Elvis Tribute Artist Eddie O'Rourke presents A Tribute to The King

I recently performed my Elvis Christmas Brunch at “The Pointe” in Port Liberte’, Jersey City. I’ve been doing this particular set since the year 2000.

The festivities opened with the tune Here Comes Santa Claus…followed by that great Elvis classic Blue Christmas and, the up tempo, Santa Bring My Baby Back. Other holiday favorites included: White Christmas, that exciting blues  number, Santa Claus Is Back In Town, the poignant, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Silver Bells, It Won’t Seem Like Christmas and I Hear The Bells. Also, a lot of non- Christmas Elvis tunes in between.

This was a brunch…early for me. I’m a night person and early performances have always put a bit of pressure on me. Singing in the first half of the day requires a little more work on my part. In an effort to loosen my voice, I found myself rehearsing around 8:30 that morning.

It’s one thing to listen to all those Christmas songs on the radio, but much more engaging to perform them. For a number of years now, performing my Elvis Show has been my special way of getting into the holiday spirit. Hopefully I brought some of that Christmas Cheer to the audience too! AND I DIDN’T HAVE TO IMPERSONATE  SANTA TO DO IT!!

Sunday, November 8th was this Elvis Tribute Artist’s return to The Pointe, 2 Chapel Avenue, Port Liberte’, Jersey City. My posse of fans from the firm of Ernst & Young were in attendance. We held the start of the show for my “fan club” from San Antonio, TX. Their limo got lost enroute from their hotel near the airport, but it was well worth the wait for such a party group.

Assisted by my New Jersey backup crew, DJ Express, I kicked off the show to the strains of “See See Rider” followed by that great Elvis classic “Burnin’ Love.” Next came “Something”, first recorded by The Beatles, “Blue Suede Shoes” written by rockabilly artist Carl Perkins. Further into the program the James Taylor hit “Steamroller Blues” and the Frank Sinatra standby “My Way” done Elvis-style. Well into the concert a bolero rendition of “What Now My Love” and, the ever popular, “Suspicious Minds.” I closed the night with another Elvis classic “Big Hunka Love.” Finally, lots of photos with lots of folks.,

Another stop at The Pointe on December 6th for an Elvis Christmas Brunch. I’ll return to the Hudson County area with my Elvis Winter Wonderland 2010…Sunday, February 28th  at “The Pointe.” In addition, lots of private gigs will keep me as busy as Santa’s Elves at this time of the year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

DUST OFF THOSE BLUE SUEDE SHOES ‘CAUSE THE KING OF ROCK IS COMING!  For the coolest way to spend a hot summer night, June thru September, cruise on down to Broadway between 17th and 20th Street, Bayonne, New Jersey for the first of the BAYONNE TOWN CENTER CLASSIC CAR SHOWS Thursday-June 17th-6:00 to 9:00PM and the first concert for EDDIE O’ROURKE’s “ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL.”  For more info call: 201 339 9409….Dates for private events are not published. Please contact us for available bookings.

A few nights ago I ran into my actor friend, Joe Tornatore, who is here in Bayonne scouting out locations for his latest production “Spaghetti Park.” Joe’s main occupation these days is that of actor, director and producer, but in his long film career he has probably filled every position imaginable. Well…maybe with the exception of  actress!

Tornatore is one of those faces you recognize, but can’t always put a name to. A short list of his tv work includes: Mission Impossible, The Bill Cosby Show, Mod Squad, Cannon, The Rockford Files, MASH and T. J. Hooker. Highlights of his film work are: Cleopatra Jones, The Sting, Planet of the Apes, The Champ and Marciano. As a director/producer his efforts include: Zebra Force, Grotesque, Demon Keeper, Curse of the Crystal Eye, Game Room, and most recently Immortally Yours.  “Spaghetti Park” is scheduled to begin shooting in January of 2010 and is the latest in a long list of films that have been made here in New Jersey.

Most folks forget that the film industry began here in 1893. The first production studio, The Black Mariah, was constructed on the grounds of Thomas Edison’s laboratories in West Orange. Early silent film thrillers like “The Perils of Pauline” were shot on the palisades in Weehawken. Many of the large mansions that still exist on Boulevard East in Weehawken were once owned by the early stars of silent film. Bayonne has been the location for many tv shows and scores of works for the big screen. If you’re taking notes…let’s not forget the 2005  Tom Cruise blockbuster “War of the Worlds.” So all the best to my friend Joe Tornatore…you’ve come to the right place and you’re in good company!