fun one from the Provincetown Jazz Festival from 2010: When The Saints Go Marching In
3) And with the Mike Dumas Band, on flute, featuring a little Allman Brothers: Mike Dumas Band - One Way Out, Live at Cape Cod Museum of Art - Music & More - YouTube
The best way to experience Steve’s playing? Seeing/hearing him live, of course! And, with special thanks to Donna, here are some of his upcoming gigs on the Cape this summer to catch Steve in action:
July 6 – Poponnesset Marketplace with the Cape Cod Jazz Quartet 6:30-9:00
July 17 – Truro Summer Concerts with the Cape Cod Jazz Quartet 6:30-7:30
July 24 – Sagamore Inn Tent with the Mike Dumas Band 5:00-8:00
August 25 – Lamberts Market with the Mike Dumas Band 7:00-9:00
August 29 – Devils Purse Brewing Company with the Cape Cod Jazz Quartet 5:00-8:00
August 30 – West Dennis Beach fireworks with the Mike Dumas Band 6:00-9:00
August 31 – Sagamore Inn Tent
September 7 – Barley Neck Inn
September – First three Fridays and Saturdays – Cotuit Center for the Arts Outdoors with Tony Bennett Tribute 7:00
(Fun fact – one thing Steve didn’t mention is his amazing cooking skills. That guy can whip up a feast, and I have gratefully on several occasions been on the receiving end of that. I’m sure those skills were put to good use with the abundant and perfect quahog harvest from our outing! Aha! Here’s proof…)
🌊 Big thanks, Steve, for sharing your tunes, your tees, and your love for the Cape.
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