As an informed Kansas Citian — you listen to the radio headlines on your commute to work, and even keep up with the many sports teams that dominate the metro. This means you’ve probably heard Kansas City native Steve Garrett’s voice booming on the mic.
Steve is a seasoned on-air personality of 101 The Fox, the voice of the Kansas City Mavericks, and he just added “podcast host” of Corvette Today to his repertoire. We asked him a few questions about his career + how he became so involved in our city.
You grew up in Kansas City. What made you stay?
Kansas City is a great place to live and play. It’s a testament to Kansas City that so many professional athletes make their home here after their professional career is done. It’s a terrific place to raise a family. Prices for nearly everything (gasoline, groceries, housing) are very moderate. Plus, Kansas Citians are SO friendly! You can walk down the street, not knowing the person walking the other way, and still say hello to them.
If you could give Kansas City it’s own radio tagline, what would it be and why?
‘Discover Kansas City! If you haven’t yet, you’re missing out. If you have — then you “get it!”’ Kansas City seems like such a well-kept secret.
How often are you recognized for your voice when you go out in KC?
I “perfected” an announcement after our team scores a goal. I just say, “Kaaaansas City GOAL!” It’s become so synonymous with Kansas City hockey that everyone says it with me when I make the call. Sometimes, I see people at restaurants out and about in KC. All they do is point at me and say, “Kaaaansas City GOAL!” It’s become a “thing” for Kansas City hockey fans…
How did you become “the voice” for the Kansas City Mavericks?
I was on-air at KY 102 at the time. One of the sales people told me about the Blades coming to town. This sales person knew I was a goaltender in the Men’s Hockey League here in KC. So, she suggested I try out! I set up a time to audition at Kemper Arena. They had the PA mic set up, so I did some reads and let them hear what I sounded like. The Director of Marketing for the Blades, Jim Loria, said he chose me because I’m a radio DJ + also played hockey. So I already knew the game and he wouldn’t have to “teach me” the game.
Out of all of your years on radio + in the KC community as a public figure — what’s been your favorite event to cover?
When 101 The Fox first got the Chiefs on the radio, I was the “guy in the parking lot” for pre-game during the first 2 years — that was fun! All of the concerts have been fun. But, one of the biggest events I did was host the Blades postseason celebration when they won the Turner Cup. We had a HUGE rally at Kemper Arena where the championship trophy was presented along with the other trophies the team and players won that year.
You had a full plate before diving into a podcast this past year. What prompted that and how do you balance the commitment to KC as host + being the only corvette-related podcast?
I got furloughed from my day job in March 2020. My wife suggested I go sell Corvettes at Hendrick Chevrolet. I didn’t want to work those hours. I couldn’t do my gig at 101 The Fox, nor the Mavericks. In researching Corvette podcasts, I realized there were no current podcasts on Corvette! So, that was my opening and I filled it.
If you could drive any Corvette down any empty KC street — which Corvette + which street?
I’d drive a Corvette C7 ZR1 down Ward Parkway! The ZR1 has 755 horsepower and is a total monster. I grew up on Ward Parkway. Next to a cruise down Lee Boulevard, Ward Parkway would be the best street to handle the speed and power of the C7 ZR1.
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