EDDIE O’ROURKE’s ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL
by eddie on Jul.19, 2009, under E
July 16th I performed the latest concert of my ’09 Elvis Summer Festival in New Jersey…a hot and humid classic car show!
It never ceases to amaze me how the crowds at these outdoor events will endure sweltering heat for these hour long shows. There was a multitude of very young fans at this event and they were really into the whole Elvis thing. I’m not certain if it’s the flashy costumes, the karate-style moves or the music that attracts them, but these kids like “The King”. It always amuses me when they think I’m really him, but then again, there are some adults who take that “leap of faith” and react to me as if I’m Elvis! I’m never quite sure how to handle that. It is definitely a credit to Presley’s talent that such a wide range in age still respond to his music.
I opened the concert with a short medley of “Long Tall Sally” and “Whole Lota Shaking”. Along the way I did some vintage Elvis like “Love Me” and “One Night With You”. Midway another medley from the ’68 NBC Special…”Heartbreak Hotel”, “Hound Dog” and “All Shook Up”. I closed the concert with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”…originally recorded by The Righteous Brothers, but I’ve always liked Elvis’ rendition more. And of course, my final number at all of these Vegas recreations, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Post concert…lots of chatting and photos with the fans. All in all, a satisfying show. I think the audience had as much fun as I did!