Elvis is in the building...OK, it's Jake Slater as Elvis performing at Wealthy Theatre | MLive.com

On November 11, Grand Rapids will be graced by the biggest rock legend of all time—Elvis Presley. Unlike a film restoration of Love Me Tender, or the digital remastering of a 50-year-old record, the Wealthy Theatre will host the King himself, in the flesh. Jake Slater, a 19-year-old tribute artist, has spent three years vigorously studying not just the music, but also the man.

“I became an Elvis fan around six or seven,” Slater said. “As time went by, I collected the memorabilia, listened to the music, and watched the movies. I ended up doing more research into the person that he was, not just the music, and came to find out there was a lot more to this man. He became an idol to me.” At sixteen, Slater was asked to audition as an Elvis tribute artist (ETA) for one show. “At the time, I thought I didn’t have the skills to be an entertainer. Lo and behold, I don’t know how I did it, but I got the job, and did the show, and the calls kept coming in.”

Now, three years later, Slater is both nationally and internationally recognized, winning ETA contests in Canada and Michigan. One win brought him all the way to the largest ETA competition in existence, held annually in Memphis, Tennessee. “However,” he said, “I’ve never been more into the contests than into the shows. The contests are cool, but I’d rather just sing Elvis’s music.”

John Lennon once said, “Before Elvis, there was nothing,” but I doubt he suspected Slater would pick up the torch after Elvis and breathe new life into his music, reliving his entire career night after night. “It’s not something a normal nineteen year old would be doing,” Slater said, “but it’s really fun. It’s a very unique experience.”

The Michigan Elvis Presley Fan Club presents “One Night With You—Elvis #1 Hits Concert” at the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, on Veteran’s Day, November 11. Tickets are $20/at the door and $15/in advance. Proceeds will be donated to Friends of Michigan Veterans Home. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show is at 7 p.m. Visit www.mielvis.com for more info.

Source: http://www.mlive.com