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

I don’t consider myself an Elvis impersonator, lookalike or imitator.  However, the fact that I choose to have real sideburns has often pigeon-holed me with one of those labels.

Years ago I made the decision not to use a wig and fake burns for my Elvis Tribute Shows. With few exceptions, they just never look natural. And, an ivy league haircut with paste-on sideburns just makes a guy look like someone dressed for a Halloween party. The thought of looking like a parody goes against everything I try to achieve in my Elvis Show. My tribute has always been done with sincerity and respect for the image. All my costumes are carefully maintained, I’m meticulous about the jewelry and guitars I use, and I’m fortunate to be blessed with a slim physique

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis..."sideburns" and all !

Off stage, I’ve always liked stylish clothes. The combination of the burns and clothes pretty much have me in costume, even when I’m not. Whether it’s my home-base in New Jersey, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Memphis, Texas or just about everywhere… I, along with my family and friends, have grown accustomed to the stares and remarks when I’m out in public. I don’t think I look like Elvis, but folks continually make the connection. I suppose I should be flattered that the illusion exists in so many peoples eyes. It certainly helps to make my performance more convincing.

It has always been my belief that having an “Elvis Attitude” is as important as physically looking or sounding like “The King.” The right attitude can go a long way toward a good performance. It’s a tool used by the best actors. I’ve had people tell me I carry myself like Elvis. It’s not something I’m conscious of doing. If it’s true, it’s natural….like the sideburns. For the audience to buy into the illusion, they have to believe what they see. In most of my shows, I’m up close and personal with the crowd. The less “fake” they observe in my appearance…the easier it is for them to accept what they see as real. If the day comes when I feel I can no longer represent the image faithfully…that’s the day this Elvis Tribute Artist will shave off the sideburns and hang up the jumpsuit. Till then…THE “ELVIS-BURNS” STAY!

Elvis Tribute Artist, Eddie O'Rourke does the "red carpet" in Tribeca

Earlier in the year this Elvis Tribute Artist was invited to The Tribeca Film Festival. Founded in 2002, by actor Robert DeNiro and Craig Hatkoff  just after 9-11. The festival was conceived to foster the revitalization of the downtown area of Manhattan and to promote New York City as a major mecca for film making.

At a private screening I saw the premier of the hilarious dark-comedy “Serious Moonlight”,starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton.  The film was directed by actor/director Cheryl Hines and screenplay by the late Adrienne Shelly who also wrote, co-starred in, and directed the critically acclaimed 2007 hit “Waitress.” A big thumbs-up for Shelly’s final entry. Her tragic passing is such a loss to those of us who appreciate superb writing. I’ll be looking forward to hitting The Tribeca Film Festival once again in the Spring of 2010. See…I do occasionally get to do something in addition to my Elvis Tribute Show!

Another fantastic audience!

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis is a "hunka burnin' love" at his Sept., '09 "Concert In The Park"

Saturday, September 20th was yet another New Jersey gig. An Elvis Tribute Concert at the Dr. David G. Morris Park in Bayonne. The facility is adjacent to an historic 19th century firehouse which has been  turned into a museum. I got to take some photos, dressed in a rendition of Elvis’ “Burnin’ Love” jumpsuit, with some pretty old fire fighting gear. One of my favorite antiques on display was a horse drawn, water coach from 1840.

This Elvis Tribute was sponsored by The Gary LaPelusa Association. Gary is a New Jersey politician. DJ Express provided my background music and sound support. The concert, just under an hour, ran the gamut of Elvis hits from the Fifties through the Seventies. The show attracted a mixed audience of kids to seniors and I caught every age group singing along at various points. After remaining for photos, as I was getting ready to leave, a sweet little girl named Madison, approached me with her grandfather. She had already taken a photo with me earlier, but wanted to shake my hand before going home. You know…it’s the magic of Elvis. IT’S GOOD TO PLAY THE KING!!

