Kings & Things

One-Legged Elvis

2005-09-27T19:12:00.000-05:00

English Elvis, Andy Gibson, 51, lost his leg in a freak accident in 1998. But it hasn't slowed him down.

“It was my love of music that really got me through everything. I have been an Elvis fan for many years and I started the singing three-and-a-half years ago. It has been a great comfort to me.”

“I use a false leg now and it is covered in pictures of Elvis. I do gigs all around and I absolutely love it.”

from the Norwich Evening News
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?
brand=ENOnline&category
=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=
NOED27%20Sep%202005%2011%3A50%3A40%3A940

Elvis - a strange one and a true one

2005-09-25T19:43:00.000-05:00

When Las Vegas Elvis impersonator James Rompel was invited to perform at the World of WearableArt shows in Wellington, he couldn't throw his blue suede shoes into his suitcase fast enough.

As a special guest of WOW, a leather-clad Rompel appears on stage during the bizarre bra section of the show. His debut performance on Friday night sent a few obvious Elvis fans into a frenzy. He will perform at each show till the final night on Sunday.

"I'm platinum blond by nature. My grandmother used to colour my hair and eyebrows in dark on photographs of me. She used to chide me and say in a New York accent, `You look like Presley, you're wasting time'. I'd just say, `You're high, grandma'."

But nana knew best and today Rompel makes a living from his impersonations of Elvis – something that involves a hefty amount of hair dye and numerous figure-hugging outfits.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3423818a11215,00.html

Pink Elvis
A strange little movie of animated Elvi floating and gyrating in a pink void.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3423818a11215,00.html

Elvis Wins INXS Contest

2005-09-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

By now everyone who has been following the shows knows that JD Fortune has been picked as the new lead vocalist for the INXS comeback tour. A Canadian, tickets sales up north are going crazy. But did you know where JD got the confidence to win?

Back in the mid-1990s, Fortune -- whose real name is Jason Dean Bennison -- performed as an Elvis impersonator.

That's right -- or should we say, that's all right mama.

Fortune has a bit of an Elvis look to him -- the young Elvis, at least -- although the two are not splitting images of each other. Regardless, the one thing every Elvis impersonator needs is confidence, and J.D. showed throughout the INXS competition that it takes a lot to get him all shook up.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/R/Rock_Star
/2005/09/21/1228201.html

Elvis Explosion and more

2005-09-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

First up is a story on Mark Viner, a retired Elvi who now acts as one of the judges for the Elvis Explosion in La Crosse, WI. I really need to go to this thing once. It's only a couple of hours away.

Judging is based on the performer's voice, look, creativity, performance and crowd perception, among other qualities, said Viner. One important role performers are judged on is their ability to fire up the crowd and keep them going. And with all the good Elvis tribute artists coming to the Explosion, competition will be tight, said Viner. Sometimes the spread in points between the top and bottom artist is as little as five points. That's a lot of good Elvises.

http://www.holmencourier.com/articles/
2005/09/09/features/01elvis.txt

What's next for Mario Kombou, the winner of this year's Images of the King contest in Memphis?

"I always thought that I could win it. I'm trying not to do much more of it. I want to put it to rest."

http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/topstories/
display.var.629580.0.king_of_rocknroleplay.php

More tomorrow as I strive to catch up. Have patience, friends.

Back from Space Camp!

2005-08-30T20:09:00.000-05:00

Greetings, everyone. I have returned from possibly one of the best weeks of my life. Last week I was at Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. Amazing, absolutely wonderful. I'm still smiling about it. Please have patience just a little longer I as sort through my emails, my photos, my memories, and all the problems of reality waiting for me. I promise to get back at posting more Elvi in the next few days. And possibly a report of my experiences at Space Camp ( if anyone is interested).

It's Finally Here!

2005-08-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the lack of postings but I have been getting things in order for my excursion, my vacation, my birthday present. You see tomorrow I go to Space Camp. I turned 50 in March and this is how I wanted to celebrate, by throwing up on the centrifuge. Space Camp is usually open to school age children most of the year. For a few weeks they open it to adults. I would have done in March but this is the first week they had available. So after 6 months of waiting, tomorrow I board the plane and head off to pretend I'm an astronaut for a week. I only hope that I'm not the youngest person there.

When I get back the postings will begin again, along with new Elvi signatures in biboland.com, and maybe even some MP3s. I'll see what I can do. Take care.

To Infinity and Beyond!

www.spacecamp.com

Here's a bunch of Elvi postings!

2005-07-16T10:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been very bad about posting items here lately. But I have a good excuse. I am working to become a published novelist. A week ago I met Orson Scott Card (very big name in the Sci Fi community) at a book signing here in Madison, WI. We talked briefly and, short story even shorter, he asked that I send him a portion of the children's novel I am looking to publish. He has a magazine he is starting very soon and was interested in reading my work. To say I was excited is an understatement. If he enjoys it... let's just say that it would be a very good thing. So naturally all my spare time went into this. Today he has it, and "is looking forward to reading it quickly." So while I hold my breath, here are some Elvi stories to catch you up.

A short interview with Scot Bruce, currently starring in San Jose Stage's production of ``Idols of the King.'
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/mercurynews/living/
12099480.htm?source=rss&channel=mercurynews_living
Here's another article on Scot Bruce, but with an excellent picture.
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/07.13.05/
king-0528.html

Elvis lives, on fringes of Philippine politics
A network news anchor was left fumbling for words Tuesday following a live interview with the president's executive secretary about a Cabinet appointment that included cutaway shots showing the interview's location at a government broadcast studio _ with Elvis in the background.
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050712/ap/d8b9lq900.html

An excellent short piece on Morgan Thorson's dance-theater work Faker appearing at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. "Her seven-member cast worked with clips of Elvis impersonators to develop movement material and to explore the psychological tension underlying Elvis's hyperbolic movement vocabulary. In one section Sherman, playing an Elvis impersonator who, says Thorson, "dies of heartbreak, not knowing who he/she is."
http://www.citypages.com/databank/26/1284/article13503.asp

A sad article about the passing of W. Pauline Nicholson, Elvis Presley's personal cook at Graceland, who died July 7 of cancer. She was 76.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/
2005-07-13-presley-cook_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA

Here's a nice article about Elvis Wade, who claims to be the world's first professional Elvis impersonator.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20050715/SCENE04/507150342/1011/SCENE

And finally a nice article about Michigan native James Warner, who is taking place in teh casting call for the Elvis TV pilot, through the eyes of the woman who is his manager.
http://www.cadillacnews.com/articles/2005/07/15/
news/news06.txt

The Last Kiss

2005-07-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of postings but this past week has been quite an experience for my wife and I. We spent two very very long days as extras on a movie being filmed here in Madison, WI. Expect a longer version on my website soon, but here is a quick rundown.

The working title for the film is "The Last Kiss" and is a star vehicle for Zach Braff (Scrubs). It is his first movie since the acclaimed "Garden State". Costarring with him are Blythe Danner (Meet the Fockers) and Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters). It is a remake of an Italian film also called "The Last Kiss". It is directed by Tony Goldwyn (A Walk On The Moon) and the screenplay is by Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby).

The filming took place on the University of Wisconsin campus and around the Capital Square. Of the 140 or so extras my wife and I were the vast minority of those over 25, so we were cast as "faculty/professional".

Being an extra is just as everyone says. It is a lot of hurry up and wait, long periods of boredom with brief bursts of manic activity. There is an excellent chance of my wife and I together in a scene. We walk by Blythe and Harold as they are conversing. We rub shoulders actually with Harold on the sidewalk. And we got paid.

More Elvi news soon.

Support the Troops with Elvis Tonight!

2005-06-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

TAUNTON, Massachusetts

[Wendy Levesque] and her family and friends have organized an "Elvis Dinner Show" to be held tomorrow night at the Columbia Cultural Center in the Myles Standish Industrial Park.

"We've got about 100 people coming so far," Wendy Levesque said.

The money raised, she said, will help to purchase care packages and recreational items to send to her husband's regiment...

"It's really about what they want over there," she said. "They're asking for Dunkin Donuts coffee and sports equipment."

Levesque anticipates sending them all that they are asking for with the help of the dinner show - a basketball hoop, badminton and Frisbees.

At the dinner show, Levesque said she is also going to officially start a fundraising group, "Until They Come Home" in the hopes to raise awareness and provide support for the troops in Iraq.

The Elvis Dinner Show's doors are expected to open 7:30 p.m. and will include a dinner catered by A & D Catering at 8 p.m. The show will start at 9 p.m. and features New England's No. 1 Elvis Tribute Artist, Mike Slater.Tickets will still be available at the door: $20 per person for the dinner and show, and $10 for the show only.

Those interested in purchasing tickets can reach Wendy Levesque at (910) 554-9041.

from DANIELLE DROLET for The Taunton Gazette
http://www.tauntongazette.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14749044&BRD=1711&PAG=461&dept_id=24232&rfi=6

An Elvis Find!

2005-06-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

There is just something a choir doing rock n roll. I haven't been this excited about a record since I found the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "La Bamba". This is an all male choir with piano accompaniment, and the CD comes direct from England. My wife just doesn't understand. Check out ebay for another one.

Track listing
1. Return To Sender
2. There Goes My Everything
3. Reach Out To Jesus
4. She's Not You
5. Can't Help Falling In Love
6. Lead Me Guide Me
7. Love Me Tender
8. Stand By Me
9. Are You Lonesome Tonight
10. Girl Of My Best Friend
11. Wooden Heart
12. Take My Hand Precious Lord
13. Old Shep
14. It's Now Or Never
15. American Trilogy
16. Wonder Of You
17. I'm Gonna Walk
18. Always On My Mind

Elvi Links

2005-06-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

MILLVILLE -- Wise men can say whatever they want -- Elvis Presley is King. And as part-time Elvis impersonator Samuel Formica knows -- it is good to be King. Uh-huh. That's right, baby.

"Sammy J." -- Formica's performing alter-ego -- was among three Elvis impersonators competing during 3rd Friday in the Glasstown Arts District. Formica, a Philadelphia-based artist, won a $150 prize for his act.

He said he's been doing about a dozen shows a year for the past three years. He got his start by answering a dare at a karaoke bar. "It's a lot of money when I do a show," Formica said. "Basically, it's a way to burn off stress."

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050618/NEWS01/506180304/1002

MARION - Bob McVay didn't wear one of his Elvis Presley costumes Friday when friends and family gathered to say goodbye. Although he'd devoted the last 18 years of his life to impersonating Elvis, in the end, pretending to be the King wasn't the most important thing in his life.

"He said, 'I just feel like I should pitch all the Elvis stuff, go home and burn all my Elvis stuff,'" said Doug Barton, pastor of Mt. Olive Methodist Church, who gave the eulogy at McVay's funeral Friday morning. Barton visited McVay in the hospital recently after McVay learned his cancer was terminal.

"I asked him, 'Is Elvis an idol for you?'" Barton said. "He said, 'It used to be. I put him above everything else.' I said, 'Bob, God has to be first.'"

Barton said he believes McVay found peace before he passed away Monday at a hospital in Noblesville.

http://www.thestarpress.com/articles/9/041663-1419-002.html

LOS ANGELES — Here in the Southland, residents weighed in, with some strong opinions about the Michael Jackson verdict...

Elvis Impersonator Michael Romo, told ABC7 Eyewitness News, "The evidence is in and the man is obviously innocent in court. It seems like -- if he is innocent, all people are trying to do is take the man's money."

