Being The King for a day

Plenty of celebrities have distinctive personalities, looks and styles. That’s what makes them celebrities. But none are as widely imitated as The King.

An entire day at the Orange County Fair and Events Center will be dedicated to rock icon Elvis Presley this weekend for the ninth annual Elvis Fest.

A karaoke contest to Elvis tunes will be the main attraction, as well as performances from Elvis impersonators.

“It’s one of our biggest events. We have a good turnout. I mean, it’s Elvis, what can I say?” said Jill Lloyd, an event organizer.

The event might be a good time for someone baffled by the phenomenon of impersonating Elvis to really get a firsthand glimpse at what motivates a man to put on a white, jeweled jumpsuit and a slicked-back black wig and belt out “Hound Dog.”

“To me, I feel like I did when I was a kid when I put on my little gun holster,” said Kirk Wall, a longtime impersonator who will host the show.

Growing up in Texas and New Mexico, Wall always loved The King, even though his glory years of superstar popularity had all but ended for his age group.

“I was an Elvis fan through and through, but I kind of had to be closet about it because it was Led Zeppelin or nothing in my time,” Wall said.

One of the highlights of the show is an unintentional Elvis impersonator: a 120-pound English Mastiff.

The enormous dog — named Brutus, just like The King’s dog — has a custom-made white suit, a black wig and gold-rimmed sunglasses.

His black snout, reminiscent of a 5 o-clock shadow, and his stout build make him look like Elvis during his later years.

His owner, Nancy Stevens, started dressing the dog a couple years ago for his visits to hospitals and senior care facilities because he reminded the patients of the past and made the huge animal less intimidating.

“He just is a great big old gentle giant who dresses like Elvis and likes to meet people,” Stevens said.

Tina Altman, an Elvis fanatic and president of the Jailhouse Rockers of California, a fan club, plans on driving to Costa Mesa for the event from her home in Wildomar.

She doesn’t have any experience impersonating the rock legend, but is something of a connoisseur when it comes to judging those who do.

“They have to be able to have charisma on stage to get the audience into it,” Altman said.

Career tribute artist James King, who makes his living imitating the old-time great rock musicians, says the charisma and energy one brings to an Elvis act is even more important than talent or appearance.

“I don’t have the looks; I don’t have the hair or any of that stuff. You just have to entertain the people no matter what, and Elvis’ music alone keeps the people moving,” King said.

The festivities will go on all day today, concurrent with the swap meet, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orange County Market Place. Admission to the market place cost $2 and parking is free. For more information call (949) 723-6660 or visit ocmarketplace.com.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at [email protected].