The Rebel first opened back in the late 1960s just outside Washington, NC. My first visit was not until about 1974 or ’75. Now living a third of the way across the state, I don’t get by much anymore, just three or four times a year. It’s old school NC alcohol laws -- it’s a private club with liquor lockers for each member. I guess you could call it a Carolina honky tonk.
AG Swanner and his wife Linda own The Rebel. AG’s a homespun, blue collar philosopher who is no BS or all BS, depending on the hour. (That’s him playing guitar.) He’s also one of my favorite people ever. His daughter Tammy runs the place mostly now. (That’s her smiling with the tip jar.)
Last Sunday afternoon, Belhaven neighbor and musician Don Cox (late of the Super Grit Cowboy Band) was playing a few sets and enjoying the country life. He’s seen here playing keyboards. AG made a big batch of beef stew to feed his friends. It was a perfect afternoon to hide out, catch up with some friends, and enjoy gutsy, good music. Some places keep change to a minimum because life is good.