Curiosity killed the cat on Friday, March 25 when I heard that a band called Bearded Elvis’ was going to play at Carolina Ale House. I had to go see what this was all about.
What a name. I mean, how wonderfully unique is the visual image that comes to mind? I had so many questions. Was this a band of bearded Elvis impersonators? Was it a band that simply plays Elvis songs? I had no idea what to expect, so I grabbed Dean, and we headed out for a bite and to listen to some live music.
The band was to play on the patio. However, the patio was unavailable because it was reserved for two large parties, so we were seated as close as we could be to the stage, which was not close at all. Our table was just on the other side of the wall from the patio. We couldn’t hear the music nor see the performers. Our server, Henry Z, gave stellar service and took very good care of us. We ate dinner then headed over to the bar on the patio to hear some tunes and catch a glimpse of this band called Bearded Elvis’.
Just inside the door to the patio and to the left stood two guys with acoustic guitars and no Elvis costumes in sight. The duo played a selection of songs that ran the gamut from country to pop to R&B. Their voices blended so well and carried each tune to a new level. They played an eclectic set of songs that included “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker, “My Girl” by the Temptations, and “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown.
Augusta native Russ Schneider has been an Elvis Tribute Artist since 2000. Hawaiian native Steve Leathers is a guitar player who inspired Schneider to pick up the instrument. In March 2021, they joined up to form an acoustic duo. Schneider says that they had both grown beards but didn’t want to shave them. He had Elvis jumpsuits from his Tribute Artist days, so they decided to put them on. With each man wearing a hat, sporting a beard, and dressed in jumpsuits, the band Bearded Elvis’ was born. People loved the new act, and the idea took off with the band gaining a following. Bearded Elvis’ is booking more shows and will be performing around the area on a regular basis.
Don’t let the band name fool you. Bearded Elvis’ isn’t just an Elvis tribute band. Bearded Elvis’ is a musical pair who likes to take their audience on a fun walk down memory lane, playing songs from many eras and genres. The duo of Russ Schneider and Steve Leathers know how to bring the tunes and are a fun band to catch live. And here is an interesting tidbit. It isn’t just a mutual love of music that binds these two. By day, the dynamic duo of Schneider and Leathers both teach history at Langford Middle School.
Be sure to check out Bearded Elvis’ online and take in one of their shows. If you love a wide range of music styles, this is the band for you. Visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BeardedElvis
Carolina Ale House can be found online at https://www.carolinaalehouse.com
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Look no further than Shannon’s at 8 p.m. Friday when Briggs Alley takes the stage. Also tonight, catch Ticko at the Fox’s Lair starting at 9 p.m. On Saturday night, see Woody & Sunshine at Southbound Smokehouse II in North Augusta. Show starts at 9 p.m. Also on Saturday, the Brandeith Carter Band plays at Chevy’s. The music starts at 10 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
