By NATALIE MILLER

H-P Reporter

Celebrating life will be the main focus of the July 15 Ashland Street Party. For a second year Wine for Cures is sponsoring an Ashland Street Party to commemorate Ron Waters, who was better known as Steve Mr. Beach Leonard.

The popular Beach music radio DJ passed away unexpectedly last year, and his countless friends rallied together to ensure he was not forgotten.

For about 10 years Ashland Street Parties have brought residents together to raise money for local non-profits. In previous years, bands like King Edward & the BDs and Robbin Thompson and Steve Bassett.

Ron Moody and the Centaurs has performed at several Ashland Street Parties in the past, including the first Steve Leonard tribute party. The band is known throughout the region for playing relaxing, fun beach music.

Its great music thats really stood the test of time, Moody said. Its the kind of music thats not offensive to everyone and is just a good time.

Moody met Leonard at a music function in Richmond about 35 years before his sudden passing. Moody said they instantly bonded over their shared interest in music and music trivia.

He always remembered your name if you met him before and he was just a really happy, go-lucky guy, Moody said.

He had a great laugh and he called everybody his close, personal friend, Moody said.

on Moody and the Centaurs is currently made up of Michael Moore on bass, guitarist Jim Wark, J.W. Belden on keyboard, drummer Mark Imes, Chuck Rush on trombone and Gary Hartle on saxophone.

We just thought itd be a good idea to get together one night every summer to remember Steve, Moody said.

Gil Miles founded Wine for Cures in 2011 after being diagnosed multiple times with terminal Leukemia. The non-profit educates the public on cancer-related issues, but unlike most cancer awareness organizations Wine for Cures also encourages laughter and fun.

Participating in annual events like the Leukemia Cup Regatta and Dogwood Wine Festival, Wine for Cures offers life-saving information at non-intimidating venues. The non-profits motto Be Intentional reminds people that there is life after diagnosis.

Miles knew Leonard for about 25 years, and has fond memories of the friendly DJ.

He could keep you talking for hours, Miles said. He was just always a good time.

Last spring, Leonard agreed to emcee the 2016 Wine for Cures Ashland Street Party. When Leonard unexpectedly passed away before the event, the street party became a tribute to his life.

His spirit lives on, Miles said.

Along with the wine and beer typically available at Ashland Street Parties and Wine for Cures events, Richmonds Grapevine Greek and Italian Restaurant will be providing food at the upcoming Ashland Street Party.

Great music, great foodits going to be a great event, Miles said.

Lifelong radio personality Bill Bevins worked alongside Leonard since the start of their careers. In their early 20s, Leonard and Bevins worked for a radio station in Hopewell and remained in contact ever since.

Steve had kind of this photographic memory, where if he met you one time and talked to you for a few minutes, hed remember you in 10 years, Bevins said. He was just the sweetest, kindest person you ever met.

Bevins, who now co-hosts Star 100.9s Mornings with Bill and Shelly, will be the street partys emcee.

He represented good timeswe called him the Prince of Party Time, Bevins said.

The Ashland Street Party will have all of Leonards favorites: friends, fun and Beach music. Those who knew Mr. Beach will continue his legacy as he would have wanted.

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