A clean shave every spring has become a ritual for Eric Neuman. This is the fourth consecutive year he has been staging a Beard Brothers event, and every year it has been for a great cause.

Sometimes when the right combination is found, the result is breathtaking; chocolate and peanut butter, Simon and Garfunkel, surf and turf.
    What about Beards and Bands?
     A clean shave every spring has become a ritual for Eric Neuman. This is the fourth consecutive year he has been staging a Beard Brothers event, and every year it has been for a great cause.
    This year he has put together a team of four who have all been working hard to grow a beard, only to have it shorn to raise money for Lyme Light. Along the way he also found some stellar musicians who are all contributing their skills to make the event a success.
    Neuman said his family has been involved with Relay for Life for a number of years in honour of his aunt who passed away with cancer.
     When he got a little older he became involved and was inspired by an uncle who shaved his head to raise money for cancer. Having an uncanny skill for growing facial hair, the idea was born.
    The first year he offered up his hair and beard to the highest bidder to style and sculpt to the bidder’s liking. It was a hit, and he raised funds for Relay for Life.
    The next year Beard Brothers was born when he convinced a handful of friends to join in.
    “Every year got a little bigger. Year one, it was just me. In year two there was half a dozen of us but no event outside of the auction and shave, and it was done at the BCF in the lobby,” said Neuman. “Last year I added the concert side of it and we did so well that this year we are doing the concert again along with the auction.”
He has convinced Marcel Augey, Andrew Berdahl, Bob Brown and Rob Colberg to join him. The rules are simple, the highest bidder gets to shave the facial hair donor.
    They have also added some great music to support the event. Local singer songwriter Joe Vickers is contributing his talents and will be joined by Pat Parsons, Kendall Coveney and Marcel Augey on stage. The Charlie Jacobson Band from Red Deer will also be performing.
    The event is in support of Lyme Light, a local group that raises awareness as well as helps Albertans seek proper Lyme and Lyme related disease treatment and testing
    Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Beards and Bands Saturday, April 26 at Kaleidoscope Theatre. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7 p.m. for more information or to RSVP, contact Neuman at 403-436-0213.