Updates from the onetime International/Las Vegas Hilton, the legendary Las Vegas home of Elvis Presley.
Known today as the Westgate, the hotel-casino is still the Elvis capital of Vegas with its recurring retro productions (“1969 Live! The King Returns” is back July 31); the terrifically talented “The King Comes Home” residency show at the Westgate Cabaret; and “My Brother Elvis,” featuring Presley’s stepbrother, David Stanley, in an onstage multimedia storytelling presentation at the International Theater.
Priscilla Presley premiered at the International Theater this month. I’d wager she’ll be back.
But Elvis events are not always as sturdy as the bronze statue out front. This month, the “Viva Legacy and Tribute Festival and Tribute Competition” was abruptly called off. The event was scheduled for July 28-31, leading to the “1969” show, which will again feature established Elvis tribute artist Travis Powell.
The pull-down was prompted by “scheduling conflicts,” Westgate officials have said, and what DDM Productions’ official website termed “unforeseen circumstances.” Such conflicts and circumstances are often related to soft ticket sales.
Powell, who is a superb ETA, has posted on social media explaining that the event’s cancellation policy does not allow refunds. As the performer noted, the announcement was made outside of the 30-day window notifying ticket holders the event had dropped from the schedule.
Powell also posted that fans angry about the festival’s cancellation insulted him and his family through direct messages. Once more: Taking after an entertainer’s family is not part of a ticket-refund policy. Nor is it an example of intelligent behavior.
This all leaves Alexis Park’s “Viva Elvis Fest” running Thursday through May 31 as the city’s Presley festival and competition. The event is licensed by Elvis Presley’s Graceland and produced by Kurt Brown’s tribute show company Brown Productions (tickets at vegaselvisfest.com).
Expert Presley persona inhabitant Travis Allen of Alexis Park’s “All Shook Up” leads a host of veteran Elvis tribute artists headlining the event. And about 20 ETAs are in competition, in a battle royale for Elvis supremacy. Or, maybe just a good time for fans of the King.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykatson X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.