Steve Davis, local musician
The name Steve Davis is synonymous with the word music in our community.
A name that has headlined countless venues around our region, Davis is known for his soulful notes on the keys and steady beats on the drums.
Davis can be found performing with such artists and groups as the Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra, Miller and The Other Sinners, Musicquarium, Preach Freedom and Connect and the Steve Davis Group.
A connection that helped nurture and grow Davis’ love of music at an early age was Infinity Visual and Performing Arts. Today, Infinity is a wide-ranging visual and performing arts center, offering music, art, dance and theater programs and classes to area youth.
Back in 1998, Infinity was an idea that started in a parent’s living room with seven talented young musicians, one of those musicians being Davis. The idea behind Infinity was to develop the opportunity for aspiring young musicians to grow and enhance their talent and performance skills under the guidance of local, professional musicians and educators.
“Infinity instructors offer students a powerful combination of technical knowledge, real-world performance experience, and focused interest on their progress,” explained Shane Hawkins, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts executive director. “Learning scales, or technique is important, but tying it to performance builds confidence and empowers young people.”
Over the years waves of students have come and gone through the doors of Infinity. The program has continued to grow and expand through changing classes, instructors, staff and even locations.
Steve Davis teaches a student piano during a lesson
For Davis, he found himself back where it all started. He has been teaching private drum and piano lessons along with leading several group ensembles at Infinity for the past 15 years.
“Many people know Steve as an incredibly talented local musician, here at Infinity, we also get to see his nurturing and mentoring side as he works with students,” stated Hawkins. “He is the exact mix we look for in an instructor, technically impressive but also able to connect with students in a way that encourages them to push themselves to do their best and to be proactive about their future.”
Davis’ weekly half hour lessons with students might focus on the fundamentals like reading music and learning how to play the right note, however his time with each young musician helps to instill something much deeper.
