PIKE CO, MO — Raintree to channel Presley at April 5 event, By Brent Engel, Contributing writer
Elvis is in the building.
At least his music will be.
Raintree Arts Council is presenting a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll for its annual fund-raising dinner concert.
The event is Saturday, April 5, at The Apple Shed in Clarksville. Tickets are $30 if bought before March 20 and $35 afterward, with a deadline of March 28.
Raintree Board Members Debbie Ingram and Donna Grote are putting the show together.
“I love Encore,” Grote said. “It is so much fun. It has really grown since its start. Picking a theme then going crazy with costumes, dancing and watching the crowd participate is a blast.”
Grote and Ingram kicked around ideas before deciding upon the Elvis theme.
“When I finally approached her about it, she agreed pretty quickly,” Ingram said. “And then we realized that this year would have been Elvis’ 90th birthday, so it just sort of sealed the deal that this was the year to celebrate Elvis at Encore.”
In addition to Ingram and Grote, performers are Angela Maier, Beverly Cogar, Kaitlyn Fielder, Alyssa Niemeyer, Tina Sprague, Tom Wallace, Jessica Harding, Mindy Webert and Richard Biggs. There will be 10 solos and four group numbers.
The set list features some of Presley’s biggest hits, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “Love Me Tender.”
The audience is welcome to sing along and to “get up and dance, either with a partner or by themselves, and just have a good time,” Ingram said.
Musicians have been icons across generations, from Frank Sinatra and the Beatles to Run DMC and Taylor Swift. Yet, Presley’s aura and impact endure. As with so many, Ingram remembers where she was and what she was doing when news broke that Presley had died on Aug. 16, 1977.
“He had one of those stories of coming from nothing and making a name for himself,” she said. “I think because of the time he started out in the 1950s, he seemed very genuine with people – very humble.”
“His style, charisma and popularity have made him as loved today as when he was alive,” Grote added. “I’m sure his legacy will live on forever.”
One of Grote’s favorite Elvis songs is “If I Can Dream.” Ingram leans toward “Just Pretend” and “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” But there’s another tune which turns her into the kind of person with the windows down and speakers blaring.
“As I told the group the other night at rehearsal, when ‘Return to Sender’ comes on my radio, I have to turn it up and I can’t get out of the car until it’s over,” she said.
Tickets may be reserved by scanning the bar code on the Jan. 31 Encore announcement on the Raintree Facebook page. People may also call 314-518-5637.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7. In addition to dinner by Keely Catering & Events, there will be a cash bar and silent auction.
Dressing in period outfits – a leather jacket for a younger Elvis or a jumpsuit representing his later years – is encouraged. A look-a-like contest and other games are planned.
The organizers are vague about what they’ll wear, but Grote offers a hint.
“I cannot divulge my costume, but I will say you will see someone Elvis loved very much.”
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:
Debbie Ingram, left, and Donna Grote will be among the performers when Raintree Arts Council pays homage to Elvis Presley as part of its annual Encore dinner and concert April 5 at The Apple Shed in Clarksville. (File photo by Brent Engel)