From the opening strains of "Zarathustra" to the legendary closing words "Elvis has left the building" - an ELVIS PRESLEY concert was always an unforgettable and magical experience. No other performer - then and now - could equal the King's unbridled energy, electrifying showmanship and heart-throbbing sensuality.
It's been 28 years since Elvis was gone, yet his magic lives on! It lives on through the tributes, competitions, conventions and other events held in Elvis' honor all over the world. Elvis fan clubs also contribute immensely to the enduring magic of the King.
Here in California, for example, the JHR (Jailhouse Rockers) Fan Club, holds monthly meetings that feature performances by ETAs who are members of the club. To the delight of fan club members, the performances are gratis et amore. Free! The monthly events are coordinated by the JHR board members: TINA ALTMAN, president; SHERI MARKLEY, vice-president; KATHY GARRISON, treasurer; and SYLVIA RONQUILLO, secretary.
Here are some of the performers who bring delight to fan club members: JAMES KING, DEAN Z, DON ROSE, STEVE MURPHY, DAVE HOOVER, MARLON VON RATIBOR, STAN MAYO, GENE LANE, DEAN HAYEK, DANIEL YOUNG, NARRIE KING, KEN YUVIENCO, JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ and RAY HERRERA.
Aside from the monthly meetings and performances, the JHR members also
attend various Elvis events all over California and Nevada. One such event was the recently held LEGENDARY SUPERSTARS WEEKEND at the Hacienda Hotel & Casino in Boulder City, Nevada. Hosted by GENE LANE, the weekend event featured an Elvis competition featuring 18 contestants.
The winners were: TONY PRIETAS, first place; CHANCE MICHAELS, second place; MIKE CREDITFORD, third place; STEVE MURPHY, fourth place; and DONOVAN CHAVEZ, fifth place.
Also featured at the same event was a COUNTRY MUSIC SHOW, an absolutely rockin' 50's show headlined by Japan's MORI YASUMASA and his TCB Band. Mori is Japan's top Elvis tribute artist. In 1992, Mori was the Champion in the 'IMAGES OF THE KING' competition in Memphis, Tennessee. Every few months or so, Mori and his band fly to the U.S. to thrill Elvis fans with his superb performances.
In early December, three Elvis tribute artists performed and wowed the audience during the grand opening of the Takeuchi, Hsiao and Mirosevic Art Gallery in San Pedro, California. The performers were ADAM MICHAELS, NARRIE KING and SILVER GARCIA.
The new art gallery displayed original paintings by well-known artists, and showcased the beautifully matted and framed large photos of the King taken during his live performances by Elvis' official photographer ED BONJA, who was on hand to sign autographs.
ED BONJA was seriously hurt in a car accident a few months ago, and his injuries landed him in the hospital. To help defray the cost of the medical bills, the Jailhouse Rockers of California in cooperation with other fan clubs, hosted the ED BONJA BENEFIT SHOW in Jean, Nevada.
Around 28 entertainers performed non-stop for 5 hours, thrilling the jam-packed crowd and raising over $3,000 that evening. Big thanks are in order for all the performers, among whom are CHANCE MICHAELS, GENE LANE, DON ROSE, LANCE LIPINSKI, THE BLUES BROTHERS, KEN YUVIENCO, QUENTIN FLAGG, SONNY BOLINE and JOHNNY THOMPSON.
The JHR members had a fun time mingling with other Elvis fan club members, some of who came all the way from Canada. Good to see you Elvis fans from Canada!
JOHNNY THOMPSON had a very busy year in 2005 and is again much in demand this New Year 2006. In 2006, Johnny had the following schedule: a 10-month engagement performing at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; appeared in the SURREAL LIFE SHOW which was shown in VH1; hostel the new TV pilot show WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS; performed in six cities in China at various nightclubs and venues; six weeks of performances in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in Mexico; and two sold-out concerts in La Paz, Bolivia for the U.S. Embassy.
For 2006 (from Dec. 10, 2005 up to March 10, 2006), JOHNNY THOMPSON will be performing at four different resorts in the Dominican Republic. Also in March, he will be hosting the PEIA Elvis Impersonators Convention in Las Vegas. In April, he will be touring Texas and Louisiana, then the following month (May 2006), Johnny will be starring in two Broadway-style shows in Michigan. In June 2006, he will star in 'THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING', a movie documentary pilot.
DON ROSE, who performs back-to-back in California and Nevada will be featured in the show 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE KING' at the Riverside Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The show will run from January 2 to January 8, 2006. His cute 4-year old son RYAN ROSE will perform with him, together with the Blue Hawaiian dancers. RYAN ROSE at the tender age of 4 has his dad's moves and can belt out a song like the rest of them.
20-year old LANCE LIPINSKI has delighted audiences all over the United States by his superb impersonation of both ELVIS PRESLEY and JERRY LEE LEWIS. He will be featured at the 'ED SULLIVAN SHOW" at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The show will run for three months (Dec. 22, 2005 to March 5, 2006). Lance has a lot going for him, what with his tremendous talent, good looks, and friendly and humble attitude.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you who love Elvis as I do. I wish you
success in all your ventures and in all of life's adventures!
