15 Elvis Tribute Artists at 15th Annual Midwest

15 Elvis Tribute Artists at 15th Annual Midwest Tribute | Suite101
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15 Elvis Tribute Artists at 15th Annual
Midwest Tribute
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Presley look-alikes, a Michael Jackson impersonator and other celebs
are in the building to shake, rattle and roll for fun, prizes and bragging
rights.
By Michleen Collins on Jan 19, 2011
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Elvis Presley tribute artists from
across America will entertain
fans and judges alike at Hilton
Springfield, on Jan. 21 and Jan.
22, 2011. Fifteen contestants
will come from Florida, New
York, and other states to vie for
a total of $3,600 in cash prizes
at the Midwest Tribute to the
King – one of the world’s
largest Elvis impersonator
events.
Competitors may also dream of
walking in Memphis during this year's August “Elvis Week” national competitions. Memphis events
surrounding the August 16 anniversary of Presley’s death include the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist
title.
Downtown Springfield's two-day Midwest Tribute contest and celebration of all things Elvis takes
place at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Springfield Hotel at 700 E. Adams. The Midwest Tribute to
the King event is sponsored by Springfield’s Cool 101.9 FM radio station, Springfield Van and Storage
Co. and Miller Lite.
Celebrity Impersonators Start Shaking Things Up on Friday
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Events kick off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and pick up again Saturday at 6 p.m. Doors open an hour
before the show. After Friday preliminaries and Saturday semifinals, seven finalists will perform
another two songs each to compete for cash prizes and top honors.
The performances typically reflect varied stages of Elvis Presley’s life. Whether they portray the
dashing young army G.I., the electrifying film star of the late 1950s, or the beloved older and more
vocally seasoned Vegas draw, the Elvis impersonators at this annual event span the glitterati gamut.
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15 Elvis Tribute Artists at 15th Annual Midwest Tribute | Suite101
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“Throwing a party every year for the public to look forward to is fun,” said Puglia. Even the judges
consider their work a labor of love. “People clamor to be judges,” Puglia notes. “They’re studying
Elvis videos and listening to his music – it’s great.”
Elvis impersonators are judged on a number of factors, including their speaking voice and ability to
stay in character while performing, appearance and costume, vocal talent, showmanship, movement
and audience reaction.
Home
Midwest Elvis Presley
Fans Rock and Roll into
Springfield, Ill.
Michleen Collins
Celebrities, dignitaries, Elvis experts and fans have served as judges over the years. One loyal
Alabama fan asked at the 11th hour if he could be a judge and even offered to fly to Springfield in his
private plane.
Puglia founded and still spearheads the Midwest tribute. He was inspired and challenged after “Doc”
Franklin invited him to be a judge at the international “Images of the King” competition, held in
Memphis. Ed Franklin was a nationally recognized entrepreneur, Elvis fan and personality credited
with developing the Elvis impersonator genre. He was a veterinarian for Presley’s pets and the
subject of many Elvis documentaries.
Well over a decade later, some of the world’s best “Elvi” are rolling into the Midwest, many en route
to Memphis. Fans can spot them by their vintage gold lame jackets, jet-black hair and black leather
pants, or long red scarves and sequined white jumpsuits from Presley’s Vegas years. Past Midwest
Tribute winners, such as Bill Cherry, of Collinsville, Ill., have gone on to win the “Images of the King”
world competition.
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Celebrity Michael Jackson Tribute Artist and Other Special Guest Appearances
Springfield guests will also be treated to a special appearance by a tribute to yet another king – the
King of Pop. Enrico Hampton – aka Rico Michael Jackson – is a renowned Chicago-based celebrity
impersonator. Rico is famous for his crowd-pleasing Michael Jackson impressions. Other guest stars
will make an appearance, too, including event emcee, former Miss Ohio, Monica Day.
KAVAN, Elvis Artist and Rising Pop Star to Perform New Single
KAVAN a 23-year-old entertainer from Ohio, is acclaimed as the world’s #1 Rock ‘n Roll Elvis. He
thrills fans with his vocal and performing talent, good looks and charisma, This year, KAVAN will take
the stage as a guest artist in a different capacity. He’ll perform his new electro-pop release,
“Indecisive,” recorded by the Dream Vizion label, of Decatur, Ill.
Throughout the weekend, fans can check out Elvis Presley memorabilia and exhibits before and
during the program. There will be a cash bar and food available for purchase, although some of Elvis
Presley’s favorites, such as peanut butter and banana sandwiches, are unlikely to be on the menu.
After the show, Central Illinois entertainer Greg Toland and Teddy Bear Entertainment will keep the
Elvis beat going with open-mic karaoke in the Rendezvous Room of the Hilton Springfield. Fans can
find additional event information and purchase tickets at pietalent.com or call 877-772-5425. The
Hilton Springfield Hotel offers special “Elvis Spectator” rates.
Copyright Michleen Collins
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