Reed sets the stage for local talent
By Meredith Mohr Bullard Banner News

Robert Reed takes his place where he is very comfortable on stage with his guitar.

It's typically quiet in Bullard on weeknights. But situated right downtown next to the library, Bubba's Texas Grill is usually swinging with good music, laughter, and even better barbeque well into the night.

Owner Robert Reed, the mastermind behind sparking an interest in downtown Bullard, can be found in the back of his restaurant on most nights, and depending on what day of the week it is, he's either doing one of his many impressions, hosting a wide variety of musical talent, or if you're lucky, onstage himself with his band.

And he'd like nothing better than for the rest of Bullard to come join the party.

After opening his second restaurant, Reed put in a stage area and opened his restaurant for entertainment acts, with a specific goal in mind.

"We're really trying to promote downtown Bullard, to generate an interest in the town," Reed said. "Most people don't know too much about what's down here, so Bubba's is trying to give them a reason to come find out."

In his effort to peak an interest in the town, Reed has ideas for a street dance in Bullard, which he hopes will be held sometime within the next 30 days.

"I want it to be a charity show, with The Sweetwater Band headlining," Reed said. "I hope it will help in getting people to check out Bullard."

Reed has owned Bubba's for five years, and in those five years, hosted numerous music groups, including the band Nearly There with John Alexander, several groups from Branson shows, and of course, whoever else wants to perform on open mike night.

"Bubba's has live entertainment, open mike night, and karaoke night," Reed said, gesturing to the stage area. "We've probably got 6000 karaoke songs over there. Kids love it."

In addition to owning Bubba's, Reed is also the lead singer for The Sweetwater Band, a group of five who perform a vast selection of country and classic rock songs.

Although they've since settled down and stopped traveling, the band still performs occasionally at Bubba's and is quite popular with the local crowd.

Included on their "constantly revolving set list" are "Johnny B Good", "Sweet Home Alabama", "You Really Got Me", and "Before He Cheats."

And that's just a few of the more than fifty songs.

And if that isn't enough, Reed also has a long list of impressions, doing everything from Willie Nelson, to Elvis, to Bubba himself complete with hats, hair pieces and "bubba teeth."

With all the entertainment, the "best barbeque you'll ever have," and the future events on tap in Bullard, Reed offers the perfect explanation for why he's so involved in getting people interested in Bullard.

"I'm a performer," he said. "That's just what I do."