Woodinville Man to Channel The King at Elvis Invitationals

Woodinville resident John Nelson has thrown down the gauntlet to compete in the Pacific Northwest's Grand Daddy of all Elvis contests, the Elvis Invitationals, Saturday, Jan. 12 in the Sky Church at Experience Music Project at the Seattle Center.

Nelson, a newlywed, resides in Woodinville with his wife, Christy Nelson, and works as a DJ and the traffic reporter for KZOK 102.5 FM. 

There is only one place in Seattle each year where you can see 30 different Elvis impersonators in full hip-gyrating, fried chicken-eating and swooning action. Attendees are also likely to see his wife Priscilla, manager Colonel Tom Parker, best friend Red West in the crowd or on stage.

Attendees will see each performer tackle one of "The Kings" many personas: the innocent and magnetic country boy, the hip-swinging rockabilly superstar, The G.I. Guy, Hollywood playboy, the devout gospel singer, or the diamond-studded, gold-sun glassed Vegas crooner. Each amateur impersonator will get one chance to show what he (or she) is made of - a single shot to perform a song, in costume, backed by the fabulous Kentucky Rain band.

To start the evening off with a bang the Graceland Five band will play supercharged punk rock versions of the King's music. Following a 35-minute "super set" several surprise guests and professional singers will continue to warm the crowd up for the main event.

This year's event will be hosted by El Vez, the Mexican Elvis, who will be Master of Ceremonies.

Tickets and more information can be found on the website http://www.SeattleInvitationals.com.