Tribute
artist web sites
Click to visit tribute site for......Jimmy "Orion" Ellis
EIN apologises for the lack of updating of this page! Almost Elvis is one of our most popular pages but time constraints prevent us from giving it the attention it deserves! (EIN, Oct 2008)
The King is dead....long live the King!: Though the real Elvis Presley's infamous pelvis hasn't swiveled in 32 years, his music remains popular, proven once again by this holiday season's best-selling "Elvis Presley Christmas Duets" album and the "new hit" radio status of Presley's pairing with Martina McBride on "Blue Christmas."
Further proof is the continued success of the annual "Elvis Birthday Tribute Spectacular" produced every January by Omar Farag and his company O.M.A.R. Presents to honor the 1935 birth of the Tupelo boy who would be king.
This year's series of show dates marks what would have been Presley's 74th birthday and again features three of the world's most popular Elvis impressionists -- Donny Edwards, Ryan Pelton and Shawn Klush -- along with Presley's original drummer D.J. Fontana, who kept the beat for the first 14 years of Elvis' career.
"The idea for 'The Elvis Birthday Tribute Spectacular' was conceived 22 years ago to satisfy the throngs of Elvis fans," Farag said.
Additional show dates have been added over the years. Chicago-area dates at Skokie's North Shore Center and Aurora's Paramount Theatre, on Jan. 8 and 9, respectively, will precede the Jan. 10 Star Plaza date. The concert starts with the rockabilly segment, Farag said. Then come segments spotlighting Presley's military years, the Hollywood movie years, his triumphant 1968 comeback TV special and, finally, the Las Vegas years.
Opening the show as Elvis circa 1956 is the youthful-looking Donny Edwards (donnyedwards.net), ABC-TV's Blue Suede Elvis as seen on "The Next Best Thing" and a finalist in Elvis Presley Enterprises' "Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest." A Dallas resident, Edwards has been a professional Elvis performer since 2002.
"As a fan, Elvis has always brought joy to my life," Edwards said. "As a performer, I try my very best to bring that same joy to my fellow Elvis fans."
When it comes to representing the well-groomed Elvis of the silver screen who sang, fought and always won the girl during the 1960s, Ryan Pelton (ryanpelton.com) does a great job marching about the stage in his "G.I. Blues" uniform crooning about "black pumpernickel for chow." But Ryan, a Cleveland native, excels when he slips into the skin-tight black leather for the electrifying '68 Comeback/Memphis Recording Session segment of the show.
A former U.S. Marine and Ohio State University graduate with degrees in English lit and marketing, Cleveland's Pelton has a facial resemblance to Presley that is downright uncanny. Those stunning looks recently landed Pelton on screen as Elvis in the controversial indie film, "Hounddog," starring Dakota Fanning, Robin Wright Penn (also executive producer) and Piper Laurie, which is due out on DVD in 2009.
"I love it all, but it's always special for me to look back and see DJ (Fontana) up there playing with me on the '68 Special' stuff, because he was actually there with Elvis on the TV special," Pelton said.
Fontana was house drummer for "The Louisiana Hayride," a popular live radio concert show in the 1950s when he first met Elvis.
"Elvis liked the way it sounded and asked if I wanted to do some dates with them in Texas. Since I was only playing the 'Hayride' on Saturdays, I had plenty of free time to go with them," he said.
After several weeks as a hired gun, Fontana became a full-time member of Elvis' band, along with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.
"We'd all climb into this old car and drive lickety-split through the night down country roads to get to the next show. Then we'd do the show, climb back in the car and drive all night to the next show. It was exhausting and exciting at the same time," Fontana said.
The most popular era of Elvis' career comes alive as Shawn Klush (shawnklush.net) storms the stage to the strains of "Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001: A Space Odyssey)" in a white jumpsuit with scarves. Klush, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., was named "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2007" by Elvis Presley Enterprises and that same year was named "The World's Greatest Elvis" by the BBC1 in London. Klush also portrayed Elvis on the hit CBS television miniseries, "Shake, Rattle & Roll" a few years back.
"I close out the 'Birthday Tribute' show by recreating Elvis' mid-'70s Las Vegas years," said Klush, who has been shaking his leg and grinding his pelvis in tribute to the fallen rock king since the 1980s.
"I do from 'That's the Way it is' (the Elvis concert film) on up to around the 'Aloha in Hawaii' era. I don't go past 1973, because after that, Elvis was starting his decline, and I want to present him at his very best."
Klush's dad was a radio DJ in the 1950s where he grew up in the coal mining town of Pittston, Pa.
"Dad used to play Elvis and all sorts of great records at the house all the time, so I was raised with music as a child," Klush said.
"I think Elvis would be very flattered by all this and that all these years later people still care so much," Fontana said.
onStage
"Elvis Birthday Tribute Celebration"
Starring Shawn Klush, Donny Edwards, Ryan Pelton, DJ Fontana and The Fabulous Ambassadors
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 10
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & U.S. 30, Merrillville
Cost: $35.50
FYI: (219) 769-6660, StarPlazaTheatre.com, elvisbirthdaytribute.com (Source: TheTimesOnline.com, 3 Jan 2009)
Historical Society celebrating Elvis' birthday: The Marion County Historical Society in Ohio will celebrate the birthday of Elvis Presley on Saturday, Jan. 10. Festivities scheduled to run from 1-5 p.m. in the Heritage Hall auditorium and the public is invited.
The party includes Elvis impersonator Mel Wallace (MElvis) plus cake and ice cream provided by Primrose Retirement Community of Marion. Visitors may come dressed in their '50s or '60s attire (optional) and sing the afternoon away or just sit a spell and enjoy the performances.
Museum admission is $4 for adults, $3 for those age 55 and older, $1.50 for children ages 6-12, under age 6 is free. Admission includes access to the party, all of Heritage Hall's displays including the Marion County Sports History exhibit, as well as the Wyandot Popcorn Museum.