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/061405_nw_local_reax_mj.html

Wisconsin Builder magazine

2005-06-08T20:43:00.000-05:00

Finally I know the thrill of being published in a trade journal of my peers. Unfortunately it is not because of my architectural achievements that I am in the June edition of "Wisconsin Builder". I am featured in a section they call "Off the Clock" which deals with what building professionals do in their time away from the office. Oh well, I guess you have to start somewhere.

Here's the link. My segment is at the bottom of the page.
http://www.wibuilder.com/June-05/pulse.html

Elvis Casting Call Aug 8-9

2005-06-06T19:11:00.000-05:00

Elvis-A-Rama will launch its world-wide search for the ultimate Elvis tribute artist with an open casting call, August 8-9. The Vegas shoot is open to all tribute artists worldwide, who are encouraged to show up for the pilot.

The Las Vegas-based museum will follow up with elimination-style events in Memphis, New York, London, Madrid, Munich, Moscow, Sydney, Tokyo, Beijing, Honolulu and Mexico City. The results will be captured for a reality television series that will crown the ultimate impersonator,who will be rewarded with a lucrative recording contract.

The top artist, as selected by the event's celebrity judging panel, will record a song co-written by Elvis Presley and Paul Terry King, "If I'd Only Bought Her Roses," which never saw vinyl. The release is expected to be an immediate, national hit. Elvis-A-Rama acquired 50% rights to the song earlier this year.

The first casting call, conducted on stage at the Elvis-A-Rama Museum, will also provide a spotlight for another hopeful star: a youthful Elvis impersonator. The winner of the contest will receive a $3,000.00 scholarship. The youth stage of the event will feature contestants 8-to-17.

The search for the King of would-be Kings will be aired over 16 episodes, with the Las Vegas pilot episode being shot and produced by Dice Films of Toluca Lake. Hopefuls will sing several songs, and judging will be based on vocal talent, appearance, stage presence.

A casting call for 2 hosts/hostesses for the reality show is also being held at the 3401 Industrial Rd. location on June 24 between 1pm and 7pm.

Elvis-A-Rama possesses a Class 41 International & US Class 107 Trademark related to entertainment services, namely, presenting a visual and audible narrative for the biography of Elvis Presley.

Further details on the contest are available at http://www.elvisarama.com/.

Sweetwater, TX is looking for an Elvis

2005-06-02T17:19:00.000-05:00

The search is on for Elvis look-a-likes for a contest to see who looks most like the King. The winner will enjoy a VIP dinner at A Little Sweat Dream Diner, while the others will be left "All Shook Up." Organizers of the contest are arranging the competition, which will be held on the square to celebrate Sweet-water's 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's concert at the Municipal Auditorium. The Trail of Lights committee will host a day-long event to commemorate the anniversary on Saturday, June 11...
The highlight of the festivities will be at 8 p.m. at the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Elvis impersonator Donnie Roberts will perform a concert of some of Presley's greatest hits. Potential look-a-likes can leave their contact information with the Chamber by email at lynn@sweetwatertexas.org.

from Sweetwater Reporter
http://sweetwaterreporter.com/articles/2005/06/02/
news/news6.txt

A Trio of Links

2005-05-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

Is it raining on your holiday? Or just trying to escape the yardwork like me? Here's some quick links to three stories this weekend.

Tupelo Hardware

"The story goes," said Howard Hite, whose wife's grandfather founded the store in 1926, "that Elvis saw a .22 rifle on the wall. His mother said no to the rifle, which upset him and made him cry. Forrest Bobo, a friend of the family who worked in the store for 20 years, offered him a guitar instead." Elvis sat on a wood box behind the showcase and strummed the guitar awhile, then said he didn't have enough money, which he had earned from running errands. It cost $7.75 plus 2 percent tax. His mother told him that if he would buy the guitar instead of the rifle she would pay the difference. "We like to think Tupelo Hardware had an influence on his music," said Hite, "and certainly his career. We're proud to be part of it."
http://www.al.com/living/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/
living/111735860431780.xml&coll=1

Elvis and Artist

During the show, Hull did something not many Elvis impressionists can do - he spray-painted an Elvis mural while he sang "Memories." The painting was then auctioned off, with the money going to The Villages Community Philharmonic Orchestra.During the first show, the mural sold for $1,500.The Jordanaires, Presley's backing vocalists, were so impressed with Hull's paintings that they autographed one of the murals, and it sold for $3,750.
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2005/
05/28/lifestyles/lifestyles01.txt

From Elvis to Jesus

This Sunday, you’re at Calvary Chapel-Houston, where the nursery resembles a fire station, youth Sunday school becomes an electronic, multimedia experience, and the high school set enjoys Foosball, air hockey, pool, a big-screen TV with X-Box and its own worship center... The on-site Starbucks is in what was once a package store. There are ministries to every area of modern life from the homeless to skaters to rodeo cowboys.Perhaps Calvary is best known for its traveling skateboard event, Shredfest... Randy Castillo is the assistant pastor who runs this event... Castillo never expected to become a religious person — much less a minister.A one-time Elvis impersonator, he began at Calvary a dozen years ago when there were only 12 in attendance. A thousand are present today.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f5f1dcba435e809f

A Hamburger Today

2005-05-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know I am an architect by day, but an aspiring children's author by night. I have completed my second children's novel and am looking for a publisher. The action centers around two partners in fast food franchise called Burger-Naut, "Home of the Star Broiled Cheeseburger". Here's the twist. The partners, CJ and Murray, are a droid and a human respectively. And the restaurant is in orbit around the moon. The book is called "Hamburger Madness" and I hope you'll be able to read it soon.

It is with this in mind that I present a blog I found which is entirely about hamburgers. I may have to return to it to get my hamburger fix, at least until I get my cholesterol under control. Check it out. It's amazing that there can be so much news about hamburgers.

http://www.ahamburgertoday.com/

Enjoy, and Happy Memorial Day.
And if any of you are publishers, drop me a line.

Wyoming's Elvis

2005-05-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

57-year-old freight train conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad Oscar Sosa has been performing his tribute to Elvis for nearly six years at various venues in Wyoming and surrounding states.

"Actually, it was a lifelong dream to do this," he said."It's something I wanted to try, but didn't think I'd get to do," Sosa said. "I'm not doing this to become famous... I'm actually doing it for the people of my generation and for the people that knew him, saw him, heard him and loved him."

"I know I'm not Elvis... The important thing is I'm just bringing back a memory for some people to enjoy," he said. "I'll continue to do this as long as my health stays good and I can get into my suit."

By JEFF GEARINO of the Jackson Hole Star-Tribune
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/05/23/
news/wyoming/8814d66f33c920de8725700900210d3e.txt

A Star's Plea For Ukuleles

2005-05-19T21:30:00.000-05:00

I picked up a ukulele over 2 years ago and fell in love. It is easy to play, it is small and portable, and it simply a lot of fun. Zooey Deschanel stars in the new movie version of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

She says, "I urge all my fans, friends, family anyone who'll listen to play the ukelele. It's a brilliant instrument.

"I took it up after my granny told me about all the cool people who played it, and the great clubs they performed in. It's got such a great sound that you don't hear any more. So please, learn it and keep the ukelele alive."

I couldn't agree more.
http://www.hollywood.com/news/detail/article/2439824

Here's a great place to begin your musical journey. I own a Flea and love it.
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/

Godzilla On Your Cell Phone

2005-05-18T19:36:00.000-05:00

I'm a big Godzilla fan as my wife is too painfully aware, but my ringtone for her calls is "Burnin Love". When I read this I got very excited. I think a Godzilla ringtone might be appropriate for my kids when they call me.

Mobile entertainment developer Indiagames has entered into an agreement with Toho Co., Ltd. to bring wireless content based on "Godzilla," now celebrating over 50 years of life since 1954.

Founded in 1932, Toho Co. Ltd. is one of the leading entertainment conglomerates in Japan. Toho is best known worldwide as the producer of numerous Godzilla motion pictures and classic films directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Godzilla is the brightest dream and at the same time is the most horrific nightmare of the Japanese cinema. The wireless content, which will be available beginning November 2005, includes two mobile games, wallpapers, screensavers, ring tones, voice ringers, and alerts. The wireless games (both casual and fighting) will
include various Toho monster characters (such as Mothra, King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla, Gigan, etc.), states an official release.

Indiagames CEO Vishal Gondal says: "The Godzilla property has been very popular throughout the world for over 50 years and has been successfully translated into Movies, T.V., games, toys, video games and other merchandise. Indiagames is pleased to be associated with this mega property for mobile phones and thinks it is one of the best properties that Indiagames can leverage across its global distribution
network."

"We're excited to see this deal bring all the fun of Godzilla to mobile phones around the world outside of Japan," adds Shozo Watanabe, general manager of Toho's Los Angeles office.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/
y2k5/may/may162.htm

New Elvis TV Show?!

2005-05-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

I just received this email today. I don't know if it's for real, but if you're an Elvis Tribute Artist, you might what to check them out. Good Luck.

from: Keanemotorsports@aol.com
Twister Entertainment is looking for Elvis Impersonators for a new television show. Please have all of your Elvis Impersonators send a 4 min DVD of a performance, resume and headshot too: Twister Entertainment P.O. Box - 451062 Garland, Texas 75045-1062 Attn: Casting Dept

"The King" of Comic Books

2005-05-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

That fascination comes to comics this July in the 208-page original graphic novel "The King" by Rich Koslowski from Top Shelf Productions.

"'[The King's] the story of an enigmatic Elvis 'impersonator' who wears a shiny gold helmut, that's taking the Vegas strip-- and the world-- by storm," Koslowski told CBR News. "There are claims that he is, in fact, the God of Song, that he was once Elvis Presley, but transcended the mortal plane and, well, I don't want to give away too much. Anyways, there's this old, kind of washed-up reporter who used to do a lot of 'Elvis Sighting' type stories back in the eighties--he worked for the Enquirer and got a lot of mileage out of the whole Elvis phenomenon--now he's been assigned to find out who this King character really is and what he's all about. He goes in with a kind of crummy attitude and discovers quite a bit more than he bargained for.

It's an offbeat story with some mystery, some religious debate, some drama, and, I hope, a little bit of humor."

from Jonah Weiland for Comic Book Resources
http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5189

Top Shelf Productions
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=433&
PHPSESSID=7d100e6daece0d03f7fe62f62cfb68d5

Time Traveler Convention

2005-05-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

The Time Traveler Convention
May 7, 2005, 10:00pm EDT (08 May 2005 02:00:00 UTC)(events start at 8:00pm) East Campus Courtyard, MIT3 Ames St. Cambridge, MA 02142
42:21:36.025°N, 71:05:16.332°W
(42.360007,-071.087870 in decimal degrees)

Why do you need my help?

We need you to help PUBLICIZE the event so that future time travelers will know about the convention and attend. This web page is insufficient; in less than a year it will be taken down when I graduate, and futhermore, the World Wide Web is unlikely to remain in its present form permanently. We need volunteers to publish the details of the convention in enduring forms, so that the time travelers of future millennia will be aware of the convention. This convention can never be forgotten! We need publicity in MAJOR outlets, not just Internet news. Think New York Times, Washington Post, books, that sort of thing. If you have any strings, please pull them.

Fun idea. I hope it works. Wouldn't that be cool!?!

http://web.mit.edu/adorai/timetraveler/

2nd Annual Elvis Invasion of Southwest Florida

2005-05-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

Elvis still knows how to make the ladies swoon.Just ask 17-year-old Kavan, the youngest of 15 tribute artists competing in the second annual Elvis Invasion of Southwest Florida on Sunday at the Radisson Inn in south Fort Myers.

As the young Presley impersonator belted out one of his icon's gospel favorites, Judy Fournier, 57, approached the stage with a rose. He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.

