2005 Seattle Invitationals

- THE JUDGES -


I was lucky this year to be
able to judge the event.

The 4 other judges were:

 - Professional Elvis Tribute Artist
Art Kistler from Minnesota

- Gene Stout, Seattle PI Music Critic

- Leon Berman with "Shake the Shack"
on KEXP Radio

- ElVez (Robert Lopez),
past punk rocker, EPA and
current Teatro Zinzanni performer.


Peter Verbrugge, local promoter and impresario,
began the Seattle Invitationals 9 years ago at the
Crocodile Cafe in 1994.  It started out small with
members of Portland's Cherry Poppin' Daddies
and then had to eventually move to EMP
to hold the Crowds!

The Show started out with the pro Elvis
review, "Night of the Living Elvis", then
moved quickly to the 24 amateur performers.
We were to judge on the following criteria:
1.
Vocal Performance - Did they sound like the King?
Did they remember the lyrics?
2.
Costume and Appearance - Was any effort made?
How is their hair-do?  Or their hair don't?
3.
Stage Presence - How did they act on stage?  Did
they perform moves that drove the crowd crazy?
4.
Audience Response - Was the applause
lukewarm, warm, hot or red hot?
 


Leon and Marlow



Gene, Leon and Art



Peter held up a highly scientific (and suspiciously home-
made-looking) "Clap-o-Meter" after each performance,
which I read and dutifully recorded on my tally sheet.
Judging was intense and the voting took on an air of
seriousness I didn't expect, as hopeful after hopeful
Elvi took the stage.  Young and sexy Elvis.
Hawaiian Elvis. Transexual Elvis. Fat, dissipated and
drug-addled Elvis. On and on, the Elvi came,
sang and finally conquered. 

 

It was tough.  It was a difficult decision.
All Elvi received a lovely gift bag.  But finally,
in the end, only one amateur
Elvis Tribute Artist remained standing. 

 

The winner was announced.  The crowd roared,
and 24 Elvi crowded in a frenzy of sequins, glitter
and white jumpsuits onto the stage to sing and
dance to "That's All Right Mama" backed by the
Memphis Mafia Band.  It was a beautiful end
to a beautiful and unforgettable evening.
-
HERE'S THE LIST OF CONTESTANTS
AND THE SONGS THEY PERFORMED
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Click HERE to go back to Seattle Invitationals Intro Page
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Click HERE to go to Seattle Invitationals Stage Page
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Click HERE to go back to E 'n Me Intro - Page 1
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Click HERE to go back to E 'n Me - Page 2

Click HERE to go back to the HOME PAGE

ALL PHOTOS AND CONTENT CREATED BY
MARLOW HARRIS AND JODAVID - 2005
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