First Black President, Meet The First Black World Champion Elvis

Three days before the first African-American ever to take the oath office of the President of the United States, Elvis fans can see the first African-American ever to take the crown of World Champion Elvis Impersonator. He's black, he's Elvis, and he is good. Really good! He's Robert Washington, World Champion Elvis Impersonator.

The Background:

On August 16, 1977 Elvis "left the building". Coincidentally, on that fateful day, Robert Washington was celebrating his 19th birthday. Fast forward over 30 years later and Robert Washington has become one of the best Elvis impersonators in the world. Some would say THE best. Others would vehemently disagree.

Why? Because he is black.

Robert Washington took 2nd place for three years at the annual Images of Elvis World Championships held each August in Memphis, Tennessee. And three times a slew of fans cried foul when he was not crowned King. But after several cracks against the glass ceiling, fans at the World Championships were stunned, shocked, and ecstatic when Robert Washington made history by becoming the first black man ever crowned World Champion Elvis Impersonator. That's right, a black man went down to Memphis, the city where Martin Luther King was assassinated, and topped nearly a hundred other competitors to take the title of World Champion Elvis Impersonator. (Some of them had even had tens of thousands of dollars of plastic surgery to look more like Elvis, but that's another story). Now he's coming to the on Martin Luther King weekend.

On Saturday, January 17th, in celebration of Elvis' birthday, Robert Washington will appear live in concert at the 9th Annual Elvis Birthday Bash in Olympia. The evening begins with 7:30pm screening of Almost Elvis - the hilarious and heartwarming documentary about Elvis Impersonators. This award-winning film chronicles top contenders on their road to the World Championships, including Robert's own efforts to crack the color barrier. Almost Elvis has received international acclaim and was directed by noted Northwest documentary filmmaker, John Paget.

After the film, Robert Washington will take the stage and let the audience be the judge. Known in the Elvis world for his onstage flips, athletic dance moves, and powerful voice, he leaves fans All Shook Up. General Admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $25. Tickets are available at www.ElvisBirthdayBash.com or at the box office on the night of the show.

Event Summary:

Elvis Birthday Bash 2009: Saturday January 17th at 7:30pm at the Capitol Theater in Olympia, WA. The 9th Annual Elvis Birthday Bash features live concert performance by World Champion Elvis Impersonator Robert Washington. Also, a screening of the documentary film "Almost Elvis". Plus: Elvis costume contest and trivia challenge, velvet Elvis art show, fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and more.General Admission tickets $10.VIP tickets $25:Tickets available at www.ElvisBirthdayBash.comFor info: 1-800-916-KING

MELODIKA.net - First Black President, Meet The First Black World Champion Elvis

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Australian Outback Town, Parkes, all shook up about Elvis

Not to be missed.. this Australian event in a town called Parkes..

"The festival evolved almost 20 years ago, when a couple of Elvis fans, who owned a restaurant called Gracelands in the central NSW town, struggled through another hot summer.

Parkes Shire Council tourism manager Kelly Hendry said people were heading to the coast for their holidays so the town needed a money spinner.

Being Elvis Presley fans - hence the eatery's name - the restaurateurs knew The King's birthday fell on January 8, and decided to throw him a party.

The first festival 17 years ago attracted 200 local closet Elvis fans.

This year 9,500 fans flocked into the town with international media in tow, shops decked out their decor, staff were forced to don costumes and over 120 Elvis-inspired events were held.

"It certainly transforms the whole town," Ms Hendry told AAP.

But the locals weren't always this enthusiastic about the five-day festival, which includes an Elvis Gospel service and countless tribute shows.

"In the early years the locals didn't get behind it and weren't that fond of the idea of a festival," she said.

"There was a large section of the community that were anti it ... because it was a really niche event and it didn't attract many people and they couldn't see the connection or why Parkes should be associated with it.

"They had to be shown the vision of what it could become and then they could get on board."

Ms Hendry said she now has other small towns asking how they can create their own "magic".

Elvis impersonator and die-hard fan Scott Crawford rode the train to Parkes from Sydney with his wife and hundreds of other fans.

Crawford, who also breeds miniature horses, spent the six-hour train ride leading the fans in song.

The 43-year-old from Sydney said people had questioned their motives, thinking they may be taking the mickey.

"There's just a total feeling of one-ness about the whole thing," he said.

"There is a very, very strong sense of love or loyalty towards Elvis.