The Ohio teen's grandmother wouldn't release his full name. The high school junior already worries about groupies. Hey, no one said being the King is easy.

By ALISON KEPNER for The News Press
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050502/NEWS01/505020392/1075

7-Year-Old Elvis

2005-04-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sean Sharp, who's 7 and lives in Indian Trail, is an award-winning Elvis impersonator. He's already got four years of experience under his wide Elvis belt.

Sean's mom, Lynn, said she and her husband, Warren, like Elvis, one of man artists they listen to. As a baby, Sean often was rocked to sleep with Elvis tunes playing in the background.

When Sean was 3, he chose an Elvis costume out of a catalog to wear for Halloween. It arrived early, and Lynn and Warren let him put it on for an Elvis impersonator show they were attending, thinking lots of fans would come dressed like the king. But Sean was the only one in Elvis attire. After the show, the Elvis impersonator told Sean if he came to another show, he'd put him on stage.

from the Charlotte Observer and MARTY MINCHIN
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
news/local/states/north_carolina/counties/union/
11508538.htm/

Sean's website
http://www.seansharp.4t.com/

The German Doppelgangers

2005-04-26T21:20:00.000-05:00

Berlin is home to serious culture vultures, but the city’s top private production isn’t a heavy opera or play. Rather, Germans are flocking to a Vegas-style show featuring some of the world’s best doppelgangers...

"Stars in Concert," which has been running at the Estrel for eight years. Producer Bernhard Kurz -- the man credited with first bringing musicals such as "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera" to Germany -- has clearly hit on winning formula...

"Some people take it as a joke, have a laugh and say, oh, they're just impersonators, but there are actually a lot of talented people in the business," says Grahame P. Doyle, the Elvis of "Stars in Concert."

He should know. In the world of showbiz impersonators, being Elvis is possibly the biggest challenge of all, due to the extraordinary amount of competition.

"There's a lot of Elvis impersonators -- maybe as many as 40,000 around the world," says Doyle. "But if you break it down to the handful that give you goose bumps, those that truly bring respect to his character, then you can knock off about 95 percent of those people."

from Deanne Corbett, DW-WORLD.DE

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1560715,00.html

2005-04-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

Those who believe the greatest rock ’n’ roll legend still lives should enjoy plenty of sightings at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni next week during Friendship Day 2005.

Friendship Day is an opportunity for Americans to host Japanese friends on the base for an air show and plenty of entertainment, base officials say — including the Ohio-based E Team sky divers, all to be dressed as Elvis Presley as they flutter down to the airfield from about 5,000 feet.

In addition, Elvis impersonator Prentice Chaffin will sing and gyrate on the main stage near the flight line...

Base officials recommend that visitors refrain from bringing any large bags or containers to the gate, “because the security examination of the contents slows down the crowd” waiting to enter the air station, Coakley said. “Anyone attending Friendship Day is also subject to random searches.”

By Greg Tyler, Stars and StripesPacific edition, Wednesday, April 27, 2005
And look, I got this a day early. Thanks, International Date Line.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=28683

"Kings of the Mall"

2005-04-24T15:23:00.000-05:00

Oakland, MI

The King is still alive in an 11-year-old boy, a forklift driver and a restaurant dishwasher.

"The sideburns are real," said Elvis Presley look-a-like Jerry Lee Lewis of Temperance, smiling and tugging on his jet-black facial hair.

Lewis didn't say whether he was named after the other early rock star. Elvis impersonators in flashy gold jackets or bell bottom jumpsuits celebrated the late rock and roll star Saturday at Oakland Mall. Prizes for the biggest Elvis fan, the person who most resembled him and the best performance were up for grabs.

By ANN ZANIEWSKI
Of The Daily Oakland Press
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/042405/
loc_20050424001.shtml

Go Here Before They Change It!!!

2005-04-22T08:03:00.000-05:00

Here is a nice little story about a Math and Computer Science Professor at Kutztown University. It seems that Larry Mugridge often performs as Elvis to benefit the Math Club's scholarship funds. A nice little story.

BUT they ran the wrong picture in the story. Instead they have a picture of Pope John Paul II. Hysterical. Go now.

http://keystoneonline.com/story.asp?Art_id=1296

Elvi Set Record

2005-04-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

Elvis impersonators of every shape and size have congregated in London department store Selfridges to set a new world record.

One 'Elvis' explained: "Well, we are going to try and make the world record of number of Elvises singing 'Viva Las Vegas' at the same time. We are going to aim for 100 Elvises. To have it done in London I think it's great because these things are always kept to the States, you know they set the records themselves, but we are doing it here in London and it will be a great honour to take part in it."

Guinness World Record adjudicator Laura Hughes witnessed the event and confirmed that it was a new record.

She said: "Well today they've set a Guinness World Record for having the most Elvis impersonators singing in one location. They had 77 Elvises all fully dressed with their wigs and their glasses."

Elvis impersonator Gary Gibson was pleased with the Elvises achievements, adding: "Well, I think this is great for Elvis. I mean if it carries on, Elvis is never going to die."

http://www.itv.com/news/index_1640851.html

TV Searching for Elvis Collection

2005-04-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

This comes to us out of Nashville.

ELVIS COLLECTION: If you're an Elvis fan with a great collection, an excellent Elvis Impersonator, or know a unique Elvis story, Talk of the Town might be looking for you. E-mail at tott@newschannel5.com if you're an Elvis fan with something to share and we may feature you on an upcoming edition of Talk of the Town.

They may want only locals, but who knows. Do you think I should write?
http://www.newschannel5.com/content/tott_hotlines/10397.asp

Elvis Reality Show Tragedy

2005-04-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

Police have closed their investigation into the death of a television producer from Alabama who plunged from the observation deck of the Stratosphere hotel-casino tower on the Las Vegas Strip.

36-year-old Melanie Bell of Birmingham was found dead March 25 on a third-floor rooftop above the hotel's main entrance. The Clark County, Nevada, Coroner's office ruled the case a suicide. Las Vegas homicide Lt. Tom Monahan said today the investigation was closed.

Jesse Garon, an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, told a La Vegas newspaper that Bell had been filming an Elvis impersonator show.

Authorities said Bell's car was found in a parking structure at the Stratosphere, her keys were found at the front desk and she was videotaped buying a ticket to the observation deck late March 25.

http://www.nbc13.com/news/4371593/detail.html

We Made BoingBoing!

2005-04-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Those of you wondering about the strange sounding title of this posting have obviously never been to the popular http://www.boingboing.net, "A Directory of Wonderful Things". And it is just as it states... wonderful. Always entertaining, BoingBoing, is a mix of what's current, what's hot, and what's fun. No Britney, no Michael Jackson, no tripe, just a lot of news, products, websites, and strangeness that you probably never knew existed but now that you do, can't live without.

Yesterday, April 8, my website, http://biboland.com and the Hall of Kings, made the cut. Check out the great picture of Renelvis.

Thanks, Xeni!

Lou Jordan

2005-04-09T10:08:00.000-05:00

The lights dimmed, a familiar beat struck up, and in perfect timing, with the characteristic drum roll, the King entered the building. Seconds later, the audience went wild as Elvis Presley took to the stage crooning the familiar rip-roaring rock lyrics of Blue Suede Shoes.

Well, not the real Elvis, but top-notch UK impersonator Lou Jordan, who has been entertaining locals at The Duke pub in Chiswick for the last three years.

He says: “I love the crowd here at The Duke. There are so many personalities and interesting characters her that I can bring into the show. It’s one of my favourite venues.”

Lou has been an Elvis tribute artist for 15 years. His captivating talent has confirmed the King’s music is alive and well, impressing locals and celebrities alike with his performances.

from the article by Estelle Marais for the Hounslow Guardian
http://www.hounslowguardian.co.uk/news/localnews/
display.var.586550.0.falling_in_love_with_lou.php

or see Lou's own website at http://www.loujordanaselvis.com

Lake George Elvis Festival 2005

2005-04-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

Officials in Lake George [New York] announced this year's 2005 Elvis Festival will be held June 17 through June 19.

Organizers said they made the move from October because of lousy weather for last year's event. The success of last year's Elvis Festival drew thousands to the small village -- some coming from as far away as Australia.

Elvis impersonator Terry Collins said, "Lake George is perfect for this, my hometown. I know they host a lot of other events during the year. This will be a really nice thing to have here in Lake George. The biggest one we usually go to is in Canada, and it draws 70 to 100,000 people. By two or three years, I think we'll hit that mark here."

Organizers hope to attract an even bigger turnout this year with the June date.

http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?ArID=125406&SecID=33

http://www.lakegeorgeelvis-fest.com

Search for new 'King' to record newly found Elvis song

2005-04-04T19:43:00.000-05:00

When a song written by Elvis Presley, which was never released by the King, surfaced last month at auction on eBay, Chris Davidson knew he had to have it.

Davidson, 40, who opened the Elvis-A-Rama Experience in Las Vegas more than five years ago, has announced a world wide search for someone to fill Elvis's blue suede shoes.

"We're looking for the world's best Elvis impersonator to record the song," said Davidson. "We hope to consummate an agreement with a production company for a multi-episode reality TV show."

"If I'd Only Bought Her Roses" is the only song co-written by Elvis and Paul Terry King, an association that dates back to the late 60s, at American Sound Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis recorded his last number one hit, "Suspicious Minds," there in 1969.

"Roses," registered in 1973 with BMI, appears to have been inspired by the lost love that both artists were experiencing in their personal lives at the time. Elvis was freshly wounded from his divorce from child-bride Priscilla Beaulieu, an event made official in October 1973. The song was never recorded.

The song is unique in that Elvis is credited for very few songs as a composer/songwriter. It is our intention for the song to be released on the 50th Anniversary of Elvis's first Gold Record, Heartbreak Hotel, which was released in January 1956.

The Elvis-A-Rama Museum is in the process of creating an international contest for the impersonators with tryouts likely to be held in Sydney, Frankfurt, Tokyo, London, New York, Los Angeles and Memphis as prime locations. Final selection will take place in Las Vegas, where the winner will appear in an engagement at the Elvis-A-Rama Experience. Impersonators will be judged in three categories: vocal talent, appearance, and stage presence.

For further information visit http://www.elvisarama.com/

Star Trek Elvis

2005-04-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

TICONDEROGA, N.Y. Walter Koenig, who portrayed starship helmsman Chekov in the original "Star Trek" TV series and seven movies, will be in Ticonderoga for two weeks in September to shoot a "Star Trek" featurette for distribution on the Internet. James Cawley, of Ticonderoga in the eastern Adirondacks, will again portray Captain James Kirk in the video, the third to be shot by the New Voyages group. Cawley, currently performing as an Elvis Presley tribute-artist in a Biloxi, Mississippi theater, tells the Plattsburgh Press-Republican the short feature will be shot on the sets he has constructed in a Ticonderoga warehouse.

from the AP via NBC 3, WSTM for Central New York
http://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=3159681

Sorry for the delay

2005-04-04T19:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in postings here the past week or so. I volunteered to work with the Wisconsin Film Festival here in Madison and it just ended it's 4 day run last night. Over 120 movies from Wisconsin (yes, there were many independent films made here in teh past year or so) and all over the world. I saw a number of great films, met many fun and interesting people, and got a really nice tshirt in the bargain. Next year though I may have to pass. My wife wants to see more of the films. I think she's hooked.

www.wifilmfest.org

Elvis lives at Lexington contest

2005-04-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

Photo of Elvis Nelson by

mark cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader

Inside, 23 men are primping, shining and donning white jump suits and neon pink coats meant to resemble Elvis Presley's wardrobe.

