Authentic Elvis

   Lou Vuto is not Elvis Presley -- he doesn't claim to be. But for the two hours or so that you watch him on stage at Memories Theatre, you might believe otherwise. On the surface, Vuto bears all the Presley trademarks -- a carefully coiffed hairdo, out-of-control sideburns and costumes of black leather and gold lamé, with studded capes and belt buckles the size of Texas. But underneath these trappings simmers an energy that reveals Vuto's innate talent and his genuine admiration of Presley, a force that bubbles to the surface during his Elvis tribute. Every note, every vocal inflection, every twist, wiggle and windmill informs your senses that it's the King of Rock 'n' Roll working his magic once again.

   Complementing Vuto in this effort are the Memories Showband, led by vocalist and drummer Hank Miles, and the Three Inspirations, a female vocal trio whose perfectly pitched harmonies add even more depth and emotion to each song. Working in partnership, all performers on stage combine to create an Elvis show the quality of which rivals the real thing. And the fact that they know literally hundreds of Presley songs translates into a different show almost every evening. Even when Vuto's not on stage, the Showband and the Inspirations still work in the medium of nostalgia, delivering other musical tributes to rock, country and gospel greats of the '50s and '60s.

   Adding the final master stroke of authenticity to the Elvis show is the inclusion of Charlie Hodge. A long-time friend, band member and assistant of Presley himself, Hodge serves as a direct link between past and present. He shares his personal memories of his friend and of his 17 years of residence at Graceland mansion. Then, with pick in hand, he lends guitar and backing vocals to much of Vuto's presentation. Even though he worked so closely with Presley, Hodge is a true admirer of Vuto's interpretation. "Lou does a first-class tribute to Elvis, with a perfect combination of looks, voice, moves and -- most of all -- humility," Hodge says.

   Twenty-five years ago, the motto of Presley and his associates was "TCB" -- Taking Care of Business. Today at Memories Theatre, they seem to have lived up to that motto by developing a strong and loyal following over the course of a decade. Vuto himself has been doing his show there for five of those years and has amassed his own fan club of more than 600 members. "We've had incredible staying power," says theater owner Dee Gallon. "People of all ages love this show, whether they're Elvis fans or not. Lou's talent and the fact that he covers Presley's entire career add up to the most complete Elvis show around."

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