Stephen Ronald "Swandog" Swanson 59, of 1830 Manchester Rd., Jamestown, passed away at 9:43 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, in W.C.A. Hospital following a brief illness. A lifelong area resident, he was born December 28, 1956 in Jamestown, NY, the youngest of four sons to Ronald F. and Doris I. VanHorn Swanson. Steve was a graduate of Jamestown High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree and his Master's Degree in music education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Prior to his sudden illness, he was a music teacher for the Panama Central School System for 28 years. He also served as the music director and organist for the Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church for many years. He was also involved in the Infinity Performing Arts Program and each summer was the organizer and a featured performer for the Bemus Bay Pops Orchestra, which originated following the CD release party for his album "Chameleon". Throughout his teaching career at Panama he had a way of providing students with unique opportunities to express themselves through music. He could see the musical talent in his students that they could not see for themselves therefore bringing out the best performers. His students were consistent NYSSMA award winners and excelled at state and national competitions. He accompanied numerous All-County Vocal Jazz ensembles for decades. His musical and dramatic direction at Panama musicals allowed students to shine brilliantly while on stage. He truly had a personal investment in his students. Steve was an outrageously talented musician who wholeheartedly shared his gifts with the young and old and lived to make music and serve the Lord. He was the originator of his band "Chameleon" and was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, composer and the album's producer. His other band, "Bluze Inn" was his bread and butter band that performed for many years at the Allegheny Casino, Chautauqua Institution, Yacht Club, Rod & Gun Club, Sportsman's Club, Peak 'N Peak Resort, Ellicottville Jazz Festival, the Red, White and Blues Festival and countless parties and wedding receptions throughout Western New York. Steve was always first in line to sign up for a benefit concert or produce a recording that would help support an individual or organization. Steve Swanson has left an indelible mark on countless people in our county and beyond. In 2008, Steve was inducted into the Chautauqua County Music Hall of Fame for his endless musical contributions in Chautauqua County. Over the years he has performed up and down the east coast from New York to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He worked as a session musician in Nashville and has performed with many great musicians such as Ben E. King of the Drifters and Smoky Robinson and the Miracles, who called him "Magic Fingers", Sandy Duncan and The Manhattan Rhythm Kings, the Neville Brothers and Dizzy Gillespie when they performed at Chautauqua Institution. As a published composer he has written works in many styles of music including Rock, Reggae, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Gospel music. Surviving are a daughter, Sarita Maré deChabert Perez, a son, Stephen R. Swanson, II both of Jamestown, his life partner, Sandra Connelly-Mangusing with whom he made his home, the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Rosita deChabert-Swanson, three brothers, Craig D. (Verna) Swanson of Lakewood, Bradley S. (Diana) Swanson, Mark A. (Faith) Swanson both of Jamestown as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father who died May 21, 2009, his mother who died February 1, 2004, his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Violet Swanson and his maternal grandparents Walter and Marian VanHorn. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Panama Central School auditorium. The Rev. Carolyn Stow, pastor of the Kidder Memorial United Methodist and Rev. Rick LaDue, former pastor of Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Friends will be received from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. Tuesday in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stephen R. Swanson Memorial Scholarship Fund, (to be established), c/o Panama Central School, 41 North St., Panama, NY 14767.
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Steve performed on the Bemus Bay Pops floating stage for many years. He always entertained the audience with his rendition of a song recorded and made famous by Louie Armstrong, What a Wonderful World. All of us have heard the words to that song many times though when we heard Steve sing those words, it was like hearing them for the first time knowing he truly was feeling the words as he sang them .. from his heart .. to all of us.
Steve was known by family and friends as "Swandog". Louie was known as "Satchmo", "Satch" and "Pops". Steve was known to sing many musical standards recorded through the years. Louie was also known to sing many musical standards such as .. Hello Dolly. Louie left us too soon at the age of 71, as did Steve at the age of 59.
Prior to the release of Chameleon, Dan Dalpra hosted a CD party for Steve on the back deck at the Italian Fisherman. A limo was hired to pick up Steve and his family. "We organized a red carpet event and invited tons of people". It was during that celebration while Dan was watching the party when he initially came up with the idea of doing a Pops concert on the roof. The next day Dan invited Steve to come to the restaurant. While sitting on the front bench Dan asked Steve to help him organize a roof concert by finding a conductor and musicians. Steve did just that! And the rest is history!
During the years when Steve was at the Italian Fisherman he would perform sometimes on the back deck prior to the years the singing group called The Volks appeared. During this period Steve and Dan became lifelong friends.
"Steve became like a brother to me. He was a man who expressed great compassion for others. Steve was a true friend who always stood with you and I have many fun memories and stories of our time together", said Dalpra.
After Steve's passing, a Bemus Bay Pops event was held for one of Chautauqua County's most animated and beloved musicians. Steve was posthumously honored on Thursday July 28, 2016 as a tribute to Swanson entitled Bemus Blues, Brews and BBQ. The event was coordinated by Brad Swanson, owner of Moonlight Electric of Jamestown with Dan Dalpra. According to Brad Swanson, the fundraising is being utilized to benefit the youth of Chautauqua County in a direct and meaningful way. "Dan and I were talking about doing a fundraiser in Steve's memory that will finance two scholarships that we've established in his name," Swanson said. "The scholarships will be given annually to two students attending any school district within Chautauqua County who will be continuing their education in the field of music. So any money that we raise will go directly toward these scholarships."
The event included a 50/50 drawing and a Chinese Auction, while live music was provided by Hadden Sayers, of whom Steve was a fan. Through Steve's work he inspired many of the areas current musicians, fostering in them love for the art form at a young age. Steve was the originator of his band, Chameleon and was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, composer and the CDs producer.
I am sure his family is forever honored that their loved one was inducted into the Chautauqua County Music Hall of Fame in 2008 for Steve's endless musical contributions to Chautauqua County.
Thank you Steve. Rest In Eternal Peace
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
