In 1988 Steve was selected along with 24 others to compete in the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition. Million drew great inspiration from the experience and even formed a band - Monk's Dream - with one of the other semi-finalists Mike Kocour (Mike on organ, Steve on piano, and Robert Shy on drums). The band became pretty popular in Chicago in the early 90's, and played the main stage of the Chicago Jazz Festival in 1993.

Steve is also co-leader with Joe "Guido" Welsh of the wacky novelty jazz group Thelonious Moog. They released their first CD in 2004 entitled "Yes We Didn't" and their second came out in 2006 entitled "American Standard." Both are on GrownUp Records and you can find out more info at www.theloniousmoog.com.

This year Steve has had a steady 5 night a week jazz gig at Catch 35 (35 W. Wacker, downtown Chicago) with two of Chicago's great players: Rob Parton - trumpet, and Eric Hochberg - bass. So far it has been a drummerless trio, but there are plans to add drums at least one night a week. Check Million's website - http://stevemillion.com - for updates - sometimes Million subs out to do other things. There are always quality players on this gig.