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