Elvis is in the building
Tribute artist to perform at Holy Heart tonight
When longtime gospel singer Bill Baize hits the stage at Holy Heart Theatre tonight, he’ll sing one of Elvis Presley’s favourite gospel songs, “When It’s My Time.” In fact, The King loved it so much — particularly Baize’s version of it — Baize sang it at Presley’s funeral at Graceland in 1977.
Baize was a member of JD Summer and The Stamps Quartet, selected by Presley as his backup from 1971 until shortly before his death. The group performed on Presley’s albums as well as in his live shows, including in Las Vegas, where Presley would often have Baize sing “When It’s My Time.”
These days, Baize tours with Thane Dunn, a Moncton-based Elvis Presley tribute artist who’s no stranger to this province, routinely selling out his yearly shows.
Dunn, who has made a career looking and sounding like Presley, is bringing his new “Elvis Rock and Gospel” show to Holy Heart Theatre Friday night and Saturday night. The set list includes a mix of hits, from “Suspicious Minds” to “How Great Thou Art.”
“Elvis Presley was terrific and if you never had a chance to see him, you should see Thane Dunn. Thane Dunn is the nearest thing to Elvis Presley I’ve ever seen,” Baize said.
Also performing with Dunn and The Cadillac Kings will be Kim West-butler from Conception Bay North, a singer and elementary school teacher who connected with Dunn over their shared love of Presley.
Dunn performs in custommade replicas of Presley’s famous jumpsuits, and his shows at Holy Heart Theatre won’t be any different. He will wear a new suit this time: a replica of Presley’s favourite sequined peacock jumpsuit, worn on the cover of his 1975 “Promised Land” album and onstage in Las Vegas.
Dunn always gives to a local charity any time he visits, and has chosen the SPCA this time around. He’ll sell tickets at his shows this weekend for a guitar signed by himself, his band and Baize, with all proceeds going to the animal rescue organization. The winner will be drawn during Saturday’s show.
A limited number of tickets are still available for Dunn’s shows at Holy Heart Theatre, and can be purchased by calling the box office or online at www. holyhearttheatre.com.