By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
He swears his system could blow the leaves off your trees, grooving to songs like ‘Mean Woman Blues?, ‘Loving You?, ‘Teddy Bear?, and ‘Viva Las Vegas.?
So, don’t forget your blue suede shoes.
With Lake Orion’s Dave Michalik on live sound, Chris Salano putting on the Buddy Holly glasses, and Roy Rouse’as the King himself, The Knights of Columbus (KOC) invite you to Elvis Fest, their biggest event yet.
Doors open’November 14 at 6:30 p.m.
As the entertainment manager for the KOC, Michalik gathered Salano of Ann Arbor and Rouse from Rochester Hills easily and are putting on the show again.
Nearly 1,000 people watched their performance this August at Canterbury Village, with Michalik operating the audio and lights, ‘Buddy Holly? on the early show and ‘Elvis Presley? swooning ladies by the end.
‘I think we have something pretty decent here,? Michalik said.
Michalik has been working with Rouse for a couple of years now, playing shows and recording songs in his personal studio.
Michalik claims Rouse got a letter from Les Paul, who said his rendition of the Mean Woman Blues was the best recording he has heard.
‘To have somebody of that level’to recognize and take the time to tell Roy that, it’s testimony for how good and how accurate he is singing Elvis songs’it’s pretty neat,? Machalik said.
They rock. They roll, and the can also bring the audience to tears.
‘At the end of the show he [Rouse] acknowledges all of our veterans, and does the Elvis song ‘Glory Hallelujah.? It’s a very emotional time, because the music is moving. It goes from a head out blast, ramped up drums, and calms down. There are some pretty powerful lyrics about war, and there are people who get tears in their eyes.?
Michalik has operated the audio and lights for a number of Elvis Fests at Canterbury Village, and says this is one of the best.
He and Rouse do critiques, think about how the audience reacts to each set, and make little tweaks, but most importantly, ‘try and keep it fresh, but again be professional about it.?
One of the things that always get the ladies up are Rouse’s little scarves he ties to his microphone. After given as a gift, those little scarves can sometimes come with a kiss.
‘You can tell the excitement in their face, it just adds that element to the show. When you engage the audience and recognize them, everyone has a better time, and everyone gets a little part in the show.?
And, the lyrics are so good natured, the show is great for kids too, Michalik said, adding like Elvis, they can’t stop dancing.?
Tickets are $35 in advance,?$40 at the door and $50 for VIP. All the proceeds go to the Knights of Columbus? mission to contribute back to the community whether through sponsorship, contributions or volunteer time, and to maintaining the banquet hall for nonprofit events.
Anyone interested in helping give back to their community can get to the show at he KOC, 1400 Orion Rd.. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by calling?248-693-9824.
Although nobody can replace the King, or his opener Buddy Holly, the duet can put on a fabulous show.
‘These are not a couple guys trying to get on’a jumpsuit after 20 years. They’re very good, and they’re all local, which to me brings it home a little more.?