We're at the Grange Fair in Centre County, PA and to me it's in the middle of nowhere. Shortly, introductions of special guests, including some past Penn State football players, are made and then the stage lights begin to glare and the opening group called "AM Radio" takes the Grandstand stage. Group of about half a dozen musicians with two vocalists entertain us for about 45 minutes and as the audience of maybe a thousand people start to get antsy, the announcer steps to the mic and says, "Elvis is in the building!" The cheers rise into the cool night air. "But," he says, "it will take 15 to 20 minutes to get the stage cleared and reset again. No boos, but you can just feel the tension as he steps away from the mic. Everyone stands to stretch before the feature performer takes the stage. The crowd has all ages in attendance, but the majority seem to be AARP age. Finally, the lights dim in the stands and the stage lights brighten.
Two willowy girls stand in front of mics on the left of the stage while on the far right sits a musician with a mic around his head in front of a keyboard. In the rear, atop a raised platform is seated the drummer with the lead guitarist to the right and the bass guitarist to the left. The keyboardist begins......the drummer and guitarists join ...... A 2001 Space Odyssey ....... the crescendo builds ..... and from the rear of the stage appears.... Elvis!!
The excitement begins with screams of joy from the older generation of women who I think actually believe they are witnessing the real Elvis Presley in person. He grabs the mic and instantly opens with the 12-bar blues hit C.C. Rider. I can feel the hair on my arms standing on end as the chills go down my spine. Not sure if it is the excitement or the fact that I'm dressed in shorts and a short-sleeved T-shirt and the frost isn't too far away. Mike Albert looks the part! Long 60s hair and a long-sleeved white jump suit with HUGE belt and sparkles all over it. On the back of his outfit was what appeared to be an eagle in black beading. HE WAS ELVIS!! At least in the eyes of the a part of the audience who are reliving their teenage years.
Man on the left talks with Elvis who thinks he is the husband of the woman in pink. Man in gray hat is really the husband. |
Star of the show. |
Young girl aides Elvis with his ending moves. |
The stirring finale! |
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