Steve is available for a variety of presentations including:

The Intrinsic Value of Open Space and Natural Areas: how parks and natural areas are much much more than vacant land.

Ohio Park Districts: 100 Hundred Years of Conservation: Tracking the development of these special political subdivisions, their evolution, and contribution to conservation.  

Planning Backwards: a simple, yet effective approach to long-range planning. This presentation de-mystifies planning by establishing dreams, then long-range goals, and working backward to develop mid-term and short term objectives with action steps. 

Thirty Years In The Alley: the remarkable story of Ohio‘s Steelhead Alley, and this fishery has increased in popularity, stimulated the economy, and contributed to "new" fly fishing techniques and gear.  

Fly Fishing My Blues Away: a musical program that provides a brief “how-to” introduction to fly fishing with a summary of associated mental, emotional and physical benefits attributed to this activity. 

Why We Do The Things We Do: this presentation is a celebration of the important work park and recreation professionals do day in and day out and how this contributes to our quality of life.  

Steve can create custom, themed musical performances, weaving together conservation values, the benefits of outdoor recreation, and historical storytelling within his original songs. For more information on keynote presentations please contact:

steve@madewellmusic.com

The opening of Why We Do The Things We Do.

Performed for the Broward County Park and Recreation Department’s annual staff retreat.

Fly Fishing My Blues Away

Health and Wellness Associated With Fly Fishing

Steve Madewell will take the audience on a trip as he shares his love for fly fishing through stories and original songs. 

As Steve travels to every region of the United States and to other countries, he always has two things with him: a fly-rod and a guitar. Both have been important tools for Steve as an entertainer, fishing guide, educator, and park and recreation professional.    

Steve will share how fly fishing has been a part of his life, inspired many of his songs, and provided many funny experiences and memories. Steve has served as a fishing guide for professional athletes, corporate CEO’s and U.S. Senators. He even has been circled by sharks and even charged by a brown bear!   

This musical presentation provides insight into the enchantment of fly fishing which happens to be one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the country, and will touch on the incredible mental and physical health benefits associated with this activity.

Steve has been a working musician for over 40 years performing in a myriad of venues. He has recorded three CDs of original compositions: Rivers and Trails, Arrow Creek and Hometown Blues. Rivers and Trails is primarily a collection of fishing songs. 

Steve enjoyed a remarkable career working for regional park systems.  He was instrumental in acquiring miles and miles of stream frontage focused within Ohio's famed Steelhead Alley.

Fly fishing for Steelhead was an important tool to introduce a host of public officials and community leaders to the remarkable natural resources of northeast Ohio. 

Steve has written for several publications, been the subject of countless newspaper articles and was featured in an episode of Trout Unlimited's "On The Rise" with Frank Metherhurst. 

Steve has delivered this presentation for many audiences including performing at the Coffeyville, Kansas, Community College Spencer/Rounds Performing Arts.