John E. Stevens

Art Deco Tours Hires John E. Stevens, former XM Radio Personality as "Celebrity Tour Guide".

Art Deco Tours Inc. of Miami, known for its knowledgeable and animated tour guides, architectural highlights and historical storytelling --announces the addition of former radio personality, John E. Stevens.

"My tour guides are often called 'celebrity guides' because they are well known in South Beach. More importantly each guide has a unique presence and presentation," shares Christine Michaels, owner of the company. "I have high standards in hiring tour guides and John met all the requirements.” She explains that in addition to learning the information faster than anyone, and easily connecting with people, Stevens has an endearing quality. “I love that he has many layers. There’s the ‘hard rock’ exterior. Then he’s also articulate and extremely polite. A regal gentleman!”

According to Michaels all guides must possess a genuine passion for the subject of Art Deco and never sound monotonous. No tour is exactly the same. The difference for the guide is the customer that visits from all over the U.S. and the world. The guide interacts with the client through casual conversation, humor and trivia. “It's like having a local friend show you around and learning and having fun, the best kind of entertainment," beams Michaels.

John Stevens was born in Akron, Ohio, coincidentally the same state that produced the mother of Miami (Julia Tuttle was from Cleveland) and other pioneers of Miami Beach. John graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and also wanted to pursue studies in architecture.  But John also possessed another talent, playing the guitar. At the age of 18, the opportunity to tour as a guitar player was presented. "Being the proper 18-year old, I chose the music path and put my architectural desires on hold," admits Stevens.

From there he was recruited by the music industry and lived across the U.S. including Detroit, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington DC. He worked as in-house composer and on-air personality for XM Satellite Radio until the company merged with Sirius in November 2008.

"I was his first job interview ever," exclaims Michaels. "That alone was impressive. But his passion for Art Deco was quite apparent." In moving to Miami Beach, Stevens decided to settle down and return to his first love of architecture.

Stevens' music has been featured in the "Saw" horror movie franchise. His music also found a home at NASCAR for Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Jimmie Johnson's and Danika Patrick's radio show. Today Stevens still actively composes several forms of music media for films, the video gaming industry and custom score for broadcast application.

When asked which is his favorite Art Deco building, Stevens responded with the Guardian in Detroit. "The Mayan and Aztec artwork beautifies downtown Detroit's barren landscape," shares Stevens. His favorite South Beach Art Deco building? Jerry's Famous Deli. "The implied depth, fading portholes and sheer mass almost leap off of the foundation, and of course the streamlines, it's definitely moving in terms of physical motion," hints Stevens.

Stevens joins two other tour guides for Art Deco Tours and also serves a lead guide for the popular Cocktail Tour.


John E. Stevens



ABOUT ART DECO TOURS
Art Deco Tours offers a walking tour in the Art Deco district of South Beach, Florida led by knowledgeable and animated guides. Guests stroll along Ocean Drive and learn and appreciate what makes this architecture so special, the history of the pioneers that shaped the beach, the heroes and villains and other fascinating stories. Guests also get exclusive access to select hotel lobbies and rooftops to admire the décor and design of the interior and absorb the panoramic views from above.

Art Deco Tours specializes in private or small groups, no more than seven people or two families. It began operations in 2009 and this small business is now ranked the number one walking tour in Miami Beach, per Trip Advisor. The owner strongly believes in giving back to the community and is actively working to reverse the rate of homeless pets living within the Art Deco district and other areas.

To make reservations for a tour, please send an email to artdecotours@yahoo.com or call 305-218-9952.

For media inquiries, please contact Alicia Grecco, 305-218-9952
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