As I sit to write I’m looking for inspiration as to how to begin. And then it hits me like a bolt of lightning! What better way to get inspired to write an article on Elvis Presley than by listening to King himself? So up comes my itunes library and out comes the aforementioned inspiration. I’ve always been something of a fan of the King. I don’t have any black velvet art hanging on my walls, I’ve only driven through Vegas on the road to somewhere else, and I’m too young to have ever seen him in concert, but he’s entertained me on any number of road trips and excursions. Why the sudden Elvis discussion? Because East Texas is about to be visited Elvis re-incarnate in the form of Elvis impersonator Kraig Parker.
My first encounter with an Elvis impersonator was at the bookstore. Nearly everyone has at some point encountered their priest or teacher in an average everyday setting like the grocery store and felt at once as though they’ve been caught red handed at something they oughtn’t have been doing, and at the same time surprised at their teacher’s or clergyman’s need to eat. This was exactly how I felt upon seeing “Elvis” at Barns and Noble. He was out of costume, but still his occupation was obvious. I must confess that my first response was to chuckle a little. My next was to recognize… “Hey this guy has something that he genuinely loves!” He evidently loves the music of Elvis Presley, he probably loves music in general, and he must love to perform. One look at Mr. Parker’s web page was enough to convince me that all of these things are certainly true of him!
Kraig ELVIS Presley Parker has evidently been performing as the King of rock and roll for a number of years now. His act has taken him around Europe and North America, and he is widely considered be one of the best imitators in the business. On Friday, January seventh, Mr. Parker and his band will be visiting Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are already on Sale. For more information on Kraig Parker, visit his web site at www.thekinglives.com To purchase tickets go to http://www.capitalentertain.com or call (903)987-1908. The original King may not be with us these days but his music and memory are surely timeless.