Elvis lives! (at least on the stage)

Performer returns with tribute show

By Laura McFarland, Rocky Mount Telegram

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Elvis is back in the building.

Elvis Presley impersonator Eddie Miles is bringing his special blend of country and rock 'n' roll back to the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts to kick off the second half of its season, said Sheila Martin, executive director. The performance at 8 p.m. Jan. 12 will be Miles' fourth time at the center.

"It is great music, and people really respond very well to him. He really endears himself to the audience," Martin said.

Miles starts the show with a salute to country legends such as Merle Haggard, George Jones and Johnny Cash, but he is best-known for what comes after the intermission. Dressed in full Elvis regalia, he steps out on the stage and belts out the songs made classics by The King.

"In my opinion, there is not any better music out there. You turn on the radio today, and none of it compares to the music of the '50s, '60s and '70s. So many people, I think, feel the same way," Miles said.

If the audience reaction at previous concerts is anything to go by, Miles is right, said Susan Autrey, box office manager.

"It is just like if it was Elvis. They go up to the stage, and he gives them scarves like Elvis did. They just holler and scream," Autrey said.

Miles' show is different every night. His selections from various country legends range from Cash's "Ring of Fire" to Conway Twitty's "Hello Darlin.'" Some of the Elvis songs fans might hear include "Suspicious Minds," "My Way" or gospel songs such as "How Great Thou Art."

"It is a mix that pretty much spans his career, because we'll even go back and do the early stuff like 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Hound Dog' and 'Don't Be Cruel,'" Miles said.

Miles last performed at the center on Jan. 8, 2006, Elvis' birthday, Martin said. She was pleased by the number of people who dressed like Elvis for the event and invites them to do it again.

"It just adds to the festivities," Martin said.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students 15 and younger. For more information call 252-985-5197.



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