Bam Bam Memorial Party at Bricks – 2010-05-21
May 23rd, 2010
Last week I got the news that a much loved member of Salt Lake City’s dance music community passed away. This news was particularly troubling for me, not because I first met him over ten years ago, and his music and passion helped to shape the foundations of what I consider to be my second family, but because Stephen Santoro took his own life. For the first couple days I felt confused, guilty, angry with myself. I struggled with the memories of similar events in the past. I felt helpless.
Mostly, I was shocked.
I didn’t know Bam Bam as well as I would have liked. I saw him mostly in the clubs, and never got to spend a lot of time with him away from the decks. Stephen and I shared a love of music which drew us together for a few hours at a time. What I did know about him was his sincere friendliness and generosity. His spirit of love and celebration that he shared freely behind the turntables and on the dance floor. I have many photos of him, and in every one of them, his infectious smile lights up the frame.
Those few hours we spent celebrating life together are some of my fondest memories. I never knew Stephen was troubled, because every time I saw him, he was listening to the music he loved.
Music heals. Music keeps us sane. Thank you all for sharing your love of music with us. RIP, Bam Bam. I will miss you.
For friends of Stephen “Bam Bam” Santoro, here are some resources you might find helpful:
THANKS SO MUCH FOR PUBLISHING THIS SLIDESHOW OF THE MEMORIAL AT BRICKS FOR STEPHEN!! I PLAYED IT AND AM WONDERING IF THERE IS ANY SOUND WITH IT OR JUST THE PICTURES, WHICH ARE GREAT!! I NOTICED ONE OF THE DJ’S WAS WEARING A T-SHIRT WITH STEPHEN’S PICTURE ON IT? DO YOU KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY MORE OF THOSE AROUND OR WHERE WE CAN GET THEM. I KNOW STEPHEN’S BROTHER WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ONE AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AS WELL. WE LOE HIM AND MISS HIM SO MUCH!! IT’S STILL SURREAL TO US!! WITH LOVE, BAM BAM’S MOM & FAMILY
Hi Nancy,
There is no music. The DJ wearing the T-shirt is Eben Flow Lundberg on Facebook. I don’t know anything about it, but he will.
I’m glad that I could post something that you found helpful. Feel free to use the photos as you see fit. They are downloadable. Just click the slideshow to go to the Picasa page and download. I smile every time I think about the happy memories I shared with your son. My heart goes out to you and your family. May his memory continue to bring us all joy.
- Eric