By Dan Price
Elvis Presley was more than a rock and roll sensation. More than the star of several Hollywood features. He was the King. The Icon. And, unfortunately, he left the building far too soon. His music will live with us forever, not just because of our record collections and fond memories, but because of people like Kraig Parker. For today, due to the massive talent that Kraig Parker brings, the King shall live on!
When it comes to Elvis, Kraig is the man. The international award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artist has astonished audiences for over 20 years, with solo appearances and full live band concerts. Kraig Parker's powerful voice, electric stage moves, and tasteful charisma has left fans "All Shook Up" and screaming for morel The combined styles of love songs, blues, gospel, country, and rock pleases Elvis fans and audiences of all kinds.
At an early age Kraig discovered his singing and song writing talents. "My grandmother Ola Parker sang and played guitar, she knew I loved Elvis and showed me a few of his songs. After I learned to play she gave me her old guitar, which prominently hangs in my studio to this day. I began writing songs early on, with big dreams of one day touring the world as a performer. I lead a rock band in high school and a gospel group in college. In the mid 1990's I was persuaded to portray Elvis for a retirement party at the corporation where I worked. I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea what kind of reaction I would get? Everyone went nuts and I was suddenly the talk of the company. Soon after I decided to enter a contest on Elvis' birthday at the Hard Rock Café in Dallas. I won the contest and $500 cash! It was mind-blowing... the fans were totally enthralled, and I was suddenly addicted! On a whim, I decided to run an ad in the Yellow Pages. It took off rapidly and within a few years I took a huge LEAP OF FAITH and quit my day job to pursue my dream as an entertainer.”
Based in Ft. Worth, Texas, Kraig travels and performs with his very own 10-piece group, The Royal Tribute Band. He has toured with Presley's original vocal groups The Jordanaires, The Stamps Quartet, and The Sweet Inspirations. He has also attended multiple events with Elvis' bodyguards Sonny West, Sam Thompson, and Dick Grob. Kraig Parker himself is personally managed by Charles Stone Elvis Presley's own former tour producer from 1970-1977.
Kraig has performed world-wide in major arenas and top venues from the United States to the UK, France, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. He has received countless top reviews from news media and radio personalities. He has won many performance awards over the years, including the Elvis Extravaganza in 2005 and 2007. He has also headlined shows on the strip in Las Vegas. His performances have thrilled audiences at concert venues, festivals, special events, nightclubs, casinos, performance halls, and even cruise ships. He has even crooned while accompanied by major symphony orchestras - the Phoenix Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Mississippi Symphony, Ft. Worth Symphony Pacific Symphony, Buffalo Symphony, and Yakima Symphony.
Kraig will be playing The Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts September 9th featuring two special performances. The 3:00PM show is the Symphonic Tribute to Elvis featuring the Swingtown Orchestra with the Royal Tribute Band Rhythm Section conducted by Dallas’ own, Bryan English. This will be a big show with big performances of The King’s best songs.
Before the 3:00PM showing, treat yourself to a VIP Special Performance with Kraig Parker in-the-round at 1:45PM. In the spirit of the ’68 Comeback Special, the VIP show will be a intimate, unplugged performance by Kraig Parker and will include a Meet & Greet, CD & autographed picture, VIP badge and front-of-line privileges to the after show Meet & Greet. Tickets are limited.
Comentarios