Persons with questions may call 740-387-4255 or check online at www.marionhistory.com
The Marion County Historical Society museum Heritage Hall is located at 169 E. Church Street, Marion, Ohio and is dedicated to maintaining the existing interest in the history of Marion County, and in collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting for public education and enjoyment, historical artifacts and information. (Source: MarionStar.com)
Auburn man gives fans a night with the King: Heather Greene is too young to remember the era of Elvis Presley and is not familiar with a lot of his music. And yet, behold the power of the King.
Elvis impersonator Robert Washington took the stage at Fast Breaks on Wednesday night and within seconds, Greene was dancing in the aisles.
"It's good music," she said, as Washington belted out "Good Rocking Tonight." "It gets you going. I'm into it."
So were dozens of others at the Lisbon Street bar. By the third song, most of them were bobbing up and down, singing along or some combination thereof.
Clad in a pink blazer, sideburns sculpted just right, Washington meant to put on a good show, the kind of Elvis tribute he's been delivering for 25 years.
"It's New Year's Eve," Washington said, 10 minutes before his set began. "It's more of a party. I don't expect everyone to be watching my show."
Wrong. Though the crowd consisted mostly of 20-somethings, born long after Elvis died, the room became electrified as Washington stroked his first chord.
"It's Elvis time!" one man hollered.
"Wahoo, it's Elvis!" a woman hooted.
It was a lively venue, though a smaller one than Washington is accustomed to. He first performed on stage in 1983 and since then, he's been everywhere. He plays in Memphis, of course. That's what Elvis would do. He plays in Vegas, naturally. The King was beloved there.
Those tend to be big shows and they've won Washington awards. In 2003, he took the top spot in the Images of Elvis International Competition. In the world of Elvis impersonation, Washington is the big time. But so what? It was New Year's Eve in a small club across the river from his Auburn home. He planned to play as hard as he would before screaming Elvis fans on the Vegas strip.
"I try to read the crowd," he said, getting his pompadour just right before the show. "I try to see what kind of mood the audience is in. I'll just go out there and do the best show I can do."
Promise delivered. By the time he began "Treat Me Nice," Greene was shaking it up good at the back of the room and hollering a little bit, too. "I came through the door and said, 'who's that cat?'" Greene said. "My husband said, 'It's Elvis.'"
Exactly right. The world renowned performer planned to move through Presley's early stuff and then start banging out the hits popularized by the Elvis movies. It was to be the kind of show that would last all night and into midnight.
And then, like 2008 itself, Elvis would leave the building. (Source: Mark LaFlamme, SunJournal.com, 31 Dec 2008)
| A woman who sings like Elvis!: AUSTRALIAN by nurture and Elvis by nature, Jacqueline Feilich succumbed to her lifelong Presley passion by entering the 2006 Elvis Tribute Competition in Las Vegas. Performing in jeans and a T-shirt since her luggage hadn't arrived, she nonetheless came second and decided to turn pro afterwards, calling her act She Is The King.
Since then she has performed at Graceland as well as on Mornings With Kerri-Anne, released an album late last year (the iTunes tracks are particularly popular in Japan, although Feilich is baffled as to why) and finds herself in demand in the US.
Feilich (www.sheistheking.com) performs songs from throughout Elvis's career and does it because of her "obsession and love" for the artist - although she adds that stepping into his blue suede shoes was initially daunting."
I always wanted to incorporate Elvis songs into whatever I was doing, whether it's working with a garage band or when I sang at the Stamford Plaza [Double Bay] at the piano bar but most people weren't into it, so I wasn't singing what I loved," she says. "That forced me into doing it myself against all odds and really against odds because everybody told me I was either crazy or an idiot." |
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Feilich says she isn't an impersonator but a tribute artist, the difference being that for her the music comes first. Having said that, the King's fashion sense does influence what she wears and she's particularly fond of tight jumpsuits.
"One [lesbian fan] even put a question to me and asked, 'How do I like cross-dressing?' and I never really thought of it like that ... but it's true!" Feilich says.
This might explain why she was recruited to perform at Girlfest '09, a lesbian festival held in January in Coolum, Queensland, although her gigs are varied - she'll also perform on an Elvis fan cruise aboard P&O's Pacific Dawn sailing from Brisbane to Sydney next year and is in talks with a US casino that wants to fly her stateside. Her most interesting gig so far, however, was at Graceland in front of 75,000 Elvis fans.
"These people were from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Japan and China and even if they couldn't speak English every person there still knew every word to every song - for them it's like a religion," she says.
Asked whether it's a religion for her as well, Feilich answers without hesitation.
"Absolutely," she says, nodding her head. "Even though I'm Jewish - but I tell that to my rabbi." (Almost Elvis, Source: Dan Kaufman, smh.com.au)
Visit the "She Is The King" website
Elvis Wade returns to Memphis: One of the most popular ETA's ever......Elvis Wade will once again “Return To Sender” in Memphis. His annual show, which always sells out, will be at the Memphis Theater on the square. The show will be at the traditional 7:00 p.m. slot on Thursday, November 13th.
Wade always guarantees a two hour show but usually extends it to three. This year’s show is expected to draw people from 75 to 100 miles away as the word has spread of Wade being here.
One will need to get their tickets early to insure a good seat. There is always a possibility of a guest singer or two when Wade comes.
“I will only get to hunt for the maximum of three days this year, says Wade. I have a concert in Detroit the following Saturday and have to fly out of Nashville on Wednesday. I almost missed this year’s hunting as it opened on an unexpected date. I had set aside the weekend of the 8th of November and only recently found out that it was moved back to the third Saturday this year. |
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I am disappointed that I can’t stay longer but three days are better than none! I will also miss my good friend, Everett Keith who passed away earlier this year. I always looked forward to seeing him and swapping some stories.”
Elvis Wade still travels around the globe doing his world-renowned tribute to Elvis. He has three new videos of his full show that can be seen at youtube.com. Simply go to that site and do a search of Elvis Wade. You will be able to watch three full songs of Wade and his group that were filmed at a recent concert in Hawaii.
This event only happens once a year and even that’s not a guarantee. Don’t be a “Hound Dog” and miss this great evening of fun as Elvis Wade gets folks “All Shook Up” once again in Memphis. (Source: Memphis Democrat, 5 Nov 2008)
Viva Bundoran! Elvis festival leaves town all shook up: WHAT do Elvis Presley and the milk float from 'Father Ted' have in common? The answer lies in the seaside town of Bundoran, which transformed into 'Las Bundoran' at the weekend for Ireland's first Elvis Festival and All-Ireland Elvis Competition.
