January 06, 2010 Connect Special

    Like most people of a certain age, Russ Lanier remembers where he was when he heard the news Elvis Presley had died.
    “I was 14 years old … I was standing out on our road and my mother called outside,” telling him the King had died, Lanier recalled. It was Aug. 16, 1977.
    But what if Elvis hadn’t died that day? What if he had been saved and his near-death experience put him on the road to recovery? That is the scenario Lanier will create when he performs Elvis: Are You Lonesome Tonight? on Jan. 8 at the Emma Kelly Theater. The concert, which takes place on what would have been Elvis’ 75th birthday, is a benefit for the Averitt Center for the Arts.
    Set in 1981, Lanier’s concert envisions a more mature Elvis, one who made mistakes and learned from them and has now returned to his roots, playing small venues for the fans who love him. Lanier said he chose to set the performance in 1981 because Elvis would have been 46 years old – the age Lanier is now.
    A local accountant, Lanier discovered his ability to imitate voices, in particular Elvis’, while in college at Georgia Southern. Over the last 25 years he has performed as Elvis at many events from birthdays to concerts and will even occasionally do “a full Elvis.” When Lanier met his wife in 1994, he was performing at a pageant singing, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” He also has a collection of Elvis memorabilia which he keeps in “the Elvis room” at his home.
    While he is still planning his exact lineup for Friday’s concert, Lanier said he will probably sing some of Elvis’ very early songs, including some blues, songs from his ’68 comeback special and a number of gospel songs, which will be accompanied by a local church choir.
    “Sometimes his voice was so pure. I’ll always believe he was truly touched by the Lord,” Lanier said.
    All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Statesboro Arts Council which oversees the Averitt Center for the Arts and Emma Kelly Theater. The show is sponsored by Ray, Laura and Ginny Lee Hendley and GAPM, Inc. If you missed the opportunity to purchase tickets for this performance there are plenty of upcoming performances to satiate your performance appetite including 2 for Broadway on Jan. 23. This performance is sponsored by Hatcher Enterprises.
    Those who love great 50’s music and/or Beach Boys harmonies shouldn’t miss the hit musical comedy Route 66 on Feb. 6. This musical travels the ‘Main Street of America’ from Chicago to San Bernadino – singing all the way. At least one of your favorite songs is sure to be included in this high-octane musical sponsored by Gentilly Gardens.
    Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with Michael Braz in concert on Feb. 12. His new cd release is Love in a New Key, and will be available for purchase beginning Jan. 25 and at the concert. This romantic evening is sure to win the heart of your special someone.
    The Averitt Stars Community Theater presents The Funeral Club, directed by Mical Whitaker, on Feb. 26, 27 & 28. Featuring local actors, this is the story of five feisty women struggling to keep their small town, locally owned funeral home out of the hands of corporate America. Meet the author/playwright, Richard D. Stafford following the performances! The novel will be on sale through the Averitt Center gift shop and the author will offer autograph sessions.
    On March 6, First Baptist Church is sponsoring gospel recording artist Babbie Mason in concert at the Emma Kelly Theater. Mason has performed for three presidents, Rev. Billy Graham and Bill and Gloria Gaither. She has several Grammy and Dove Awards – this will be a fantastic, not-to-be-missed concert!
    In April, Wise Choice Realty is sponsoring the reprise of last year’s smash hit Driving Miss Daisy. The all start cast of Alan Tyson, Mical Whitaker and Carol Thompson return for two more performances, April 23 and 24.
    The final mainstage performance of the 2009-2010 Season offers Statesboro a chance to experience the beautiful art of Kuchipudi Dance. The beautiful Hindu love story, Rukmini Kalyanam will be accompanied by a live orchestra on May 1. A dance workshop will be offered the morning prior to the performance; pre-registration is required.
    On May 7, four local talents present Saving Graces, a celebration of womanhood. This is a perfect opportunity bond with your mother or girlfriends. Betty Franklin, Susan Jackson, Rebecca Kennerly and Kay Watson will share stories, songs, insights and wit celebrating women of all ages and phases of life. A great Mother’s Day gift!
    Tickets for all upcoming Emma Kelly Theater performances are available now by calling 912-212-2787 or stopping by the box office Tuesday – Friday from 1 – 5:30 p.m.

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