Had Elvis lived, he would celebrate his 77th birthday on Jan. 8. But his spirit lives on, in some ways bigger than ever. How else do you explain the hundreds of fan clubs, the Sirius XM satellite channel dedicated solely to his songbook and the impersonators who seek any occasion, appropriate or not, to swaddle themselves in chest hair-revealing jumpsuits and chow down on peanut butter and banana sandwiches, all in the name of tribute?
The folks at Elvis Presley Enterprises predict 2012 will be one of the biggest years in the world of Elvis. About 75,000 fans are expected to visit Graceland this week to participate in a celebration of his Elvis-ness, including the new exhibit, “Elvis on Tour,” which opened there this week.
Yes, there is still plenty of love for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. But for those not quite devoted or obsessed enough to make the pilgrimage to Memphis this week, here are some ways to toast the King locally.
“Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event”
7:30 p.m. Jan. 15. $34-$54. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Every year Elvis Presley Enterprises, the far-reaching organization that manages Graceland and licensing for all things Elvis, holds Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contests around the world, culminating in a showdown in Memphis during Elvis Week in August. This year, the four finalists star in this 27-city touring show, dubbed a “theatrical concert experience” by the gang at EPE.
This year’s team – Bill Cherry, Ben Klein, Kevin Mills and Victor Trevino Jr. – will each represent Elvis during a different stage of his career: the ‘50s, the ‘60s, his movie career and his concert years.
Along with the rotating Elvi, the show also features a live band, back-up singers, dancers, a sultry Ann-Margret tribute artist (Lori Russo) and multimedia elements for added dazzle. Curiosity seekers can catch a glimpse of what is planned at www.elvislivestour.com.
Chuy’s
118 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody. 770-351-7777, www.chuys.com.
With martinis that are “all shook up, not stirred” and a delectable specialty anointed Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken (chicken breast breaded with Lay’s potato chips and deep fried), there is no doubting Chuy’s devotion to Presley as its patron saint.
The Tex-Mex chain, newly opened near Perimeter Mall, claims the allegiance began with the opening of its inaugural location in Austin in 1982. In search of something cheap to decorate the restaurant walls, Chuy’s founders found a $20 velvet painting of the King, and thus arrived the first shrine.
Every year, all Chuy’s locations celebrate Presley’s birthday, and Jan. 8 festivities include $1 off the Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken and the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo, a hefty offering that includes three kinds of enchiladas, a taco and tostada chips dipped in chile con queso.
The truly devout who relish their Elvis-wear will eat free if they show up dressed as the King or his lovely bride, Priscilla.
Throughout the day, Blue Hawaiian cocktails will be available at the bar and Chuy’s Elvis and Priscilla T-shirts (sold for $12.95) are part of the prize pile for various giveaways. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Elvis Royale featuring Kingsized and Dames Aflame
8:30 p.m. Jan. 7 $26 (all ages). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354, www.ticketmaster.com.
Twice a year -- on Elvis’ birthday and death day -- Big Mike Geier shows off his hunk of burnin’ love for the King not with cheesy sequined white capes or Aqua-netted pompadours (although the audience is welcome to don either or both), but with actual singing and music.
Backed by the 13-piece Kingsized Rock ‘n’ Roll Orchestra and the Dames Aflame Dancers, Geier plows through Elvis’ trove of musical gems. But he also tackles the gospel medley featured in Elvis’ “’68 Comeback Special” and an encore called W.W.E.D. (What Would Elvis Do?) of fan-suggested songs that Elvis would or could have covered in the past four decades. In years past, that has included Queen’s “Under Pressure” and the Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize?”
Geier knows what songs the team will perform this year, but said with a laugh, “It’s a secret.”
This marks the 15th year for Geier's Elvis tribute, and he still relishes the sense of community at the shows.
“I see a lot of the same faces and a lot of new faces. A lot of them are getting younger, since people are bringing their kids and grandkids," he said. " I call it the fellowship of the King.”
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