Fit for a king

>> Elvismania 2000 introduces a new fest to Montreal

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

El Vez, the Mexican Elvis impersonator from L.A., always has a few thoughtful words to share on the deeper subtext of the Presley phenomenon. I dropped him a line and asked for his insights into the film facet of Presley's career, and here's what he had to say: "In his films, Elvis tried to portray the everyman, in nationalities--the Mexican (Fun in Acapulco), the Arab (Harem Scarum), the Hawaiian (Paradise Hawaiian Style, Blue Hawaii), the German (G.I. Blues)--and in occupations, pilot, carnival worker and so on.

"The films of Elvis were a means to connect with the rest of the world in a Superman/Clark Kent superhero sort of way, but in reverse. He was the hero in real life, but in his films he became the Clark Kent, the regular joe, the Everyman. His films, albeit spread across screens 50 feet high, made him more down to earth. They gave him problems and situations that every mere mortal could have too. Even the later films such as Elvis: That's the Way It Is or Elvis: On Tour tried to show the hardships of his travel life or daily life--that being Elvis is just like being you or me, although we all know that this is far from true. Live concerts were not enough. The films of Elvis gave another way for the fans to connect, to image him as a regular human being."

Unfortunately for El Vez, he won't be in town this weekend. You see, Saturday marks the inaugration of Elvismania 2000, a two-day event coinciding with the annual pilgrimage down in Memphis. Organizer Philippe Spurrell (previously held accountable for Rocky Horror revivals and the hoary Ape-O-Thon '99... "It's a madhouse! A madhouse!") wanted to offer Montreal fans something more accessible than the overpriced Elvis Story dinner theater booked 'til the end of forever in Quebec City. He's hoping that the event will grow larger each summer, aiming to be Quebec's biggest Elvis event by 2002, the 25th anniversary of the King's passing.

Spurrell has elected to build the proceedings around a half-dozen particularly popular pickings from the King's cinematic endeavours (including the aforementioned G.I. Blues, Fun in Acapulco and Elvis: That's the Way It Is). Fans will be able to enjoy the all-too-rare privilege of peeping at these classics on the big screen.

That's just part of the fun, though. Spurrell's committed to the "never a dull moment" theory of event production, and has sandbagged the silver-screen action with an assortment of other neat Elvis stuff. Vintage movie posters will be on display, and memorabilia pimps will be hawking their wares, only under strict instructions to stick to Elvis (they're known to haul out the Beatles merch, "just in case you're interested").

Moreover, he's booked a number of musical acts. Anthony Von, voted Canada's number one Elvis impersonator, will be the centrepiece of the schedule. Also jumping into their jumpsuits are Johnny Yumang, Montreal's Asian Elvis, and Armando Naftali, the Italian Elvis (sounds like El Vez' "everyman" theory holds water). Then there's Flight 13, an old-school rockabilly band culled from the ranks of local punk units My Big Wheel and les Vagabonds, set to ransack the Sun Records catalogue. All in all, a royal spread of Elvisology, and it's just the tip of the iceberg--Spurrell's already looking into karate workshops and fried banana sandwich concessions. :

At le Medley Saturday, Aug. 12, noon to 3am, and Sunday, Aug. 13, noon to 9pm. Tickets $10 or $16 for two days. Call 859-9110 for details