Reno, Tahoe celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday

A celebration next weekend of Elvis Presley's birthday allows a few lucky and select people to recall when the King performed in northern Nevada.His live appearances at the Las Vegas International (now the Las Vegas Hilton) are the most famous, but his concerts at Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe (now the Horizon) between 1971 and 1976 were equally as noteworthy, selling out at fantastic speeds for the time. Long lines awaited what few seats may have become available after the show's start, featuring an Elvis not in the best physical shape – but few cared. Depending on the concert, he could be extremely dynamic or strangely detached. The showroom where he performed is no longer – replaced by a movie multiplex. The suite where he stayed is still available but little remains of the ephemera of the concerts. Menus can be found on auction sites and a book has been published with some photos, but the Horizon itself lacks practically any vestiges of the High Sierra Theater where not only Elvis but also the likes of Liberace, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine performed, as well as hundreds of the formidable entertainers of the era."Elvis!" read the giant marquee for one of the concerts, followed by "J.D. Sumner, Jackie Kahane, Sweet Stamps Quartet, Voice, Inspirations, Joe Guercio Musical Conductor." Kahane was the opening comedian, suffering nightly with audience reaction as the lights went down, the screaming started, and the announcement was made, "And now, opening for Elvis …" somehow making them laugh in spite of the temporary deflation of spirits. The shows were strictly for the fans and strictly for sale. Comps were few and far between. Colonel Tom Parker refused to accommodate even the press who were smuggled across catwalks and placed at a temporary table next to the light booth, which also held a makeshift bar.The downtown properties next weekend will celebrate Elvis (born Jan. 8, 1935) with karaoke contests and the first "Elvis to the Max" pub crawl starting at 8 p.m. Saturday ($5 buys the cup; you have to furnish the glitter jumpsuit). The inevitable tribute show takes place in the Eldorado Showroom featuring Max Pellicano. (7 p.m.; $20, $30; eldoradoreno.com)Elvis Week also takes place at the Carson Valley Inn with two impersonators: Johnny Reno ("Legends in Concert" and "American Superstars") Wednesday-Saturday, and Brian Andrews (who's drawn praise from Elvis' drummer D.J. Fontana) Thursday- Saturday (free in the cabaret; carsonvalleyinn.com).

Source: Sacbee