The event organiser is Peter Phillips, who has been running what is now Europe's biggest Elvis festival in the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for the past five years. He is also the mastermind behind the annual Ted Fest, on Inis Mor. Earlier this year, when he was pushing the famous milk float from 'Father Ted' around Ireland for charity, it struck him how the town once dubbed 'Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal' would be ideal for an Elvis festival.
"We were looking for a location in Ireland to host a competition to select an Elvis to represent Ireland at the world championships in Memphis next year, and Bundoran fitted the bill. Paddy Power Bookmakers came on board as sponsors and here we are," he said.
So, on went the polyester rhinestone-studded jumpsuits for eight enthusiastic Elvis finalists, who converged on the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran for the final showdown on Saturday night. At the end of a long tense night, Ciaran Houlihane, clad in a pale blue jumpsuit and representing Connacht, emerged as the surprise winner at odds of 6-1. A credit controller with an oil company from Lusk, Co Dublin, Ciaran had come second in the Leinster final before deciding to give it another shot in the Connacht final.
"It doesn't get better than this. I am going to represent my country as Elvis in his hometown. It's a dream come true," he said.
Ironically, the runner-up at the weekend was Liam Murphy, from neighbouring Rush, the 'Aloha' Elvis with the $2,000 replica suit, who had beaten Ciaran in the Leinster final. One of the judges, The Rocking Reverend Steve Caprice, an ordained minister and Elvis impersonator from England, admitted that the standard was very high.
"Of course there will never be another Elvis; but we look for someone who has the charisma, voice, looks, outfits and stage presence. He has to have the whole package," he said. |
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Today there are an estimated 85,000 Elvis impersonators, or tribute artists as they prefer to be known, worldwide. Among them is Texan Kraig Parker who took his band Red Alert to Bundoran for the inaugural festival.
"Everywhere I go it is unbelievable and overwhelming the interest there is in Elvis. I'm lovin' it, baby," he said. (Almost Elvis, Source: independent.ie; Anita Guidera, 4 Nov 2008)
Christmas in the Carolinas: is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15, at Cleveland Mall. This event features an Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and a Holiday Fair. The second annual Christmas competition will make a stop in Shelby with nationally-known artists competing for a purse prize on Nov 15. The Holiday Fair will feature arts, crafts, retail merchandise, gifts, cosmetics, and other vendors catering to the Christmas shopper. The fair will start Friday afternoon and close at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Any business interested in becoming a vendor at the Holiday Fair or anyone interested in ticket information for the Elvis Tribute Artist Contest should contact Time-Out Management at 864-201-2464, e-mail timeoutmanager@aol.com , or visit online at www.christmasetacontest.com (Oct 20, 2008)
2009 Elvis Extravaganza in Tampa, Florida: Dear Friends, Things are in full swing for the 2009 Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator Contest National Finals and Fan Convention. The event will take place February 14 & 15, 2009 in Tampa, Florida and include contest Open Rounds and Finals held at the Florida State Fair. Last year's show was outstanding. This year will be even better!
NEW THIS YEAR:
The Florida State Fair has designated seats in A VIP SECTION! Only fans with a VIP PASS will be permitted to sit in this section. You will also receive a VIP Lanyard which will give you access to the backstage meet and greet. The VIP afterglow parties in the event will be PRIVATE for VIPs ONLY. The Goody Bag alone will contain gifts and items with a value in excess of $50.00!
ALSO NEW THIS YEAR...We will NOT be advertising the EARLY BIRD NOTICE in advance for those who wish to get VIP seats while they last.
THIS EMAIL is the ONLY EARLY BIRD NOTICE YOU WILL RECEIVE.
So here's what you get:
an admission ticket to fair (2 days)($20 value)
Access to VIP Rececption Friday Afternoon 02/13/2008 ($10) Admission to PRIVATE After Glow event (3 days) ($60 value)
Lanyard for Backstage Meet and Greet (2 days)($20 value)
VIP SEAT at FAIR in RESERVED VIP SECTION Goody Bag ($50 minimum value)
Below is the link to purchase your VIP PASS for the event...while they last.
http://www.elviscontest.com/convention/ (20 Oct 2008)
Gary Britt: Good morning friends, as many of you are aware, I had the opportunity to travel to Montreal Quebec Canada, to attend the 2008 Montreal Performers Showcase (ladyluckmusic.com event).
Approximately 7 years ago I worked with Gary on a most amazing project called "Love Me Tender Day Charity Project " for nearly 1 year. To learn more about this project: http://www.garyelvis.com/lmtd.htm
For more information about the "Love Me Tender Day Charity Project ", you can email Gary "Elvis" Britt at garyelvis@aol.com
if you wish. :)
Thanks so much for checking out the video..
UPDATE FROM THE E.P. EXPO!
Presley Productions Com is proud to announce some new and exciting changes with this years E.P. EXPO.
For starters, we have just signed a contract with Cocopah Casino & Resort to hold the E.P. EXPO 2009 at their brand new facilities. With this addition, Cocopah Casino has agreed to keep ticket prices at affordable rates. Be sure and get your tickets as soon as possible as tickets are on sale now!
Another great special that has been added to this wonderful weekend is the fine hotel accommodations. Stay at the new Cocopah Resort and receive a nightly rate for only $77.00 (normally $107.00). Whether your staying as a single or double the price remains the same. This rate is only for E.P. EXPO fans. In order to assure that you receive this wonderful deal you must reserve your rooms by January 1, 2009. Rooms are subject to availability so get yours today!!!
Last but not least, the E.P. EXPO 2009 has added another day on it's schedule. The new dates for this years expo is February 5, 6, 7. The only date change that was made was the adding of Thursday the 5th. On Thursday, February 5th, we will be having a big kick-off party for this years expo. Things on tap for this night will be: a 50'/60's dance, a meet and greet with our entertainers and special guests and some great karaoke. You don't want to miss this. The other great thing about this night is that it's "FREE!"
