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Elvis to appear in Bigfork

| January 21, 2010 11:00 PM

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork will play host to Elvis, or at least his closest likeness, this Valentine's Day.

Tickets are already moving for the Love Me Tender: Elvis Live in Concert by Ryan Pelton, who is considered one of the best Elvis tribute artists, at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

"Folks will want to get their tickets early to ensure availability," said Walter Kuhn, president of the board of directors for the center. " We fully expect a sell-out show. In the words of Elvis himself, 'It's now or never.'"

In the concert, Pelton and his five-piece band, The Difference, will take the audience on a journey through all the eras of Elvis Presley's long career – from the raw-edged 50s through his light-hearted movie era to the '68 Comeback Special and of course the Las Vegas years.

Pelton has performed on four continents with the Las Vegas Production Show "Legends in Concert," and starred in movies and appeared in commercials as Elvis.

He is the only tribute artist to have been booked to perform at Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis, Tenn.

Recently, Pelton appeared with Celine Dion on "American Idol," performing a duet of "If I Can Dream."

Pelton has worked beside many of the original musicians and vocalists who performed with the "King" himself, including The Jordanaires, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations, D.J. Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Scheff and Millie Kirkham.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Concert tickets are $27.50 and can be purchased online at www.bigforktheater.org or at tix.com.

Tickets are also available at Merry Gems, Jug Tree and Artisans in Bigfork.

To complete the Valentine's Day experience in Bigfork, many area businesses are planning to get festive.

Shops will extend their hours to be open until 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday in the Village. Many shops will be decorated for the holiday and have refreshments available.

Sleigh rides will also be offered through the Village from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Valentine's Day along with hundreds of red balloons.