Potawatomi Bingo Casino hosts Elvis tribute contest

MILWAUKEE -- Elvis' music and his moves have influenced generations. All this week, Elvis will be honored in Potawatomi Bingo Casino's "A Tribute to the King."

"He was the complete package. He could sing, dance, got the girl at the end of the movie you know," Elvis Tribute Artist Robert Washington said.

"The music -- it hits the core of the person and so when we`re singing they`re getting a flavor of what Elvis Presley actually did,"  Elvis Tribute Artist GaryElvis Britt said.

More than a dozen Elvis tribute artists are competing in the annual contest, but new this year, fans can cheer on past winners in the Battle of the Champions.

There's $50,000 in total prize money on the line.

"This is the first year we've brought back some of our old winners and actually had them competing against each other, so it`s basically the best of the best," Potawatomi Bingo Casino Entertainment Coordinator Rachel Buelow said.

These Elvis tribute artists have definitely done their homework.

"Just watching him do his moves over and over and over again and studying the man and appreciating his talent and being able to do it correctly is to share the memory," Elvis Tribute Artist Matt Joyce said.

However, joining the Elvis industry doesn't come cheap. Tribute artists spend thousands on the outfits, jewelry, hair, sideburns and makeup.

"My dad was a little disturbed by the whole thing. When I came home to visit my folks one time and I said 'mom do you have any good eyeliner or mascara?'  Elvis Tribute Artist Jeff Lewis said.

These performers say it's all worth it to continue the legacy of the King.

"A Tribute to the King" runs through Friday at the Northern Lights Theater in Potawatomi Bingo Casino.

For tickets call 414-847-7922.