Today's Featured Event: Escape to summertime indoors with the Velvet Elvis

At one point in his life, Elvis Presley wanted nothing more than to be taken seriously as an actor. And although that never happened for the King, he did create his own genre of film -- although the genre died when he did; you can't exactly make an Elvis Presley...

By Amber Taufen

July 30, 2009

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At one point in his life, Elvis Presley wanted nothing more than to be taken seriously as an actor. And although that never happened for the King, he did create his own genre of film -- although the genre died when he did; you can't exactly make an Elvis Presley movie without, um, Elvis Presley.

Regardless, Presley will forever be remembered as a singing surfer in the classic flick Blue Hawaii, which was so popular during its 1961 release that it boosted the state of Hawaii's tourism. And tonight is your last chance to catch the Velvet Elvis (aka Chris Barber, who channels the sexy, swoon-worthy, early-career King) in the Velvet Elvis' Blue Hawaii Luau Show at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe Street.

Since the weather today doesn't seem to be cooperating with the summer season, it should be the perfect night to catch the Velvet Elvis singing songs from Blue Hawaii as well as recreating the 1973 Aloha Via Satellite concert, live on stage with exotic beach girls and dancers dressed island-style. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $15; for information, visit www.lannies.com or call 303-293-0075.

For more ways to rock the night and kill the day, visit westword.com/calendar.

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Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

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