Turning the clock back in tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Chicago landmarks lit up with festivities celebrating what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. Bally’s Casino joined in, throwing a special bash at the Medinah Temple yesterday, while The Original Mother’s Nightclub over in the Gold Coast threw its shindig, resurrecting the once-dormant 'Elvis Fest' after a nearly ten-year silence.
Donning their Vegas best, Elvis impersonators Danny Gateli and Chris Solano were the headliners at Bally’s event, cracking jokes that had a mixed reception, with Gateli quipping to attendees, "You know, I’m 90 today and thank you,” Gateli said. “I know what you’re saying — you don’t look a day over 79!" as per WGN-TV. Meanwhile, spirited by the King's hits and nostalgia, Solano remarked on the community aspect that unites Elvis fans: "The best part is reigniting memories with Elvis fans who share the community aspect, loving the same person and music."
At Bally’s, the celebration included a full roster of themed entertainment, from a custom playlist and live entertainment on Thursday, to an Elvis look-a-like contest on Friday. They also served up Elvis-inspired drinks and dishes to mark the occasion, a nod to the longstanding association between the entertainment of casinos and the enduring legacy of Presley's showmanship. Monica Scott, Bally’s Vice President of Community Engagement, summed up the sentiment to WGN-TV: "People just love the energy the excitement the fun he represents."
Moving to the nostalgic festivities at The Original Mothers, William Vaughn carried the spirit of the King, boasting an extensive repertoire of impersonating Elvis for over 25 years. Performing classic hits like "Hound Dog," "Burning Love," and "Jailhouse Rock," Vaughn pulled patrons into a throwback celebration—complete with "Blue Suede Booze" and peanut butter and banana sandwiches, a famous Presley favorite. Celebrating in full swing, Vaughn told FOX 32 Chicago, "My favorite part is the happiness I bring to people. That's really what it's all about." Paying personal tribute with a self-penned song "Thank You Very Much," Vaughn also nostalgically recalled his career highlight of performing near Graceland at the Heartbreak Hotel during Elvis Week events.
The Original Mother’s is extending its 'Elvis Fest' beyond a single evening, laying out a month-long program of events to keep the celebration in full hip-swinging swing. With ‘Love Me Tender ’-themed paint-and-sip gatherings, ‘Rock Revival Dance Nights,’ and ‘Rack ‘N’ Roll’ Billiard games, the bar ensures Elvis's spirit will rock on throughout the month. The birthday bash itself, which began on Wednesday, was set to roll on until midnight, as per FOX 32 Chicago.
