Oldies concert producer Les Vogt, the former manager for the legendary Roy Orbison, is bringing his show Elvis and Friends show to Maple Ridge.
Vogt is the creator of the world’s first impersonator show, Elvis Elvis Elvis, which debuted in 1979.
Elvis and Friends will be at the ACT Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
In 1960, Vogt had a hit record called The Blamers, which remained No. 1 on Vancouver charts for a record-setting 11 weeks.
Shortly afterward, Vogt formed a partnership with DJ Red Robinson and the pair promoted dances and concerts, hiring most of the recording artists of the day, including Roy Orbison, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich.
Vogt continued promoting music in Vancouver throughout the ’60s and ’70s and in 1986 reunited with Robinson to produce the popular Legends of Rock ‘n Roll series at Expo 86. The shows were a huge success and the concept has since become known the world over as the leading name in tribute show entertainment.
Vogt said the show consists of a cast of performers supported by of some of the recording artists whose music or live performances Elvis most admired.
“Donny Edwards plays Elvis and is considered among the best of the best tribute artists in the world today,” said Vogt.
Other artists are Lou Nelson as Tom Jones, Laura Gillespie as Anne Murray and Bobby Brooks Wilson pays tribute to his famous father Jackie Wilson, said Vogt.
Bobby Brooks Wilson, known as Bobby Brooks back in the 1990s, broke into show business portraying Jackie Wilson in the original Waikiki production of Legends in Concert, said Vogt. While audiences found him an unusually close natural look-alike, even for a tribute artist, he later discovered, with the help of one of Jackie Wilson’s acknowledged children, he was, in fact, the biological son of the famous singer.
“The resemblance is uncanny,” said Vogt.
• For tickets visit www.theactmapleridge.org or call 604-476-2787.