Elvis tribute concert is a dream come true
July 11, 2012 4:56PM
Updated: August 13, 2012 1:49PM
Elvis is in the building — the Hobart Elks building, that is.
The first-ever Elvis Presley Tribute Concert is the culmination of three years of planning by Carol Valdivia, who admittedly idolized Elvis. She has attended countless Elvis events and concerts, and can sing along with every song he recorded.
When she first broached to her husband the thought of hosting a concert, his answer was “Let’s do it,” and the stage was set. When he died in 2010, her dream was put on hold until her children encouraged her to continue.
Her son, Richard, who lives in Las Vegas, has assisted her in all the planning, and has been her right-hand man.
Carol had always hoped to go to the annual Elvis Week at Graceland, but every motel is sold out years in advance. That is when she became determined to bring a celebration of his life right here at “home” so that other Elvis fans who, like her, don’t have the opportunity to go to Graceland could enjoy with her.
She chose August — the month that Elvis left his earthly home for good — as a memorial.
Carol said, “Through his music, Elvis did so much for us, was respectful, had a strong faith, and gave to those in need. There are no songs of his with inappropriate language or vulgarity in them.”
Since the Elvis Fantasy Fest began 19 years ago, she has attended every year. She also said she fell in love with the Special Olympians who visited with her, and just delighted watching them enjoy the show.
Those young people will be her guests at the inaugural event, which she hopes will become an annual tribute concert.
This year’s concert will feature Rich Saucedo, who is a premier Elvis impersonator. Impersonator Nick Gutierrez, 16, will open the show, and the Change of Habit band will provide the music.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30. Tickets are $20 (VIP tickets: $30), and those in attendance will definitely get their money’s worth. Of course, food and beverages will be available, as well as Elvis paraphernalia.
The concert finale will be a candlelight vigil in memory of Presley, whose music remains alive and well.
For tickets or more information, call Carol at 476-0390, or stop by the Hobart Elks Club at 3580 W. 61st Ave. You’ll be glad you did.
My favorite columnist to read on Sundays is Carrol Vertrees, and his last two columns really had me feeling nostalgic.
The simplicity we grew up with — the ability to stay out and play until the streetlights went on; the fun of making our own rules for any game we played; starting every Sunday with church; and every day chatting with friends — is obsolete, and I honestly believe that it is a loss to today’s children.
Maybe someday everyone will turn off their technological gadgets and actually look at each other to have a conversation. And maybe we’ll get back to consistently good manners, appropriate language, respect for others, and a less stressful life. Maybe.
Meanwhile, I hope you have a great day because you deserve it.
Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
