JULY 9, 2009 ISSUE
It’s Elvis at Hayes July 20
On Monday, July 20, at the Hayes Center, international award-winning performer Ryan Pelton becomes Elvis for a time and takes the audience back to the birth of rock and roll in It’s Elvis.
A man in the process of becoming an icon for his stunning tribute performances takes on the role of the ultimate pop icon for one show locally at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on Monday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m.
That evening, international award-winning performer Ryan Pelton becomes Elvis for a time and takes the audience back to the birth of rock and roll in It’s Elvis.
Pelton’s fame as one of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists among countless performers who take on the job was cemented in 2007 when Elvis’ former wife Priscilla Presley handpicked him to sing Peace in the Valley with Celine Dion on the TV special Idol Gives Back. Pelton also appeared in the movie Hound Dog with Dakota Fanning.
Pelton gives a remarkable impression of the King—from the physique, to the mannerisms and to the timbre of his voice. Glimpses of his performances are available on YouTube. The costumes are based on those Elvis was famous for—from the G.I. uniform to the jewel-studded jumpsuits—and combine with the music to trigger a real walk down memory lane. Pelton’s performance and looks can be so like the King’s, there are moments when it is possible to wonder if Elvis has actually reincarnated on stage.
“Ryan has him down pat,” said Rick Suyao of the Hayes Center. He said that the nice thing about Pelton is that, while he covers all stages of Elvis’ career, “he looks like the younger Elvis.”
Pelton, said Suyao, “had no formal musical training, but he was always a good singer. A software developer, he got bored with it and was looking for something more exciting to do with his life. He turned his knack of singing like Elvis into a performance [and the] reception [was] so good he decided to make a career of it.”
Pelton and the tribute band are “in the building” for one-night only with a back-up singer from Las Vegas, said Suyao. He’ll be performing well-known favorites such as Shake, Rattle & Roll, GI Blues, Rock-a-hula, Polk Salad Annie, Love Me Tender, Peace in the Valley and the all-time showstopper, American Trilogy.
Pelton has entertained audiences all over the United States and four continents with his Elvis tribute. The limited-numbered $40 V.I.P. tickets include a before-the show reception with the star. Pelton will also come out to the lobby immediately after the show for photos and to meet with audience members.
It’s Elvis ties into the theme of Blowing Rock Stage Company’s production of Bye Bye Birdie, the musical comedy inspired by the King himself, which plays in repertory at the center July 17 to August 2.
For more information on Pelton, click to www.ryanpelton.com. For tickets, click to www.HayesCenter.org or call 828-295-9627.
Special group rates are available for parties with more than 10 people.
Want To Go?
Date: Monday, July 20
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock
Cost: $26, $30 or $40
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