For the seventh Elvis-Fest of the Bluegrass, they came from neighboring states, New York City and Las Vegas. The top six performers of the two-night competition will move on to the national Images of the King competition in Memphis this summer. The first-place tribute artist (lingo meaning impersonator) will receive $1,250...

Michael Bryant, a mid-1970s Elvis from Mount Vernon, calls himself a "closet Elvis." His wife and kids love it. He spent $1,500 on a custom-made suit with lion-head details and gold chains. But nobody back home knows about his little hobby.

"If I saw anyone here, it would be like a church member running into their pastor at the liquor store," says Bryant, 37. "What would you say?"

You'd say nothing, actually. The only legitimate responses to an onstage Elvis are unintelligible screams.

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/11292898.htm

Phantompolooza in Winnipeg!

2005-03-24T20:42:00.000-06:00

In 1975 Brian De Palma made the movie "Phantom of the Paradise". Starring Paul Williams it is the a movie taking the viewer through the history of Rock-n-roll while slicing up a juicy horror story stealing equally from "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and Phantom of the Opera". I loved this movie when it first came out. I have the soundtrack on vinyl and the movie on VHS and DVD.

When it was first released in the US it bombed. But in Winnipeg it ran 62 weeks straight! Way to go Winnipeg!

Now 30 years later they are having a festival celebrating one of the classic movies of our time at the original theater where it first ran so long.

Phantompolooza!

Saturday, April 23rd, 2005
Ramada Marlborough Conference & Entertainment Centre(aka Garrick Theatre)
330 Garry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

William Finley AND Gerrit Grahamhave confirmed their attendance, and will participate in a one-hour Question and Answer Session!
A Special Presentation will immediately follow the Q&A Session. It will last for approximately 91 minutes.
A Social Event will follow in Eton Hall of the Ramada Marlborough,featuring a cash bar, snacks, a musical performance/tributeby the Chocolate Bunnies From Hell, and more surprises!

Man, do I wish I could go to this! Go here for more info!
http://www.phantompalooza.ca/

Las Vegas Reality Show on ABC Family

2005-03-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

ABC Family is an interesting cable channel. One time they're showing Power Rangers, then it's "Austin Powers" (which doesn't seem to be all that family oriented with all that "shagging" about), and then Pat Robertson is preaching late night. Now they go to Vegas for a new non-reality show. Bring on Elvis.

For better or for worse, 'til 12 half-hour episodes do we part, the ABC Family cable channel unveils "Las Vegas Garden of Love," a hybrid documentary-reality series airing at 9:30 p.m. Monday.

The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Las Vegas Garden of Love Wedding Chapel, a 24/7 chapel that features an Elvis impersonator who can not only sing "Heartbreak Hotel" but preside over services, with the added bonus of a capuchin monkey named Harley.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-20-Sun-2005/living/26083340.html

Andre Norton (1912-2005)

2005-03-18T12:41:00.000-06:00

Andre Norton, 93, the “Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy,” author, poet, editor, whose published works span seven decades, died of congestive heart failure in her Murfreesboro, Tennessee home, early Thursday morning, March 17th.

http://sfwa.org/news/anorton.htm

An Iowa Night of Impersonators

2005-03-17T20:24:00.000-06:00

Wow, does it get any better than this? Every way you turn you'd see an another impersonator.

Elvis impersonator Junior Talley is back at the Col Ballroom, Davenport. And Talley, a Monmouth, Ill.-based Elvis impersonator, has brought other celebrity tribute acts with him. The 2 1/2- to 3-hour show Saturday night will feature a Blues Brothers act, and impersonators of Rod Stewart and Roy Orbison. They’ll be backed by the ExSpence Account Band, a Chicago-based group that’s a longtime backup of Elvis acts. The show is hosted by a comedian who impersonates Otis from “The Andy Griffith Show.”

http://www.qctimes.com/internal.php?story_id=1047399&t=Clubs%2C+Music&c=5,1047399

Matt Cordell

2005-03-17T20:13:00.000-06:00

Matt Cordell doesn't attempt The King's trademark expression "thank-you, thank-you very much." America's best Elvis Presley tribute artist by one national competition's standards, Cordell isn't one of the estimated 35,000 in the Elvis-emulating industry. And March 26, he has the legend's background vocalist Charlie Hodge to prove it.

Hodge, a Decatur native, and Cordell will conjure memories of Elvis' gospel years for the audience at Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts. "I'm looking forward to it so much it's not even funny," Cordell said of his first performance with Hodge.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/livingtoday/
050317/tribute.shtml

Casting Call

2005-03-14T20:11:00.000-06:00

This was received today from the Elvis Entertainers Network.

Terrance Green of the Production Division of the Discovery Channel is looking for at least 10 ETA's [Elvis Tribute Artist] to be in Memphis on April 30, 2005. They WILL pay for the ETA to pass out promotional items and meet and greet. There may be some singing involved. This is the weekend of the Beale Street Music Festival - so - it should be an exciting weekend.

Contact Mr. Green at his email - Terrance.green@gmmb.com

Impersonators Fill Jacko Re-enactments

2005-03-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

I hadn't realized that E! network had sunk so low until I heard Lewis Black rail about it on The Daily Show last night. It seems that in their never ending quest for knowledge E! has decided to re-enact the entire Michael Jackson trial as it happens, but using a real professional Michael Jackson impersonator. Is this the crest of entertainment journalism, or an all time low?

I suppose it all started with Elvis Presley...

After that dark day in August 1977 when Graceland changed from a residence into a museum, there followed a bumper crop of folks mining that same showbiz vein, so many that they hold Elvis impersonator conventions from time to time...

So it was only inevitable that we would have impersonators for the biggest pop star of the past 25 years. Yes, I'm talking about Michael Jackson. And Edward Moss, the King of Pop's best-known professional doppelganger.

Until recently, you would have had to be a fairly obsessive Jackson fan to realize that Moss even existed. He's turned up in commercials and music videos and did a brief Jacko impression in the film "Scary Movie 3."

Now he's made his break for the A-list with his latest gig — as the star of the latest TV innovation, Michael Jackson trial re-enactments. For those of you who missed this development, cable channel E! is bringing modern technology to bear on the venerable tradition of having artists render courtroom scenes in crayon and charcoal...

Let's just hope that Moss isn't so successful aping Michael that he carries his re-enactments too far. From what I hear, one Neverland Ranch is apparently one too many.

Written by Francis Volpe for The Sentinel of Carlisle, Pa.
http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2005/03/08/
editorial/francis_volpe/volpe01.txt

Mount Morris, IL Elvis Is Leaving the Building

2005-03-07T20:43:00.000-06:00

After 33 years Chris Corcoran is hanging up his jumpsuit.

"Everybody liked my voice," he said. "I do it because I have fun doing it and I enjoy entertaining people. But at the same time, it's been humbling that people appreciate it."

Ever since his brother bought him Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" record when he was 6, Corcoran has oozed "The King" from every pore. He cites seeing him perform when he was 17 as the most memorable moment in his life...

Through the years, Corcoran has bought 33 Elvis jumpsuits; one for eachyear he has performed. "I told Ruth that when I die, I want to be buried in it," he said. "That's what people remember me for."

When he mentions how Mount Morris residents always recognize him in stores and restaurants, Ruth rolls her eyes.

"I'm going to drive you to Timbuktu where nobody recognizes you," she said with a laugh.

One of Corcoran's last wishes as the man behind the man behind the sequins is to make sure his fans remember that he appreciates them as much as they appreciate him.

"God gave me a talent to give to people," he said. "I'll miss the people and I'll miss the attention, but I have to go on and remember the good times I had."

By Dustin J. Seibert for the Rockford Register Star
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050307/NEWS0106/503070314/1004

'Elvis' monitors Jackson trial

2005-03-06T11:20:00.000-06:00

Look carefully at the reports of the Michael Jackson trial. You might just see Elvis impersonator Matthew Tuttle. On Wednesday Tuttle was chosen by lottery and able to sit inside the couortroom.

"I just thought it would be kind of a funny thing to do, something to tell my grandkids," Tuttle said yesterday from Santa Maria, where he's been staying in a motel room since Monday.

As an Elvis impersonator, Tuttle said he also went because Jackson was briefly married to Elvis' only child, Lisa Marie Presley, in the mid 1990s...

He also said several other tribute artists gather outside to do the moon walk and Jackson's signature crotch grab.

"There's a female that's pretty good. That's the thing, you can be a man or a woman and be a good Michael Jackson — it doesn't really matter," Tuttle said. "It's kind of funny to watch the spectacle."

Remember this is coming from a man who was wearing his Elvis jumpsuit as he spoke to reporters. Costumes are not allowed in the courtroom.

Mike Morris for The Union Democrat
http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=16715

Martin Denny, 94, has died

2005-03-04T08:23:00.000-06:00

Martin Denny, the man who created “exotica” music in the 1950s and lived to see it enjoy renewed world-wide popularity as “lounge music” and “tiki culture,” died last night [March 2] at his Hawaii-Kai residence, five weeks short of his 94th birthday.

Christina Denny, his daughter and primary care-giver, said that her father “passed peacefully at 9 p.m.” and that he had been “ready to go.”

“With the passing of Martin Denny, the world has lost one of its great popular musicians,” said Michael J. Largarticha, Musicians Association of Hawaii. “He created a sound that remains unique to this day; an entire genre of music which Martin described as a fusion of Asian, South Pacific, American Jazz, Latin American and Classical.”

He had been in declining health for the last two years, and had appeared to be near death several times in recent months, but he always dealt stoically with his increasingly limited diet and mobility, and all the related inconveniences. Denny drew crowds of admirers whenever he appeared and thrilled audiences wherever he performed...

Although some writers over the years described his music as “lightweight entertainment” or even “kitchy,” the trademark “jungle noises” and bird calls usually overshadowed surprisingly substantial musical arrangements that reflected Denny’s formal training as a pianist and decades of professional experience...

Denny’s first recording of “exotica” was made for Liberty Records in 1956. He re-recorded it in 1958. When Liberty released “Quiet Village” as a single in 1959 it reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a new genre of music was launched.

He was — and still is — one of the very few Hawaii recording artists to appear on any of the six major Billboard record charts.

Denny’s visibility as a pop chart hitmaker had waned by the end of the ’60s but his music remained popular in many parts of the world until it was rediscovered by a new generation of music fans in the ’90s. Much of his early catalog was re-issued on CD with Denny providing extensive additional annotation, and web sites and “fanzines” were devoted to him.

http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=3289>http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=3289

Wallace & Gromit Movie!!!

2005-03-03T19:58:00.000-06:00

It's called "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and I can't wait. I have been a fan of this claymation duo since the very beginning. They are clever, witty, and very very funny. The trailer is online now. Check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed. In Theaters October 7, 2005.

The offical website for Aardman Animation Ltd
http://www.aardman.com

The official Wallace and Gromit website
http://www.wallaceandgromit.com

See the trailer for the new movie here
http://www.wandg.com

Michael O'Connor Pays Homage To Elvis

2005-03-03T19:45:00.000-06:00

"My grandmom got me interested in (Elvis) when I was 6. I watched him in 'Aloha from Hawaii Live via Satellite,'" the performer said. "When I first saw Elvis on the screen I thought he was amazing. When I saw Elvis on stage, he was kind of a superhero to me."

"I like (performing) because I like to touch people's hearts. I try to do it as passionately and professionally as possible," he said. "I joke around on stage and I try to entertain people. I try to give them more than they expect."

But the best part is the audience. "The thing for me is I just get a kick out of watching everybody. It's a connection with me. I am able to feel the audience," he said.

