Two Voices, One Harmony
By Mike Strong

In the past five years I have had the opportunity to see and listen to many talented bands. This past weekend I visited the lounge at On the Half Shell in Prairieville. As I sat I noticed there was entertainment in the far corner of the room. Without paying much attention to the band I proceeded to order appetizers. As I was joking with the folks at our table I noticed that every note being played by the guitarist was, spot-on. The more I listened, the more impressed I was with the sound. I then took a second look and realized it was Stan Campbell and Kirk Schiefelbein.

Stan and Kirk have been playing in this area for many years and it is always a great ride to listen to the variety and fantastic music selection that they perform.

Kirk met Stan while taking guitar lessons from him some 10 years ago. The musical connection was recognized immediately. These guys decided to form a partnership that covers several areas of entertainment and allows individual exploration.

They play private parties, lounges and Casinos as Stan & Kirk and have a full time variety music band named, SK & the Rhythm Roosters. You may see Stan at Sunday brunches at The Belle of Baton Rouge. He performs, playing his sultry guitar accompanied by a sax and a stand up bass. Kirk is the main vocalist of the two and Stan carries the lead.

I had the privilege to study guitar under Stan. He has been teaching guitar for 34 years and has a distant claim to fame. He has probably taught every guitarist in Baton Rouge at one time or another. His stories were always entertaining. I was asking him once about the chords on a ZZ Top song. He promptly said, “Here’s how Billy plays it. When I was jamming with him in Dallas...” Stan and Billy Gibons, what a combination. Once Billy Bob Thorton was listening to Stan and Kirk at Kivas Restaurant. Billy asked Stan to play Stairway to Heaven. Stan played the entire score from first note to last. Billy was so impressed he tipped the guys, handsomely.

During the day these guys are regular working stiffs like the rest of us. You’ll find Kirk at 3’s Company on Perkins Road and Stan will be teaching a Zeaglers. Stan also teaches the LSU Leisure guitar classes held in the Union.

Kirk is the Worship leader of the “Church of the Highlands” on Perkins Road.

Thank You, On the Half Shell, for bringing Stan & Kirk to Ascension Parish. To book the band, call Stan...664-5133.