One-man show to transport Sunset Theater to the '80s on Aug. 29

ASHEBORO — Brandon Shepherd is just 24 years old but he’s a veteran at performing on stage. He’ll do just that Friday night at the Sunset Theatre with his latest show, “Back in Time ’80s Rewind.”

A self-taught one-man show, Shepherd sings, plays piano and guitar and even dances. And if that’s not enough, he designs, produces and directs his performances. 

In an interview prior to a concert last year, Shepherd said he can “see in my head how the lights work, the colors, how songs close, just make fun for the audience. I see the show in my mind, how the songs run into each other. I direct my own shows and even change clothes.”

He has done tributes to Elvis, Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Elton John and Roy Orbison. But he’s decided he just wants to be Brandon.

He once entered an Elvis competition but didn’t place. Besides, dressing as The King was too expensive.

During the competition he met Jordan Poole of Georgia, who will do his Elvis act Saturday night at the Sunset. Shepherd said neither of them won but “he got farther than I did.

“Jordan’s very nice. He likes doing other stuff — part country, part Elvis, what I did for a while, country, soft rock, blues.”

But this time Shepherd is highlighting some of his favorite songs from the ’80s. So how did that come about?

“A lot of people requested it,” he said. “I did a few (from the ’80s) the last time and people liked them.

“There are a lot of things I like from the ’80s — movies, TV, the dress, the atmosphere.”

Giving a sneak preview, Shepherd said his Friday concert will include songs by Huey Lewis and the News, Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and George Michael, to name a few.

“I’ve been working since January (on this performance),” he said. That includes the background, the music, videos and editing. 

“I always try to take the next step (with a new concert), to keep motivated. I have a blast doing them, sharing songs with others. It’s like a journey.”

For the ’80s concert, Shepherd is encouraging the audience to dress for the time period. There will be a contest with prizes. So reach into your closet and bring out those old clothes from the ’80s.

Shepherd has diversified his talents since being offered a role as a voice for an animatronic band character named Dook Larue. He’s the drummer and a singer for the Showbiz Pizza Place characters with ChuckE Cheese.

The animatronic band can be found on Youtube at Rock-Afire Explosion. Shepherd’s character is the dog playing the drums.

He records his lines and singing from home. His audition tape was Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe.” They liked it so much they hired him and used it for Shepherd’s first “appearance” solo. It can be found on YouTube with the slug The Rock-afire Explosion feat. Dook LaRue in “It’s Only Make Believe”. 

The YouTube video has drawn 143 comments in the last month, including this one from @AdaliaAlvarado-oc3xd: 

“I’m obsessed! I can’t stop singing this song. Brandon and Aaron are giving Duke a rebirth and I love it. The Rock Afire Explosion will live on. ROCK ON AARON and BRANDON!!!!”

Shepherd’s concert begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at Jed’s Barbecue, 1213 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro.