Would-be Kings flock to Bluegrass for festival
“If I saw anyone here, it would be like a church member running into their pastor at the liquor store,” Bryant said.
The 37-year-old self-described “closet Elvis” spent $1,500 on a custom-made suit with lion-head details and gold chains as part of an effort to look like Elvis Presley in the mid-70s.
And, he’s not alone. Nearly two dozen would-be King’s of Rock N’ Roll gathered Friday and Saturday in Lexington for the seventh Elvis-Fest of the Bluegrass, a competition leading to the national Images of the King competition in Memphis later this summer.
They came from as far away as Las Vegas and New York for a shot at being the first-place tribute artist (lingo meaning impersonator) will receive $1,250.
“You win that, but it cost $1,800 to get here,” says Gene DiNapoli, a Vegas-styled Elvis from New York. “I do this all week for work. I’m taking time off for this competition.”
For competition, each artist performs three songs per night and is judged on categories such as showmanship, costume authenticity, rhythm and “resemblance to Elvis.”
The crowd for the festival comes from all ages.
Young-ish Elvis Bryan Doyle tossed stuffed animals to the 300-person crowd during Teddy Bear. Jessica Sholar, a 16-year-old Elvis junkie, snatched one from the air.
“I’m feeling romantic tonight. I wish they’d sing more slow songs,” says Sholar, a Versailles resident. “It’s kind of weird ’cause I’ve never actually seen him in concert.”
Country artists Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney are Jessica’s favorite living musicians, but it was Elvis-Fest organizer Bill Kelly who performed at her Sweet 16 party.
It’s hard to find other teenagers who understand, says Jessica’s 14-year-old cousin, Sara Davis.
“They all listen to rap music,” says Sara, a Woodford County Middle School student, scrunching up her nose. “I have to because I’m on the dance team. I wish I could go back in time.”
Impersonator Brian Lee Howell remembers vividly his first Elvis experience. He persuaded his mom to buy a cassette of Love Me Tender when he was about 5. Now 25, he and his wife travel to competitions and shows about once per week.
For Christmas, Haley Howell bought her husband the neon pink jacket. When she’s on break at her bank job, Haley Howell does most of his booking, hoping his voice will turn it into a full-time gig someday.
“I like to hear people scream for him,” said his wife, Haley Howell. “It’s a good thing he’s not nervous, because I get nervous for him.”