Elvis returns to the stage for foundation benefit, wine tasting

The King of Rock and Roll is taking center stage during the “Rock and Roll” themed evening at the annual East Adams County Healthcare Foundation Wine and Microbrew Tasting and Auction on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the C.J. Newland American Legion Memorial Hall starting at 6 p.m.

Elvis Wendlandt is performing for all in attendance and brings authenticity to the rock n’ roll night. Wendlandt officially changed his name to Elvis in 1995 and has spent the majority of his time since then portraying himself as the King and entertaining crowds across the nation.

During the performance at the Legion Hall, Wendlandt intends to walk through the crowd and sing, as it is a smaller venue. Wendlandt is doing a solo performance during the evening and looks forward to “singing to the gals” and creating a upbeat atmosphere.

For Wendlandt, it all began when he was playing guitar and singing in the basement of his house and a neighbor stopped by. She told him he sounded exactly like Elvis and she wanted him to perform at the annual Washington state postal convention that very year.

Wendlandt had never been a performer; he had graduated from Reardan High School and had farmed for most of his life. The thought of getting up on stage in front of such a large group of people terrified him, but he eventually agreed.

At the time, Wendlandt had no idea what the opportunity would lead too. He spent an evening singing the limited number of Elvis songs he knew to a crowd of people he had never met, and the outcome was amazing. They loved him.

“After learning his music, I really found a connection with him,” Wendlandt said of his performance experience. “If you don’t have the heart, you can’t sing the songs.”

His career as Elvis grew from there when networking took hold of his new found hobby and passion. He began to think about what was next and did what any quality Elvis enthusiast would do: he went to Las Vegas.

His first major show in Vegas was at the Excalibur Casino and the show sold out. A woman from the crowd stopped Wendlandt after his performance and explained she wanted him to co-host for an MTV show.

Wendlandt thought it was a scam but gave the woman his hotel number, a decision that would help his career succeed in ways he never dreamed of. The next day Wendlandt found a limo outside waiting for him and that day began shooting MTV Sports with Dan Cortese.

After five months of being a co-host, Wendlandt made the decision to return to the Spokane area. Upon his return, he began making his living through his Elvis performances as a solo act.

Eventually, Wendlandt made the decision to expand his act and as the highest paid performer in the Spokane area, he put together an eight-piece band and back-up singers. His success continued as he appeared on CNN three times, once because he won a tribute artist competition against 300 other Elvis impersonators at the California State Fair.

His other CNN appearances included two mass weddings at Yakama Legends Casino, the first time with 69 couples and the second time with 72 couples.

In 2000, Wendlandt received the opportunity of a lifetime as he was chosen to be one of the Elvis impersonators in the movie, “3,000 Miles to Graceland.” Wendlandt appeared in this movie alongside Hollywood actors Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, David Arquette and Christian Slater.

Wendlandt performed at the Interstate Fair for nine years with his band and was the opening act for entertainers such as Jan and Dean, and impersonator Weird Al Yankovic.

“After that I became a license, ordained minister,” Wendlandt said. “They don’t have to go to Vegas anymore!”

During the beginning of his career, Wendlandt had two teenage children who enjoyed being a part of the Elvis experience and lifestyle. His daughter Katie is in the military and his son, Nate, helps his father with the sound system and also runs the family business, Welding Equipment Repair.

Today, Wendlandt has a repertoire of around 350 classic Elvis songs but said he enjoys the gospel music the most. Wendlandt said his favorite song is “American Trilogy” because it provides him with an opportunity to honor the veterans during the song.

The Elvis experience is in Ritzville for one night only and Wendlandt intends to make the evening one to remember. To learn more about Wendlandt and his performances, visit his website http://www.elvisliveentertainment.com.

Reserved tickets for the rock and roll themed evening can be purchased at Wild Flower Quilt Shop and Liquor Store for $25 or tickets can be purchased for $30 at the door. Payments for tickets can also be sent to the EACH Foundation at PO Box 365 in Ritzville.

For more information about the EACH Foundation dinner and auction, contact Kim Yerbich at 509-521-4818, or Lynn Greenwalt at 509-998-0674.