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Bivins brothers striking out for the 'Windy City'

By Devin Grant

Provided/Molly Hayes

Cabaret Kiki will have three shows at Theatre 99, with the first starting today.

There comes a time in many artists' lives when they must decide whether to make the jump to bigger and potentially better things.

Robert Zimmerman would probably never have become legendary folk singer Bob Dylan had he not left his native Minnesota for the bright lights of New York. Countless performers have risked everything for a bus ticket to Hollywood in hopes of finding fame and fortune.

For years Matt and Evan Bivins have been the proverbial big fish in the little pond here in the Lowcountry.

Now, with each of them having notched some impressive accomplishments in the Charleston entertainment realm, the Brothers Bivins are set to make a move to the Windy City. That's right, after this weekend's performances of the pair's highly successful variety show, "Cabaret Kiki," Matt and Evan are striking out for Chicago.

They began humbly enough, busking on Charleston street corners with the rest of the guys who would soon become Jump, Little Children after moving to Charleston in the early '90s. Jump enjoyed huge success in Charleston and an impressive following throughout the rest of the country, even scoring a record deal at one point. After Jump played its final shows a few years back, the various members scattered, involving themselves in various projects.

Matt explored theater, starring in several productions by the local thespian group Pure Theatre.

Evan played drums in several bands around town, including his own creation, Biv. He was also frequently spotted on stage slapping the skins during the popular Monday Metal Karaoke that took place at various venues around town.

When the Bivins Brothers collaborated with Joe Halberda and Summer Mauldin on what eventually became "Cabaret Kiki," the brothers knew they had something special. Speaking from his soon-to-be vacated Charleston home earlier this week, Evan Bivins discussed the reasons for leaving the Lowcountry for Chicago.

"We had been talking about (moving) over the course of the last year," said Bivins, "After life in a rock band came to a close, we both decided to explore theater." That focus on the stage was one of the main reasons the brothers chose Chicago.

"We wanted to be in an area that focused on theater," explained Bivins. "Chicago has Second City, as well as theater companies started by Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. Chicago also seemed more financially and emotionally appealing than New York."

One of the biggest factors that prompted the decision to go for it in Chicago was time.

"We both felt that if we didn't go and explore it now," explained Bivins, "chances are that in a few more years we wouldn't want to. We'll always support the arts scene in Charleston, but that scene struggles here. There are things you just can't do here." Bivins added that his goal is to be part of a bridge between artists here in Charleston and those in Chicago. "A lot of Theatre 99 alumni have gone to Chicago, so we already have folks there who we know." Bivins also wanted to stress that he and his brother were not abandoning Charleston.

"I moved here when I was 14," said Bivins, "Charleston has a magical quality. I'm in love with Charleston as a place, and I will miss all of the friends I have made here."

In addition to trying to make "Cabaret Kiki" work in Chicago, the Bivins brothers also have a few other aces up their sleeves. Next week Evan will travel to New York to audition for a part in the Broadway show "Spring Awakening," which is getting ready to tour the country.

"If I get the part, then Matt will go to Chicago and I will tour with the show for its run. It's a chance to make some good money and great connections in the theater world," he said.

Evan and Matt are also collaborating with Halberda and Mauldin on a musical they hope to eventually bring to the stage. Bivins wouldn't go very far into the plot, only that it involved a group of cabaret performers that might very well exist in the mind of a writer. Whatever ends up happening with the Bivins Brothers, one certainly can't blame them for striking out to make their mark on the arts world.

Even if you can't make the final Lowcountry "Cabaret Kiki" performances this weekend, send a little positive energy their way. That, along with a big winter coat, should keep the guys warm during the winter in the Windy City.

Contact Devin Grant at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.

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