Steve Zegar began his musical journey at the age of 9, playing the tambura alongside his brother Marty, following the wishes of their parents, Joe and Mary Zegar. His formative years as a junior tamburitzan were spent with the Mestrovic Junior Tamburitzans and the Biddle Junior Tamburitzans. He was also among the original members of the Golden Triangle Junior Tamburitzans. Zegar attributes much of his musical foundation to esteemed instructors such as Matt Vlasic, Charlie Vuich, Ivan Babich, and Hall of Fame member Joseph Grcevich.
During his teenage years, Steve, along with Marty, Dan Puhala, and Dan Derdich, formed the group Jorgovan, performing at various events throughout the Ohio Valley. He pursued higher education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received a full scholarship and became a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. For four years, he served as both an instrumentalist and vocalist with the Tamburitzans, touring the United States and parts of Europe, and contributing to several Tamburitzan recordings. The friendships he forged during this time with fellow musicians have endured over the years.
One significant friendship was with Steve Vesolich, with whom Zegar performed in the Steve Vesolich Orchestra, resulting in a successful long-play record album produced during their collaboration.
Following this, Steve founded the Cigani Tamburitza Orchestra, recognized as one of the most innovative and talented ensembles in American tambura history over the past three decades. Throughout its existence, Cigani featured many notable tamburitza artists, including Jim Kopriva, George Salopek, Bob Vukic, Mike Kruljac, Bill Yurkovac, Tom Vesolich, Mike Klanac, and Ron Herak. Zegar also had the privilege of performing alongside his good friend Ken Herak, a prominent tamburitza musician and vocalist. Cigani played at a variety of events, including picnics, clubs, weddings, concerts, christenings, and dances across the eastern United States and even traveled as far west as Seattle, Washington. The group worked to develop a distinctive style characterized by innovative vocal and instrumental arrangements, resulting in five popular long-play albums and one cassette, featuring songs that remain well-loved.
Under the name Alcon Recording Orchestra, Steve collaborated with Jerry Grcevich, Mike Klanac, and George Salopek to record a double album of kolos, which continues to be used for dance instruction. This album was produced at the Alcon Recording Studio in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, owned by Tom Ross, who also recorded the first three Cigani albums and remained a close friend and mentor until his untimely death.
Additionally, Zegar recorded two albums with his friend and talented singer Darlene Licina. During these sessions, he explored arranging and incorporating instrumental and vocal parts himself, with particular pride in the piece "Jeleno Momo Jeleno," which featured only cellos, braćs, and vocals.
After his time with Cigani, Steve enjoyed participating in Dunav of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, alongside musicians such as Steve Kaurich, Albin Abramovich, Pero Esapovich, and Bob Susnjer. He also spent many years with the renowned Plavi Mjesec Orchestra of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, where he performed with notable artists including Dušan Saula, Sam Saula, Mark Phillips, Ed Milovac, Bill Yurkovac, Jim Kopriva, Mike Sandelich, Hall of Fame member Danny Kukich, and Frank Valentich, another Hall of Fame member and master tambura maker.
Currently, Steve is a member of Tamburitza Orchestra Selo, which was formed following a reunion of Cigani members organized by Bob Vukic. The orchestra initially comprised Steve Wagner, Jim Kopriva, Tom Vesolich, Bob Vukic, and Steve Zegar. As work commitments evolved, the current lineup includes Steve Zegar, Jim Kopriva, Kelly Muchnok, Tom Vesolich, and Frank Valentich. Selo has released one CD, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary songs.
Steve has consistently enjoyed attending and performing at the Tamburitza Extravaganzas and is honored to have been inducted into the Tamburitza Association of America Hall of Fame.
