Silent Auction part of Aug. 31 show
Concert in the Park audiences who’ve loved Matt King’s Elvis Presley Tribute Show the past three seasons will be pleased to know that the “Hound Dog” is returning again in 2011. King is “Elvis” at the Aug. 31 Concert in the Park season finale at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. The show begins at 7 p.m.; no admission charge.
“The performance committee is pleased to have Matt King back again as Elvis,” says Performance Shell Committee Chairperson, Bill Tennant says. “Our audiences love him, and his appearance is a perfect ending to this year’s summer schedule.”
A resident of Leslie, King has travelled all over the United States and Europe entertaining audiences with his unique ability to bring to the “King” to life via his moves, mannerisms, looks and costuming – and, of course, that distinctive voice.
“Some guys choreograph every move – I try to capture the way Elvis expressed himself for the audience. The way he moved his hand, shook his leg or held the mic,” King says, noting that attention to detail – like Elvis costumes including the Peacock, Arabian, Sunburst and Dragon – help lend authenticity to his show.
In addition to hearing and seeing Elvis, guests have an opportunity to bid on a myriad of items included in Clinton Northern Railway’s Silent Auction in the main pavilion, located next to the Performance Shell. Bidding begins at 6 p.m., prior to the start of the concert; continues during the concert’s intermission; and concludes 30 minutes following the end of the performance.
A wide range of items donated by local businesses and individuals are part of the auction, including a hand-painted silk shawl; a collection of old postcards (train/railroad-related); an assortment of art memorabilia from the estate of long-time Clinton County Arts Council director, Kaye Pilmore; and a gift certificate for $150 off a three-day package from Drollett Travel.
Funds generated by the auction will go toward the restoration of an historic 1902 wooden sleeper car, the Sault Ste. Marie, that’s housed at the CNR Depot in downtown St. Johns. CNR is part of the CCAC.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the CCAC and the city of St. Johns, with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, John Wieber PC is being recognized at the Aug. 31 concert for its financial support of the Arts Council and the summer music series.
The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand that offers light refreshments. The concert and CNR Silent Auction will be held rain or shine.
For information on Concert in the Park call the Clinton County Arts Council, (989) 224-2429.