Steve Chaggaris is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music (B.M.1992) where he studied with Ian Froman, and the New England Conservatory of Music. He studied privately with Bob Gullotti (The Fringe) for over ten years and is a former student of the late master drummer Alan Dawson (Jaki Byard, Booker Ervin). He has amassed an extensive performance résumé, with appearances throughout North America, Europe, and Japan.

After a year performing with George Russell's ensemble at NEC, Steve began performing and recording with Russell protégé Ben Schwendener. He can be heard on Schwendener's recordings Witness of the Sun (Russell calls "…part of the new jazz underground…") and Road Trips, both on Gravity Records.

Through the 90’s, Steve was a member of Gingerbutkis, performing an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and funk. They were billed regularly with many first-rate local acts like The Bentmen featuring Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie), and their rich performances frequently included the services of distinguished guest musicians – among them pianist, composer, MacArthur Genius grant winner and double Guggenheim fellow Ran Blake, and members of The Atlantic Brass Quintet.

A consummate sideman, Steve has performed and/or recorded with a wide array of diverse artists, including jazz luminaries Danny Harrington and Paul Ahlstrand; blues greats Jeremy Lyons, Chris Stovall Brown, Amadee Castenell (Neville Brothers), Sax Gordon Beadle, David Maxwell (Freddie King, Bonnie Raitt), and Monster Mike Welch (Boston Music Award winner); folk/alternative artists Colleen Sexton, Matt Griffin, David Johnston, and The Timbre Project.

As a member of the Ken Clark Organ Trio, Steve can be heard on two critically acclaimed CDs on Severn Records: Eternal Funk (2003), and Mutual Respect (2005). Their original music blends jazz & blues in the style of the traditional organ trios (Jimmy Smith / Jack McDuff) with contemporary instrumental groove music (Maceo Parker / Medeski, Martin & Wood). Both recordings have sold internationally and received high marks in Jazz Times, Goldmine, and Downbeat magazines. Together with Ken, Steve is also a member of The Soul Band, a Boston-based ensemble that performs an extensive catalog of well-known soul classics as well as obscure B-side gems. He can be heard on their 2006 debut recording Certified, on Bird Egg Records.