The location is still the same, Yuma, Arizona. For more information on these new changes, as we have just recently updated our website, visit us at www.elvisexpo.com.
E.P. EXPO 2009 Information
If you haven't already heard, below is a list of events that will be taking place at the E.P. EXPO 2009:
- E.P. EXPO Tribute Artists Contest
- Dance/Karaoke Party
- Gospel Salute to the King
- Meet & Greet with Our Entertainers and Special guests
- Musical Productions entitled, "Trilogy, the Music of the King"
- ETA showcases
- Vendors selling and displaying Elvis merchandise
- After hours parties to be held nightly
Special guests:
- Bob West, Headlining ETA from Las Vegas to Chicago
- Vic Trevino Jr., 2008 E.P. EXPO Grand Champion
- ExSpense Account Showband, #1 Elvis tribute band in the world
- Tom Madden, Elvis Style Guitarist Extraordinaire
- Chuck O' Brien, Founder of Presenting Presley and Chuck O' Brien Presents.
- Rick Lenzi, newly acquired Legends in Concert Star
- Ace Crye, former Legends performer and featured in "Walking in the Shoes of the King" Documentary
- Ryan Wood, founder of the Elvis Expo in Las Vegas and co-Producer of the E.P. EXPO.
- Celebrity Guest: TBD
ETA INFORMATION
Attention all ETA's!!! If you are interested in joining in this years E.P. EXPO competition be sure and do so right way as we are running a special up to November 1, 2008. For any ETA's who sign up by this date, the entry fee is only $49.00. Anyone joining afterwards, the cost of entry will go up to $70.00 (A savings of $21.00) Don't' delay!!! You will find all of the necessary information to sign-up on our website, www.elvisexpo.com. You can either pay on-line or through the mail.
We would like to encourage all of our ETA's in this years competition to join us on Thursday, February 5th for the big kick-off party. Here's a chance for the fans to meet all of our entertainers. Come dressed as to perform!
Should you be flying in, look to fly into Phoenix, San Diego or directly into Yuma, AZ. Airfare at this time seems to be fairly reasonable in these locations.
We hope that the necessary information given to you has been helpful. Should you have anymore questions or comments feel free to give us a call or write ( office@presleyproductions.com). We hope to see you in February!!!
TCB'n
Ryan N. Wood
Presley Productions Com
(928) 581-2322
(928) 581-6132
Elvis Fantasy Feat: This year's string of festival weekends with perfect weather continued Saturday, bringing out a record crowd for Porter County's most widely known visitor event, the 16th annual Elvis FANtasy Fest.
"Of all the festivals in the county, this one has the highest expenditure per person per day, according to a survey we did," said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of the Porter County Convention, Visitors, and Recreation Bureau.
Mixing with the hundreds watching the Elvis Tribute Artist contest preliminaries or strolling through the car show were some of the volunteers from Porter County Special Olympics, the driving force behind the annual celebration of Presley and his interest in charitable causes.
"This festival has raised over $200,000, with over $180,000 going to Special Olympics," said Kay Lipps.
With husband Paul, she is chairwoman of Taking Care of Presley, the memorial benefit committee in Carmel that stages the festival under the wing of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in Memphis, Tenn.
"The rest of the money goes to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center there and Presley Place, a housing development in the inner city where the homeless can live and get assistance to get back on their feet," she said.
Beyond the charity, the weekend serves to satisfy the passion for Presley that has grown among old and young since his death in 1977.
"What's particularly important is that we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of his 1968 comeback TV special, recreating it here (Saturday) for the fans.
"We have D.J. Fontana, Elvis' drummer, and Patti Parry and Sandi Miller, members of his circle who had front-row seats at the concert," Lipps said.
"I'm so passionate about Elvis; it's his music and the way he treated people," said Carol Hopp of Oak Lawn, Ill., who was 25 years old when she first saw Presley on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956.
Hopp is president of the "Elvis -- That's the Way It Is" Fan Club, one of three fan groups with tables of Presley memorabilia.
She said her group publishes a quarterly 50-page newsletter.
"I never met him or saw him in concert, but I have an Elvis collection in two rooms and my living room," she said. "That includes 500 CDs." (12 Oct 2008, CHARLES M. BARTHOLOMEW Post-Tribune)
Elvis Eruption 2008
October 24th & 25th, 2008
Friday 7pm Saturday 1pm
(Doors Will Open 1 hour early)
Food Drinks Prizes Raffles
Show and Elvis look/sound alike Contest.
Guest Performers Include
Matt King (Elvis & Roy Orbison), Chris Solano(Elvis & Buddy Holly), & Jerry Connelly(Gene Pitney)
Benefit for the Vets and serving U.S. Soldiers. Call (517)676-1721
To Book Matt Or To Join Matts Fan Club Call Sandy:(517)676-1721
Tampa, Florida....Jan 2009: Hey, we've got a gig for you January 8, 2009 in Tampa, FL if you are interested.
It would be like a promotional appearance where you would be available for photos and mingling etc and a few songs with tracks. You wouldn't need PA or anything...just you and your suit and a CD. About an hour all totalled. Just not sure exactly what time yet.
If you are available and would be interested in doing it...send me your price. Be reasonable - but it should include all costs and you should itemize such.
Please get back to me as soon as possible, we have sent this request to several
ETAs... Send email to email@elviscontest.com
Thanks,
Jack James
Elvis Extravaganza
AUSTRALIA - MELBOURNE TAYLORS LAKES...........THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2008, Ph: 9390 9788...........WARRNAMBOOL ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
FRIDAY 31STOCTOBER 2008
TICKET Office Ph: 5559 4999
SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2008
Ticketek Ph: 5225 1200
SUNDAY 2ND & MONDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2008
Ticketek 1300 795012
WEDNESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2008
Box Office: 5434 6100 www.thecapital.com.au
THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2008
Box Office: 5832 9511
FRIDAY 7TH & SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2008
Ticketmaster: 1300 795 267 www.ticketmaster.com.au
THEBARTON THEATRE - ADELAIDE
WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2008
JB TOURS is presesenting: Jim Browder's Elvis Extravaganza Contest and Tribute Weekend
Oct 24 & 25, 2008
Memphis Plaza Hotel
Memphis, TN
Special Guests include
Elvis' Karate Instructor Khang Rhee
Elvis' Doctor George Nichopoulos
Wayne Carman
and many more...
