Michael Hoover, winner over 95 contestants in the International Elvis Tribute Artist Competition held in Memphis, will perform “Memories of Elvis” along with his band on stage in the Historic Masonic Theatre in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia in Clifton Forge on Saturday, August 12, at 8:00 p.m.
Winner of the Best Country Singer Award in 1979 after a year-long talent search known as the Country Showcase American Jamboree, Hoover’s career skyrocketed as he opened for Jerry Lee Lewis and shared stages with Charlie Daniels, Carl Perkins, Reba McEntire, Johnny Lee, Sylvia, John Conlee, and the Jordanaires, Elvis’ backup vocalists.
Hoover has performed his “Memories of Elvis” tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout the United States and in Japan, Mexico, Jamaica, and Nova Scotia. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he performed five concerts as part of the festivities there during one of his tours.
Making television appearances is nothing new to Hoover who produced a TV special that aired for 12 hours non-stop with Hoover and his band performing a tribute to Elvis who passed away in 1977.
Hoover said, “There will never be another Elvis, but I would just like to bring back a few memories of the late King.
During Elvis’ career, Hoover was able to attend three of the King’s concerts, and he has seen all of Elvis’ movies. His career as an Elvis tribute artist has enabled him to work with the likes of Nancy Walters, Elvis’ leading lady in “Blue Hawaii.” Also, he has worked with such notables as Charlie Hodge, D.J. Fontana, Red West, Eddie Fadal and T.G. Sheppard, all closely associated with Elvis.
Charlie Hodge, a close friend of Elvis, has praised Hoover by saying, “One of the best tributes I have seen. He (Hoover) is sincere, and it shows in his work.” Another one of Elvis’ personal friends, Fadal, added, “Vastly superior to all others I have seen.”
Hoover is a trained vocalist, having studied under Frederick Wilkerson, the renowned voice teacher who coached Roberta Flack, Ethel Waters, and other famous vocalists. Following his performance in the Historic Masonic Theatre on August 12, Hoover will travel to Memphis for a concert on August 14.
Tickets are $12, $15, and $20 depending on the location. Group rates are available, and the box office telephone number is (540) 862-5655. Tickets may be reserved online by visiting historicmasonictheatre.com.
– HashtagWV #92. August 2017.
HASHTAGWV ART & ENTERTAINMENT Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Christina Entenmann-Edwards has been a WV resident since September 2008. She was born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is no stranger to hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut), Cum Laude, with a B.A. in History. In 2010, she graduated with an M.B.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia). In February 2012, Christina launched HashtagWV as the area’s first full-color, free arts and entertainment tabloid + online platform. Christina completed the Leadership West Virginia class of 2021, which is an innovative program that grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a life passion to move West Virginia forward.