Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular is always a cherished Midwest touring tradition thanks to OMAR Presents, but the latest edition might be the most noteworthy thus far given the fact it coincides with what would’ve been the 90th birthday for the “King Of Rock And Roll.”

It all kicked off in front of a full house at the North Shore Center For Performing Arts in Skokie where top impersonators Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter and Ryan Pelton were joined by 21-year-old newcomer Trent Smith, plus a very special appearance by legendary gospel group Ed Enoch & The Stamps Quartet.

The Fabulous Ambassadors and The Nashville Dreams served as the ace backing crew throughout all three hours, starting with Smith lending his brand of attitude and enthusiasm to Elvis Presley’s rockabilly beginnings, including “Let’s Play House” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

Pelton came next, lending his expertise after starring in the “The Identical” to military period pieces such as “G.I. Blues,” “Frankfurt Special” and “America The Beautiful” while dressed in uniform and tossing teddy bears to fans.

“Million Dollar Quartet” singer/actor Slaughter, clad in black leather, delivered a bit of the “68 Comeback Special” and the surrounding era, swiveling his way around “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Rubberneckin’” and “Kentucky Rain,” prior to Pelton’s front half finale “If I Can Dream.”

Enoch not only continues to lead the current line-up of The Stamps Quartet, but personally performed nearly 700 shows alongside Presley, making their southern harmonies a match made in heaven throughout the various tributes (“Peace In The Valley,” “Swing Down Sweet Chariot,” “Stand By Me,” “How Great Thou Art”), in addition to a solo set.

Fellow expert Klush meticulously recreated the razzle dazzle of the subject’s latter day Las Vegas residencies, frequently passing out scarfs as he accurately and confidently crooned “Proud Mary,” “Pork Salad Annie,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Burning Love” and “An American Trilogy,” amongst others, further ensuring Elvis’ legacy lives on as the clock ticks its way towards his centennial.

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

Upcoming concerts at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts include Music Of The Baroque (Jan. 26); “Piaf! The Show” (Jan. 30); The Rat Pack Is Back! (Jan. 31); Capitol Fools (Feb. 1); Taylor Dayne (Feb. 14); The Peking Acrobats (Feb. 18); Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” (Feb. 21); Godzinka Spokoju (Feb. 22); Edwin McCain (Feb. 27); Britbeat (Mar. 01); Music Of The Baroque (Mar. 02); Rita Rudner (Mar. 08); Beethoven Lives Upstairs (Mar. 16); Jazzreach (Mar. 18); “Don’t Look Back” (Mar. 22); Steven Page (Mar. 27); Marc Maron (Mar. 28); Robert Cray Band (Apr. 01); Aaron Diehl Trio (Apr. 4); Music Of The Baroque (Apr. 06); Steve Trash (Apr. 09); The Smithereens (Apr. 25); The Arcadian Wild (May 03) and Benise (Jul. 25). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

Related Articles

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular, Blackwood Quartet a starry North Shore salute to the “King” Direct Elvis collaborators and impersonators host a birthday tribute fit for a king The Sweet Inspirations and The Blackwood Quartet: The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular at Star Plaza Theatre Cody Ray Slaughter, Rick Saucedo, Ryan Pelton and Shawn Klush: The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular at Star Plaza Theatre “Heartbreak Hotel” premiere uncovers 18 pivotal months for Elvis Presley Sergio Mendes throws North Shore Center a festive, flavorful “Bossa Nova Samba Celebration” North Shore Center catches the acoustic side of blues-based Hot Tuna and a bit of Jefferson Airplane North Shore Center “Eight Miles High” after The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn gets autobiographical