Activated 4-10
Elvis tribute performer wows Crystal River audience
T
he Port Hotel's Ale House
(formerly Port Paradise) has
successfully launched its first
dinner theatre with the "America's
Most Authentic Elvis" presentation.
Warm summer breezes wafted over
us on the veranda as we
were royally entertained
and gifted by Elvis trib-
ute artist Barry Porter of
Sanford. In attendance
was Ron Strauss, personal
pilot for the "King," who
shared with us his up-close-
and personal relationship
with the late Elvis Presley,
the unopposed "King" of
rocks 'n' roll.
With more than 100
shows a year, Porter has the
definitive look and sensual, yet
endearing moves of Elvis, with
hours of research and viewing of
Elvis' movies and tour tapes. Porter's manager, Tammy Marshall, captivated us with her insightful memories of Elvis, the man and the iconic entertainment, throughout the show as music from "Viva Las Vegas," "Aloha" and the "68 Comeback Special" were highlighted. We hung on every word.
Porter mingled among us, serenaded us on bended knee, gave us not only scarves and Hawaiian leis, but kisses, as well. Men accompanying the overflowing crowd of females were given hearty handshakes.
It was inconceivable that Porter had only five years of coast-to-coast Elvis tribute to his credit. An endearing performer, he has captured the secret of affectionate eye contact with those he serenades, as though the two of us were alone on a deserted Hawaiian sandy beach.
It was a homecoming of sorts, remembering the king's stay
at Port Paradise during the filming of "Follow That Dream" in 1961.
Some of Elvis' playful antics while there were recalled, particularly the
surprise of finding crabs
in the pool when staff
went for a swim. We
heard the ever-polite
Elvis expression-"thank
you, very much"-often
throughout the tribute.
Gifts of bears were given as Porter sang "Teddy Bear" and along with them, a kiss. Photo ops abounded. Porter even remembered to say, "I hope this suit doesn't tear," as he sang "Caught in a Trap" recalling his triumph sell-out-concerts in Vegas. Often, we were surprised with opportunities to complete a line or two when Porter placed the mike in front of us. Son Barry Porter II served as sound engineer.
Swooning, clapping to the beat, squeals of delight at Porter's authentic moves continued for the three hour delivery of more than 60 Elvis songs, following the sumptuous prime rib dinner. Birthday and anniversary couples were recognized. "Poke Salad Annie" brought wild applause and enthusiastic patrons surrendered to the temptation to dance in the aisles. Imitation $20 bills were flung into the crowd as Porter belted out "Viva Las Vegas." Where was an Ann-Margaret look-alike when we needed her?
Ron Strauss of Ormond Beach, Elvis' private pilot, flew the "Lisa Marie" for Elvis. With more than 30,000 flight hours, he retired from the airlines in 2004 and has flown everywhere but Russia. Uneasy with
flying, Elvis had confidence in Strauss, but never had any desire to pilot a plane. He vividly recalled the amazing generosity of Elvis, recalling the four Cadillacs and a pickup truck he bought at 2 a.m. from a surprised dealership for cash. Bought with tips from Elvis, Strauss still has his '73 corvette. Asked if he'd like to sell it by a concert guest, we heard a resounding "no"!
Rebounding from the shivers as Porter dang "Fever" in his white-studded jumpsuit from "Blue Hawaii," we thrilled to "Rock a Hula Baby". Requests were written as we entered and my favorite "Hawaiian Wedding Song" was sung to me; I couldn't resist joining in the chorus: "I do love you with all my heart."
What a memory to cherish, that special Elvis tribute evening with America's Most Authentic Elvis. Strauss volunteers to visit care centers and community centers to relive his time with Elvis, to the delight of Elvis fans now in retirement years. Having attended tow Florida Elvis concerts in Tampa and Lakeland, it was especially reflective of the life of the one and only Elvis Presley for this writer..a forever fan.
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Ruth Levins participates in a
variety of projects around the
community. Let her know about your group's upcoming activities
by writing to:
PO Box 803,
Crystal River, Fl 34423