Top scoring contestants qualify for the National
Finals in Tampa, FL February 14, 15, 2009
at the Florida State Fair.
More information and performer sign up here...
http://www.elviscontest.com
| The King of Elvii 2008!: Brandon Bennett is the best Elvis impersonator on the face of the earth. The Ponchatoula, La., resident and volunteer firefighter won the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest last weekend in Memphis. He's a regular performer at the Hard Rock and Silver Slipper casinos and has made his living impersonating The King for the last eight years.
"I never really paid attention to (Elvis) much," Bennett said in a recent interview. "My mom was the first person to tell me (I resembled Elvis Presley). I liked some of his music and had seen his movies but wasn't a huge fan. The more people told me that out of the blue, that's when I got interested to see what I could do with it."
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Bennett began his Elvis career about eight years ago with the group "Pure Gold" in Bay St. Louis. He's constantly touring the region with his band and his phone has been ringing off the hook since he won Thursday against a field of Elvises from around the world.
His prizes include a commemorative remake Martin D28 guitar Presley used in 1956, valued at more than $11,000. He also won a replica of the gold belt Presley wore when he broke attendance records in Las Vegas. A gift certificate to Lansky's clothing store in Memphis is also included. Presley purchased much of his clothing from the store in the 1950s. The biggest prize of all, however, is having Elvis Presley Enterprises say he's No. 1 in the world.
"It's been something I never would have dreamed I would have been able to do," Bennett said. "Doing this has allowed myself and my family to have a pretty good life so far. I know I'm having a ball doing it right now, and I hope it continues for a long time. " ( Source: Justin Hooks, Sun Herald/Charmaine Voisine, 22 Aug 2008)
Elvis meets Sir Michael Caine: ELVIS PRESLEY rose from the dead last week to perform a hip swivelling set infront of a star studded audience in aid of charity.
Unfortunately the king of rock and roll was not the real McCoy, but professional impersonator Martyn Dias of Ragged Hall Lane, St Albans. Donning a special Rhinestone studded jumpsuit, Martyn, aka Elvis Shmelvis, launched into a medley of legendary hits on stage to raise money for children with leukaemia.
The grand party was held in Battersea Park last Wednesday with more than 6,000 young sufferers attending a long with British film star Sir Michael Caine, Eastenders actress June Brown aka Dot Cotton and presenter Des O'Conner.
Martyn, who gave up his day job 10 years ago to imitate the rock legend full-time, said: "Before I went professional I did lots of charity work, but when I went professional I had to give it up. I now do about five or six charity events a year.
"If I can put a smile on these poorly children's faces for a few hours then I want to help do that."
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The 46-year-old father of two was voted best tribute act in the UK and has made numerous television appearances playing an injured Elvis in Holby City, entertaining diners on Channel four's Come Dine with Me and competing in an elvis-alike special of the Weakest Link.
As headline act for next Saturday's Music in the Park, in Clarence Park, the great pretender will once again be thrusting his hips for a jeering audience.
See our video of Elvis in action on the Review website next week. (Source: Alexandra Barham, St. Albans Oberver, UK, July 2008)
Elvis coming to Ionia County: Those were the days! School was out and on a hot August night, everyone headed for the local malt shop to play the latest tunes on the jukebox, mingle with friends and dance in the aisles. Malt shops and jukeboxes may be a thing of the past, but the music of the 50’s lingers on at The Ionia Theatre on Thursday, August 7, 2008, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Rydells, a local Ionia group, will start the evening with doo-wop music to be followed by Brian Grob performing his dynamite tribute act to Buddy Holly and the one and only Fred Wolfe wowing the crowd with Elvis songs as only he can perform them. The doors will be open an hour prior to the show. There is no reserved seating. Tickets are $10.00 and are available locally at The Ionia Theatre, Kitty's Cafe, Steele Street Coffee and SoZo Coffee on M-66 or by contacting Linda Ciangi at (616) 527-4945. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Ionia County Historical Society.
Elvis coming to Stanton, Michigan: Big things are going to be happening in this tiny little town of approximately 1,500 people in the middle of Montcalm County northwest of Lansing at the 25th Stanton Old Fashioned Days. The festivities start on Wednesday August 6th, with a talent show and conclude on Sunday, August 10th, with a community wide church service in the morning and a garden tractor pull in the afternoon. Saturday, August 9th, will be the big day for locals and tourists alike and will feature a car show and cruise, arts and crafts, a flea market, pony rides, free stage entertainment throughout the day and lots of family fun and down-home hospitality. Following the Grand Parade at 1:00 p.m. Fred Wolfe returns to perform his Elvis Tribute Act at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the Main Stage at the corner of Main and Lincoln Streets.
FREE Elvis Week 2008 Event: Thanks to Charmaine Voisine for this newsabout FREE entry to Elvis Extravaganza Events (ETAs) - With ALL of the talk about the HIGH PRICES during ELVIS Week (not to mention the high price of fuel to get there - whether by car or by plane) - admission to this event is FREE.
There are a handful of VIP seats available right at the stage and this package includes a good bag.
You can get VIP SEATS here: http://www.elviselvis.com/elvisweek/
LETTER FROM CHARMAINE....
Hello Friends,
Often I get e-mails from ETA fans of the shows of ETA's that I send out...
that they have lost the info, and/or they cannot find it in the archives of
the groups they are in....
Not to fret my friends...
I blog all the ETA info that I send out.. and it is also archived on the site...
so anytime that I accidentally delete something, and/or cannot find it in the
archives of the groups you are in....
Just surf on over to my ETA blog at
Also at the top of the page is an option to search for an ETA article and/or show..
and you can go to the blog and check out other months archives as you just might
come across future ETA shows...
Have fun....
ETA gets his start: Steve Roberti, father of two, became Elvis on Aug. 26, 2006. It happened at the VFW hall at Sabala Plaza in Largo. He wore a homemade red jumpsuit, and his first song was All Right Momma.