He will be performing at the Cottage Green, 9001 Ashton Road, on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, please call the Cottage Green at 215-673-1000.

Story by Jeannette Ryder for Philadelphia's The News Gleaner
http://www.newsgleaner.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14073140&BRD=2340&amp;amp;amp;PAG
=461&dept_id=488595&rfi=6

A New Elvis in Newark?

2005-03-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

Elvis fans shouldn't have to travel all the way to Graceland; they should be able to see The King shake his hips right here in town. That's what Newark Days organizers are hoping for, as they continue their search for a professional Elvis impersonator to wow audience members during the city's annual birthday bash.

Organizers of this year's four-day celebration, which will run Sept. 22-25, promise this will be the largest production ever, as it commemorates the city's 50th birthday.

They're planning to transport people back in time, with the unveiling of a revised Newark history book, a video pavilion that will play television shows and commercials from the 1950s and a drive-in area with servers on roller skates, Newark Days President Shirley Sisk said.

They're also hoping to have Elvis gyrate on stage that weekend.

"When you think of the '50s, the first thing that comes to mind is Elvis," Sisk said. "We want to find Elvis. I know he's out there. He's been spotted many, many times."

Elvis impersonators should send a video tape or other recording of themselves to Newark Days, c/o Betty Cole, P.O. Box 608, Newark 94560. For other inquiries, call (510) 793-5683.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_2589021

"Elis tribute song for Dundee debut"

2005-03-02T21:26:00.000-06:00

Why Can’t They Leave Him Alone? was penned by former Dundee entertainer George Christie in 1987 to express his disgust at people profiting from the death of the King by selling stories and scandalising his memory. The song was adopted as the anthem of the official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, who empathised with the feelings in the song. It also struck a chord with Elvis impersonator Richard Atkins, who started performing it live on tour with Rockin’ on Heavens Door, a performance of covers from the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Roy Orbison.

The tour comes to the Whitehall Theatre on March 25 and will be the first time George’s song has been performed in his home town.

His friend Alec Brown, a piano tuner with the BBC in London, who tuned the piano for Elton John to perform at Princess Diana’s funeral, said, “It’s a powerfully emotional song at the best of times and I heard it the first time it was sung live and could hardly speak afterwards. We’ll be up in Dundee for the show on the 25th and will be taking George’s widow Fay along with us and I’m sure she’ll be very moved to hear it.”

George, who died two years ago, was a well-known entertainer in Dundee venues throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s. He died two years ago.

from The Evening Telegraph and Post
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2005/03/02/
story6868993t0.shtm

Velvet Elvis, Velvet... Me?

2005-03-02T21:15:00.000-06:00

The Velvet Store offers a great one-of-a-kind service. They will take a photograph of you or a loved one and create an original hand-painted black velvet painting with you starring as Elvis! You have to check this out. They do all the traditional velvet poses, of one shoulder, straight on with a scarf, even the single tear on the cheek. They'll even customize it with jumpsuit color, style, anything you want.

What a cool idea. It's a little pricey for me right now at $150 for a 8x12 to $300 for a 24x36, but all I know is that if I had the money I'd want one, the bigger the better. I wonder if they'd paint one of my wife as Elvis. Better not, she'd never let me hang it in public.

http://www.thevelvetstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=vs02&Category_Code=13

Delray Beach Police Officer Is Elvis

2005-02-27T10:13:00.000-06:00

Elwood's Dixie Bar B Que on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach rocks on Thursday nights, when Elvis impersonator Scott Ringersen is there...

Ringersen attracts such a big crowd, he has had to hire two people, just to stop customers from spilling onto Atlantic Avenue and blocking traffic... about 200 people attend each show at Elwood's, and he estimates about 40 percent are regulars...

On or off stage, with his black hair and long sideburns, even in his police uniform and dark sunglasses, Ringersen is unmistakably Elvis. But it hasn't presented a problem.

"My two careers never collide," he said.

In fact, his celebrity and appearance have helped him diffuse difficult situations, especially domestic disputes. "When I walk in, it works to my advantage. I'm not a police officer, I'm an entertainer who's also a cop," he said.
Ringersen can be seen at Elwood's Dixie Bar B Que at 301 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach every Thursday night. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., and there is no admission or cover charge...

by Mary Thurman Yuhas in The Sun-Sentinel in south Florida
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/
sfl-db25xelvisfeb25,0,6602274.story?coll=sfla-news-palm

The Real Wedding of Prince Charles

2005-02-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

Ben Sargent

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/
uclickcomics/20050224/
cx_bs_uc/bs20050224&e=2

2-Year-Old Elvis

2005-02-24T21:00:00.000-06:00

He may be only two years old but little Keiran West looks set to follow in the blue suede shoes of his Elvis impersonator father. While he may not have the vocal range quite yet but it's easy to see where the influence came from.

Kieran's father, 33-year-old Robbie West is a long time rocker from Ireland. He began impersonating Elvis in June.

Keiran West said: "To be honest with you, I don't know. He just picked it up about June last year when I went on the road. He started to do what I do."

http://scotlandtoday.scottishtv.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s1_2_2&newsid=6813&newsType=

The Life As A Tribute Band

2005-02-24T20:50:00.000-06:00

This article by ERIK HIMMELSBACH says a lot about the state of entertainment today. Nobody wants to take a chance, to hear an original band. They like the tried and true old favorites. Maybe that's why so many movies are being made from old TV shows, sort of a tribute movie.

Paladino’s does book original bands, but it’s the tributes that pay the rent. The club’s tucked into a funky L-shaped retail corner in a bleak pocket of Reseda that’s like an industrial-nightmare flashback from Repo Man. Its neighbors are body shops, a cigarette retailer, the Frisky Kitty strip club, and a coin laundry.

“The original bands don’t have the following,” says Sano. “With a cover band, people know what to expect, and I don’t think people are ready for a lot of experimentation. You’re not going to spend your money and gamble. Most people go to a safe haven.”

from Los Angelos City Beat
http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=1728&IssueNum=90

No Hockey? How About Some Elvis.

2005-02-19T22:11:00.000-06:00

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and so Tim Hendry slipped into his Elvis suit this week and mounted one of the smallest stages he has ever worked: Mayday Malone's, a sports bar at Bathurst and Dupont that has gone through a forced reinvention thanks to the NHL lockout.

Mr. Hendry, an Elvis impersonator, is accustomed to performing in front of a large, female-dominated crowd, but at Mayday's he found himself in a room filled with middle-aged men who focused on their beer as he belted out renditions of Hound Dog, Blue Hawaii and Suspicious Minds.

"It's a different kind of gig," said Mr. Hendry, who goes by the stage name Tim E. "Look, I'm singing to a bunch of guys, man."

from The Globe and Mail online edition, Toronto, Canada
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/
TPStory/LAC/20050219/HOCKEY19/TPNational/Toronto

"Elvis singalong record is smashed"

2005-02-19T22:03:00.000-06:00

from BBC News

An Elvis impersonator is thought to have smashed the world record for the longest singalong of the King's songs. Gary Jay, 41, of March, Cambridgeshire, completed his marathon on Friday after 51 hours and four minutes of songs.

The old record of 42 hours, 16 minutes and eight seconds was held by an Elvis impersonator from Germany.

Mr Jay, who originally set the record at Planet Hollywood in London in 2002, is now awaiting official confirmation from the Guinness Book of Records. To reclaim the title Mr Jay had to perform the marathon to a reasonable standard and in full Elvis costume with just one 15 minute break every four hours.

The rock and roll milestone was celebrated with a cup of tea.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cambridgeshire/4280065.stm

Another Attempt At The Record

2005-02-17T20:04:00.000-06:00

He had it, he lost it, now he wants it back again. What, you ask? The record for continuosly singing Elvis songs.

Gary Jay set the original Guinness world record for singing Elvis songs non-stop for 25 hours 22 minutes and 30 seconds, while dressed as the King himself, in 2002. But last year German Elvis impersonator Franz Nubel smashed the record after performing for 42 hours, 16 minutes and eight seconds. Now the father-of-four Gary wants his crown back and has embarked on a new record-breaking attempt.

The full-time Elvis impersonator said: "I have always been a big fan of Elvis and his music. I set the record originally so it would be nice to reclaim it."

Gary, 41, of Cavalry Drive, March, is only allowed to pause between songs for a maximum of 30 seconds and will only get a 15 minute break from singing every four hours. This means he will effectively go without sleep for two days, but this isn't his biggest worry.

He said: "I'm a bit of an insomniac so I don't think sleep deprivation will be too much of a problem. My main concern is whether my voice will last for that length of time."

In a bid to prepare himself for the challenge Gary has been singing for at least two hours every day and is confident he will make the full 48 hours.

He said: "I'm as confident as I can be in the circumstances. I learnt a lot from my previous experience. I have altered my usual set list and will just be singing, not performing, as I couldn't do that for a full 48 hours."

Gary will have lots of friends, family and members of the public supporting him throughout his record-breaking attempt, which kicked off at 1pm yesterday.

Stay tuned and we'll tell you if he makes it.

http://w3.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge/story.asp?StoryID=69305

"Evil Elvis"

2005-02-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

Net war arrest threat
By Rod Chaytor

AN Elvis impersonator faces arrest for an internet harassment campaign on a rival.
It began when a website claimed Steve Preston, 50, was No1 in the country's top 10 Elvis acts.

Professional performer Louis Rockafella, 43, found bookings dried up after the site listed him under "amateur acts" and carried links to attacks on his singing and outfits. He and wife Janet, 32 - his manager - discovered the "independent" site was Preston's work.

Louis, of Ormskirk, Lancs, said: "The work has just disappeared. Our livelihood is at stake."

Preston was sent solicitor's letters threatening to sue for defamation and malicious falsehood. He told Louis' lawyers he would remove the slurs and not repeat them.
But messages on a fans' site hinted Louis' web address was for sale and might be
used for porn.Preston sent Janet emails including a picture of her with a
lizard's head.

Preston, of Haslingden, Lancs, refused to comment. Police said: "If undertakings are not given or the behaviour recurs, he will be placed under arrest."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/tm_objectid=15187092
&method=full&siteid=50143&headline=evil-elvis-name_page.html

Louis Rockafella can also be seen on my website of Elvis Impersonator autographs, The Hall of Kings at www.biboland.com

UPDATE:

It appears someone wrote in and left a comment pretending to be Louis Rockafella or associated with him. They were not. The comment has been removed. We apologize for any wrong impression that was left by this comment. Sometimes things slip through. I thank Janet Fella bringing this to my attention.

Hong Kong New Year - Vegas Style

2005-02-14T20:11:00.000-06:00

Two Nevada cowboys with twirling ropes and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas band have marched in Hong Kong's Chinese New Year parade in an effort to promote Nevada tourism. Nevada Commission on Tourism officials say it marked the first time the state took part in the parade.

The cowboys and band marched alongside the Nevada float, which featured two sequined showgirls and an Elvis impersonator.

The Hong Kong Department of Tourism invited the tourism commission to take part in Wednesday's parade. The tourism commission provided the float, which featured replicas of Reno's "Biggest Little City in the World" sign and the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign that has greeted visitors to the Strip for decades.

Officials say the parade also was seen by 350 million television viewers.

News 4, KRNV, Reno, Nevada

http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2943995&nav=8faOWLFP

Bruce Borders, Indiana State Representative

2005-02-13T17:38:00.000-06:00

The continuing adventures of Bruce Borders, new politician/seasoned Elvis Impersonator.

(Indianapolis – February 10, 2005) - State Representative Bruce Borders is also a professional Elvis impersonator.The freshman Republican from Jasonville has not yet displayed his talents on the House floor, but gave an unusual sales pitch for his first piece of legislation Thursday morning.

