Most of our longtime readers know that I was, and still am, an Elvis fan. Having seen Elvis perform at 40 shows, mostly at the showroom at the Hilton International Hotel in Las Vegas, I do consider myself an expert when it comes to judging if a tribute artist does or does not do a good job of imitating “The King of Rock and Roll.”
Over the decades since Elvis passed, I have seen various tribute artists in Las Vegas, Laughlin, at the Azteca Restaurant in Garden Grove and at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Years ago I even watched one impersonator do his act at a local fundraiser for the Long Beach Police Department’s motor patrol. That particular performer was third-generation Long Beach cop and Elvis tribute artist Billy Foster.
Most of these fellows, in my opinion, do a fair job; others have been quite good. Some have been nearly spot-on when it comes to their singing voices, costuming, gestures and the overall illusion of Elvis on stage.
Back in January of 2014, my sweet husband bought us VIP tickets to see an Elvis tribute artist at Steven’s Restaurant in the City of Commerce. The event was produced by a young man named Eddie Stephens of Elvis Show SoCal. The timing was perfect for those of us audience members who wanted to celebrate what would have been Elvis’s 79th birthday. Well, after seeing one of Eddie’s productions, especially one that included a stellar Elvis-impersonation by award-winning tribute artist Rob Ely, I was hooked.
The next one of Eddie’s productions was in August of 2014 at the Whittier Center Theatre. Once again, the performances were excellent. At that show there were two Elvis tribute artists, Victor Trevino Jr. as “Elvis— the Early Years” and Eli Williams as “Elvis— the Concert Years.”
When that show was over, Eddie informed me that he would be putting together what he calls an Elvis Extravaganza for spring of 2015. He assured me that we would keep in touch and that I could buy the first four tickets for that new show. Sure enough, we did keep in touch, and that Elvis Extravaganza is taking place later this month.
I spoke with Eddie earlier this week and told him I wanted to share information about the show with my readers. So, read below for details on the next production from Elvis Show SoCal. I hope to see you there.
The first-ever Spring Fling with the King will take place at 7pm on Saturday, March 28 at the VFW Post 1944, 16157 Gale Ave. in the City of Industry. The King will be portrayed by two well-known Elvis Tribute artists: Jacob Roman, of Glendale, as “Elvis the Early Years;” and Dave Hoover, of Las Vegas, as “Elvis — The Concert Years.” All performers will be accompanied live by the Treat Me Nice band.
As a special treat, “Partie” Artie Dadyan, who created Elvis’s glasses in the 1970s, will be at the show selling replica Elvis glasses and jewelry along with other Elvis collectibles and show souvenirs.
General-admission tickets may be purchased for $20 presale at elvisshowsocal.com or by calling Eddie Stephens at (562) 818-7607. Tickets will also be sold for $25 at the door. The event is appropriate for all ages, and families are encouraged to bring children and grandchildren to learn more about Elvis. Soft drinks, snack items and a full-service bar will be available with all refreshment proceeds going to VFW Post 1944.
