Elvis tribute returns to Yuma

You know a special event is happening when some of Elvis Presley's dearest friends are coming to Yuma, along with 30 tribute artists traveling from as far off as Alaska.

Organizers of the EP Expo say people who knew Elvis will never stop honoring the legendary performer's memory. But the same is true of a world of fans who never met the King, but feel their lives changed forever by that famous music.

“There's a saying about Elvis that is so true: ‘Every woman wanted to be with him and every man wanted to be him,'” said Ryan Wood with Presley Productions. “What can you say about Elvis but that he was and is simply the king of rock and roll. His music is timeless and isn't defined by a specific era. To many of the fans and music fans in general, he's considered to be the greatest entertainer of our time.”

For the sixth year in a row, Presley Productions brings its EP Expo to the Yuma area, this time to Quechan Casino Resort. The event will feature not only a musical tribute competition, but also appearances by people who co-starred in movies alongside Elvis and a display of some of the performer's favorite costumes, sunglasses and pieces of jewelry.

The EP Expo runs Thursday through Saturday at the casino west of Yuma. Live competitions are planned each day, plus an expo of vendors, karaoke, celebrity meet and greets, and nightly after-parties. See the inset schedule for a list of events. Note that fans must be 21 years or older to attend.

“We've had as many as 3,000 people at our past expos,” Wood said. “Besides the locals, many of our fans come as far as Nevada, Texas, California, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina and New York. The numbers continue to increase every year.”

This year's big stars are favorites who have appeared in years past at the Yuma event. Cynthia Pepper co-starred in the movie “Kissin' Cousins” with Elvis and is beloved by fans for the always-requested story of the first time she and Presley kissed.

Also appearing will be Jimmy Velvet, a close friend to Elvis and the entire Presley family who enjoyed his own career in music. Velvet is remembered for hits such as “Teen Angel,” “We Belong Together” and “Blue Velvet.” After Presley's death, Velvet established the Elvis Presley Museum, which boasted the world's largest collection of artifacts owned by Elvis.

The expo will also feature the talents of two showcase performers: Jay Dupuis and Dwight Icenhower. For the past six years, both performers have placed among the top five finalists during the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis.

“Jay is currently working for the famous tribute show Legends in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dwight just recently won the King of the World Contest in Memphis,” Wood said. “When it comes to the top Elvis tribute artists in the business, you will always hear the names Jay Dupuis and Dwight Icenhower.”

Wood co-owns Presley Productions with Ace Crye. They put on their first all-Elvis expo in 2004 at Sam's Town Casino in Las Vegas.

“We had fans from all over the world at the event,” Wood said. “They came from as far as Japan, Germany, Austria, Spain and England. Many of the EP Expo fans that attended our first event have been following us ever since.”

This is the sixth in the Yuma area for the expo, but its first year at Quechan Casino Resort.

“The numbers continue to increase every year, with hundreds attending each show. This (is) one of the many reasons why we're excited to be going to Quechan Casino Resort,” Wood said. “They have the space and ability to accommodate larger crowds.”

Admission to the EP Expo ranges from $19 to $39 for a one-day pass, $35 to $75 for a two-day pass and $48 to $99 for a three-day pass. Tickets are available at Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Casino and at 1-800-858-3737.

THE SCHEDULE:

Note: All events take place at Quechan Casino Resort. Attendees must be 21 years or older.

Thursday, Jan. 17

7 to 7:10 p.m. - Opening introductions by Ryan Wood, Ace Crye and Chuck O' Brien

7:10 to 7:50 p.m. - Special Showcase Jay Dupuis

7:50 to 8:15 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

8:15 to 9 p.m. - 1st round of contest (Group 1)

9 to 9:20 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

9:20 to 10:05 p.m. - 1st round of contest (Group 2)

10:05 p.m. to midnight - EP Expo After Party (karaoke, vendors, meet and greets)

Friday, Jan. 18

7 to 7:10 p.m. - Opening introductions by Ryan Wood, Ace Crye and Chuck O' Brien

7:10 to 8:15 p.m. - “KING” musical production

8:15 to 8:35 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

8:35 to 9:20 p.m. - 2nd round of contest (Group 1)

9:20 to 9:40 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

9:40 to 10:25 p.m. - 2nd round of contest (Group 2)

10:25 p.m. to midnight - EP Expo After Party (karaoke, vendors, meet and greets)

Saturday, Jan. 19

6:30 to 8 p.m. - 3rd round of contest (Group 1 & 2)

8 to 8:20 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

8:20 to 9 p.m. - Special Showcase with Dwight Icenhower

9 to 9:20 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet greets

9:20 to 10:20 p.m. - Contest Semi-Finals (Top Ten)

10:20 to 10:45 p.m. - Intermission/vendors/meet and greets

10:45 p.m. - Contest winners announced

10:45 p.m. to midnight - EP Expo After Party (karaoke, vendors, meet and greets)

Source: www.ElvisExpo.com. Times subject to change.

Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.