Presence of 'Presley' heats up a cool summer night

by Cheryl Hoeft, Freelance writer

Saturday night the sun went down and the lights came up on Elvis Aaron Presley, in Beroun, MN.    From the stage, he spoke to the audience with his typically, teasing manner. "I can't stand still. It's not good for my legs," laughed Elvis as he shivered and shook all over to the beat of the music. He was dressed in black with something shiny and gold all over him.  "I'd like to thank Carol Hurle. She makes all my clothes," shouted Elvis to the cheering crowd at the street dance on Highway 61, at Luedtke's Bar.

An unusual place to find Elvis? Well, not really. Elvis is 33 years old and hails from Beroun.  Still as generous as ever, he passed out white scarves to ladies in the audience after he kissed them. Many people driving down Highway 61 to and from Pine City heard the music, saw the King, and pulled in to join the party.  The Legend made himself right at home on stage in front of Luedtke's. With his name, Elvis, in bright red lights behind him, he sang, 'Teddy Bear,' 'Love Me Tender' and 'Fairytale.'

Beroun was transformed into the Las Vegas' of the Midwest for one glorious evening. It was an energy-packed show, as one might expect from Elvis. The crowd was swept away with the music and the movement. Actually, the movement was most compelling. Elvis has slimmed down. His weight is under 200 pounds now, and he can really shake those hips.  Hips are not his only attribute. His voice is remarkable. Elvis never sounded better. There was the familiar hint of the southern twang in his speech. His timing of the words and music was exact. The shiny black hair was perfectly poofed. Then there are those trademark sideburns, and his comments were completely Elvis.

He was having great fun, and the audience loved every minute of it. As he prepared to sing another song, he donned a cape that matched his outfit and a red, white and blue neck scarf. He spoke to the crowd before each song to identify it as a dedication, a special birthday request, or just a song that he wanted to sing. The crowd hushed quickly whenever he began to speak.  "I was a Marine from '86 to '90. I always dedicate this song to the veterans,” said a momentarily serious Elvis. "Trilogy," he said quietly into the mike.

The lights dimmed and fog began to surround him. The stage was set.  In anticipation, the audience clapped loudly.  The illusion was alive.  For the moment, you are convinced, it's Elvis all right. The stories of his death are greatly exaggerated, when on an August night in northern Minnesota a few hundred people, dining and drinking under the stars, feel the spirit and the excitement of his life.

Looking to the heavens, standing center stage, he says, "This is for you, wherever you are. It's been 24 years. I miss you," said Kevin Luedtke softly.  In that brief moment, he became a fan, not the Elvis everyone wished he really was.

That wistful second or two of reality vanished as quickly as it came when Kevin, or is it Elvis, struck his pose on one knee with his arm stretched to the sky, and the music began.

Once more, he was Elvis. The party on Highway 61 at Luedtke's Bar could continue. And Kevin, last Saturday night had successfully brought Elvis back to us all for one more shining moment, in Beroun, MN.

"Thank you, thank you very much," as Elvis would say.

[Note: Much has been happening in Kevin's life and the "Tribute to Elvis" performance since this article was printed. Contact a representative to get updates about performances.]