What/Who:
Continuing its commitment to welcoming local residents and visitors alike to engage in “Infinite Experiences for Everyone Under the Sun,” The LOOP reimagines its popular Friday Night Sound Waves series, launching the first of its new immersive music weekends with “All Shook Up – A Tribute to Elvis.” Coinciding with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 88th birthday, the two-day celebration will take place Friday, January 6, and Saturday, January 7, 2023.
Elvis in Concert | Friday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Details: Starring internationally acclaimed World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist Cote Deonath, backed by The Double Trouble Band, attendees will enjoy a journey of Presley’s 20+ year music career. From the 1950s when Elvis burst onto the scene to his famed 1968 comeback and concluding with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas in the 1970s and the Aloha from Hawaii Special – experience what it was like to watch Elvis at his best on stage, for the first time, or again. Deonath is one of the top Elvis Tribute Acts in the world, winning over 15 Grand Champion titles nationally as well as being named the 2018 World Champion in Doc Franklin’s “Images of the King” competition. Sealing his place as one of the top ETAs in America, Cote has placed in the Top 3 in Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition over the past four years and is recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises – Presley’s Estate.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
Reserved Seats are available starting at $15 per person
VIP Weekend Packages are also available for $88/ two people
The Legend Continues | Saturday, Jan. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Details: The weekend celebration continues to pay respect to all things Presley, from the music that inspired him and the world to the movies that reinvented him, along with his passion for cars, favorite foods, and flamboyant fashions.
- 11:30 am – 1 p.m.: How Great Thou Art, Gospel Brunch: There are not many rock ‘n’ roll stars who also created incredible gospel music, but then again, there was only one Elvis Presley. Elvis shook the world with his infectious brand of rock ‘n’ roll, but he also took the world to church with his beautiful, soulful gospel music. Elvis loved traditional sacred music as much as he loved soul, country, and rock – maybe even more so.
Featuring the New Mount Olive Baptist Choir, led by Music Director Kenneth Smith (12 p.m.), with a special introductory performance by Pastor Paula Coleman (11:45 a.m.), the hour-long performance is open to the public and free to attend.
Those opting for the Gospel Brunch ticket ($29.50/adult; $21.50/child ) will receive reserved communal table seating and a choice of entrée from Tony Waffles, which includes Chicken & Waffles, Maple Bacon, Egg & Cheese Waffles, or an Elvis-inspired Peanut Butter and Banana Waffle topped with crumbled Bacon. Complimentary sweet tea, lemonade, and the King’s favorite dessert, lemon-iced pound cake, will also be served.
- 12:30 – 4:30 pm: If I Can Dream – Fit for a King Photo Ops: There is no doubt that when one thinks of Elvis, images of gyrating hips, leather jackets, slicked pompadour hair and Cadillacs come to mind.
On display to be enjoyed as a photo opportunity to round out what would have been the King of Rock and Roll’s 88th birthday will be a rare 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood. This relic of 1950s Americana sports its original “Brenton Blue” paint color, taken from the Brenton butterfly, all original interior, audacious trim and chrome and those iconic fins and rocket taillights.
Elvis Presley also loved Hawaii. From his first visit in November 1957 to his final vacation in March of 1977, he would visit the Islands of Hawaii on many occasions. Not only did he make three movies in Hawaii (Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls! and Paradise, Hawaiian Style), he also came to Hawaii for live performances, the one most well-known being the show on January 14, 1973, telecasted worldwide as Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii.
Attendees can step into Elvis’ shoes for a photo opportunity to recreate Elvis’ Lobby Card for the 1966 film Paradise – Hawaiian Style, complete with Hula Dancers, Hawaiian Shirt, Floral Lei, and Guitar.
- 1:30 – 3 p.m.: Shake, Rattle and Roll: As the best-selling artist of the 1950s, second in the 1960s, winner of three Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, an inductee into multiple music halls of fame, and still recognized as the highest-selling artist to this day, the Elvis-legacy lives on and touching new generations.
Such is the case with 19-year-old Florida-native Matt Stone. With Matt’s uncanny resemblance, remarkable voice and fiery stage presence, he has earned the adoration of fans all across the country! Don’t miss the chance to dress up, dance and sing along as one of Graceland’s Top Ten Tribute Artists in the World, Matt Stone, takes guests through Elvis’s most beloved titles released in the 50s and 60s, from ‘That’s All Right Mama’ in 1956 to ‘Don’t Cry Daddy’ in 1969.
- 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Lawdy (Miss Clawdy): Before Elvis was dubbed the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, he was hailed as the “The Hillbilly Cat” and “The King of Western Bop.” The LOOP’s afternoon jam session takes attendees on a musical journey of Elvis’s love for County, R&B, and Blues, led by “Lawdy” local and award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Joel DaSilva.
As homage to the music that inspired Elvis and that which he inspired, DaSilva will be joined on stage for a 90-minute performance alongside a stellar lineup of South Florida’s best representatives of the genre, including Joey Gilmore, Josh Rowand, Kevin Muncy, Tony Testa and more.
- 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Viva Las Vegas! The daylong celebration concludes with a dance-a-long screening of the film “Viva Las Vegas” featuring the star of the weekend himself, which film aficionados regard as one of the best, if not the best, films he ever made in his 13-year movie career.
Film Synopsis (Not Rated): All musically gifted race driver Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) wants in Las Vegas is to score enough money for a new car motor so he can win the Grand Prix. When he encounters sexy swimming instructor Rusty (Ann-Margret), he considers staying around longer. After Lucky loses his winnings in the hotel pool, he’s forced to remain in Vegas long enough to win back his dough – but now he also wants to win Rusty’s heart. Unfortunately, so does his slick racing enemy, Elmo (Cesare Danova).
Cost: Free – $88. For complete details and ticket information, visit https://theloopflb.com/events/all-shook-up/
When: Friday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
About The LOOP
A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 million four-park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including holiday happenings, farmers markets, community workouts, and more. The LOOP is projected to generate $28.9 million in economic impact through recreation and events hosted in 2022. For more information, visit theloopflb.com or contact info@theloopflb.com.
Follow The LOOP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theloopflb and Instagram at www.instagram.com/theloopflb/.
