They are not impressionists or impersonators. Do not refer to them as such.
They are “tribute artists,” and more than 20 of ’em are swiveling their way to the Fremont Street Experience for the Las Vegas preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
A total of 21 -- blackjack! -- Elvis artists are in competition. I am among those taking part, having just had my sky-blue, rhinestone-studded, scarf-draped one-piece returned from Tiffany Cleaners.
Wait. I’m a judge. I must know to read the fine print.
I’ll be joined on the panel by Gene Lubas, artistic director for Cirque du Soleil’s "Viva Elvis" at Aria; Sam Thompson, Elvis’ security chief at the time of the King’s death and the brother of Elvis’ girlfriend Linda Thompson; and Cynthia Pepper, who co-starred in “Kissin’ Cousins.”
The event is set for tonight and Saturday, from 8 p.m. to midnight on FSE’s 3rd Street Stage. The event is sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the licensing body that lords over the King’s merchandise and image. The event is free, though VIP tickets are offered for $20.
At this writing, Elvis tribute artists have already begun milling around Fremont Street, sharing space with tourists wearing plastic beads and drinking beer from plastic footballs. The artists will stand for photo ops, sign autographs and maybe even swap recipes with these delighted fans. A good place to find the Elvis artists is at the Million Dollar Display attraction at Binion’s.
Or, maybe, at the bar.
Saturday, the photo op is 3 to 4 p.m. at Four Queens. Saturday morning, back at Binion’s, it’s bingo with Elvis. To quote any Elvis tribute artist, “B-1!”
The winner moves on to vie for the championship of the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis on Aug. 10-16. Last year’s Las Vegas qualifier, Justin Shandor, went on to win the national contest. The Vegas preliminary round winner also receives $2,500 in prize money and a getaway vacation package to Graceland.
Along with the performances by the Elvis artists, special presentations will be splashed across the famed FSE canopy of lights, and a parade of those resembling Elvis starts the night’s competition. Judges will score (the contestants) on vocals (40 percent), appearance, stage presence and overall performance (20 percent each) to crown the faux King.
The acceptance of tribute artistry among those close to Elvis has evolved over the years. In an interview in January, Priscilla Presley said of such rampant tribute artistry, “I think it’s keeping his name alive. It’s a huge compliment. I have no problem with that. You know, I think the ones who go a little bit overboard and make more of a character out of him, I’m taken a little aback by.
“But we have tribute artists out there -- we don’t call them impressionists -- who do a wonderful job keeping his name alive and image alive. Some of them do very well.”
And after the weekend, one will be doing more well than the others. As we say, “Viva!”
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow "Kats With the Dish" at twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.