Journal Gazette from Mattoon, Illinois • Page 11

ENTERTAINMENT Thursday, August 16, 2007 B3 www.Jg-tc.com ABOUT PEOPLE After years of resistance, Graceland finally embraces Elvis impersonators, with caveats Music MEMPHIS, Term. (AP) Finally welcomed by Graceland after all these years, Elvis Presley impersonators need to keep one basic rule in mind respect the King. Managers of Presley's home in Memphis plan to anoint their first-ever official Elvis "tribute artist" this week, as they mark the 30th anniversary of his death there. But they don't want tacky, they don't want kitschy and they don't want a ridiculous spoof. The contest judges will be looking for sincerity and respect even if it's accompanied by karate moves, black pompadours and rhine-stone jumpsuits.

"It's all about paying tribute to the life and legacy of Elvis," said Paul Jankowski, marketing chief for Elvis Presley Enterprises the company that operates Grace-land and its sprawling tourist complex. The "Ultimate Elvis" contest has been under way since March with a series of qualifying rounds around the world. Twenty-four contestants made it to Memphis, but 14 were eliminated Sunday in the final qualifying round. The winner will be chosen Friday at the end of a week of events to commemorate Presley's Aug. 16, 1977, death (a candlelight vigil in his honor began Wednesday night).

The "Ultimate Elvis" gets $5,000 in cash, a $5,000 shopping spree at Grace- "This the Elvis A' 1 i 1 said. "There are still people out there dressing up and performing like Elvis who probably shouldn't be." The finahsts in Graceland's contest are all practiced performers. But at the unofficial "Images of the King" contest, which has been held in Memphis for the past two decades, the opening acts are often far from polished. Over the years, it has hosted professional entertainers and amateurs alike, including some from abroad who could speak little English and had only a phonetic grasp of the lyrics to Elvis songs. Also staged in August near the death anniversary, the show has long been popular with Presley fans and expects little trouble this year at least from Graceland, said director Michael Hoover, a professional Elvis imitator from Virginia.

"For years and years, Graceland has pretty much ignored the Elvis tribute artists. I don't know if this is just an experiment for them or they're changing their ways," Hoover said. "But I think there's enough work for everybody to go around right now. There are plenty of Elvis impersonators in the world and there are lots of contests." Winning at "Images" has also been a career booster for many Elvis performers like Hoover, who won in 1988 and took over the contest a few years ago from founder "Doc" Franklin, Elvis' former veterinarian. Serious Elvis impersonators "can make a comfortable living" performing at private parties, concerts, corporate functions and the like, Hoover said.

The successful ones have their own bands, booking agents and even fan clubs. "If you're good, you're full-time and you work at it real hard, you can probably do a six-figure income, but you've got to work at it," said Hoover, who began his Elvis journey as a teenager. "I was doing Elvis when Elvis was still alive." Terry Balliew, 57, of Calhoun, took in the qualifying round of Graceland's contest and also planned to attend the "Images" contest with wife, Barbara, an avid Elvis fan. While withholding judgment on Graceland's tribute-artist contest, Balliew said setting higher standards might be a good idea, particularly for some of the older Elvis tribute artists. "They still want to perform.

I can understand that," he said. "But you can get too old." Elvis died at 42 of heart disease worsened by drug abuse. The finalists for Grace-land's contest are all, like Presley, white men in their 20s to 40s, but marketing manager Jankowski said preliminary contests, which must be approved by Graceland, are under no orders to restrict contestants by age, race or ethnicity. "This is not an impersonator contest," he said. "This is all about paying tribute to Elvis." Associated Press Brandon Bennett gets a little audience participation in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Sunday in Memphis.

1 Vs-1 'Lot By i Thursday 6-8 p.m., Back to School Party featuring the Neverly Brothers, free, Rotary Band Shell in Peterson Park, '50s and '60s theme. 7 p.m., Open Mic night, Jackson Avenue Coffee, Charleston. 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Rev Rob Open Jam Band, Mac's Uptowner, Charleston Square. Friday 6-9 p.m., Full Circle, gospel group, Our Daily Bread Cafe, 1613 Charleston, Mattoon. p.m., Battle Creek Country Band, Apple Dumpling Festival, Atwood.

8 p.m., Jed Adams, outside if weather permits, Common Grounds, 1612 Charleston Mattoon. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., DJ DFX, Brian's Place, 2100 Broadway, Mattoon. Saturday p.m., Battle Creek Country Band, West Union Festival. 6- 10 p.m., Sister Kate, Camp New Hope benefit, Ice House, 213 S. 21st Mattoon.

