Friday nights in Kiama come alive with the curated jazz rhythms of Steven Peacock, a former New Yorker who has found a harmonious home on Kiama Community Radio. Every week, from 6pm to 8pm, you can join Steven the ‘New Yorker Downunder.’ He shares a mix of classic and contemporary jazz tunes, seamlessly blending the fast-paced energy of New York City with Kiama’s laid-back charm.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Steven’s cultural journey began amidst the streets of Manhattan. Navigating the challenges of New York City, he worked at 16 and pursued engineering and economics at New York University and Harvard. Immersed in the city’s music scene, he frequented jazz clubs, witnessing iconic performances.

Steven reflects, “New York City is a place of contrasts – from lively jazz clubs to tranquil Sunday afternoons in Washington Square Park.” Rooted in the bohemian spirit of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park's music scene harks back to the Beat Generation and the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s. In Steven’s day it was a haven for free-spirited expression, attracting artists and musicians who embodied the countercultural ethos of the neighbourhood.

“It was a cultural melting pot. These experiences shaped my understanding of music and community.”

Steven played drums from age eleven at the Buddy Rich School of Drumming. He also gained a scholarship to teach others. Steven backed numerous bands including ‘Cold Sweat.’  “We played a lot of Chicago, lots of blood, sweat and tears, great fun!” Asked to name drummers he admired, he listed the drummer from the Japanese band Juno Sereto, Stewart Copeland, Neil Pert, Carlos Santana and Joe Morello.  

Steven speaks fondly of the great jazz club on 7th Avenue where the Breker Brothers performed,” Horn, trumpet and sax, they cranked out unique sounds. People lined up around the corner. There were so many funky places in my neighbourhood, the Bowery was often full of drunks but then became uber trendy.  On one memorable night I witnessed the Sex Pistols at their best.”

Steven turned producer for the album ‘Introspection through Jazz’ with Paula Potocki.  Steven recalls building a stage in their apartment where they had visits from jazz royalty including the likes of Albert Daily. 

When Steven came to Australia he lived in Surrey hills, Mosman and Balmain for a while before venturing south to Bowral. In Bowral he volunteered at Highland FM and then created 2WYR, an ACMA licensed youth radio station at 97.5FM.  Steven has always loved adventure and has travelled extensively around Australia on his Harley. 

Steven’s exposure to New York’s diverse musical landscape deeply influenced his taste. Playing in jazz clubs and collaborating with musicians, he brings this rich, musical background to ‘New Yorker Downunder’ ensuring a mix of classics and newer sounds on the Kiama airwaves. He creates a bridge between the fast-paced rhythms of New York City and the laid-back lifestyle of Kiama. Through his eclectic playlist and personal anecdotes, he brings the universal language of jazz to a community that may be worlds away from the Big Apple but shares a common appreciation for good music. “Jazz is about the communities that form around it. Whether in the streets of New York or on Kiama Community Radio, the shared love for jazz connects us all.” Catch Steven every Friday night between 6 and 8pm on Kcr.org.au.