Borders closed the debate on House Bill 1402 by giving a speech made up of lyrics from Elvis songs.

“This bill is a simple bill that shouldn't result in suspicious minds or leave any of you, my esteemed colleagues, all shook up. I humbly ask that you don't be cruel, don't be a hounddog. Please love me tender by supporting House Bill 1402,” Borders said.

The bill passed easily.

WISH-TV Channel 8, Indianapolis

http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2929648&nav=0Ra7WDoh

Harrodsburg resident idolizes, impersonates Elvis

2005-02-10T19:58:00.000-06:00

Jason Paul Sester was only about a year old when The King himself, Elvis Presley, died in 1977. But that hasn't kept the Harrodsburg resident from idolizing this legend from a previous era.

"I've always admired Elvis," says Sester. "I learned his music - I learned it from when I was a kid on up. I learned how to sing like him, learned the movements, the dances, the vocals. When I was a kid, I always liked Elvis. My adopted mom liked Elvis and encouraged me to live my dream, my goals, and do what I like to do in life. I'd listen to Elvis on the radio - I'd always change it to the oldies station.

"When I got up into it more, I started carrying a torch more and following the dreams and goals he'd be proud of me doing."

Read more on Jason Paul Sester from JENNIFER BRUMMETT,
Staff Writer on The Advocate Messenger of Danville, KY
http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=11780&format=html

The Black Diamond

2005-02-09T08:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, it's not Elvis, but they say Theron Denson sounds so much like Neil Diamond that if you close your eyes you'll swear it's the real thing. Open your eyes and things couldn't be more different.

Since this is America, darn it, this short, bald, black guy channeling the vocal stylings of a Jewish guy from Brooklyn with an impressive head of hair was embraced bythe fanatical Diamondheads, Neil's fan club. One elderly lady showed up at show after show, even fashioning a dress out of nine or 10 "Black Diamond" T-shirts...

Denson, 40, ended up going to college to be a preacher but that didn't work out. He kicked around, living like a nomad, he said. Working for a while as the personalassistant to June Pointer, of the Pointer Sisters, he eventually went on to work as a hotel clerk in Washington, D.C. His inner Diamond was starting to sparkle,though, so he'd sometimes sneak into the lounge and bust a few bars of Cherry, Cherry.

His employers were not amused. "They said, 'You've got to stop singing,'" Denson recalls. "'You're going to be terminated if you don't stop singing.'"

He thought to himself, "Neil Diamond, All I Really Need Is You."

Denson kept singing. He was fired.

There's more to the story at:
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/
entertainment/10843544.htm

ABC Casting Call

2005-02-01T21:42:00.000-06:00

I just received this email. I can't do it, but if you would like to help him out, feel free to contact him.

My name is Kevin Cronan and I'm one of the producers for a new ABC show called America's Most Embarrassing Parents. I'm looking for children (teenage to early 20s) who may be less than thrilled by having their father be an Elvis impersonator. If you know of anyone who fits this description, please let me know. You can contact me by e-mail at vdbpcasting@hotmail.com or by phone at my office: 310/826-6170. Thanks.
-Kevin

A Favorite Political Elvi Venue

2005-02-01T21:26:00.000-06:00

The State Capital Rotunda in New Mexico is a popular venue for everything from political speeches to Elvis.

At center stage, a red-haired man dressed in black gyrates Elvis-like to an electric guitar being strummed behind him. The around 24 audience members have figured out that the bolo-tie-wearing man-in-black is an actor portraying Gov. Bill Richardson. He's in a play that supposes the governor was once an Elvis impersonator. You can figure that much out by his actions. But unless he's shouting, not so much by his words.

Why? Because while the Roundhouse rotunda might be the most popular place in the state to hold a news conference, show off a dance troupe or fire up a mariachi, it has all the acoustics of a middle-school gymnasium.

"It's awful. The acoustics are just terrible," said the actor, Charles Pike of Chicago's Prop Thtr, who took his show to the rotunda last week with Albuquerque's Tricklock Theater Company. "But it's a thrill to perform here. It's the best gig in the state."

And if you don't believe it, consider that the place is more booked than a Downtown dance club.

from the Albuquerque Tribune
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/nw_local_state_government/
article/0,2564,ALBQ_19859_3513971,00.html

The Mayor Sings Elvis

2005-01-30T16:59:00.000-06:00

By David Templeton, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When someone complains about politicians giving taxpayers a song and dance, the likely response is, "So what else is new?" But during the second annual Celebrity Performing Arts Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, Main and Beau streets, live politicians will do it literally...

Washington Mayor Ken Westcott will sing two Elvis tunes and more if asked. "There will be no wig and no glasses," he said, killing misconceptions he's an Elvis impersonator. "I just enjoy his music -- and no jump suit."

Westcott sang Elvis to his wife, Michelle, during their wedding and at other weddings. He sang Elvis classics when the Uptown Theatre opened, then again last year for the first WashArts celebrity extravaganza.

"If it helps a good cause, which it does, then I'm only glad to help."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05030/448968.stm

Elvis Elway?

2005-01-30T16:48:00.000-06:00

A new commercial for Arena Football stars Jon Bon Jovi and NFL Hall of Famer John Elway.

To promote a season scheduled to conclude with a championship game in Las Vegas, the wacky premise of a new commercial is football players trashing a casino. The punch line of this televised ad? To pay for damages to the premises, one of the instigators must go to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator.

"They didn't have to ask twice to get me to put on the Elvis costume," Elway admitted to me not long ago, not long after the Hall of Fame quarterback completed his first acting gig dressed as an aging King from the Viva Las Vegas era.

"Why not?" Elway explained. "I don't mind making fun of myself."

from Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~
107~2682276,00.html

" Bibo Orange Juice drinked by Usher "

2005-01-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, you've bought the Elvis water, and then you bought the cup that once held the Elvis water. Now on eBay you can buy "Bibo Orange Juice drinked by Usher". The description leaves a lot to the imagination. "This is drinked by Usher!" There is no picture. I guess the seller believes that is all any true Usher fan needs to know.

Now this one is dear to my heart. Not because of my love for Usher, I could really care less about the man or his music, but because my surname is Bibo. And I can't get Bibo Juice in Wisconsin. I have even written to the company asking if I could get a poster, a case of the stuff, anything. They responded in a brief email that they can't, or won't, do that.

Hurry, only 5 days left. Bid price is $2.00 Canadian. As of this writing there are no bids. Not even mine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3870707518&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1

Apologies

2005-01-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

Things have been a little erratic around here the past few weeks. Our Internet Service Provider was bought out by another and they have been switching over to the new servers with "minimal disruption to most customers". I have been among the lucky few, I guess. My email service varies from no emails one day to downloading emails I had already deleted 2 weeks. I have been told things will improve. And so will my frequency here. Thank you for your patience, especially since I have lost mine numerous times.

You've Bought The Water, Now Buy The Cup

2005-01-20T21:14:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Wade Jones sold a vial of water on ebay that supposedly was backwash from Elvis. Jones made $455. Now he's selling the sytrofoam cup. But this time it's for a charity in Boulder, CO.

Though now kept in a protective suitcase labeled "The Elvis Cup Tour," this relic of rock has been on one long, strange trip. According to its owner, Wade Jones, he snagged the cup after sneaking on stage and rooting through a trash bin following a Presley concert in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1977...
On Tuesday, January 25, the polystyrene wonder will be on display at the Boulder Theater as part of Nutballz Night Out, a fundraiser for the Center for Celiac Research...
Hosted by local Elvis impersonator Charles King, the 21-and-over event includes food, a raffle, and entertainment by DJ Ivy, Jyemo & the Extended Family and others. Guests can have their pictures taken with the coveted cup for $1, while Elvis and Marilyn look-alike contests round out the evening's fun.

http://www.westword.com/issues/
2005-1-20/calendar/nd.html

New Tori Amos CD!

2005-01-18T21:29:00.000-06:00

You might have noticed a new banner just below the masthead. It is for the new Tori Amos CD, "The Beekeeper", coming out next month. Fantastic. I have been a Tori fan since "Little Earthquakes", and have seen her in concert numerous times. She's an original, and we all know there aren't too many of those around. Never heard her, then check out her website. I'll have my copy of "The Beekeeper" on day 1.

www.toriamos.com

I Am A Teenage Elvis

2005-01-17T20:50:00.000-06:00

Paul, 13, Toronto, Canada

My family are proud of me, I guess. It's kind of funny because no one else in my family has any musical talent at all. Maybe my mum started it by playing Elvis to me from an early age.

We did a lesson on Elvis in class this week. They usually do a small bit on Elvis in this unit on entertainment. My teacher knows my friends call me Elvis, and my friends said we want a whole lesson on Elvis, so he said OK.

My friends said it wasn't fair as if we had a test I'd get all the questions right!"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4170000/
newsid_4175100/4175193.stm

Marilyn Monroe's Ghost Writing Songs

2005-01-09T17:36:00.000-06:00

MARIAH CAREY is knocking out song-after-song on her new piano, and she credits her prolific inspiration with the ghost of the instrument's former owner - late movie legend MARILYN MONROE.

Carey is delighted with the intensity of her creative output, and puts her success down to the piano that Monroe owned before her death at the age of 36 in August 1963.

She says, "It's as if the keys are haunted. The tunes just come thick and fast. It must be inspired."

according to contactmusic.com
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/
mndwebpages/carey%20credits%20monroe.s%20ghost
%20with%20song.writing

GO PACKERS!

2005-01-09T11:24:00.000-06:00

This post is for my wife and daughter, two diehard Green Bay Packers fans, that can make life very difficult, yet always interesting, for a Chicago Bear fan. Packers play the Vikings in the Play-offs today.

UK Jailhouse Rocks

2005-01-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

EVERYBODY in the whole cell block was dancing to the jailhouse rock when a trainee barrister and his nephew paid tribute to Elvis at a Greater Manchester court. Legal eagle Jonathon Hogg astounded judges and ushers at Oldham County Court when he swapped his sober jacket and tie for silver sunglasses and a sparkly jumpsuit. But he and "Little Elvis", his 11-year-old nephew Gareth Halliwell, are unlikely to end up behind bars after their impromptu concert yesterday. They were helping court officials to celebrate the anniversary of The King's birthday - for Elvis would have been 70 years old today.
Jonathon said: "I was quaking in my blue suede shoes before the concert began. But I needn't have worried about getting in trouble - I had a very good defence."

from Mancester Online
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/
142/142180_jailhouse_rocker.html

Happy Birthday, Elvis!

2005-01-08T15:50:00.000-06:00

Where ever you are. You certainly are in the news today. All over the world. Here's a small sampling.

Happy Birthday, man.

from The Examiner, Jackson Cty, Missouri

Tarry Westley, Blue Springs, and June Moore, Independence, are working on keeping Elvis' memory alive in Eastern Jackson County. Both are celebrated Elvis' birthday, today, in their own way.

Westley sat on a bar stool dressed in a white jump-suit decorated with sequins and beads that formed an eagle. Inspired by Elvis, Westley strummed his guitar and
sang songs in his best Elvis voice.

"I don't fake it, I don't train it, I don't practice it this is me," Westley said. "People don't understand when I sing this is me."

http://www.examiner.net/stories/010805/new_010805013.shtml

from Florida Today online

If he were alive today, would Elvis have a full head of silver hair or would he be bald? Would he be still singing, or would he be a recluse? There's no doubt about it for Rockledge Elvis tribute artist Jack Smink: The King would have aged gracefully.

