Less Elvis in Vegas doesn’t mean no Elvis in Vegas

By Jerry Fink

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Elvis Tribute Artists

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"The King" of Rock and Roll has been gone for more than 30 years, but on any given night in Las Vegas the spirit of Elvis Presley lives on. For Elvis tribute artists like Trent Carlini, Jesse Garon, Darren Lee and Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee, the message they try to relate on stage is one of fun energy and high intensity, a routine that Elvis himself would be proud of. "It's almost like you're on autopilot," Garon said, of drifting into the Presley persona. "You're no longer the other guy, you're the 'King.' It's almost like being in your zen, your spot."

Elvis Presley

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There’s not a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on in Las Vegas this week to celebrate the 74th birthday of Elvis Presley.

Come to think of it, Elvis’ presence doesn’t seem to be as prominent as it has been in years past.

Award-winning Elvis tribute artist Trent Carlini has left the Sahara.

Steve Connolly’s lively “Spirit of the King” show at Fitzgeralds is long gone.

The Elvis Museum closed its doors more than three years ago.

The Elvis show being developed by Cirque du Soleil for the eventual CityCenter is still months or years away from seeing the footlights.

However, there are a few things Elvis fans can do in memory of their hero this week.

The Viva Las Vegas Elvis fan club will hold a 30-minute ceremony at 6:30 tonight in front of the Hilton, where Elvis set so many attendance records. The event will also commemorate the 40th anniversary this year of Elvis returning to the stage at the International (now the Hilton) on July 31, 1969.

Dennis Wise will perform a 90-minute Elvis birthday concert Saturday.

You can catch Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee at 3, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall. It’s free.

Elvis tribute artist Johnny Fortuno will perform “The King’s Life” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Cannery. Admission is $10.

Or you can attend a performance of “American Superstars” at the Stratosphere, where Elvis tribute artist Darren Lee has been a featured performer for eight years. Performances are at 7 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays and 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner shows are $59.50. Regular admission is $46.25 for adults and $35.45 for children.