The Villages - August 2017 - 27

Dave Maurer - village of HeMingway
What's your
earliest elvis
memory?
I was 10 years old when I saw Elvis
on "The Stage Show" in 1955.
They introduced a new type of
singer who had unusual dance
moves and a very distinct style. He
got the crowds excited. I remember
my father saying, "I don't know who
that fool thinks he is." But I enjoyed
the show and I followed his career
after that.

superpopov/iStock/Thinkstock

BrianAJackson/iStock/Thinkstock

hoW did you become an elvis Presley
imPersonator?
The first time I sang in front of an audience was at 4-H
camp when I was 12. The girls and boys would gather
together at the dinner meals and I would sing. They told
the camp counselor and one day during announcements,
he called me up to sing. He said, "I heard we have a
celebrity in the audience. Come up and show us what
you can do, Elvis Presley." I sang "Don't Be Cruel" that
day, and after that, I sang regularly in church choirs and
throughout high school and part of college.

What's your favorite elvis song?
That's tough. Many have made a lasting impression
on me, especially "Suspicious Minds." It's upbeat and
requires a strong Elvis voice. It tells a story, so it has some
depth. When I perform, I generally play 16 to 18 songs
in an hourlong show, and I break up the music in several
categories: fast rock, moderate rock, ballads, true slow
ballads, big voice songs and so on. "How Great Thou Art"
is a wonderful gospel song.
What do you and elvis have in common?
Elvis appreciated and enjoyed songs that tell a story. You
can see that in some of his music. I think we have that
in common. I like songs that move people and have a
message.
What do you do When you're not
Playing elvis?
I'm a creative writer. I meet with a writers' group at
Laurel Manor (Recreation Center). I have gotten to know
some good quality writers and have improved my own
writing. I also am a member of the Elvis Remembered
Club, and I have recording equipment at home so I create
music and do karaoke locally.

tell us about your Performances.
I came to The Villages in 2011. A good friend of mine
who is a DJ and performer was contracted to do music
for a local club. He asked me to perform Elvis songs at
a party. I found a professional costume from an online
vendor that makes clothing for entertainers. I feel like
Elvis when I put it on. Since that party, I've performed
at the Savannah Center and Lake Miona (Recreation
Center), SeaBreeze (Recreation Center), Colony Cottage
(Recreation Center) and other places in the area. I would
say the best show I do is a casual show, and I like to share
tidbits about Elvis and his music as I perform. People find
those things interesting.
hoW do you look the Part?
I have a great costume, which gets attention quickly.
Elvis built such a visual image for himself; it was his
trademark, so people like to see that.

MAGAZINE

27



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - August 2017

Contents
The Villages - August 2017 - Cover1
The Villages - August 2017 - Contents
The Villages - August 2017 - 1
The Villages - August 2017 - 2
The Villages - August 2017 - 3
The Villages - August 2017 - 4
The Villages - August 2017 - 5
The Villages - August 2017 - 6
The Villages - August 2017 - 7
The Villages - August 2017 - 8
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