7- 9 p.m., Battle Creek Country Band, Westfield Homecoming. 8 p.m., Fields of Home, outside if weather permits, Common Grounds, 1612 Charleston Mattoon. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., DJ DFX, Brian's Place, 2100 Broadway, Mattoon. 10 p.m.-1 a.m., ADHD, Mac's Uptowner, Charleston Square. Sunday 9-11 p.m., Caleb Cook, Mac's Uptowner, Charleston Square.

To submit an item for Music Scene, e-mail the performer's name, plus the time, date and place of the performance, to For more information, call Beth Heldebrandt (238-6857) or Bill Lair (238-6865). "S6aUtf. it' ietun (4a wtt" FRIDAY NIGHT 6:30 PM 10:00 PM ADMISSION $5 SATURDAY AFTERNOON 12:00 PM 3:00 PM ADMISSION $3 WE ARE THE BIRTHDAY PARTY PROS! 234-6667 N. Rt. 45, Mattoon Subscribe today! Gall 1-800-453-2472 SHOWTIMES FOR AUG 13 16 RATATOUILLE (G) DAILY 7 15 TRANSFORMERS (PQ 13) DAILY 7 00 SHOWTIMES FOR AUG 13 16 RUSH HOUR 3 (PG 13) 4 40 7:20 9 45 MON WED 2 00 DADDY DAY CAMP (PG) 4 00 6 40 9 15 MON-WED 120 BOURNE ULTIMATUM (PG 13) 4 20 7:10 9 50 MON -WED 1:30 HOT ROD (PG13) 810 1020 UNDERDOG (PG) 3 30 6:30 8 45 MON WED 12 50 BRATZ (PG) 3:40 MON WED 12 40 SIMPSON'S MOVIE (PG 13) 3 00 5 20 7 45 10:00 MON -WED 12 30 NO RESERVATIONS (PG) 3 50 7:00 9 40 MON WED 1 00 NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK A LARRY (PG 13) 4 50 7 30 10 10 MON -WED 2 15 HAIRSPRAY (PQ) 4 10 6 50 9 30 MON -WED 1:10 HARRY POTTER A THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (PG 13) 5:00 6 00 MON -WED 1:45 is a genuine, spontaneous aspect of phenomenon and we should embrace it to some extent." Philbln and Glfford Gifford to appear as guest on 'Live' NEW YORK (AP) Kathie Lee Gifford will drop by "Live With Regis and Kelly" to celebrate the daytime talk show's 20th anniversary.

Gifford, who left as co-host in 2000, is slated to appear Sept. 14, when Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa take a look back at the show's most memorable moments. Ripa joined the show as co-host in 2001. "Our 20th anniversary is a huge milestone for the show," Executive Producer Michael Gelman said Tuesday in a statement. "Few television shows reach a year on the air, much less two decades." "Live" will celebrate its 20th season in national syndication with two weeks of on-air festivities starting Sept.

3 and ending with Gifford's guest appearance. Jackson's former lawyers claim pop star owes them $113,000 LOS ANGELES Jackson's former entertainment lawyers have filed a lawsuit claiming the pop star owes them more than $113,000. The law firm Lavely Singer of Los Angeles says Jackson agreed in arbitration last Jackson year to pay them $180,000 in three installments. Jackson failed to make the final payment of $113,750 before the July 31, 2007, deadline stipulated in the settlement, the firm alleges in a complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. A message left for Jackson's publicist, Raymone Bain, wasn't immediately returned.

His lawyer, Christopher Mellott, could not be reached after hours Tuesday. A judge last month ordered Jackson, 48, to pay more than $256,000 in legal fees to another firm that handled some side issues during 2005 child molestation trial. Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in the case. Today's birthdays Actor Fess Parker is 83. Actor Robert Culp is 77.

Sportscaster Frank Gifford is 77. Singer Eydie Gorme is 76. Actress Julie Newmar is 74. Actor Gary Clarke "The is 71. Actress Anita Gillette is 71 Actress Carole Shelley is 68.

Country singer Billy Joe Shaver is 68. Singer Robert "Squirrel" Lester of The Chi-Lites is 65. Actor Bob Balaban Mighty Wind," "Best In is 62. Actress Lesley Ann Warren is 61. Actor Reginald VelJohn-son is 55.

TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 54. singer J.T. Taylor is 54. Director James Cameron (Titanic," The is 53. Guitarist Tim Farriss of INXS (in-ex-ES') is 50.

Actress Angela Bassett is 49. Singer Madonna is 49. Actress Laura Innes is 48. Actor Timothy Hutton is 47. Actor Steve Carell is 44.

Country singer Emily Robison of The Dixie Chicks is 35. Actor George Stults is 32. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 27. Actor Shawn Pyfrom is 21. referred to as "the White House." "I've never been to any competition as good as this," Betty Buckner, 63, of Kansas City, said at Sunday night's performance.

