Tara Jean Stevens hosts mornings on WAVE 98.3, blending smooth grooves, RnB and soulful vocals with stories from real life.
A longtime broadcaster with a love for vinyl, brunch and sax solos, she’s as likely to share a throwback track as a quirky anecdote about her cat, her family or life in Vancouver.
We sat down with Tara Jean to hear some of her summer recommendations.
Q: What’s your go-to summer anthem this year, and what drink would you pair it with?
A: I’m a bit of an old soul, so my summer anthem isn’t from the Top 40—it’s ‘Best of My Love’ by The Emotions. That song just radiates joy, sunshine, and soul! I’d pair it with a Pomegranate-Ginger Spritzer—sweet, bubbly, and with just enough kick to keep things interesting.
Q: Do you have a playlist for different summer moods—like beach days vs. backyard hangs?
A: Absolutely! I used to be a Wreck Beach regular back in my carefree twenties, but these days you’ll find me in my backyard garden with my cat, Madge, a cold BC craft cider in hand, and the Doobie Brothers on the radio. My begonias thrive to yacht rock, and honestly? So do I.
Q: How does summer change the vibe at WAVE 98.3 or influence what you play on air?
A: When we launched WAVE 98.3 during that hot summer of 2022, the playlist felt tailor-made for sultry, sun-drenched days. But then came November, and guess what? That same smooth soundtrack felt like a warm hug on a rainy West Coast day. Bonus points if you’ve got a Dark and Stormy in hand to match the forecast.
Q: What’s your ultimate “summer sipper”—alcoholic or not—and what song best complements it?
A: I’m a sucker for any cocktail with a fluffy egg white topping—it’s like dessert with a buzz. Pair that with a smooth slow jam—think Sade, The Isley Brothers, or Diana Krall—and you’ve got my perfect summer mood. I even sneak a few of those tracks into the morning show on WAVE 98.3… you’re welcome.
Q: Is there a nostalgic drink that takes you back to a particular summer memory? What song was playing in the background?
A: Oh yes. One summer in college, my friends and I escaped to Salt Spring Island. We swam in St. Mary’s Lake, soaked up the sun, and sipped blueberry sangria on our cabin deck. The soundtrack? Chaka Khan, Simply Red, and Lionel Richie. Those songs still take me right back—sun-kissed skin, good friends, and zero cell reception. I get a little misty whenever I spin those tracks on WAVE 98.3.
Q: What’s your ideal summer day in Vancouver, and what’s the soundtrack?
A: Give me 22 degrees, a hint of sunshine, and a cheeky little edible—and I’m golden. The soundtrack? Anything with a killer sax solo. On WAVE 98.3, I’ve got a soft spot for Vincent Ingala, Candy Dulfer, and, of course, the king of smooth: Kenny G.
Q: Are you more ‘sunset chill’ or ‘midday party’ when it comes to music and drinks?
A: As a morning show host, I’m usually in bed before the sun sets—glamorous, right? So I’m all about the midday vibe. Think lively brunches, bubbly mimosas, and maybe a little Teddy Swims and Michael Bublé to keep things classy before noon.
Looking to set the mood for your summer days? Let Tara Jean be your guide. From laid-back brunch tunes to golden-hour grooves, WAVE 98.3 brings the vibe. Stream live or catch up anytime at wave983.fm.
