Shelvis, part two

Three years ago I had never been in a VFW Hall. Or an Elks Lodge.

Today, I can walk into the VFW Hall in Arvada and feel like Norm... everyone knows my name (or rather knows that I'm with Shelvis) and they buy me a drink. At the Elks Lodge in Denver, I have participated in the 11th hour ritual, holding hands with complete strangers, in a circle, in the bar, honoring those Elks and Elkettes who have passed on to the big pasture in the sky.

Shelvis has certainly taken me places I've never been before. And I've met people I would most certainly never have an opportunity to meet otherwise. Who would have thought that a man who is respected as "Commander Dave" at the VFW Hall would be someone I would call a friend?

Shelvis performs a lot at VFW Halls and Elks' Lodges. That is definitely a niche for her. It's always a delight to the Veterens to watch the faces of any newly inducted Vet's as they enjoy what they think is a damn good impersonator of Elvis, John Travolta, Buddy Holly, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond strip of most of her outfits and end up impersonating Shania Twain in chaps and a sexy shirt. Once, a moderately drunk guest at the VFW hall actually took off her panties and threw them on Shelvis during her Tom Jones set, only to be completely mortified when Shelvis revealed herself as a woman. It still makes me laugh to recall the look on her face.

The adventures of an Elvis Impersonator roadie-part one

Okay, so roadie might be an exaggeration of sorts.

Afterall, it's not like I get paid. And, at my age, I mostly flirt with guys in the parking lot to get them to help us because carrying heavy equipment doesn't do much for my back. My main job is schlepping costumes and standing in the wings while Shelvis entertains the crowds.

Okay, so crowds might be an exaggeration. Most of her (yes her) gigs are private birthday parties and VFW events. Once a year she puts on a big one-woman show, which does indeed bring in a crowd of 250-300. But the typical show is for a more intimate group.

Shelvis is a local celebrity. Just ask the Elvis Connection. Yes, there is a fan club. A very loyal fan club. And while they are fans of all the local Elvis impersonators, and really, just about anything that has to do with Elvis, they do love Shelvis best.

Perhaps you've run into the Elvis Connection. If you happen to be eating at a Fuddruckers on a Sunday afternoon and you see about 50 people wearing Elvis ties and carrying Elvis purses that would be them. The leader is a very bubbly, pretty blond named Susie. The members vary from Senior Citizens to 22-year old Lesbians. Some day I will figure out how this vastly different group of Elvis lovers all found each other. But for now, I just know them as this intriguing group of people who have a passion for Elvis and who will travel come sleet or snow to see Shelvis perform those ageless songs and timeless hip gyrations.

And there I stand, in the wings, handing Shelvis scarves and guitars and sometimes getting free drinks.

I've never been an Elvis fan. I'm still not. In fact, as an avid Beatles' fan, it seems sacrilegious to even profess to know the words to Jailhouse Rock. I don't so much as own a single Elvis recording and if you catch me humming along, well, I guess I just got caught up in the moment.

There is something about that man, Elvis. It's a mystery to me, but his attraction is more powerful today than when he was alive. Who knew there was this subculture of Denverites who gather to celebrate his music at least once a month? Who knew there were more than a dozen people in this town who make a fairly decent second income performing as Elvis at retirement parties and summer picnics?

So, what's in it for me? Stay tuned...