Dixie Republic

As a group, we are very diverse in our creativity and musicianship. Our main goal is to write the best songs possible with the intent of scoring cuts with established or up and coming artist so the whole world can enjoy. In the meantime, we will be playing live shows for the purpose of marketing and doing what we love.playing music. So keep your ears and eyes open people, because we will be heard!!!!!

Instead of creating a band biography in general, we want to showcase each individual in our band.

Kevin Beard Lead Vocalist, pianist, drummer and songwriter.
Kevin has a long history with music as he wrote his first song at the age of twelve.
Having been raised in an acapella church, he learned how to blend four part harmonies that gives Dixie Republic that true southern sound. Taking hold of family traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation, Kevin has grown from the roots of country and bluegrass music. With his first love being hard rock music, he trademarks his vocals with energy and an edge. Being the brain child of Dixie Republic, he wanted to put together not only the best local song writers, but perhaps some of the best in the industry, period. He stated and I quote, I will not be satisfied until every person in this world hears our music!

Gary Stephenson - Lead Vocals, guitarist, and songwriter.
You know how some people are born with it? That is Gary. Being raised in a musical church gave him exposure to various melodies and harmonies at an early age. Gary started playing the guitar at the age of fifteen. He was first a hard rocker that had an appreciation for all types of music ranging from traditional country to southern gospel. Gary is a Riff Master. He can write music faster than rain can splatter. Having a big heart shows in his writing style as it is translated through his music. Gary has played all over the country in various gigs ranging from New York to LA. Joining Dixie Republic has rekindled passion for music with old friends and band mates by digging up old treasures and creating new ones.

Les Kennedy - Lead Vocals, guitarist, and songwriter.
Les is a small town boy from Fairview, TN. Learning to play the guitar at the age of eight, Les soon found a love of music. Les's dad was a bluegrass musician, and when he taught Les how to play, he taught him how to play bluegrass. He started with such songs as "Wildwood Flower" and "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy." Later, Les found that he loved the music of such greats as Chet Atkins, Jim Croce, John Denver, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Bonamassa. What makes Les such a great guitar player is what makes Dixie Republic's sound so distinctive. Traditional, yet bluesy licks echo from Les's guitar.

Chris Haithcoat - Lead Vocals, drummer, guitarist, bassist, and. songwriter.
Born in Nashville TN, in the heart of country music, Chris was raised with rock-n-roll and influenced with southern gospel. Being part of the Heartbeat of the band, his drumming skills came from building kits as a child out of shoe boxes and ice cream tubs. He didn't pick up the bass and guitar until nearly 21 but his versatility is one of his many aspects that make Dixie Republic a unique sound. Playing mostly in rock bands, I asked Chris, Why country music? His reply; My dad planted the country seed in me, with the legendary Conway, George Jones, and Merle Haggard. You tend to get to take on your fathers traits the older you get. I guess it has always been with me.

Gary Jaworski Bass player and songwriter. 
Being born in the city of Chicago, Gary was raised with the toughness that translates to his bass playing style. In high school he started playing bass around Chicago while he learned the trait of graphics and printing. In 1984 his career took him to Texas where he was introduced to the Texas Blues. While in Houston area, he played with The Headhunters and Used Parts. In 1990, he moved back to Chicago for a short time but in 1992 his career brought him to Nashville. He became a Hired Gun in the music community. It didn't take long for people to realize that this man could play. For the last 21 years, he has played in various venues doing various genres. Several years back he and Les Kennedy teamed up and this eventually led Gary to Dixie Republic. Every Southern Band needs a Yankee, and Gary fit the bill.