Stefan Lessard

Stefan Kahil Lessard (born June 4, 1974) is an American musician, most famous as the bassist for the Dave Matthews Band. Lessard was born in Anaheim, California, to musicians Ron and Janaki Lessard. After moving a number of times during his childhood, Lessard and his family eventually settled in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1987. They had previously lived from 1980-1984 in Buckingham County, Virginia and in Richmond, Virginia from 1984-1986. Afte... more

Stefan Kahil Lessard (born June 4, 1974) is an American musician, most famous as the bassist for the Dave Matthews Band. Lessard was born in Anaheim, California, to musicians Ron and Janaki Lessard. After moving a number of times during his childhood, Lessard and his family eventually settled in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1987. They had previously lived from 1980-1984 in Buckingham County, Virginia and in Richmond, Virginia from 1984-1986. After moving to Charlottesville, he enrolled in the Tandem Friends School, where he studied music under trumpeter John D'earth. D'earth recommended Lessard to Dave Matthews for inclusion in his new band, which was looking for a bassist. Lessard joined Dave Matthews Band just as it was forming, when he was sixteen years old. Due to his age, he sometimes had to sneak in the back door of the clubs where the band was playing. Lessard completed his junior year of high school before dropping out in favor of music career, and was accepted at Richmond's... less