"I was scared to death, but toward the end of the first half, when four women threw their bras on the stage, I became much looser,'' Roberti, 37, recalled. "I started playing at the post once or twice every month, and it took off from there."
Over the past two years, Roberti has filled his closet with studded jump suits, capes and puffy-sleeved shirts, and has learned to play the guitar. He's also received recognition for his portrayal of the King. In January, he won the "I'll Remember You,'' Elvis Presley tribute competition in Live Oak. The win catapulted him to the international leg of the contest, Best of the Best Elvis Tribute Artists in Memphis, home to Presley's Graceland mansion, later this summer. Roberti said he owes it all to the vets in Largo.
"I've been in VFWs around the country, and this one is the most family oriented of them all,'' said Roberti, a former paramedic and Army veteran. The kudos are mutual.
"We've got lots of events, but one you cannot miss is Elvis," said John Smith, the post's canteen manager. "We are so proud of Steve, and even as he gets more well-known, he always donates his time to veteran events."
On Friday, the post will hold its Independence Day gathering. Roberti will perform after the barbecue.
"On the Fourth, we keep it casual,'' said Smith. "It'll feel like a family gathering. And of course, Steve will be there. He's family."
VFW Post 10094, which moved to Largo six years ago from Indian Rocks Beach, has 427 members. And although VFWs around the country have seen a decline in members due to aging World War II vets, that's not the case in Largo.
"The organization is seeing younger soldiers joining now, after they serve in Iraq or Afghanistan,'' said James Orndoff, the post's commander. Roberti and his wife, Shelby, are part of this younger group.
"I spent most of my military service in California, but Shelby served in Iraq during Desert Storm,'' said Roberti. "We originally joined the VFW for the camaraderie. Little did we know all this would come from that decision.'
Elvis to visit County Fair: The King of Rock 'n' Roll will be honored at the Chautauqua County Fair on Central Avenue in Dunkirk, NY this year when Western New York resident Terry Buchwald performs his well-known tribute to Elvis Presley at the Budweiser Grandstand on July 24.
"Audiences across the nation are astonished by his dynamic voice and striking resemblance to Elvis," said fair association president James Tytka, Sr. "By all accounts, he has the looks, the moves and the voice of Elvis. We are thrilled to be bringing him to the Fair this year."
Tytka noted that admission to the Elvis concert is included with the purchase of the Fair's pay-one-price advance sale or gate admission ticket. In the event of rain, the performance will take place at the Arthur R. Maytum Family Theater.
Buchwald has sold more than 35,000 Elvis tribute CDs and has been the opening act for national recording artists Lee Greenwood, Diamond Rio, Montgomery Gentry, Rick Springfield, Jim Brickman, Sixpence None the Richer, Johnny Rivers, Grassroots and the Charlie Daniels Band.
He performed in the Elvis mini-series on CBS in 2005, at former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly's NFL/ESPN retirement party and for the Emmy Award cast parties for television shows "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice."
The Chautauqua County Fair runs July 21-27 at the fairgrounds in Dunkirk.
The Fair's pay-one-price admission includes unlimited mechanical midway rides, all Arthur R. Maytum Family Theater and Budweiser Grandstand shows except demolition derby reserved seating, and all other events and exhibits at the fair. Purchase of an advance sale or a daily gate admission ticket is required to attend all Budweiser Grandstand events.
Advance sale tickets for the Fair are available through July 20 at many area retailers and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the fair's Central Avenue ticket office. Ticket outlet and event information is available at the fair's Web site, http://www.chautauquacountyfair.org, or by calling the fair office at 716-366-4752.
Tim Breed does Elvis Proud!
Jessie Faulkner/The Times-Standard
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As Humboldt County's only paid Elvis Presley impersonator, Tim Breed, 27, of Arcata has the enviable power of sparking smiles just by appearing in a wide-lapeled three-piece white suit, big red-tinted gold-framed sunglasses, mid-cheek sideburns and a guitar. |
The transformation of the relatively slight, deep-voiced Humboldt State University music graduate wasn't the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, an obsession with the King of Rock 'n' Roll or even a grudging admiration for the well-known singer's magnetism.
It all started with his older brother Dan. It might have been the time his brother superimposed an image of Elvis' face on a religious candle and rewrote the prayer to reflect a plea to “keep rockin.” Or it might simply have been his brother's long-held admiration for the late singer's tunes. ”On some levels,” Breed said, “Elvis was in my consciousness.” That subconsciousness came to the surface last summer when Breed's older brother gave him a three-piece suit as a gift. It wasn't exactly his everyday style, so he began pondering the attire's possibilities. By the time Halloween rolled around, Breed had hit upon using the gift threads to resurrect Elvis. He said he rounded up some sunglasses and attempted to take on the persona of the famous one.
”I really got into it,” he recalled. At one point in the evening, a friend pleaded with him to talk like himself -- not Elvis. He just couldn't do it. By November, Breed was working up an act to perform at his family's Christmas talent show in Fort Bragg, where he debuted his versions of “That's All Right Mama” and “Heartbreak Hotel.” It wasn't long before he was singing at a birthday party and beginning to take this Elvis business a little more seriously. He admits Elvis wasn't his hero, but the late rock 'n' roller certainly is now. And, while there's more than a little campy kitsch to this business, Breed has developed a healthy respect for the owner of Graceland's capabilities.
”His voice has subtleties I never picked up on,” he said, noting Elvis' range from opera to blues to lounge singing to rock. Since delving into the world of Presley, Breed said his own singing voice has drastically improved. Response among the singer's 20-something friends has been overwhelmingly positive with the exception of one who, Breed recounted, thinks it's ludicrous and his time would be better spent promoting his owns songs and musical talents. Breed will become Elvis for a southern-style cuisine dinner at the Beachcomber Cafe in Trinidad from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 17 -- 31 years and one day after Elvis died in his Memphis mansion.