Bringin' it on home for the final "Elvis Summer Festival '09"

Eddie O'Rourke's "Blue Suede" finish for his "Elvis Summer Festival", Sept., '09

On Thursday, September 17th, I played the final concert for my “Elvis Summer Festival” here in New Jersey. The programs have been presented as a feature of the Bayonne Town Center Classic Car Shows, since the beginning of the new millennium

A cool September evening, no rain ( which this Elvis Tribute Artist has had a good deal of this Summer) and a very responsive audience was the setting for the last concert for my ‘09 Elvis Summer Festival. Despite a minor mishap with my guitar strap giving out at the beginning of my opening number,  the show got off to a strong start with “That’s Alright Mama”, followed by “Release Me” and “Sweet Caroline.” Later, midway in the show, I did a well received rendition of “It’s Over” followed by “Return To Sender.” Near the closing of the concert came another Elvis classic, “If I Can Dream” and “Proud Mary” just before the traditional outro tune “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” A final concert scarf for a waiting female and that was it for my New Jersey “Elvis Festival 2009.”

My unending thanks to Mary Divock, Executive Director for The Town Center and Megan Januska, Executive Assistant for their support and sponsorship of my Elvis Summer shows. Also thanks for making  me feel so special. They are the ones without whom these Summer events would never happen. The Car Shows are but a part of the programs they are responsible for throughout the entire year. What they accomplish is no small feat. My gratitude also to The Big Apple Restaurant in Bayonne, NJ for sponsoring my “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in August. Finally, a big THANK YOU to all my New Jersey friends and fans who show up, in all kinds of weather, for these outdoor events. THERE WOULD BE LITTLE REASON FOR MY SHOWING UP WITHOUT THEIR LOYALTY…AND I DO SO LOVE MY WORK AS AN ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST!!

After a 42 year run, The Philadelphia Spectrum will close it’s doors forever at the end of the ‘09 season.

Completed in 1967, seating about 18,000, it became part of The South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The structure will close following a four evening concert with Pearl Jam on October 27, 28, 3o and 31, 2009. Thereafter, the arena will be razed to make way for a planned hotel for the complex.

Popular music concerts have been staged at The Spectrum since its opening. Renowned for excellent acoustics, the venue has presented the likes of The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Queen, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Kiss, Phil Collins and Phish. On May 28, 1977, Elvis Presley performed a live concert at The Spectrum arena. Elvis hit the stage dressed in his white, prehistoric bird suit and, despite mic feedback, charged through his opening number See See Rider. A business called King Features Syndicate produced bootleg  copies of Elvis’ concert that night. It would prove to be one of Elvis’ final appearances.

The Spectrum “Theater” was an additional venue for acts not big enough to fill the arena. A stage was placed in the center of the arena, and the second half of the Spectrum, behind the stage, was curtained-off to create the “theater.” Acts that performed in that setting include: Frank Zappa, Diamond Dog, Natty Dread, Kaya, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Howard Jones.

And so, like so many other lost Elvis haunts, we bid farewell to yet another piece of Elvis Presley history!

"Large or small audience...I always give it my all"

Eddie O'Rourke..another venue, another Elvis Tribute Show

Over the years, my work as an Elvis Tribute Artist has taken me across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Currently, my itinerary is East of the Mississippi… with the brunt of my en

"Wherever I go...concert scarves for the ladies"

gagements in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Less frequently, I’m also in Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Virginia, Nashville and Memphis, TN as well as Chicago and Florida occasionally. However, you’re liable to find me just about anywhere, when time and fee permits.

My Elvis Tribute Show can be as elaborate as a concert with a full compliment of live musicians. Or performing with custom, prerecorded music tracks ,using my personal sound crew. The Elvis Show can also be as basic as simply supplying a CD  background for a DJ on location. The client’s budget is always the determining factor. No matter how we provide the music accompaniment, you’ll always get ME giving my all, singing those great Elvis hits and doing the Elvis karate moves. I’ll be decked out in one of my extravagant jumpsuits, giving away Hawaiian leis and concert scarves and mingling with the audience. And I always hang around after every show to chat and pose for photos with the crowd. I’ve always taken my job as an Elvis Tribute Artist seriously. I’m not an impersonator and I don’t think I’m “The King of Rock ‘n’ roll”…there was only one!  I’m a professional singer and musician who is faithful to “the image” and I perform with respect to his memory. In the Elvis tradition, the programs  generate a lot of energy and are appropriate for young and old,,,including children. My concerts cover a wide range of venues including: night clubs, auditoriums, banquet halls, corporate events, radio, tv, car shows, parades, cruises and private parties. I just might be coming to a town near you soon….I’ll keep you posted!