"I think he would have looked like his daddy, who was a handsome man for his age. I think Elvis' hair would have been gray, but he still would have been a handsome son of a gun," he said.

http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/peoplestoryL108ELVIS0.htm

from Cleveland's The Plain Dealer

Sing a dirge for Da Vinci. Poor fella was stuck with that Mona Lisa woman and a slab of pine. Just think what kind of artist he could've been if he'd had Elvis and black velvet. One thing's certain: He'd be a lot more popular in Ohio.

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/
base/entertainment/1105180202234380.xml

from The Guardian, UK

If Elvis Presley were alive - which many believe him to be - he would be 70 years old today. And tonight, all over Britain, America and elsewhere, those who adore and those who impersonate "the King" will be gyrating, rocking and rolling.

It is a milestone night in the world of global Graceland, a night for what the faithful call Elvents, starring people like the Chinese Elvis, the Calypso Elvis, the Jewish Elvis, El Vez in Mexico and Emerald Elvis in Ireland.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/
0,3604,1385653,00.html

from the Asbury Park Press, New Jersey

"Larger than life" is a phrase tossed around in American culture much like the word "genius" is overused in Hollywood. Fact is, few in Tinseltown merit the genius tag, and even fewer celebrities deserve to be placed on a Mount Rushmore scale. There are few entertainers who are huger than huge, and perhaps the biggest of these is Elvis Presley.

The King of Rock 'n' Roll, who died in 1977, would have turned 70 on Saturday. He remains as massive an icon in death as he was (both literally and figuratively, toward the end) in life. His legend transcends mere popularity.

http://www.app.com/app/story/0,21625,1166934,00.html

What's Upstairs at Graceland?

2005-01-07T12:29:00.000-06:00

Since his death, no one has seen the second floor of Graceland. It is off limits to tours and even special requests. Supposedly everything is just as it was the day Elvis died. This site claims to have pictures.
Take it with a grain of salt.

http://www.linkydinky.com/graceland/

Elvis Birthday Celebrations Around The World

2005-01-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

Elvis look-alikes across the globe will squeeze into their rhinestone-studded jumpsuits, fix their sideburns and slick back their quiffs for the King's 70th birthday bash on Saturday...

Elvis's 18 number one singles are to be re-released in limited edition at a rate of one a week in Britain, ranging from 1957's "All Shook Up" to 2002's "A Little Less Conversation" and complete with the original artwork and a collector's box...

Presley's music also remains hugely popular in France, where audiences flocked in their thousands to see the tribute musical "Elvis Story" last year. The show is returning to Paris at the end of January for a two-and-a-half-month run...

In Germany, where Elvis caused a storm on his military service, collectors have lent memorabilia for an exhibition in Bonn to celebrate, as one newspaper commentator put it, the "hurricane that brought a whiff of fresh air into stuffy 1950s Germany."...

For the really serious Elvis fans, bookmaker William Hill has reported that Britons are still placing bets on the King being discovered alive and well -- but the odds are 1,000-1.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050106/people_nm/people_elvis_dc_2

Giant Elvis Birthday Card

2005-01-06T20:16:00.000-06:00

On Saturday evening, January 8, 2005, Las Vegas' very own, Trent Carlini, considered to be the best Elvis impersonator in the world, along with Joe Esposito, Elvis Presley's personal right-hand man, will be performing a 70th Birthday Tribute Concert to the king of rock and roll. In addition, Trent will present a giant Happy 70th Birthday card to Elvis signed by both gentlemen and literally thousands of fans who are attending the already near sold out 'Birthday Tribute' at Chicago's Rosemont Theater.

Stated Trent, "Elvis and his music will forever live in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide and our very special Birthday Tribute to the king of rock and roll is going to rock Chicago -- just the way Elvis would have done it -- with high energy, passion and style! Happy Birthday Elvis and 'Thankyouverymuch' for being my mentor. You are so very loved by everyone."

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050106/65393_1.html

Shawn Klush

2005-01-05T22:40:00.000-06:00

What inspired you to become an Elvis Presley tribute artist?
It chose me. I didn't choose it. My dad was a DJ back in the '50s. and he had every album in the world. Elvis' music was the first music I ever heard when I was a kid.
When did you get started?
I was 3 or 4 years old.
Did you have the jumpsuit even back then?
Yeah. My folks made me one. ...
Do you ever find that people are stealing your moves?
Yeah, I find that quite a bit. You see some people in the audience that come to your show and see what you do and then incorporate it into their own show and make it theirs. It's a little frustrating.
So one might argue there are some Shawn Klush impersonators out there?
Yeah. It's just funny how that sounds, but yeah. ...
What is the groupie scene like on the Elvis tribute circuit?
You mean the sideburn chasers? They're pretty cool.
Do they ever cross the line?
You'll get some that will try to find out what hotel you're at and stuff like that. But I usually go under different names at hotels anyway.
What names do you go by?
Exactly.

Elvis birthday tribute7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9State Theatre Playhouse Square Center, Cleveland, OH 216.241.6000Tickets: $19-$32

http://www.freetimes.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2364

Cadillac man wins Elvis contest

2005-01-05T22:25:00.000-06:00

Some people are born with two left feet --others a green thumb. James Warner was born with a voice just like Elvis.

What's a man to do - fight to get back on the assembly line after layoffs? Or toss his cape into the ring with 35,000 other Elvis impersonators?

Warner has had just enough success to make the choice a no-brainer. He received standing ovations last summer after a performance at Elvis Week 2004 on the grounds of Graceland. He watched two women fight over the belt he threw into the crowd. And he recently won a Top 10 People's Choice award as best Elvis singer from a popular Web site, snagging him two performances in Quebec this winter.

"I try not to be like the other guys," he said. "I'm just myself. Some of these guys are really annoying and it makes my skin crawl to be around some of them. They make a mockery of it. There are a few really good ones."

He doesn't mimic Elvis. He doesn't do cheesy karate chops or spend thousands of dollars on jumpsuits.

"People want to hear singing," he theorized. "They don't want a karate demonstration. I don't want to be an Elvis impersonator impersonator."

from Cadillac, MI
http://www.cadillacnews.com/articles/2005/01/04/news/news08.txt

In Praise of the Mad Scientist

2005-01-05T16:19:00.000-06:00

Here's an excellent essay from the Village Voice's Samantha Hunt about Nikola Tesla and the absence of lofty scientific idealists questing for knowledge. Today we have yet to contact aliens, but we do have 100 remedies for erectile dysfunction instead.

Tesla, beside inventing the radio (check with the Supreme Court, Marconi fans), the radar, remote control, and alternating current (AC electricity), also tinkered with a series of dreamy though equally ingenious ideas: plans to light the oceans, photograph thoughts, use insects to create a harnessable power supply, communicate with life in outer space, harvest free energy from the Earth's atmosphere, control the weather with electricity, even build a ring about the equator that, by remaining stationary while the planet rotates, would make it possible to travel around the entire world in one day...
Tesla, the cult hero of independent invention, is materializing again, a bright-red streak on the gray background of corporatized science, to remind us that something went awry.
Maybe he's angry that the future he imagined failed to arrive.

http://villagevoice.com/news/0501,essay,59733,2.html

Elected Elvis To Sing At Indiana Gala

2005-01-04T22:13:00.000-06:00

Jasonville's Mayor of Rock 'N Roll will be twisting and shouting in his best "Elvis" rendition Sunday night as part of the inaugural gala for Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels.

Borders, a well-known Elvis impersonator and recently elected state legislator, will be among a talented troupe of performers set to take the stage for the 7:30 p.m. event in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center.

The Greene County native said he was elated to get the invitation to sing from the governor-elect and added, "Mitch asked me to sing while I was at a reception he had for House and Senator members. It took me about three seconds to say 'yes'."

He'll be wearing one of his nine Elvis jumpsuits and plans to sing three songs made famous by "The King" -- "My Way," "Suspicious Minds" and "Johnny Be Good."

from the Linton Daily Citizen
http://www.dailycitizen.com/articles/2005/01/04/news/bruce.txt

What would Elvis be doing today?

2005-01-03T18:20:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun article asking people what they think Elvis would be doing if he were alive today. From the Daily Southtown in Chicago, IL.

Risking the wrath of Elvis fans worldwide, Lin Brehmer, morning personality at WXRT-FM (93.1), said today's Elvis probably would weigh close to 400 pounds. "I've gotta believe his diet and personal grooming habits would not have led him to flat-bellied immortality," Brehmer said. "I think we're talking about the Marlon Brando of rock history, a legend who let his own legend consume him."...

With fans worldwide, Elvis would be one busy 70-year-old, Trent Carlini said. Carlini, originally from Chicago, lives in Las Vegas and is one of the nation's top Elvis impersonators. Finally free of his longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis would be able to tour overseas, Carlini said. Parker, fearing deportation as an alleged illegal alien, never allowed Elvis to tour overseas, he said...

Brehmer thinks Tarantino would have called on Elvis for a quirky role, and the King would be busy "playing heavies" — no pun intended...

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsliving/021ldcov.htm

Elvis is the worst?

2005-01-03T18:11:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone! We're back and getting ready for Elvis Birthday Bashes all over the world this Saturday, the 8th.

this one is from boston.com

HEY, I RESEMBLE THAT REMARK
Elvis Presley impersonator Steve Connolly fired off an e-mail to Blender Magazine in New York blasting its publisher Felix Dennis for tagging Presley (in the current issue) as one of "The 25 Worst Rock-Star Actors." The Winchester-born performer, who's appeared more than 3,000 times at the MGM Grand in Vegas, says that the younger Presley was a "charming, extraordinarily talented, glamorous original." (We're reminded that many people might say that of Madonna. Oops, the maggie put her at the top of its list of the worst.) "As a matter of fact," Connolly wrote, "Presley's 1957 movie, 'Jailhouse Rock' was just chosen by the Library of Congress to be included in the National Film Registry." Not that the government's ever made a mistake before. For those out there who agree with Connolly -- and we know you're legion this time of the year -- "Jailhouse Rock" will be screened at a bash to mark the 70th anniversary of Elvis's birth, at Boston Rocks in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Wednesday. And Connolly belts out "Jailhouse Rock" classics in his "Love Him Tender: Spirit of the King" concert at the Berklee Performance Center on Saturday -- the King's actual birthday.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2004-12-24T09:21:00.000-06:00

An Onion Surprise For Valerie Guzman!

2004-12-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

As part of the Wisconsin Book Festival this year my wife Laurie, seen above on the right, and I attended a panel discussion with 6 writers from the staff of The Onion, the wonderful satirical newspaper. It was a hysterically funny talk and I am extremely jealous of their work. We pick up a paper every week.

As some of you may know The Onion originated here in Madison, WI, before recently moving to New York due to their overwhelming popularity. Whenever they return to the Midwest they like to take pictures of their audiences since they find that Midwestern faces are more universal. They like to use them in the stories. So they made the offer. Anyone who wished could be photographed. They made no guarantees the pictures would ever be used.

Laurie decided she wanted to have her picture taken, but by the time we got to the line there were about 60 people in front of us. So we went for a walk down State St. Returning about a half hour later for another talk we saw the line had finally dwindled to 3 or 4. Laurie jumped in line and had her picture taken 4 or 5 times. I think they liked her.

We then forgot all about it.

Yesterday our son was out with some of his friends and they picked up a copy of this week's Onion.

"Dude, this picture looks like your mom," said his friend Tom.

Our son Shaun remembering the picture taking story said, "That is my mom."

"No, it really does look like your mom,' said Tom.

"No, that really is my mom!" said Shaun.

