FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the most common questions I get on the phone and when I perform
Mark W. Curran - Elvis Impersonator
"High Quality At Reasonable Prices"
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE YOU DO MY EVENT? - The average priced Elvis performance is around $550. You can have me perform one song or as many as 15 songs, for up to one hour. This is for me as a solo performer with a sound system. If you'd like a full band, there is an additional charge.
If you have a Disc Jockey at your event, I can work with him, I simply give him my CD with backing tracks on it and it makes it easier. Each event is different, from the location, day of the week to how many people you have in your audience. You can have me perform solo, or with a backing band. I can even provide you with an oldies band if you need a full evening a entertainment, not just Elvis.
For lower budgets, between $350-$450, I have several Elvis that I book that are lower in quality, for instance when a client has a smaller budget but doesn't need as authentic an Elvis. But I don't go out myself for anything less than $550.00.
DO YOU ARRIVE AS ELVIS IN COSTUME? - No, generally I will arrive about one hour prior to the performance dressed "normal" in standard office dress attire, and set up a small sound system. I then use a separate area provided by client to get into makeup and change into "Elvis." This makes it easier to "surprise" your special guest, who may be in the vicinity of the performance area when I arrive. Without makeup or costume, they will not guess what is about to happen!
DO YOU SING IN YOUR OWN VOICE OR DO YOU LIP SYNC? - I sing using my own voice, but imitate Elvis's voice exactly.
WHAT ERA OF ELVIS DO YOU DO? I'm ideally suited for the 70's Elvis, but wear my hair in the 50's pompadour style so that I can cover all his hits from the late Fifties through the Seventies. I can also do the 1968 Comeback Special wearing the black leather outfit, or the 50's Elvis in Gold Lame, even the Blue Hawaii Elvis with the red Aloha shirt from the movie. Most people request the 70's jumpsuit Elvis.
IS YOUR SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN? - Yes, the show is appropriate for all ages.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS? - I've been in the music business as a performer since I was 15. I toured the United States for the first time when I was 20. I started doing Elvis in 2000, and since 2001, I have been a full time Elvis.
ARE YOU FAT? - No, I'm 211, and stand 6"1. (same height as Elvis). I keep myself in good physical shape for this kind of work.
ISN'T THERE A LOT OF COMPETITION? - Not really, because there aren't very many really good professional Elvis impersonators. But there are so many bad imitators out there it's sad, really. As far as I know, I am the only authentic Elvis impersonator in the Los Angeles area that plays private events at prices below $600 a performance.
DO YOU EVER GO TO VEGAS? - I play in LasVegas for private conventions and an occasional Casino, but other than that, I stay away from it. Too dry, it kills the singing voice, and too many out of work Elvi are there. People assume Vegas is where its at for Elvi, but its actually the last place on earth you'd want to be, because the pay is terrible, the hours are long, and the competition is fierce for the few jobs available.
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? - I'm fun! I strive to recreate an actual Elvis experience, but I have fun with it. The audience picks up on this right away, and I interact with them to make it a truly one-on-one experience.
IS ELVIS REALLY DEAD? - Yes, people actually ask me this all the time. He's dead, trust me on this. But his music and legacy live on.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO SET UP YOUR EQUIPMENT? - Ten minutes for a singing telegram, which is really a mini-performance. Thirty minutes for a small party. Up to an hour for larger parties where a bigger system is needed. I can set up in a small area, generally 12 feet by 12 feet is ideal.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO TRANSFORM YOURSELF INTO ELVIS? - Thirty minutes. But the whole process of playing an event from preparation, driving, setting up equipment, putting on makeup, jewelry, the suit, playing the actual job, changing again, breaking down the equipment, loading it in the van and driving home, takes about 3-4 hours per event, on average. Most events are within a 30-60 minute drive from LAX.
WHAT IS AN 'ELVISGRAM"? - It's a sort of "singing telegram," for lack of a better word. I travel to your home, office, or wherever the honoree is and surprise the birthday person or honoree by performing a song or a medley of songs, dedicating them with a special message to the honoree. I also present the celebrant with a silk scarf. Its one of the most memorable and unique gifts you can give someone, and it works for people of all ages, both male and female.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH YOUR "SINGING TELEGRAMS?" - I'VE SEEN THEM CHEAPER! - A "singing telegram" is actually a mini-performance, with a sound system. I don't do anything second class. If you want a quality authentic Elvis that looks, sings, and moves like The King, don't settle for second best. Hire me. Pay a little extra money and get a guarantee you can take to the bank. You get what you pay for, and this really holds true for singing telegrams in the Los Angeles market. Don't make the mistake of saving $25 and hire a cheap imitator, your guests or honoree deserve more.
COSTUME - My costume is a custom tailored, authentic Bill Belew-patterned $3000 suit, which is an exact replica of the original suit that Elvis wore. I wear EP glasses crafted for me by Elvis's original optician, Dennis Roberts. When performing, I sing and talk in the exact Elvis voice, and do his exact moves, because I have dedicated my professional life to imitating him. I am a full time professional. Compare this to your average singing telegram, and there is no comparison.
SOUND - Even on the smallest of Elvis-Grams, I bring a 100-Watt Carvin StageMate with Sony Digital CD player for optimum quality sound, no matter how small your crowd. For larger shows I use larger systems that are state-of-the-art and custom fitted for the number of people and the room.
If you need a larger system, I have three to choose from, for different size crowds or rooms.
LIGHTING - Lights can make a dramatic difference in a darkened room. I have three different lighting systems available from the simplest of portable lighting to the most elaborate of light shows for the discriminating party-planner. I also own a fog machine if you want to really dazzle them!
HOW DO I BOOK YOU FOR MY EVENT? - Call me. We'll discuss your needs, and then I will request a small deposit to hold the date. I send you a contract, and then we are all set.
CONCLUSION:
Don't settle for less, and don't pay too much for too little. When comparing Elvis-Grams or any other Elvis, make sure you ask about the sound system, suit, and the qualifications of the person you are hiring to be your Elvis!