We recently connected with Gary Steven and have shared our conversation below.

Gary, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always believed that some moments in life reveal your purpose in an instant. For me, that moment happened at 15, but the story began long before. My dad was a DJ, and from an early age, I was his biggest fan. I’d sit in the living room, captivated as he blended tracks, watching how music could bring people together and set the tone for any space. I’d grab the mic and sing along, or plead with him to let me try scratching the records, feeling like I was part of something magical.

That foundation set the stage for what happened one spring night when a friend invited me to a high school spring break party at the Memphis Convention Center. As we approached, I saw the line stretching around the building—hundreds of people buzzing with excitement. Inside, the energy was electric, the music alive. As a kid who attended a small private school, it felt like I was stepping into another world.

In that moment, I knew I wanted to create experiences like this—where music and atmosphere collide to leave people with unforgettable memories.

Gary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Gary Steven, and I am an event curator and DJ with nearly two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments. My journey began in college as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where I learned the art of organizing events that bring people together. Those formative years laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.

In 2007, I moved to Atlanta to focus on my career in advertising and software sales. Even while navigating the corporate world, my love for event promotion never waned. Living in Atlanta exposed me to an array of curated social experiences, and traveling for work broadened my perspective even further. I witnessed elevated social settings across the country, which sparked my passion for creating events tailored to modern, professional socialites.

Today, I curate events that provide a space for hardworking professionals to unwind, connect, and celebrate. My approach is rooted in solving a specific challenge: offering an elevated yet approachable experience for those who work hard and want to play harder. What sets my work apart is that I don’t just plan parties—I create experiences. Every detail, from the venue and ambiance to the staff and music, is carefully considered to ensure an unforgettable night.

The desire to perfect the musical atmosphere at my events is what led me to DJing. I realized there was a specific vibe I wanted to deliver, and I began spinning to take control of that element. DJing has become a core part of my identity as an event curator because it allows me to directly shape the energy of the room.

I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built through my events. Whether it’s an intimate gathering at a rooftop bar, a nostalgic homecoming day party, or an exclusive evening at a speakeasy, my goal is always to create a sense of connection and celebration.

For anyone unfamiliar with my work, I’d want them to know this: I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can feel elevated, inspired, and truly enjoy themselves. Through my brand, theg2experience.com, I aim to redefine what it means to “go out” by blending sophistication with pure fun.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Navigating family life, a demanding career in sales, and my passion for event and nightlife curation has always required careful balance. There have been times when I’ve had to take a step back from event curation because other areas of my life needed greater attention. Burnout and social fatigue are real challenges in this industry, and I’ve learned that preserving my energy and focus is essential to creating meaningful experiences.

In 2024, I curated over 40 events. For some, that might not sound like much, but for me, it was overwhelming given my responsibilities at work and home. By the end of the year, I realized that this pace wasn’t sustainable. It was clear that I needed to pivot—not just for my own well-being, but to ensure I was staying true to my mission of offering elevated, unique experiences rather than just filling up a calendar.

Going into 2025, I made a conscious decision to focus on the quality of events over the quantity. This shift isn’t just about avoiding burnout; it’s about ensuring that each event feels intentional, fresh, and aligned with the vision of theg2experience. I’ve learned that it’s better to host fewer, unforgettable events than to risk oversaturating my audience or losing sight of what makes my work special.

This pivot has not only reinvigorated my passion but also allowed me to maintain a healthier balance between my personal and professional life. It’s a lesson in prioritizing what truly matters and staying aligned with your purpose, even when it means making tough decisions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of event curation and DJing is seeing the joy and connection that my work brings to people. Whether I’m curating an event or spinning behind the decks, my goal is always to entertain and create memorable experiences. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about hearing patrons share how much fun they had or recalling a specific moment from one of my events that left an impression on them.

As a DJ, the real-time energy exchange is unmatched. I love reading a crowd, feeling their vibe, and having them engage with me through their energy. A recent example was this past New Year’s Eve when I DJed the Soho House Nashville NYE party. The room was electric, and every song I played felt like a conversation with the crowd. Their energy fueled me, and song after song, we built this incredible synergy together.

In moments like that, I’m reminded of being a kid in my living room, singing along to every lyric my dad played while he DJed. The connection I felt to the music back then is the same connection I aim to create for others now. It’s a full-circle moment every time, and there’s no greater feeling in the world than seeing people dance, sing, and share in the magic of music and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theg2experience.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_g2experience & https://www.instagram.com/garysteven
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theg2experience/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djgarysteven
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/garysteven/

Image Credits

@DeshunSmith
@GSW Enterprises
@YoBreezye