ROCK SPRINGS – Have you ever wondered what the world would look like through different eyes? Music fans have that chance as Steve Davis brings his unique music to the Outlaw Inn Saloon Friday and Saturday night starting at 5 p.m. and running to around 9 p.m.

Growing up in Rock Springs, Davis was influenced by music at an early age. His mother was a disc jockey at KSIT, which introduced him to bands like Led Zeppelin and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Noticing his passion for music, his mom gave him his first guitar when he was 11-years-old.

“I have always known I wanted to be a musician and my mom was very supportive,” Davis said.

Not only was Davis inspired by the classic rock sounds, he also found inspiration in folk music and bluegrass. Inspiration came from groups such as Trampled by Turtles, John Mayer and Dave Matthews to name a few.

“I liked the music I heard that really had soul,” Davis explained.

After a year of college, Davis embarked on a journey which took him all over the world. While he basically started out hitchhiking around the United States, his adventure soon became a world adventure.

Davis found himself playing on the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento which led to him working as a studio musician for several local artists in California. Playing by a campfire in Oregon led to performing at a festival in front of 8,000 people.

His travels also led him to photographer and film director Debra Kellner. Davis did a photo shoot with Kellner that was featured in the Europe magazine Paris Match. Davis’ journey soon added Europe to the list.

With all the traveling experiences and really looking at life from the bottom, Davis transformed these experiences into songs which those who go to hear his music at the Outlaw Inn will be able to experience.

Davis returned from his journey and was soon one of the many who found themselves in North Dakota working in the oil field. He continued to write music and said you can really tell a difference in his songwriting from his travels to working in the oil patch.

During this he also found time to record an album in Denver. He said it was recorded in one day because he really wanted to get his music out. He is currently recording a second record here in Rock Springs. Davis is working with another local musician Stone Thore’s Eric Anderson who is helping record the record in his studio. Davis said he is really taking his time with this one and added Anderson has been amazing to work with.

Davis’ future plans include music of course, but he is also looking forward to going back to college in the fall. He hopes once he is finished with school to hit the road again on a similar journey which started his love for the world and everything it has to offer.

All of these experiences lead to what you will hear at his shows at the Outlaw Inn. Davis described his music as funky and folky and sometimes a little salty. Locals are used to hearing bands in bars who play the classic songs everyone knows. While Davis said he will play a few familiar songs, he will take the audience on a rare cultural and diverse experience. He also hopes to be playing at several local events throughout the summer.

While it is hard to make it in today’s music scene, Davis gave some advice to the younger musicians who want to pursue music. He said one thing his journey has taught him is there is no dream that is too big. Davis said he was born with a little bit of natural talent but it took a lot of work and practice. He also said you can do it yourself if you are organized but if not, he advised looking at getting a manager to help.

“If this is what you want your life to be live it now,” Davis said. “Be original and be passionate.”

Through it all, Davis said no dream is too big.

“I went from sitting outside of Safeway one minute, to spending two months in Paris,” Davis said. “It made me realize more that no dream is too big.”

Outlaw Inn

Mark Anselmi, owner and general manager of the Outlaw is pleased to feature a local musician in the Saloon.  As the property has been undergoing a number of renovations in the past few years – the lobby, restaurant, public restrooms, redesigned and renovated ADA rooms, redecorated 33 exterior rooms and exterior building enhancement with 45 additional trees planted – plans are also in the works to “expand” the Saloon space out onto the new half-wall-covered patio (directly in front of the bar) by creating a large double doorway from the bar to that area and featuring not only seating, but also a large fire pit.

The Outlaw Inn Saloon is just off the main Lobby area of the Best Western Outlaw Inn. There is a full service bar with appetizers and full Open Range dinner menu. All food prepared in the on-site scratch kitchen

The Saloon also features a Smoke-free environment and there is no cover charge.