Staff Sergeant Kevin Beardsley grew up in North Carolina's Triangle region. He studied bass at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which time he performed with and led ensembles spanning a myriad of musical genres, including jazz, soul, funk R&B, salsa, indie and everything in between. Staff Sgt. Beardsley has performed with many acts, including Jazzmeia Horn, the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, Keith David, Sean Mason, Slim Gambill, and Jo Davi. He has also recorded with Rahsaan Barber, Al Strong, Alex Upton, GrayScale Whale, Starsapien, and The Some of It All, featuring Tinasha Blu and Jeremy "Bean" Clemons.