Ronnie McDowell
It simply wouldn't be Elvis Week without an appearance by Ronnie McDowell. The Elvis-inspired singer returns to Horseshoe Casino's Bluesville tonight at 9 for his annual "Tribute to the King" concert featuring Presley's famed backing vocal group the Jordanaires.
Ronnie McDowell
Originally from Portland, Tenn., McDowell began singing while in the military and was a struggling 27-year-old artist until he made his 1977 small-label single "The King Is Gone." An impassioned requiem written in the immediate aftermath of Presley's death, the song became a hit and has sold an astounding 5 million copies.
In the years since, McDowell has never strayed far outside of the King's shadow, though he has managed to walk the thin line between impersonation and inspiration. He has provided the singing voice of Elvis in numerous films and television shows, including the Kurt Russell biopic "Elvis." At the same time, he has forged a respectable career for himself, with a dozen country top 10 hits to his credit.
More than 30 years after Presley's death, McDowell continues to honor his hero in new and surprising ways. A skilled painter, his work "Reflection of a King," depicting a young Elvis strumming his guitar before a mirror reflecting the superstar he was to become, is featured on the cover of "Genuine Elvis," a new compilation of artwork, photographs and personal reminiscences of the King. McDowell will be present at a book-signing event today from 2 to 4 p.m. at the 'Elvis Lives" exhibit at Graceland.
Meanwhile, on Aug. 25, McDowell will release a new CD of original material, Lost In Dirty Dancing, on Curb Records.
Tickets are $35 and are available at the Bluesville box office and through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 800-303-7463 or visit horseshoetunica.com.
Epps stands up
Comic actor Mike Epps gets back to his stand-up roots Saturday with an 8 p.m. show at Sam's Town's River Palace Entertainment Center.
Originally from Indianapolis, Epps got his start on the stand-up circuit, getting his big break in 1995 when he was tapped for HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." Inevitably he segued into movies, starring in Next Friday, the two Resident Evil sequels, and this summer's The Hangover, among others.
Tickets are $40 and $50 and are available at the Sam's Town box office and through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 800-456-0711 or visit samstowntunica.com.
War cancels show
The War concert originally scheduled for Harrah's Saturday night has been canceled due to a scheduling conflict. Instead, Prince cohorts Morris Day & the Time will perform at 9 p.m. at Harrah's Tunica Event Center. Originally scheduled support act Grandmaster Flash will play an after-party immediately following.
War ticketholders can exchange their tickets for Morris Day & the Time at the Harrah's box office the day of the show. Ticket refunds are available through Ticketmaster.
For more information, call 800-946-4946 or visit harrahstunica.com.
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