Elvis is in the building.
Die-hard fans of the King of Rock and Roll, who enjoyed last year’s appearance of an Elvis Presley look-alike in a concert at Laredo Community College, will be thrilled to know that “Elvis Returns” to LCC Friday, April 21.
Laredoan Oscar Lopez is returning to the stage with the LCC Show Band to perform his striking impersonation of Elvis, part of a musical spring extravaganza that the Show Band will offer at 7:30 p.m. in the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater.
Other concert highlights include an exciting performance featuring Los Pepitos Schoolhouse dancers as they bop to the beat of Big Band music, and a special musical tribute to drummer Buddy Rich.
Sponsored by the LCC Music and Dance Department, the concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Jose D. Compean, artistic director/conductor of the Show Band, said that the group is excited to welcome back Lopez with his outstanding impression of the rock and roll legend.
“Oscar Lopez was a big hit when he made his stage debut with the LCC Show Band last spring, and we’re pleased to have him back by popular demand,” Compean said. “We received so many requests from the community to bring back Elvis.”
Lopez, the general manager for the local A.G. Edwards office, does something more than just dress up like Elvis. He also sounds like Elvis.
“When I first heard him sing at a local charity function, I had to ask (Lopez) after his performance if he was lip synching to an Elvis recording. I was amazed that he was actually singing live. He sounds like the real thing.”
Among the Presley tunes to be showcased by Lopez, who will be backed-up by a chorus of students, are “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Teddy Bear,” “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds” and “My Way.”
The concert also will feature a tribute to jazz drummer extraordinaire, Buddy Rich.
Among the selections to be performed during this special segment of the concert are “Channel One Suite, First movement” by Bill Riddie, John LaBarbera’s “Dancing Men” and “Groovin’ Hard” by Don Menza.
Aficionados of the Benny Goodman Orchestra will enjoy listening to the Show Band’s rendition of “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima.
And Los Pepitos Schoolhouse dancers will add excitement on the stage with their performance of “In the Mood” from the Glenn Miller Band.
No college concert would be complete without a bit of an educational experience for those in attendance.
Time will be dedicated to introducing some of the instruments used by the Show Band. Band members will offer a brief solo demonstration to highlight the unique sounds of their musical instruments.
The LCC Show Band is part of a college-level course for music students with interests in jazz, pop, rock and roll, international and much more. The group consists of music students, ranging from recent high school graduates to seasoned musicians.
As the college prepares for a new term, Compean encourages interested area musicians to be a part of the Show Band by enrolling in the course.
For more information, contact Compean at 721-5304 or by e-mail at jdc@laredo.edu.
Elvis Presley impersonator Oscar Lopez, far right, rehearses with the Laredo Community College Show Band Wednesday in preparation for the band’s spring concert on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Martinez Fine Arts Center theater. The music concert will headline with Lopez’s return to the stage to offer a stunning impersonation of the King of Rock and Roll. Admission to the concert is free.
Oscar Lopez dressed as Elvis Presley during his first appearance with the LCC Show Band last spring.
Los Pepitos Schoolhouse Dancers
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