I’m NOT an Elvis impersonator and I remind folks of that fact all the time. I AM an Elvis Tribute Artist and I’m also a food and wine enthusiast…also a fact! My life as an entertainer has afforded me the opportunity to explore many restaurants in many locations. From time to time I will impart some of my eatery experiences ’cause I love sharing good food almost as much as I love sharing music.

I’ve already mentioned that Philadelphia is a favorite city for me. Scores of  exceptional spots for dining. A list of those Philly spots I would give high marks to would certainly include: Fork, Tangerine, Cuba Libra, Patou, Farmacia, Estia, Paradigm, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, Astral Plane, Striped Bass, Mission Grill, Davio’s, Tria, Roy’s, City Tavern, Panorama, Meritage, XIX, City Harvest, Le Bec Fin, La Croix and Susanna Foo.

There are a few Philadelphia locations that stand out in my mind for a myriad of reasons. Estia has wonderful Greek food with authentic atmosphere and live music to boot. Cuba Libra has a young, neo-latin vibe and is a happening place…especially on weekends. Roy’s boasts Hawaiian-fusion cuisine. Hawaiian seafood delicacies, meats, sushi and shellfish prepared with European flavors and exotic Asian spices. Add to that an award winning wine list for the perfect combination. For a real taste of colonial life…City Tavern is a must for the total  Old Philadelphia experience.  A faithful recreation of the tavern which stood  on the very same spot, where the founding fathers hung out while establishing the new nation. You can sample brews made from the original 18th Century recipes and all the staff is dressed in period garb. A total step back in time! Panorama features traditional northern Italian food with wonderful faux painting and murals that add to the ambience.  But, the topper for a wine enthusiast like me…the bar offers one hundred forty labels by the glass by way of their “cuvinet system.” And, for an absolutely elegant dining experience, no holes barred, my choice is Davio’s. Located on the second floor of the historic Provident Bank Building, a short run from trendy Rittenhouse Square. A spacious dining area with high ceilings, large windows and ornate plaster decoration typical of the period. The Bar area is appointed with over-stuffed chairs and sofas and offers a five star wine list. They feature a contemporary northern Italian menu, exquisite presentation and meticulous service. And, if steak is your delight, Davio’s is second to none. The entire staff always goes the extra mile to make me feel like royalty….Like “The King.”

Here I am with, my good friend and fan, Lisa Whiddett of Davio's.

As in the title of that great Johnny Cash tune…”I’ve Been Everywhere” and dined at some of the finest establishments across the country. From the simplest to the most extravagant dishes. This time it was Philadelphia, PA…STAY TUNED  to this “Tribute Artist” for the next installment as we explore food across America.

I recently played a gig just outside of Philadelphia…one of my favorite cities. A short two hours from my place in New Jersey, but a great spot for a quick getaway. I’m especially fond of  Philly’s “Old City”; steeped in history and so quaint. There’s Ben Franklin’s home, The Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley (oldest continuously occupied street in America) and, of course Philadelphia’s #1 attraction, Independence Hall. And that only begins to scratch the surface of sites to see.

On Market Street, down the block from Ben’s Home and Philly’s KYW-TV, CBS Channel 3, sits a men’s clothing store that has an Elvis connection without even trying. I’ve already  written previously about Lansky Bros. in Memphis, TN. That cool  haberdashery where a young Elvis Presley purchased all those “glad rags” for which he became infamous. Well, I found the Philadelphia equivalent to Lansky’s and it’s called The Corner Store (Suits, Ties & Pants) at 300 Market. A shop that mostly caters to black clientele, but is paradise for an Elvis Tribute Artist like me. The same sort of flashy, theatrical shirts, pants, suits and accessories that first attracted “The King” to Bernard Lansky’s store in the fifties. Gary, the owner, has gotten to know my taste in clothes and will often select a bunch of items for my consideration. Very often, he is spot-on! His staff is friendly, attentive and helpful and the prices are easy on your wallet. Whether you’re an Elvis Tribute Artist/Impersonator or just a guy who “Dares to Rock”, you’re gonna love  “The Corner Store” in Philadelphia.