Steve was a consummate musician. After moving to Washington DC, he joined DC’s Different Drummers (DCDD) in the fall of 2000 playing bassoon. He was a welcome addition to the ensemble and soon agreed to be the section leader assisting other musicians.

When summer came Steve dusted off his saxophone and took to the streets as part of the DCDD Marching Band. He marched with the band for several years and loved being part of the Pride parades.

That wasn’t the extent of Steve’s musical talents. He was a pianist and a percussionist, specializing on mallets and was a true artist at the marimba.

In 2002 Steve had his first experience with the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) with the conference in Melbourne, Australia, Under New Skies and the 2002 Gay Games in Sydney. From then on, Steve was a regular part of LGBA conferences and performances.

Steve loved to travel and often his travels would take him to cities where he would perform with other LGBA bands. He was a big help to many bands who welcomed his talent and easy-going nature.

Generous by nature, Steve showed his support and appreciation for both DCDD and LGBA by regular financial support. For several years, in addition to other donations, Steve quietly paid for the awards that were given to outstanding members of DC’s Different Drummers.

His support for LGBA was similar. When LGBA was invited to march in the 2009 and 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parades, Steve stepped up to provide lunch for 150 staff and musicians on rehearsal day. In 2013 he provided transportation to get band leadership from rehearsals in Baltimore to required meetings in Washington, DC.

Steve was hesitant to take any leadership role. He much preferred being an active musician and providing financial support for general and for specific needs in both DCDD and LGBA. Steve was coaxed into running for the LGBA Board and served a single term, from 2012 to 2014.

Steve stayed connected with all of his band friends but he took some time away from both DC’s Different Drummers and LGBA. He continued to bring his loving smile to concerts.

Steve passed away in May 2016. Later that year he was named a Pillar of Pride by the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.

Steve Messina was a bright, warm spirit, loved and greatly missed by his family and his many friends.