FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the most common questions I get on the phone from people who are interested in hiring me for a private or corporate function:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE YOU DO MY EVENT?
The average priced Elvis performance in the Los Angeles area is around $650. 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. Out of town rates start at $1000 per day, plus expenses.
(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 $650.00.
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, I do not do suggestive or sexual movements, only tasteful hip swivels!
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 205, 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.
DO YOU EVER GO TO VEGAS?
I play in LasVegas for private conventions and an occasional Casino.
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. Also, I have the talent, costumes and ability to pull off everything from young Elvis to the late 70's. Unlike many Elvis impersonators, I do not rely on sunglasses, wigs and fake sideburns, my look is authentic.
IS ELVIS REALLY DEAD?
Yes!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO SET UP YOUR EQUIPMENT?
Thirty minutes.
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. The minimum charge for this is $650. I also have less professional Elvi that can do these for less money.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH YOUR "SINGING TELEGRAMS?" - I'VE SEEN THEM CHEAPER!
The way I do them, 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.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I HIRE YOU AS ELVIS?
A dependable, punctual first class job every time. In addition:
COSTUMES
My costumes are custom tailored, authentic Bill Belew-patterned suits, which are exact replicas of the original suits that Elvis wore.
SOUND
I use a Bose Professional Sound System, Shure Microphone, and state of the art digital equipment for crystal clear sound and optimal performance.
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.
OFFICE: 310-941-0948