The title of the story is "Area Daughter Belittled Out of Concern" and is on the bottom of the front page, two stories down from "Weed Delivery Guy Saves Christmas". Laurie's comment was, "At least I'm not the weed delivery guy."

I have since sent the news to all of our relations and friends. We have no idea who the young woman is on the left or what the background is since Laurie was photographed against a blank wall. Never the less she is famous, at least her picture is.

Moral of the story: Be careful of what you wish for, it just might come true... all over the country.

www.theonion.com

A Delicious Marilyn

2004-12-22T20:58:00.000-06:00

A visitor looks at a chocolate bust of Marilyn Monroe during the exhibition 'Chocolate -History, Business, Pleasure' in a museum in Erfurt, eastern Germany, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

Charity Of The Elvi At Christmas

2004-12-22T20:19:00.000-06:00

The spirit of Christmas seems to be alive and well throughout the land.

from Business Wire

Las Vegas' very own, Trent Carlini, considered to be the world's best Elvis stylist (performer) came to say, "Thank you. Thank you very much."

Carlini brought hundreds of toys and gifts for all of the children at Las Vegas' Child Haven, a safe haven/refuge center for abused, abandoned and neglected children, ages 3 days to 17 years old. "Trent's holiday spirit brought so much joy to the kids at Child Haven and his encouraging words for the kids to find and follow their dreams was a great inspiration. The kids singing a few of Elvis' favorite songs, like 'Blue Christmas' and 'Hound Dog' was incredible!" stated Child Haven Manager Lou Palma.

Stated Carlini, "Many times, it's the nurses and caretakers of these children who are so often overlooked; and if anyone has ever had a child in the hospital, or away from them for any length of time, it's these special type of people that you want to acknowledge, specifically, for their unselfish love and tireless dedication in keeping the children safe, comfortable and happy, and we hope that we brought them a little joy during the holidays. To them we say, 'Thank you so very much.'"

Asked why Carlini does these kind gestures, he replied, "My band and I had a great run this year at the Las Vegas Hilton International where the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself performed his biggest concerts including his famous '68 comeback show; and, because we had literally thousands of people from Las Vegas and from around the world who came to support us, every year, we show our great appreciation by donating gifts to children who are in need, and we do this on our audiences' behalf."

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/altavista/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20041222005533&newsLang=en

from the Breeze Olney Times of Philadelphia

Who knew? Elvis knows Santa Claus.

The two celebrities performed at the same holiday party at Riverview Home, 7979 State Road. The party was coordinated by the Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr. Lodge #2193, Order of Sons of Italy in America.

"I've never been to an activity or event that kept their attention for so long," said Debbie Conway, recreation supervisor for the elderly and disabled residential care home. "I spent most of the time watching their reactions. It was a great event."

Elvis impersonator Michael Kubach and Jillian Feurer, a dancer and student at Rock School, entertained the audience alongside Santa's Elf Sharon Hill.

"They were singing, clapping, stirring up memories," said Naomi Maisonet, social worker.

http://www.newsgleaner.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13608698&BRD=2340&amp;amp;amp;amp;PAG=461&dept_id=488595&rfi=6

from KCTV5 in WICHITA, Kan

Roy Helm's work wardrobe is a little more out there than most businessmen's. For one thing, he has a belt that weighs 10 pounds. It's part of one of his four Elvis costumes. Helm spends much of his time dressed up as Elvis.

Helm performed Wednesday for food service workers at Colwich Charter School. Kitchen manager Janice Hageman organized the concert for her staff. She came to know Helm through Shiloh Enterprises. Helm has sold the school cleaning supplies. When she learned Helm also performed, Hageman called him about performing for her staff. He put on a short Elvis concert.

"He's such a happy and nice guy that you can't help but love him," Hageman said.

At first, some of her staff was dubious about an Elvis impersonator. "You'd never think such an awesome voice would come out of such a short guy," Hageman said, chuckling.

Helm said the best part of what he does is helping people forget their problems for a while.

http://www.kctv5.com/global/story.asp?s=2724467&ClientType=Printable

'The Elves' Impersonator' rocks the holiday

2004-12-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

It was certainly no blue Christmas when an Elvis elf visited Clinton Young Elementary [Perry Township, Indiana] last week.

The music department put on its annual holiday program Dec. 14 in the gymnasium. The string ensemble, directed by Catherine Radomski; band ensemble, directed by Brent Montgomery; and Ringing Lions and Singing Lions, both under the direction of Clinton Young music specialist Todd A. Pettit, performed musical selections.

The annual event featured the fifth-grade class performing its production of "The Elves' Impersonator." The musical set toes tapping to 1950s Elvis-style music while teaching lessons of acceptance, tolerance and respect. Set designs, lighting and costumes enhanced the production.

"This is a great experience for our students," Pettit said. "My hope is to give them a taste of what performing is really like in hopes that they will enjoy it enough to continue such musical activities in middle and high school and beyond."

The cast included all 122 fifth-graders.

LINKfrom indystar.com

Lighting Xmas - The Elvi Way

2004-12-19T22:09:00.000-06:00

In Mahwah, the king of all displayers is well-known Elvis impersonator Tony Destro, who bedecks his house, a miniature version of Graceland. So many callers sought directions to the Victoria Lane house that police put a recorded message on their phone system. Police also set down cones to control traffic and issued passes to neighborhood residents, so they can bypass the hours-long line of people waiting to see Destro's lights.

Michael-Ann Floyd of Garden Court, whose house faces Destro's back yard, said some of the light- seers make noise or leave fast-food trash behind; when the lights are off, some even yell at Destro to turn them on. On the bright side, she said, it only lasts a few weeks. "The lights themselves are nice, but it's hard to live with," she said.

from The Star Ledger at NJ.com
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-19/110343975786210.xml

Elvis Bread?

2004-12-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

What next?

"The 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth is to be commemorated with a limited edition bread featuring his likeness.

Bakers Kingsmill have crafted special bread tins to recreate the famous "Love Me Tender" singer's profile - and the packaging will carry the slogan 'By appointment to the King.'

Kingsmill spokesperson Jo Sykes says, "What better tribute to the great man than to bake him his very own limited edition loaf, for everyone to enjoy."

The company has managed to avoid legal action being taken against them by Elvis Presley Enterprises through their use of look-alikes for their $12.6 million TV commercials which show spoof footage of Presley as a baker."

I wrote to them asking if I might have a copy of some of their printed advertisements and they refused. They are based in the UK.
http://www.krktcountry.com/script/headline_newsmanager.php?id=372783&feed_id=28&section_directory=

Elvis Celebrates Life

2004-12-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

Joseph Creazzo's reverence for Presley blossomed into complete devotion after the Elvis imitator was seriously injured in a car wreck in 1990. Creazzo has been involved in two major automobile collisions and has required nearly two dozen surgeries as a result.

During one surgery for his back in 1992, Creazzo had a vision he'll never forget.

"There was a big shining light, and I couldn't reach it," Creazzo said. Beckoning him toward the light was his favorite musician. In the dream, Creazzo could only walk in place and could not reach Elvis.

"I couldn't get through that doorway," Creazzo said. "I wanted to, but I couldn't get there."

When he recovered from his operation, Creazzo was inspired to share his love of Elvis with the world. He sewed three Spandex bodysuits with metal studding reminiscent of Elvis. He started taking singing lessons five years ago. He now styles his hair and talks like Elvis. Impersonating Elvis has become Creazzo's way of life.

from the article by Rudy Miller for the Express-Times, New Jersey
http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1102932313135460.xml

The Week in Elvis

2004-12-15T21:06:00.000-06:00

During this week in 1957 Elvis received his draft notice.

In 1960 he is inducted into the Los Angeles Indian Tribal Council. The ceremony coincides with the opening of his movie "Flaming Star" in which he plays a half-breed.

Dueling Elvi

2004-12-12T22:21:00.000-06:00

from the "Better Late Than Never" Folder.
The contest mentioned in the article was yesterday. I'll see if I can find out who won.

Elvis - both of him - has entered the building. There are hundreds of Elvis impersonators in the world. At the All Stars Sports Bar in Seabrook on Saturday night, it will come down to just two: the 1960s crooner Elvis, Ralph Brown of Seabrook; and 1970s Las Vegas Elvis, William "Elvis" Bishop of North Hampton.

The men will compete "American Idol" style for the "Undisputed Title of ‘The King’," and for a lavish Elvis-style belt that started the whole affair rolling.

The belt originally belonged to Bishop, who agreed to sell it to Brown for $50, knocking $25 off the price because the men knew each other. Before Brown paid Bishop, the belt broke.

"The night I put it on it broke in half," said Brown. Bishop claims Brown fiddled with the clasps and broke it.

Currently holding the piece is Brown’s friend, Phil Englehardt, owner of the Honey Bee in Seabrook and recent self-published author of "Motorcycle Man," a semi-autobiographical novel about the restless proprietor of a doughnut shop. If anyone could see a promotional event in such a dispute, it was Englehardt, who has been touring New England marketing his book. In tow has been Brown, who is mentioned in "Motorcycle Man."
The show’s $10 admission will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Seacoast.

from the Exeter News-Letter
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/exeter/12102004/news/53181.htm

Elvis Microphone On Ebay

2004-12-07T20:32:00.000-06:00

On Friday, the "e" in eBay stands for "Elvis."

A microphone used by KWKH radio for its legendary Louisiana Hayride program -- which is largely credited with launching Elvis Presley to stardom -- will be put up for bid that day in a live auction at the Beverly Hills, Calif., auction house Profiles in History, which specializes in movie, TV and music memorabilia.

Bidders around the world can participate in the auction, which starts at 3 p.m. CST, online via eBay.

Oh well, I'm out of the running, the starting bid is $10,000.

LINK for article in The Shreveport Times

eBay: www.ebay.com.
Profiles in History: http://www.profilesinhistory.com/.

Chad Hershner is the Paramount

2004-12-02T21:31:00.000-06:00

Chad Hershner is getting ready for the grand opening of the Paramount Theater on December 15.

Under Hershner's guidance the Paramount project expanded from a $6.6 million stabilize-the-building endeavor to a $14 million vision of a state-of-the-art entertainment and educational venue...

Why here? I moved to Charlottesville in January 2001 when I was hired as the Executive Director of The Paramount Theater.

Worst about living here? Is there a worst thing? Charlottesville has so much to offer. It's a small town with a big-town feel.

People would be surprised to know? For fun, I used to be an Elvis impersonator and perform at birthday parties.

from The Hook, Charlottesville, VA http://readthehook.com/stories/2004/12/01/
hotseatMrSmilesParamountBo.html

Joseph Chavez

2004-12-02T21:21:00.000-06:00

Just ask Joseph Chavez — it takes time and money to be the King. Well, like the King anyway.

Hanging on his walls, rhinestones glitter on blue and white jumpsuits accented by gold and red capes. Chavez is preparing to head out to a casino for an Elvis look-alike contest, and he means to win...
For nearly two years, the retired schoolteacher has been taking his Elvis impersonation to parties, casinos and senior citizen centers...
Chavez said his favorite venue remains the different senior citizen centers where he can see his audience members smiling in remembrance.

"They all tell me their stories about Elvis. How some of them have met him, what he was like. They'll say that Elvis really gave them one of his scarves at a show, or he gave them a hug. I get a lot of satisfaction from putting smiles on their faces. It keeps me going," he said. "Some ladies come up to me, tap me on the shoulder and say things in like, 'Hey, I thought that you passed away!' Another lady was picking at my costume and I realized she was trying to steal one of the rhinestones off of my costume!"

from The Valencia County News-Bulletin, Belen, NM
http://www.news-bulletin.com/lavida/46874-12-01-04.html