"It's a way for them to show their love for Elvis and his music, and I'm glad Graceland finally understands that." Jack Soden, the longtime chief executive of Elvis Presley Enterprises, now a subsidiary of CKX, has never been a fan of Elvis impersonators but he's giving the tribute contest a chance. It would be difficult to stop Elvis impersonators, even though EPE owns the rights to Presley's name and likeness. Keeping Presley's picture off a coffee mug is one thing, but telling a singer he can't wear jumpsuits and rhinestones is something else again. "This is a genuine, spontaneous aspect of the Elvis phenomenon and we should embrace it to some extent," said Soden, who like other Graceland managers avoids the word "impersonators," favoring "Elvis tribute artists" or ETAs, instead. "We want to be careful, though.

We don't ever want the ETA contest to become the center of the story," he said. Graceland's contest may also elevate the standards of Elvis imitators in general, many of whom live "in a kind of world unto itself," Soden by Elvis Presley Enterprises is something special," said Paul Larcombe, a professional tribute artist from Crewe, England, and one of 10 finalists for the Graceland crown. Unofficial Elvis impersonator contests, with performers ranging from the ridiculous to the rever- ential, are held around the globe, drawing participants of all sizes, shapes, ethnicities and ages. There are eve female Elvises. But for the serious tribute artists, some of whom make a living copying the King, winning the official Graceland title, or just getting to Soden the finals, can be particularly rewarding.

"It's already enhanced my career just getting over here," said Larcombe, who got to Memphis by winning a preliminary contest in Blackpool, England. "I might get Some more high-profile agents to work with me, which means more lucrative work." For many Elvis fans, the Graceland-sanctioned contest is also special. The Elvis faithful refer to the management of the Presley business as simply "Graceland," in the same way a presidential administration might be land tourist shops, a $3,000 gift certificate toward the purchase of an Elvis-inspired jumpsuit, a one- of-a-kind "Ultimate Elvis Trib ute Artist" Jack championship belt and other prizes. The tribute artist contest marks a big change for Graceland, which has long regarded Elvis impersonators with a mixture of resigned bemusement and outright disgust. But with a new corporate parent, CKX in charge of the $40-million-a-year business in all things Elvis, Graceland managers have taken a new attitude toward the pompadoured ones.

"There are competitions all over the world and they're all fantastic, but to have one run Marshall City Band to present final concert of season on Friday march; "Man Of La Mancha," including "Little Bird, Little Bird," "Dulcinea" and "Impossible "Rolling Thunder" march; "Rhythm Of The "The Mad "Lassus Trombone," featuring the trombone section; "Poet and Peasant Overture" and "Let The Spirit Soar." The concert will continue with selec tions from "The Sound of Music," "Bom-basto" march, "Instant Concert" and conclude with "The Stars and Stripes Forever." The Marshall Music Boosters will provide refreshments prior and during the concert. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. MARSHALL The Marshall City Band will perform its last concert of the 132nd concert season at 8 p.m. Friday on the Clark County Courthouse lawn. The band is under the direction of Harold Ellshoff The concert will open with "The Star-Spangled "Washington Grays" HOROSCOPES LEO (July 23-Aug.

22) Involvements you have with some influential friends or contacts could prove to be exceptionally rewarding for you. You may get an opportunity to widen your social circle considerably. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Conditions are trending in your favor in ways where you'll be able to articulate your true feelings to others in a much more personal manner and, as a result, draw them closer to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Attend to all matters of importance personally instead of letting anyone else do so for you. You're particularly lucky now and will be able to gratify your expectations TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Whether you are the employer or the employee, you're apt to take extra pride in your work and, as a result, produce some hidden benefits you didn't know existed until the job was finished. GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) Your enthusiasm and great outlook are contagious and will have little trouble stirring up interests in others.

Don't be surprised to see a crowd following you when you turn around. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Because you are both bold and enterprising, it shouldn't surprise that you could find yourself doing things in a rather dramatic fashion and end up achieving a rather difficult task. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) An exciting new friend or associate could enter your life.

It will be someone who thinks exactly like you and with whom you'll be able to articulate and discuss deep and intimate things. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Far greater benefits can be acquired from joint endeavors you have rather than from that which you attempt to do on your own. One endeavor in particular is apt to be outstanding. ARIES (March 21 -April 19) This is an excellent day for establishing agreements between two or more parties.

Because the bargaining will be fair, everyone wiH get something back from what they're willing to give. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) There are fortunate developments stirring behind the scenes at this time that could have long-range effects upon several areas of your life. Two early indicators should become visible.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec 21) Personal hopes and expectations to which you presently aspire have excellent chances of being realized. You could even find that events will magically conform to your timetable. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19) Don't retreat from challenging developments because the odds aren't stacked in your favor. You'll find you're the one who has the edge and, if you do your best, luck will do the rest -t JTTTT-n?.