"Some people say ... we're having a go at Elvis or whatever, no, it's far from that.

"People are having a lot of fun because of his existence, but I never believe that it's at his expense, it is very respectful," he said.

"We're not idiots, we do know that Elvis has passed away but we in our hearts love him."

Elvis Aaron Presley would have been 74 this year.

The first king of rock 'n' roll died at his Memphis mansion called Graceland, on August 16, in 1977 aged 42, of complications related to obesity and drug dependency.

Each year his widow Priscilla Presley has a birthday cake-cutting ceremony at Graceland, attended by hundreds of fans.

An enduring cultural icon, Elvis's unique talent has been mimicked by thousands worldwide.

He has sold over a billion records.

For Elvis fans, the king lives on."

Parkes all shook up about Elvis - Music - Entertainment - theage.com.au

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Elvis show comes to Aurora

The Elvis Birthday Tribute, a concert celebrating the music of Elvis Presley era by era, will be coming the Paramount Theater Jan. 9 and the Star Plaza Theatre Jan. 10.

Tickets are $35.50 and $49.50.The concert includes the early rock-a-billy years, the military years, the movie years and the 1968 comeback special in black leather, and the show closes with the Las Vegas concert years.

Performers include Shawn Klush, Ryan Pelton, Donny Edwards, D.J. Fontana and The Fabulous Ambassadors Band.

Elvis show comes to Aurora :: Naperville Sun :: Entertainment

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Go Chicago: Annual Elvis Fest is Jan. 8

9th Annual Elvis Fest: The fest rocks Chicago at The Original Mother's, 26 W. Division St. at 8 p.m. Jan. 8, on what would have been his 74th birthday. Fans can meet Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi as he broadcasts live from 7 to 11 p.m. Emcee Sergio Interial hosts Elvis Tribute Artists, Elvis karaoke, giveaways, look-alike contest, free peanut butter and banana buffet and more. No entrance fee, $5 suggested charitable donation. www.OriginalMothers.com. 312-642-7251.

Go Chicago: Annual Elvis Fest is Jan. 8 :: Beacon News :: Entertainment

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'The King' plans return to Austin

Elvis Presley tribute artist Chatfield Boice along with the D.C. Drifters will perform at 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve at the Paramount Theatre, Austin

"Boice has bumped and ground his way from obscurity to … well … being one of hundreds of Elvis tribute artists.

He has a distinctive business card that identifies him as “Brad Boice ETA.”

“This year will be 60 times that I have performed my Elvis tribute,” he said. “I still have to have a day job, working for the city of Eyota.”

Austin Daily Herald | 'The King' plans return to Austin

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Four tribute artists to perform at the Sixth Annual Birthday Bash in Weston | wausaudailyherald.com | Wausau Daily Herald

Check out this event - sounds good where four award-winning Elvis tribute artists will bring their sideburns and swiveling hips to Dale’s Weston Lanes Jan. 10.

"They’ll perform at the Sixth Annual Elvis Birthday Bash, which will include two shows, a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 8 p.m.

Singers Gino Monopoli, Fred “E” Heidmann, Tony Rocker and Curt Lechner will perform more than 60 of the King’s best songs.

General admission advance tickets cost $15 for the matinee show and $20 for the evening show. Tickets at the door, if available, will be $20 for the matinee and $25 for the evening show.

VIP events are planned one hour before each show to give folks a chance to meet and greet the performers and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. VIP tickets for the evening show are sold out, but matinee VIP admission tickets still are available for $30.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.elvisbash.com or in person at Weston Lanes, 5902 Schofield Ave., Weston. For more information, call 574-0768 or 359-8488."

Four tribute artists to perform at the Sixth Annual Birthday Bash in Weston | wausaudailyherald.com | Wausau Daily Herald

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What's Shawn Klush Up To?

Sounds like he's doing well - Lorraine Francisco has it covered in this short article - she says:

"Impress your guests by having the original King of rock and roll perform at your event, with tribute artist Shawn Klush.

American Shawn Klush was named The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises (part owned by Lisa Marie Presley). He was also named The World's Greatest Elvis by the BBC in 2007.

Klush is currently on tour with his orchestra and the UK's Stars in Their Eyes 2005 Elvis tribute winner Gordon Hendricks.

Prices start from £5,000, UK based musicians can also be provided to make up a seven piece of 24 piece orchestra."

He must be doing very well!

Shawn Klush

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