Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The limelight surrounding Elvis Presley never really faded following his untimely passing in 1977, but it’s burning especially brightly as of late thanks to the blockbuster biopic “Elvis” and its fascinating follow-up “Priscilla.”

Had he lived, the “King Of Rock And Roll” would’ve turned 89 on January 8, but the birthday party came a little early to fans who sold out the exceptional North Shore Center For Performing Arts for the Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular and they are set to do the same at the Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana on Saturday, January 6.

That’s because the annual event was filled with leading impersonators Shawn Klush, Ryan Pelton and Cody Ray Slaughter, in addition to the current generation of the Blackwood Quartet, an act very close to Presley personally, not to mention one of the all-time gospel greats.

Each era of Elvis’ unparalleled career was on display backed by The Fabulous Ambassadors, The Nashville Dreams and the Blackwoods, starting with “Million Dollar Quartet” alum Cody Ray Slaughter accurately embodying “Jailhouse Rock” and the rockabilly years, then a little later, a “68 Comeback Special” medley and much more, clad in a signature black leather jumpsuit.

In between, Ryan Pelton, as seen in “The Identical,” just as perfectly portrayed the military era via “G.I.” Blues,” “Teddy Bear,” “America The Beautiful” and others, eventually changing into Presley’s brightest white to impressively interpret “If I Can Dream,” also from “68.”

Following the intermission, double Grammy Award-winner Mark Blackwood, son of the late Cecil from the classic Blackwood Brothers line-up including J.D. Sumner, led the latest generation of the Blackwood Quartet through a few solo spirituals, on top of joining each Elvis, always maintaining the essence of the family’s unmistakable harmonies.

From there, veteran Shawn Klush brought bling and swing to the stretch of Presley’s swansong Las Vegas residencies as he frequently passed out scarfs, offering jubilant renditions of “See See Rider,” “Suspicious Minds” and “An American Trilogy,” plus a charismatic croon through “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”

The entire tribute totaled nearly three hours, a generous offering indeed that not only had the North Shore Center’s many age groups screaming in delight, but was a comprehensive celebration truly fit for a king.

For additional information on the Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular, visit ElvisTributeArtistSpectacular.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts include Branford Marsalis (Jan. 23); Music Of The Baroque (Jan. 28); Capitol Fools (Feb. 03); Jim Brickman (Feb. 16); Music Of The Baroque (Mar. 10); Semyon Slepakov (Mar. 17); Dmitry Gordon (Mar. 18); Ireland With Michael (Mar. 22); “Piaf! The Show” (Mar. 26); Music Of The Baroque (Apr. 14); Joanne Shaw Taylor (May 3); The Glenn Miller Orchestra (May 12); Ensemble Español (Jun. 7) and Benise (Jul. 12). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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