For The Vista

The Fairfield Glade Recreation Department along with Dave Kirk Automotive will be hosting a fun filled evening at Mirror Lake on Monday, August 13 that will take you through the Elvis years from 1954 to 1977.

Dennis and Diane Donald of DSquared Entertainment have put together an exceptionally talented group of performers that will chronicle the early years, the movie years, the 1968 triumphant return to TV and concerts, and a gospel segment along with songs done by other artists about Elvis.

Daniel Black, from the Cumberland County Playhouse, will take on the early Elvis years. Daniel is well known and cherished by fans that have seen him in all of the diverse roles he has played in the 17 years he has been with CCP.

He performed with D2 last year at Mirror Lake to the largest crowds ever and also in the sold out “Voices of Vegas – the Rat Pack” at the Fairfield Glade Conference Center.

Along with acting, singing, dancing, juggling, puppeteering, Daniel plays guitar, banjo, bass, and many other instruments.

 Keith Walther, Publisher and Editor of The Vista, will be decked out in true Elvis regalia, a white studded jumpsuit, and will arrive on stage in Elvis fashion to the 2001 Space Odyssey intro for the Vegas and concert segment. If you have never heard Keith sing, you are in for a surprise!  He has been in the D2 “Rat Pack” shows at the Palace and the “Voices of Vegas” at FGCCC. He also does a mean Tom Jones and various other artists.

The very gifted Terri Utsey, formerly with the Jamboree and Dillon Street Band, is joining D2 to portray Ann Margaret in the movie segment. Terri became a favored performer quickly here in Cumberland County for her singing versatility, stage presence and wit.  Terri will be belting out the Elvis renditions of Fever and Jailhouse Rock among other songs, in addition to duets with Dennis Donald.

D2’s newest performer, 13-year-old Cheyenne Graff, will be singing some Nancy Sinatra tunes and the Trisha Yearwood hit Wrong Side of Memphis. Cheyenne has been in the last three shows with D2 and wowed the crowds. She is growing as a performer and you won’t want to miss her!  Her voice and stage presence are well beyond her years.

The glue to the concert will be Dennis Donald, known as Mr. Entertainment. Dennis is just returning from a two month sold-out stint in the production of “Hank Williams – Lost Highway” with Virginia’s Wayside Theatre. Dennis, a co-founder of DSquared Productions and Entertainment, is well recognized in the area for his productions at the Palace Theatre, roles at CCP, area concerts and many benefits.

Dennis is a full-time performing artist as well as Music Director at Faith Bible Fellowship.

None of these performers try to impersonate Elvis, but they strive to give you the ‘Elvis experience.’

Elvis was one of the most important forces in all music history.

Beginning his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis in 1954, he was an international sensation by 1956.

Elvis starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas.

Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist and recorded almost 800 songs. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist.

Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations with three wins, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36.

Come join in on a fabulous night outside at Mirror Lake (the corner of Peavine and Stonehenge Rds). Bring your chairs  -— the show is free, and of course you can purchase food grilled by the famous St. George Marina folks, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks or bring your own picnic!

If all goes well, Diane Donald has prepared video clips to be shown on a large outdoor screen. Food will be ready at 5 P.M., the concert usually starts at 5:45 but if there is an early turnout, there will be entertainment starting at 5.

Dennis will be back with the Playhouse folks for a Mirror Lake concert on Labor Day, September 3, so mark your calendars for August 13 and September 3 for two great concerts.