As long as there is life to live, there are songs to write," Steve P., a musician from New Haven, Conn., said. Steve will be playing here at Etown Oct. 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Steve will be opening for the Billy Joel tribute band, Big Shot, playing a four-song set. He plays a blend of originals and some classic rock and modern pop covers. He describes his music as pop/rock with a funky edge. Steve does not confine his music to one genre; his songs focus on a variety of subjects, each with a different feel.

"I'm no Bono." Steve said "I have no political agenda. Each song has a new topic."

Steve enjoys all aspects of music. Life is his only inspiration. He quotes Willie Nelson, saying, "You can't really write a song until you've had your heart broken."

"You need to live a little bit before you write a song," Steve said, "and you have to enjoy playing it all."

Steve uses the lessons he learns in life and believes people will relate to even the most obscure things he may be dealing with.

"Just write from the heart and people will relate," Steve said. "I just wrote from where I was at the time, from the world where I was coming from."

Steve's real passion is music as a whole. He graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2004 with a degree in music business and performance. He is a music teacher and works at an Internet-based radio station, Ultraradio.com, and also plays gigs regularly.

"You have to write, that's a given," Steve said. "It's all about great, catchy hooks and solid guitars without going overboard."

Steve plays solo or with a band of musicians he admires. Etown will be an acoustic show with a hand percussionist, a guitarist and a backup vocalist. Steve said he is excited for the Homecoming show and hopes for a good turnout. A recent graduate himself, Steve says he loves to play for students.

"College kids really appreciate the music," Steve said.

He has played for all kinds of crowds, from big venues packed wall-to-wall with people to small venues of 20 people. He has played for many student and faculty audiences, small bars, outdoor venues and large halls including the Berklee Performance Center.

Even the smallest crowds are fun for Steve; he said he can't pick one particular show that has been his favorite.

"I can't pick just one show that was the most memorable," Steve said. "You just need to find that spot inside yourself that makes it."

To preview Steve's music, go to www.Stevep.com, or www.myspace.com/stevepertesis. The show is Saturday, Oct. 21 during family weekend.