Rene Russell- 12 string Guitar/Vocals - Gary Hewitt- Bass/Vocals
Rene Russell can handle almost any musical request. The singer/guitarist has nearly two decades worth of live performances under her belt, from Nashville, to Texas to Charleston. In recent years, she's won the adoration of local audiences with her technical proficiency on the 12-string, her versatility, and her warm singing style. She can make the transition from a U2 pop hit to an Eagles twanger to a Melissa Etheridge anthem with ease.
A native of Columbia, SC, she has lived in Atlanta, Austin, and San Diego, and shared the stage with artists such as; The Indigo Girls, Cravin' Melon, Danielle Howle, Michelle Malone, Tom Chapin, and Jennifer Nettles Band (better known as “Sugarland”) to name a few. In the past she has been strictly a solo performer, but now, along with the solo performances, she is adding Gary Hewitt on electric bass and upright bass. Gary is a talented musician who has toured with many National Acts, including Gary Allen. He is originally from Los Angeles, and now resides in Charleston, SC. Rene has recorded 2 independent albums and is looking forward to the 3rd.
“Rene Russell is powerful. Whether her voice is throbbing with emotion, growling, or seductively mesmerizing, it reaches out and grabs something—both vital and visceral.” Denise LaRae – Alliance New, Ft.Worth, TX
“With pipes like Melissa Etheridge, a production style a la Sam Phillips/T. Bone Burnett, wistful, often ethereal songs, she deserves to be there. This CD is strong and memorable…” Joe Mitchell – Austin Chronicle, Austin, TX
WORK HISTORY Charleston, SC, Greenville, Florence, SC The Maproom, Cactus Jack’s, Banana CabanaBlue Ridge Brewing Co., Blind TigerTahoe South, 11 Center St.,RedBone Alley, Morgan Creek Grill, Coffee Underground, Rooftop @ The Vendue Inn, Shooter’s, Kaminsky’s,Los Hermanos – Clemson, SC, Cumberland’s,Carolina Wings- Litchfield Beach, Marriotte- Palmetto Dunes – Hilton Head, SC, Dempsey’s Café 99, Wildwing-Downtown,Charlotte, NC, South Beach Rest. – Hilton Head, SC Patrick’s Pub, Pewter Rose, Henry’s DownTown ,300 East 5 Loaves Café, Rodi Ocean Song Cafe, 6 String Café- Cary, NC Joe’s Seafood,Prism’s Bistro Dutch Deli, Trolley’s End Necter, Bourbon St. Station Calder’s Pub, Klondike’s- Boone, NC Villa Sorrento –Banner Elk, NC Savannah Joe’s – Boone, NC Columbia, SC Meritage Delaney’s Irish Pub Mangia, Mangia Carolina Wings - Vista Dockside at Lake Murray Decision’s Hannah Janes Sundance Bar & Grill Jillian’s Rhino Room Roche Brothers Hemmingway’s Blue Martini McCary’s Steamer’s Alley Café Jim Casey’s Harper’s Red Bone Alley Jungle Jim’s Pavlov’s Rockafella’s Greenstreet’s Hunley’s Pub Beaulah’s Blues Bar Group Therapy in 5 Points Sharkey’s Mr. Friendly’s Hampton’s Motor Supply Bistro Corner Pocket Griff’s Restaurant Hampton’s Seven-Eleven Club New Brooklyn Tavern Carolina Wings – W.Cola Rupert’s River City Café Plato’s Yesterday’s Too Fox N’ Hare Spaghetti Warehouse Josh’s Terra Nashville, TN Jacksonville, FLA Audition- Nashville Star TV Show The Blue Bird Café Beau’s Coral Reef Saloon The 3rd Coast In Touch Saloon New Orleans, Baton Rouge, LA San Diego, CA Ruby Fruit Jungle The Pour House Charlene’s Island Saloon The Hide Away 25 East Street Cafe Roseville Cafe Hennessy’s David’s Place Kafana Coffee Austin, San Antonio, Ft. Worth, Dallas, Texas Maggie’s Maggie Mae’s Pub The Oasis @ Lake Travis Lone Star Festival Mozart’s Café Boomerz The Pig & Whistle The Filling Station Sam Hill @ Lake Travis Central Market Café Ruta Maya Coffee Toulouse Tavern Chicago House Chelsea St. Pubs Hank’s Road House Cafezino The Square Room The Saxon Pub Antonio’s Marty McFly’s Spaghetti Western Atlanta, GA Eddie’s Attic Trackside Tavern Wildwing Café Buffalo’s Good Ol’ Days Neighbor’s Pub The Point Rascal’s The Other Side Revolution Star Bar Highlander Oxford Books