THE SOUTHERN

MARION - Elvis Presley fans got to see tribute artists of all ages, sizes, ethnicities and genders at Illusions of the King Saturday at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

Nine artists from around the country traveled to compete in the event, in which the audience votes for their favorite. The finalists will compete at 2 p.m. Sunday at the civic center.

Tribute artist Robert Washington of Auburn, Maine, said the fun of getting on stage is just having a good time and paying tribute to the King.

"I just like to perform," Washington said. "I don't like competing as much as I used to."

His performances have taken him across the country and beyond, even performing in Japan. He said he is about to embark on a European tour. Washington concentrates on Presley's later performances, including his 1968 television special.

Jared Gallamore of Columbia, Mo., portrays a younger Elvis throughout the Midwest. He said the fans are always a great part of getting up on stage and emulating Elvis, and they never get tired of seeing a tribute to their favorite artist.

"There are new fans all the time," Gallamore said. "It's something that seems to overflow into the next generation."

The next generation performed at the event as well. The Gaddis Girls consist of Kambrie, 12, and Kelsie, 9. The pint-sized emulators are originally from Marion but relocated to North Carolina. The girls have been into Elvis for about six years and earned their share of applause with multiple costume changes and a few of the King's trademark dance moves.

Kelsie donned a prison uniform for "Jailhouse Rock" and handed out teddy bears for the song of the same name. She said she was happy with the reaction from the crowd.

"They're awesome," Kelsie said. "They're really nice."

Kambrie said she and her sister first became interested in performing when they got to see Elvis' home.

"We visited Graceland and noticed the people dressed up like Elvis and told my mom, 'Hey, I want to do that,'" Kambrie said.

The girls said there is a lot of hard work that goes along with becoming a tribute artist, and Kelsie's main advice for those who are interested in putting on the white jumpsuit is that if they are going to do it, do it right.

The finals will be at 2 p.m. today at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, call 618-579-6027.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

618-351-5804