Breed's Elvis, complete with backup singers, will be performing “Suspicious Minds.” The 27-year-old took the gig a little bit further just recently after being ordained. That's right, forget Vegas, Elvis can marry you and yours right here in Humboldt County. Legally. Those who aren't quite ready for marriage, let alone marriage by Elvis, can still get a glimpse of Breed's rendition by calling 707-826-1194. Bookings begin at a minimum of $75 but $100 brings a 45-minute performance. The fun tends to happen on both sides of the stage.
”I like seeing the reaction,” he said. “I like to see people laugh. It's not a serious thing. It's just fun, and people respond to that.” Of course, Breed's brother is among the biggest fans of the unusual business. He may even join in as the older Elvis -- they're 12 years apart -- offering a little humor to the performances. So far, he's got the rhinestone setter necessary to put together a costume, a little bit of a belly and a good comedic sense.
Based on the Elvis interviews Breed has heard, it's clear to him that Elvis was a very funny guy. While the performer said it's best to give him a week's advance notice when the King's presence is desired, he noted he was open to Elvis emergencies. And he hasn't ruled out pursuing the business on a more full-time basis -- if that opportunity presents itself.
”I'm serious about the craft of it", Breed said. “When it comes to showtime, it's definitely about having fun.”
Attention ETAs and Elvis fans in Michigan!!!
Would you like to be part of an Elvis Festival and/or Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in Saginaw, Michigan? I am looking for individuals or groups (could be a charity) in the area who would like to meet to discuss the possibilities.
The first event could take place in the early spring of 2009 or late fall of 2009 as the location would be indoors. Please contact Richard Rosenthal at ccshows@cogeco.ca if you would like to be involved.
Thanks, Richard
Sal's King of the Fringe: THERE are just not enough hours in the day for Asian Elvis, Sal Bashir, as his career takes off. His first record, Elvis Lives, was due to get its first airing on BBC Radio Asia Network on Tuesday.
He'll be performing live at Newham Town Show, Central Park, East Ham, on July 12 and 13.
And he's been signed up as a headline act at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. Sal, 43, of Frinton Road, East Ham, will be part of the very first Asian mini festival at the festival fringe.
It's being called Invasian and will feature music, dance, drama, film and art from India, Pakistan, China, Korea and Japan.
Sal will perform his Elvis tribute, titled Bend It Like Elvis, and also has a role in a play, Soul Traders, set in the 1960s.
He says: "The Edinburgh Festival has never done an Asian section before. Kevin Williams, who owns Club West show promoters and has been involved with the Edinburgh Festival for 10 years, wanted to find as many acts from the Asian continent as possible. He scoured the internet and saw my website.
"My family are from Pakistan, so we met and got on like a house on fire and he asked me to appear in Invasian. "I'm really excited."
Sal has been concentrating on his showbiz career since quitting his job as a purchasing contracts manager with South West Trains three years ago. And he's had plenty of work at Asian festivals like last year's East London Mela in Barking Park.
But now he's facing a big step up with Edinburgh, and with his first record.
"I'm not expecting to be the next Michael Jackson, but it has been my dream to record a song and now I'm living that dream. I am really over the moon."
Sons Imran, 14, Rayhaan, 12, and Rahmaan, six, are proud of their dad and Sal is hoping they'll be able to make the trip up to Scotland to see him in action. But most of us will have to make do with seeing him perform at Newham Town Show.
Elvis Tribute Show Featuring Award-Winning ETA Don Tulsa McLean
The Play by Play Pub (On Telegraph Road just north of Plymouth Road)
Play by Play Pub
11666 Woodbine
Redford, MI. 48239
Saturday July 12, 2008 at 9pm
$5 for two full one hour sets with costume change!
(313) 531-4644
Spend a summer night with "Elvis!" Live at the Play By Play Pub!
Elvis' legend lives on 31 years later.
This year is the 40th anniversary of Elvis' famed 1968 Comeback Special.
Come celebrate with Tulsa!
Are you lonesome tonight? If it's July 11-12, gyrate your way over to the ninth annual Michigan Elvisfest at Shady Riverside Park in Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town.
Don't be cruel. We're not! The festival includes dozens of musical performances, a vendor area and events for the King's youngest fans, like Little Elvis Kid Karaoke. Organizers say it's one of the largest Elvis concerts in North America.
So you're saying 'Viva Ypsilanti'? You can bet your blue suede shoes. Among the Elvis impersonators scheduled to perform are three Michiganders: Chris Ayotte of Canton, Chris Solano of Ann Arbor and Matt King of Leslie, who also does a mean Roy Orbison. Other tribute performers include Orbison, the Beatles, Buddy Holly and Tom Jones. On a more serious musical note, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday night to commemorate the 31st anniversary of Elvis' death.
I can't help falling in love with this event. Great, but here's some more good news -- Elvisfest benefits Riverside and Frog Island parks and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.
Now that I'm all shook up, how can I find out more? If you want to volunteer at the festival, download an application form on the Michigan Elvisfest Web site or call 734-480-3974, ext. 2. To buy tickets, call 734-483-4444 or 734-544-3800 or go to www.mielvisfest.org. On the site, you can also find driving directions and local accommodations. Alas, there is no Heartbreak Hotel in the vicinity.
Tribute to Elvis in Benton: Arkansas native has show July 12 Arkansas native Tony Witt will be performing his “Tribute To Elvis” at the Royal Theatre in Benton, AR at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the theater box office the day of the show. For information, call the Royal Theatre at 315-LIVE.
Witt has been performing his tribute to Presley since 1989, appearing in a variety of venues and events throughout the South. His vocal styling and performance are said to be “so undeniably reminiscent of Presley’s that it has actually been suggested that he lip-syncs. “ ... his sound is that close!” Witt has performed at many private and public events throughout the state and has made appearances on KTHV Channel 11’s “This Morning” program and “Daybreak” on KATV Channel 7.
Recently, he won first place at the CSRA Images Of The King Contest in Augusta, Ga. He is a pre-qualified finalist in the Images Of The King World Championship that will take place in Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 15-16.
Witt’s promoters say that all of his performances are executed tastefully and respectfully, to both the Presley legacy and to the listening audience, while admitting that there can only be one Elvis, Witt says he strives to bring to his audience the sound and feel of an Elvis Presley performance, both to the seasoned fan and the inexperienced listener.
