THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 1996 TAG: 9602060095
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
It was in those moments between sleep and wakefulness that Bobby Snard was born. Before that he was just Jack Robert Beckett.
A musician, Beckett was looking for a name for his small group. ``One night the name Snard shot through my head,'' he said. It stuck and over the years, the Snard Brothers (four strong and no blood kin to each other) have found loyal audiences. Fans come from far and wide for their music and their sometimes wild and crazy antics during gigs at Ocean Eddie's on the pier at 15th Street, where they've been the summertime house band there for 18 years. In winter, when Ocean Eddie's is closed, they're often at South Beach Grill.
Says Bobby. ``I like to create a rapport with my audience. I don't know what it would be like if I couldn't hear people laughing and talking while I play.
``I like it to be like you're at a party and some guys just happen to have a couple of guitars with them.''
Full name: Jack Robert Beckett aka Bobby Snard
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
What brought you to the Beach? Music/poverty/destiny.
Birthdate: July 13, 1948, '49, '46, '52 . . . depends.
Occupation: Entertainer, deep thinker, loafer.
Nickname: Snardo, Snardball, Snardly, Snardless, Hey You.
Marital status: Engaged, spoken for, soul mated.
Children: Four - Mechelle, Stephanie, Heather and Justin.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Entertaining, deep thinking and loafing.
Last smart thing you did: Said my prayers.
Last dumb thing you did: Did not listen to my spiritual self.
Favorite meal: Seafood and pasta.
Favorite movies: Character studies, action, adventure.
Favorite song: The one I wrote and composed for my father.
Last book read: ``Little Big Man.''
Hobbies: Reading, drawing and creating havoc, loafing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? More patience - less talk, more do.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Well, Bonnie is perfect just the way she is.
Secret vice: I lie about my age.
Favorite restaurant: Ocean Eddie's, South Beach Grill.
Favorite TV shows: ``Star Trek,'' ``Frasier,'' ``Seinfeld.''
Your favorite night on the town: When all of my family, Bonnie and her children get together to come see me and the band perform.
Favorite sport: Football.
Last vacation: 1995 Annapolis, Md., arts festival.
Pets: Small dog everyone calls Girl.
Worst job: Separating good potatoes from bad at Atlanta Farmers Market when I was 12 years old.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Raising my children to be good adults, and my longevity as an entertainer (since age 13).
What would you like as your epitaph? Good husband, good father, good man. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB