The King is finally coming to Utica (kind of)

As many are aware, Utica was supposed to be a stop on Elvis Presley’s 1977 tour. The King was scheduled to perform at the Utica Auditorium on Aug. 19, 1977. Unfortunately for the ticket holders (which, if everyone who now claims to have had a ticket is to be believed, numbered somewhere around 100,000), Elvis Presley died three days before the show and Utica never got to see the King of Rock and Roll.

Now, 40 years later, Jerry Kraus, executive director of the Stanley Center for the Arts, is looking to make it up to Elvis’s fans, at least to some extent.

On Friday, Dec. 29, Elvis Presley tribute artist Kevin Mills, star of the Las Vegas “Legends in Concert,” will portray Elvis with authentic outfits and songs from one of the most iconic Elvis concert performances, as he recreates the historic “Aloha from Hawaii” concert from start to finish.

“This will be an extra special night,” promised Kraus. “We can’t wait for this show, and we’re hearing from plenty of local fans who can’t either.”

In January of 1973, Elvis hosted his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, which was broadcast worldwide via satellite to an audience estimated at over 1 billion people.

Kevin Mills’ authentic portrayal and exciting interpretation of Elvis Presley has made him one of the country's most sought after and popular tribute performers. (Don’t call him an impersonator: “Tribute artist is more respectful to our craft,” advises Mills.)

His crowd pleasing style and spot-on mannerisms mix with vocal talent, charisma, and elaborate costuming to make him a favorite of Elvis fans worldwide.

“I started my passion for Elvis when I first heard his voice at the age of 9,” recalls Kevin. “When I was about 13 I started to mimic his moves and his voice and started performing at birthday parties and singing for family and friends.”

After winning the “Images of The King” Elvis tribute artist contest in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1990, Kevin joined the cast of “Legends in Concert.” He later performed at President Bill Clinton's inauguration and he annually entertains U.S troops overseas.

And if paying homage to one legend isn’t enough, opening the show will be Steve Falvo’s “Easy Money Big Band” with a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra. The 16-piece Easy Money Big Band, which also will back up Mills’ Elvis performance, will feature local singers including Nick Lombarda, Rob Swenszkowski, Joe LaPaglia, Sonny Dee and Anthony LaBarbera.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are on sale with prices ranging from $20 to $50. Additional service charges may apply. The Stanley Box Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and also can be contacted by phone at 315-724-4000. You also can visit the Stanley’s website at www.TheStanley.org.

Mark Sisti is an experienced performer who writes about local music for the Observer-Dispatch. Email him at msist1@roadrunner.com