Being true to performing classic Elvis concert and studio material, Witt also includes a sprinkling of Presley’s gospel selections, reflecting a love of faith-based renditions that he also shares with the famed singer.
This range of Presley musical performance makes him comfortably at home in a variety of settings — from corporate, private, and public events to ministry-related performances. Witt says. In ministry-related events, he shares his Christian testimony and a gospel message.
To see viewers’ comments or to sample audio or video, persons may go to KingSized Entertainment and Witt at www.kingsizedentertainment.com
Preliminary to EPE's "Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest" in Memphis:
Results
Overall Winner: Jay Zanier, proceeds to Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis
Pro. Concert Years: 1. Jay Zanier 2. Paul Ross 3. Jon Cigan PC Jay Zanier
Pro. Early Years: 1. Chris Ayotte 2. Lance Dobinson 3. Danny Granger PC Lance Dobinson
Non-Pro Concert Years: 1. Patrick McGuire 2. Kevin Bezaire 3. Rick Duin PC Patrick McGuire
Non-Pro. Early Years: 1. James Gibb 2. Billy Cruise 3. Joey Cundari PC James Gibb
Sr. Youth: 1. Brycen Katolinsky 2. Anthony Carbone 3. Bruno Nesci
Jr. Youth: 1. Brennen Katolinsky 2. Tyler Desormeaux 3. Bo Seguin
UPDATE FOR THE REFLECTIONS OF THE KING CONTEST AND CONVENTION, LANCASTER, PA .......... OCTOBER 3RD AND 4TH
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Tribute artist Thane Dunn shows the King's wild side during motorcycle festival concert
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF
Elvis Presley loved his motorcycles, so it seems fitting that Moncton tribute artist Thane Dunn is revved up for a show at the Capitol Theatre Friday night in conjunction with the second annual Atlanticade Motorcycle Festival.
"Elvis had about 25 motorcycles and loved to ride them, even though he was more famous for all his cars," says Dunn.
"I think motorcycles allowed him more freedom to get out and escape and get the wind in his hair."
The Atlanticade motorcycle festival begins Wednesday and continues through to Sunday, with a variety of events including a downtown street party, show & shines, scenic tours of southeastern New Brunswick, Canada, a biker build-off competition and the Elvis tribute show at the Capitol Theatre Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $32.50, with proceeds going to the Children's Wish Foundation, Atlanticade's official charity. Atlanticade participants can purchase tickets for $20.
Presley's collection of motorcycles included mostly Harley-Davidson and Triumph bikes, including some police-style bikes which complemented his collection of badges and guns. And there are many photos taken by fans of the singer out riding near his Graceland mansion in Memphis.
Elvis historians say the singer loved to ride because it gave him a chance to get away from the hectic pace and constant demands on his time.
Dunn says there is a famous story about a motorcyclist who stopped at a red light near the Houston Astrodome.
A big limo pulled up beside him, the door opened and a man came over and said 'Elvis wants to know if he can take your bike for a ride.' The man laughed as if it was a joke, and then Elvis appeared.
So the guy let Elvis take his Harley for a spin. When The King returned, he handed the man a ring that was later valued at over $30,000.
Dunn says the story is another example of how Presley connected with his fans and spread his wealth around.
"They almost felt like they knew him personally. He had a really big heart."
Dunn says his Friday night concert at the Capitol Theatre (http://www.capitol.nb.ca/e/show_id.php?shwID=359) will be filled with straight-ahead rock and roll songs like Burnin' Love and Suspicious Minds.
"You can listen to Elvis music but you can't see him anymore. It's taken me a long time to get to the point where I'm confident that I can create the image on stage that you think it's the real thing.
"I feel I have a good representation of what Elvis looked and sounded like.
Jamie Aaron Kelly in Toronto in October 2008: Hey, everybody! This is the first video advertisement that was put together for the Toronto show on October 25th, 2008 - at the John Bassett Theatre (in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre).
This is the world-premiere of my all-new show (not an Elvis show - I say that since I know most videos online of me are older clips from when I was doing Elvis shows, and I didn't want there to be any confusion with this show).
This show has a 19-piece orchestra ensemble, and will immerse you in the sight, sound, and feel of music - an extra-sensory experience. :)
Elvis has left the flood shelter.......or, at least, he will be soon: Cedar Rapids native Damien Claypool has performed Elvis tunes for shelter residents since they came together at Viola Gibson Elementary School. That will come to an end Saturday when Claypool boards a flight to Memphis, Tenn., to leave Cedar Rapids for good.
It's no coincidence that he's headed for the home of The King. He's already filled out an application to work at Graceland.
"I've wanted to go down there my whole life," Claypool said. "... I'd show up six hours early and wouldn't leave until it closed, man."
Claypool, 25, hasn't had the easiest year. His grandmother died in March. His mother was diagnosed with cancer in May. Five days ago, his stepfather died of cancer. And since June 11, he has been in a flood shelter.
"I got sick last night because my nerves are so bad," he said. "I've just been praying. A lot of praying."
Only Elvis could get him through. When he was evacuated, he grabbed a bust of his idol and all his music. Claypool doesn't spare a hip shake or a hand motion when he belts out his best Elvis imitations. When he's not singing for his cot-mates, he's often listening to an Elvis CD.
"You've got to have something to keep you sane, and music's been pretty much the only thing that could do that for me," Claypool said.
Claypool said he became a fan at age 3 and remembers his father singing Elvis songs to his mother.
He's heading to Memphis with the help of Angel Flight, a non-profit organization that assists victims of natural disasters or medical conditions with free air travel. He found out about it by reading a flier at the shelter.
"I've got to start fresh, you know?" Claypool said. "No sense in staying around here."
So after a nightmarish year, Claypool will try to live his dream. Along the way, his favorite Elvis tune will play in the background: "I Will Be Home Again."
Shawn Klush at Elvis Week 2008: The 2008 event will feature several new activities and entertainment including “Elvis, From Broadway to Memphis.” This first-ever production will include a state-of-the-art, video-projected Elvis performing with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Broadway stars Leah Hocking, Austin Miller, 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Shawn Klush and the rockabilly group The Dempseys. Two shows will be held on August 16th at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.
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