I had a wonderful time at Tyler Christopher’s Tribute Concert to Elvis at Theatre at the Center. Tyler Christopher is the real deal – with a voice that comes as close to Elvis’s as any I’ve heard.
As a longtime Elvis fan, I’ve attended most of the Elvis Birthday Tribute Shows here in Northwest Indiana, so I really have heard most of the well-known tribute artists. I actually saw Elvis in concert in Las Vegas, so I can say that Christopher does a good job with his music.
Christopher’s costumes and set list followed Elvis’s career path, with the first act covering the 50’s and 60’s, the second the 70’s. The early years included Heartbreak Hotel, Don’t Be Cruel and Blue Suede Shoes, among others. Changing from a sports coat to a sequined jacket, Christopher sang Teddy Bear – while tossing stuffed bears into the audience – Hound Dog, Little Sister, Return to Sender and more. He finished the act with Viva Las Vegas.
After an intermission, Christopher returned to the stage in an coral colored jumpsuit and cape liberally embellished in gold, to sing some of the songs from his 1970 dinner show, others from his Hawaiian special and several from his Las Vegas show like Kentucky Rain, Poke Sally Annie and Suspicious Minds, all while passing out scarves to ladies in the audience. He ended the show with Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Joining Christopher on the Theatre at the Center stage were Kathy Bowman (backup vocals), Ron Bowman (drums), Don Gauck (guitar) and Ben Tweedt (keyboard and bass).
