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 We were able to arrange for a week-long event of an Elvis impersonator. The show would consist of a fabulous band who performed a pre-show, then backed Jesse King with his rendition of Elvis in the early years.
The show was advertised with special posters, invitations, and tickets. We had sold- out crowds every night.
Jesse had the fancy suits like Elvis wore. He gave away scarves to the ladies.
The band did a warm-up show before Jesse came out, which was fabulous in itself. This was back in the day where bands dressed in matching outfits. All of the guys were easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean.
However, we did have a little excitement with the first show. Just as Jesse was about to take center stage, the band was playing the famous intro song that Elvis used in his own act. The special effects “person” had prepared two canisters, one on each side of the stage. When Jesse entered the stage area, these canisters ignited with a flash and boom. Well, the flame shot out a little too high and burned a whole in our beautiful cloud above the dance floor.
Luckily, the fire department didn’t hear about the mishap. But just to be safe, we eliminated the “fire works” from the rest of the shows.
We had a wonderful week. Of course with an event like this, we had to hire some additional staff to help with additional responsibilities.
Our partner hired a “gentleman” to help with crowds at the door. We had a dress code for this show that stated no shorts, no tank-tops, and no jeans. As it turned out, we had a group of four people at the door, one of which had on white jeans. This temporary door person was not going to allow him to enter. The man explained he didn’t think the dress code would include white dress jeans. He apologized but did not have time to change before the show.
The doorman was insistent that the man could not come in. I happened to come by the door and realized there was a problem. I told the doorman to allow the man in, it would be alright. He still refused.
 I was shocked he had the nerve to tell ME, (the one with her name on the big sign out front) that I could not over-rule his decision. He said (our partner) hired him and he followed his direction, not mine. Well, I won. I was not about to refuse my personal friend, who happened to be the V. P. of our bank, entry just because he had on white dress jeans. Don’t mess with me!
The Jesse King show finished and went on to their next job. We had rave reviews about the show and praises on the club itself.
Two days later, the real Elvis passed away. Larry and I, as well as the entire world, were devastated. Having had the show so fresh in our memory, it was almost as if Elvis himself had been there. And now he’s gone, forever.
Larry and I were not fortunate enough to have seen Elvis in person, but we are grateful to have had the experience of his music.
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