Who knew that Elvis had a brother? And a talented one at that.
Billy “Elvis” Lindsey, appearing at Alpha Pizza House in Apollo Beach every Thursday night, has long been known as one of the best Elvis impersonators in the Tampa Bay area. But it’s been only recently that his counterpart, Kevin Brooks, has emerged from the shadows to join his illustrious brother on stage. And the result is nothing short of phenomenal.
Dubbing themselves “The Rogue Brothers,” the dynamic duo has been singing, dancing, bumping and grinding their way straight into the hearts of delighted fans.
“We recommend you make reservations,” said bar manager Kathy Gibson, “because we are packed to the hilt every night.”
Owner Nick Egarhos couldn’t be more pleased with the increased flow of business resulting from the chemistry exploding between the brothers. Bartender Joni Canterbury agreed. “People are loving these guys. We have regulars coming in week after week after week.”
The Alpha Pizza House show schedule now includes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., with Elvis in full Vegas glitter sharing his act with his hip-swiveling sibling. An ecstatic crowd fills the restaurant every week as the pair performs cherished oldies and popular dance tunes.
The show appeals to seniors, who enjoy their favorite Elvis tunes, as well as parents with children who come in for dinner and a night of family entertainment.
Brooks, who said he has been absent from the music business for nearly a decade, is now scheduled for a solo show every Saturday night, delivering a crowd-pleasing list of songs that gets the audience “movin’ and groovin’” on the dance floor. He has a long history of playing in bands, and has always been an active performer in his church, First United Methodist in Brandon, where he sings and directs contemporary choir. “But this is the first time in years I’ve actually performed on stage, and I’m really enjoying it,” he said.
Groups of admirers have been flocking to Alpha Pizza House from Ruskin, Apollo Beach and Sun City Center to check out the new entertainment, and they have not been disappointed.
“Kevin has so much soul,” said Kings Point resident Iris Thurman, who brought a group of her neighbors for a ladies’ night out. “His singing does what music is supposed to do — it makes you feel happy and adventurous, and can also put you in the mood for romance.”
“Music is a family tradition,” said Brooks, who described the brothers’ upbringing in Indiana in a family that valued music and “good wholesome fun.” He said he remembers as a kid standing up on the school bus and singing his first song, “Rockin’ Robin” by Michael Jackson. He grinned and said: “I guess I was always an extrovert, even back then.”
But he’s quick to point out that there are basic personality differences between him and his brother. “Billy is the more sensitive, creative one, a committed musician,” Kevin said, “while I’m a little more left brain. I have always had my business side.”
Brooks currently works for the Titan America plant in Ruskin, a national company which processes ash from companies like TECO and uses it to develop a variety of products such as cement and ready-mix concrete. Married for 35 years to his wife Renee, Kevin is devoted to his family and his faith, which he says is of central importance in his life.
Brother Billy, who lives in Apollo Beach, is wholeheartedly invested in his Elvis persona, and has been the recipient of countless awards, the latest being the 2013 Overall Champion of The “Elvis Extravaganza” Contest at the Florida State Fair.
Billy’s crooning of classic ballads like “Love me Tender” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” can move audiences to tears. His energized interpretations of songs like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog” are enormously popular and so realistic, you would think you were watching Elvis himself.
The real Elvis, by the way, did have an identical twin brother who, sadly, died at birth, leaving his sibling to grow up alone to become “The King” … and one of the most famous musical icons of the 20th century.
Alpha Pizza-Pasta-Prime is located at 1312 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach, Florida. For more information, call 813-645-4648 for reservations, or visit alphapizza.com.