People who could live anywhere in Seattle they want, choose Capitol Hill for its eclectic mix of interesting people, from computer programmers to artists to…. Elvis impersonators?
Yes, indeed! Capitol Hill boasts at least two Elvi, also known as ETA’s (Elvis Tribute Artists), and they’ll be shaking and swiveling and competing in this weeks Seattle Elvis Invitationals, a contest to find Seattle’s best Elvis impersonator.
Vern Fonk, Priscilla (Marlow Harris), Elvis impersonator Jeffrey Cook and International Rock-a-Billy Socialite Sweet Pea enjoy a King’s Ring – maple cream doughnut with bacon, from Top Pot
Competing for the very first time is Capitol Hill resident and Scenery and Set Designer Jeffrey Cook. Jeffrey does set design for Seattle Children’s theater and the Seattle opera, and he’s also designed the holiday décor at “Winterfest”, an annual month-long festival at the Seattle Center. He also plays ukulele in the fabulous “Ukadelics“, a 9-piece ukulele band, and he’ll be playing ukulele and singing the Elvis favorite, “Viva Las Vegas”, at the Seattle Invitationals.
Capitol Hill resident Ronnie Porter named best Amateur Elvis at the Seattle Invitationals 2011
Also returning to the Seattle Invitationals is last year’s winner and reigning KING of Seattle Elvi is none other that Capitol Hill resident Ronnie Porter. Ronnie’s competed a number of years and always put’s on a great show. He won last year and is returning in 2012 to defend his crown against 20+ other Elvi and ETA’s.
Here’s a great video of Ronnie’s winning performance from last year.
2012 Seattle Elvis Invitationals at EMP on 1/14
The Seattle Invitationals are Saturday, January 14th at EMP this year. Doors at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Jim Dever is Master of Ceremonies and judges include Nancy Guppy of Almost Live and Artzone, Mark Christopher of KVI radio, Vern Fonk and rock-a-billy socialite Sweet Pea. Also in attendance will be Priscilla, the Colonel and the (fake) Jordonaires. Live music by the Kentucky Rain and punk-rock Elvis music by the Graceland Five.
