South Kent School is proud to announce a special evening on the Hillside as we welcome back distinguished alumnus, comedian “Sarge” (or “Picky” a name given by George Bartlett) Steven Pickman, class of 1979. On the evening of September 23rd, Sarge will host a Masterclass live in the Brown Gym, sharing not only his unique brand of humor but also the personal journey that has shaped him into the multi-talented performer, author, and motivational speaker he is today. Many may recognize Sarge as a “Notable Alumni” featured in the Old Building.
Sarge is known for delighting audiences of all ages with humor that comes straight from the heart. He’s not just a comedian – he’s a self-taught piano savant, an engaging motivational speaker, and the author of Black Boychick, a memoir that chronicles his life’s ups and downs with both laughter and wisdom. His comedic style, often compared to that of Don Rickles, blends rapid-fire observations with a spontaneous, uproarious energy, leaving audiences enthralled and entertained.
Born in Miami Beach, Florida, during the Civil Rights Movement to a Jewish mother and a Black father, Sarge’s journey was marked by its challenges from the start. Adopted by a loving family in Great Neck, Long Island, he was raised in an upper-middle-class Jewish household. It was here, at the age of six, that his musical gift first appeared. After attending a Broadway performance of The Sound of Music,Sarge sat down at the piano and began playing songs from the show entirely by ear, a talent he would develop over the years.
South Kent School Alumni shares his story on the Hillside.
As he grew up, Sarge’s comedic talents were just as evident as his musical skills. By age seven, he was cracking jokes and doing impressions at his grandfather’s card games. His exposure to live entertainment in the Catskill Mountains ignited a passion for performing that would shape his future.
Sarge’s path, however, was not without its difficulties. As an adult, he wrestled with feelings of confusion and identity, having been raised with little connection to his Black heritage. These internal conflicts led him down a dangerous road of addiction and homelessness. Yet, on December 26, 1990, Sarge experienced a life-changing epiphany. He committed himself to sobriety, and from that day on, has been dedicated to helping others overcome addiction, even pioneering a groundbreaking “Comedy Therapy” in recovery centers.
After attending South Kent School, where he was honored for his musical talent and lettered in football, Sarge went on to study at Boston University’s School of Public Communication, where he was dubbed “Sarge” by the football guys on his floor. His career in entertainment took him from working as a talent representative to performing on some of the most famous stages in the world. He’s shared the spotlight with legends like Aretha Franklin, Paul Anka, and Natalie Cole and has performed for our troops in Iraq.
Today, Sarge is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, bringing humor and healing to audiences across the country. His work has even extended to prison recovery programs, with his documentary Sarge Behind Bars receiving critical acclaim.
In his return to South Kent School, Sarge is set to inspire and entertain, giving students a firsthand look at how humor, perseverance, and talent can overcome even the greatest obstacles. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Hillside for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
