This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Come Hook or Kruk, Elvis Lives!

Elvis impersonator James "King" Kruk leaves his audience "All Shook Up!"

This coming Aug. 16 will mark the 35th anniversary of one of those days in
life where when the question is asked, “Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when”….you always recall the place and activity. In this
instance the question concludes with, “Elvis Presley died?”  Gone but certainly not forgotten, “The King” and his ever-expanding generation of fans carry on his music and entertainment legacy by various means of enterprise, perhaps most effectively through Elvis impersonators; a term now transcended to “Elvis Tribute Artists” or ETA’s.  These performance artists now compete in a number of world-wide contests held annually throughout the country, and the talent level is increasing exponentially.  Obviously Las Vegas and Memphis are the primary venues for such events. Southern California is more likely to host Motley Crue and Van Halen cover bands than Elvis, but for those of you who seek an opportunity to wax nostalgic about Elvis, look no further than James “King” Kruk.

“King” Kruk recently brought his 90-minute Elvis tribute show, complete with a professional and well-polished five-piece band, to The Belly-Up Tavern in Solana Beach, and he didn’t disappoint!  Kruk took the stage in three different Elvis genres; the early Sun Records version, resplendent in gaudy plaid blazer, loose purple tie and black-and-white patent leather shoes; the epic 1968 Comeback Special, though the black T-shirt did not complement the black leather pant and jacket ensemble; and the early 1970’s Las Vegas International Hotel “King”, which spawned his leather, rhinestone-encrusted jumpsuit era, arguably the depiction most universally recognized by Elvis’s casual fans.  

Kruk’s physical appearance most closely resembled the Las Vegas Elvis, though that is not meant to infer by any stretch of the imagination that Kruk is a habitual peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich eating fiend! On the contrary; I’m merely implying that his floppy black hair with mutton-chop sideburns and pelvis-swinging, hand-gesture-induced dancing flattered the white, eagle-themed jumpsuit that most reminded the audience of the original King of Rock n’ Roll!  Kruk proved his historical mastery of Elvis’s performances of this period by performing signature pieces when opening this portion of the show.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He pounced on stage to “2001 A Space Odyssey” and transitioning immediately into “That’s Alright Mama”, just as The King began his shows in the ‘70’s (though Presley would occasionally swap “Mama” for “C-C Rider”).  As Kruk migrated through this final act of his performance, his showmanship and enthusiasm gradually increased as he belted out with authority such standards as the emotional “You Gave Me A Mountain,” Chuck Berry’s rousing “Promised Land," the obscure, but bluesy, “Pork Salad,” and blood-pumping “Burnin’ Love.”  

He saved the best for last, just as the King did, satisfying the now revved-up crowd with well-choreographed gyrations during “Suspicious Minds” and the condensed, terrifically delivered "Can’t Help Falling In Love” from Elvis’s most memorable movie, “Blue Hawaii.”

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As for the Sun Records and ’68 Comeback Special sections of the show, it would seem by the mood of the audience that impressions were mixed.  Kruk’s selection of songs for the Sun Records period were less mainstream than what the casual Elvis fan would connect, such as “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” and “Tryin’ To Get To You.”  His best play of the Sun sessions was a bass and percussion heavy rendition of “Baby Let’s Play House” which Kruk nailed dead-on! 

Oddly, he saved the most recognizable early-Elvis tunes, such as “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Jailhouse Rock” for the latter acts of the show.  I thought the best single performed during the ’68 Comeback act was “Little Misunderstanding;” not exactly a household Presley hit.  A good number of serious Elvis fans in attendance, myself included, were surprised and disappointed that Kruk did not perform the epic, show-closing song of that memorable TV special, the peace and brotherhood anthem, “If I Can Dream,” which many in the audience pleaded for Kruk to perform. 

In summary, James “King” Kruk in terms of physical appearance and vocal power, provides a tangible link to Elvis Presley.  You won’t look at him and think; ”Wow; it’s the King”.  Nor will your mind brain-wash you into thinking same if you close your eyes and listen to Kruk sing.  But, with regard to sheer fun, entertainment,
a near-Elvis voice,  molded with a fun-loving, audience-connecting personality, Kruk will leave you, ahem, “Paralyzed!”  Based upon commentary from a dozen or so members of the audience, Kruk may be better-served to focus his talents solely on the “Las Vegas” Elvis and abandon the other two depictions.  It was very clear that Kruk in a jumpsuit, emulating The King’s shuck-and-groove dance moves with the songs of that era, positively enveloped the entire crowd.  He left his
paying public wanting more, which could have been satisfied had Kruk started
the show as he finished it.  What matters most is this:  King Kruk is worth more
than the price of admission, and even better, a performance that you’d want to
see again and again!  Pass it on:  a ticket to a King Kruk performance is “Such
A Night!”   

For performance information on King Kruk, visit his website at kingkruk.com

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?