Ultimate Elvis - The King Lives On, Too Doug Messel
Bring the King –
Celebrating Elvis
Elvis Presley would
have turned 75 this year. In celebration, On Stage Touring, LLC and Elvis
Presley Enterprises, Inc. are setting out on a nationwide tour that comes to Evansville on February 4.
The show, which takes place at the Centre, is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.
The tour proclaims itself to be a
“multimedia extravaganza,” one that pays tribute to various stages of Presley’s
career. Four eras are represented in the show; the 1950’s, where Elvis shook
things up by planting the seeds of rockabilly music. The 1960’s, which gave
birth to Elvis’s movie soundtracks as well as his film career, is also
represented. The last era to be portrayed is that of the concert
years—undoubtedly featuring the intricate costumes worn by the King in his live
shows.
According to chief operating officer
of On Stage Touring, Brian Brigner, “The partnership between On Stage Touring
and Elvis Presley Enterprises provides the only authentic touring showcase of
Elvis tribute artists for fans who want to experience the music and live
performance charisma of one of the most popular recording artists in history.”
Of
course, an Elvis tribute show wouldn’t be complete without back-up dancers, live band, singers, and an Ann Margaret
tribute artist. Along with these components of the show, concert-goers can
expect to see lots of iconic imagery presented by the Graceland
archives.
So how do the organizers
of this event choose their Elvis Presley tribute artists? The four performers
selected for this set of shows are former finalists of worldwide competitions,
which are organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Bill Cherry
Bill Cherry, one of these
performers, currently holds the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist due to
his win at 2009’s contest finals in Memphis.
Cherry specializes in the concert years of Presley’s performances. Of his
experiences, Cherry says, “Performing a tribute to the greatest entertainer the
world has ever known is a dream come true.”
Kevin Mills finished in 2008’s top
ten, but raised his standing to third in 2009’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest.
Other accolades include his presence at all three Elvis Cruise sailings and the
inauguration of President Bill Clinton.
Victor Trevino Jr. has earned quite
a few awards and titles in his three years of Elvis performances, and is a
specialist in the rockabilly ‘50’s and ‘60’s styles, as well as the movie
genre. He was a finalist in both 2009 and 2008 contests and took first place in
2009’s Branson competition. Trevino Jr. was the headliner at 2009’s Tupelo
Elvis Festival in Tupelo,
Miss.
Victor Trevino, Jr.
Leo
Days—unlike the other three performers—portrays Elvis in all three eras. Days
listened to Elvis while growing up and claimed his first contest title at the
age of 15.
“It’s
been exciting to see The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest spotlight some
of the most talented Elvis tribute artists in the world,” said Scott Williams,
vice president of marketing for Elvis Presley Enterprises. “This tour will give
even more Elvis fans around the nation an opportunity to see these talented
entertainers.”
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Elvis Presley would
have turned 75 this year. In celebration, On Stage Touring, LLC and Elvis
Presley Enterprises, Inc. are setting out on a nationwide tour that comes to 
