From Roadie to Venue Manager: Steven Kuykendall's Musical Journey
Being a roadie is not as glamorous as some may think, as Steven Kuykendall can attest. He spent years on the road with the Grateful Dead, lugging heavy equipment and setting up cables. Despite the hard work, he cherished the opportunity to watch the band perform live from backstage, a privilege few had.
From 1983 to 1986, Kuykendall traveled with the Grateful Dead as a roadie, interacting with all the founding band members, including the late Bob Weir, the lead guitarist. He later applied the lessons he learned from his time with the band to manage music venues in Columbus in the 1990s, such as The Princess Theater and The Stage Door coffee shop.
Kuykendall fondly remembers the band members, particularly Weir and Jerry Garcia, as kind individuals who took an interest in the people behind the scenes. Their personal interactions left a lasting impression on him, making their passing feel like losing a good friend.
Growing up in Columbus, Kuykendall became a licensed electrician before venturing to New York City, Texas, and California in search of fulfilling work. It was during his electrical work in a building owned by Bill Graham, the Grateful Dead's promoter, that he found the opportunity to work as a roadie with the band.
While on the road, Kuykendall enjoyed traveling to nearly all 50 states and experiencing different cultures, which broadened his perspective after growing up in Mississippi. The band's unique sound has kept him a dedicated "Deadhead" over the years, attending their concerts more than 300 times.
Upon returning to Columbus in 1990, Kuykendall started his maintenance business and managed The Princess Theater, a family-owned establishment built by his grandfather. He later transformed a connecting shop space into The Stage Door coffee shop, providing a platform for local musicians to showcase their talent in an open mic setting.
Kuykendall's work with The Princess and The Stage Door coffee shop created a space where local musicians could thrive and be appreciated authentically. He hopes that Columbus will have a similar venue in the future to nurture local talent and potentially cultivate the next musical phenomenon.
In conclusion, Steven Kuykendall's journey from being a roadie for the Grateful Dead to managing music venues in Columbus reflects his passion for music and creating spaces where artists can flourish. His experiences with the band and in the local music scene have shaped his belief in giving everyone a chance to showcase their talent without judgment, fostering a supportive community for musicians to thrive.