2008 Greater Boston Area Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Festival

By Luke O'Neil  |  June 12, 2008

We heard "Hound Dog" on the radio the other day, and we were amazed at how raw and captivating Elvis still sounds some 50 years later. No doubt many of the performers at the 2008 Greater Boston Area Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Festival this weekend share our enthusiasm. More than a dozen Elvis impersonators - sorry, tribute artists (including Leo Days, below, and Jeff La Jess, below right) - will compete for cash prizes and a spot in the August national competition sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis. On Saturday night the festival pays tribute to the legend's fellow pioneer of rock with "The King and the Killer," a show starring Elvis (Donny Edwards, top right) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Lance Lipinsky). Tonight the celebration kicks off with Velvet Elvis, a local Elvis tribute band. 8 p.m. $15-$20 (Sat $22.50-$37.50). The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 781-646-4849. regenttheatre.com

ALSO TONIGHT If the King isn't your thing, the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer , performs tonight at the Bank of America Pavilion, and the princes of post-punk (sure, that works), Boston heroes Mission of Burma , are at the Paradise. Got Celtics fever? Mantra is holding a Beat LA Bash .