Pirate Journalism

Elvis is in the house @ Studebaker's in Myrtle Beach

One of the first places I went to as an adult — i.e. 21 years old — was a little theme place just outside Pittsburgh. It has a ‘50s rock theme and the waitresses and staff would jump up on the tables and dance.
The girl I was seeing at the time absolutely fell in love with Studebaker’s and took me there for dinner on my birthday.
Later that year, while on vacation with my family, I discovered another Studebaker’s in Myrtle Beach. Turns out that it was a franchise. As the years passed, the Pittsburgh Studebaker’s disappeared, and family vacations became rare as I worked my way through college.
Since I have moved down here permanently, I have been in Studebaker’s a few times, but the place wasn’t my regular scene. I have always been more of a Beatles man, and Studebaker’s was decidedly more Elvis.
That’s not to say I have anything against Elvis. I love Elvis. My mom raised me on Elvis 45s and movies. I even liked that Western one in which he doesn’t sing.
Studebaker’s is very Elvis. The long bar in the front is straight out of a ‘50s diner. The waitresses are in cheerleader style uniforms and still do their dance routines, although the music is not limited to oldies.
There are old cars, old gas station signs and memorabilia from the bebopping days of yore. In addition, Studebaker’s is probably one of the best-lit dance clubs I have ever visited. It also sports one of the largest dance floors on the beach.
Speaking of Elvis, he was the reason I went to Studebaker’s last Friday. I was invited to check out Studebaker’s and their Elvis show by Doug Kelly. (See how easy it is to get me to review your favorite place to be? Just e-mail me, and a Wham-Bam-Boom, there I am).
Michael Sokolik, the “beach’s only young Elvis” tribute artist was performing a double set of Elvis songs, and brought in quite a crowd for the early start time. His show was fun and full of humor and good singing. Sokolik covered all the bests from Elvis’ young years to his Vegas days (still as young Elvis).
I ordered a personal pizza and some cheese sticks to munch on while I watched the show. Doug and I split a pitcher of Studebaker’s Tropical Punch. The mix of rum, Midori melon liqueur, peach schnapps and tropical juices made for a very good sipping drink.
Studebaker’s has plenty of tables, a balcony, a second bar in the back and a couple of game rooms, but dancing is the name of the game at Studebaker’s, and locals and tourists of all ages regularly pack the place.
Studebaker’s is also one of the prime Shagging spots on the beach, and will be hosting the Shagging Nationals on March 12-14.
For some good old shagging good time, Studebaker’s is the place to be. To check out more.
Visit www.studebakersclub.com.