Published: June 15, 2009 10:53 am      

"Elvis' to perform in Gainesville June 19

Although he was born three years after Elvis Presley was found dead, tribute artist Nathan Belt, a 28 year old Texas performer, said he’d like to think he’s an expert on all things associated with the King.

Belt is set to star as Elvis in ‘The Lost Concert’ along with several other artists at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19 at the State Theater in Gainesville.

Wayne King, a Roy Orbison tribute artist, is also scheduled to take the stage in a "Golden Oldies" tribute concert that includes sets as singers Dion and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Belt is considered by many to be one of the country’s top Elvis tribute artists.

In an interview via e-mail, Belt said he’s been performing since he was 13.

“I had witnessed Garth Brooks performing on television and I said, "Wow! That's what I want to do!" I began to play guitar and it took off from there. My parents drove me all across Texas and Oklahoma to perform in Oprys and different venues until I was old enough to move to Nashville on my own,” Belt said.

Belt said he grew up listening to Elvis music and always felt a strong connection to the legendary singer.

“My father and grandmother were very big Elvis fans and I guess I had no chance really. My best memory of when I was introduced to Elvis was when I would listen to my dad's 45 of "Blue Suede Shoes" on my Fisher Price record player,” he said.

Getting the Elvis look just right is not easy, Belt admitted.

“You have to focus your attention to details of Elvis himself. Every aspect of the man should be studied if you want a real tribute — facial expressions, speech, dress and most importantly his vocals. I use whatever material I can get my hands on. You'd be surprised at what you can find on YouTube. (There is) a ton of great concert footage there. But, remember, when you're done with the show and the lights go down, leave it on the stage. I can't stand these guys that want to be Elvis 24/7,” he said.

He created his first professional Elvis tribute after approaching the owner and producer of the Grapevine Opry about developing a show based on Elvis’ music.

“It slowly developed from there and in 2006 I became more serious about performing as Elvis and began to evolve into a true ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist),” he said.

Part of becoming a tribute artist is learning everything one can about a particular performer.

Belt said he’s tried to develop an insight into Elvis’ personality to help him understand the man.

“You have to learn why he did the things he did on stage and off — why he sang certain songs, etc. You see, I believe that it's like an actor portraying a character on film... you want to learn everything you can about the man in order to portray him correctly ,” he said.

Belt said his favorite Elvis Era is the Elvis of the 70s including his many tours and his years as a Las Vegas mainstay.

“To put it in a certain window I'd have to say 1973 to 1976 is my most favorite era of Elvis. The music he was performing during that time was amazing and he was at the top of his game. I also perform the 50's and 60's as well (68 leather), but you just can't go wrong with the 70's,” he said.

Belt is also very much his own man.

“I do still enjoy performing as myself,” he noted. “ I was a songwriter in Nashville for a little over 3 years, and I have a small library of original material. I also perform the music of Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin. I love and listen to a wide variety of music.”

He’s also a busy man.

He recently returned from an engagement in Europe.

“Performing Elvis' music is taking me to places I never thought I'd see or visit. I love being on the road and I'm a night owl, so it suits me perfect. Most recently, I traveled to South Wales in the U.K. and it was absolutely gorgeous! I never dreamed I would see that part of the country,” he said.

His travels have also taken him to famous places closer to home.

“I've been to Graceland three times now and I look forward to going again very soon. I love it there. The feeling is always electric and it brings you that much closer to knowing and understanding Elvis,” he said.

For those who might scoff at Elvis’ taste in interior design, Belt points out that wild color schemes and vibrant decor were the norm for the time. “You have to keep in mind that the fashion and colors were something that was very much in style at that time. Hey, I remember crawling around on green shag carpet when I was a kid! Didn't everyone have shag at that time? It was out of sight, man!”

Concert tickets are $15 and $20. For more information on the June 19 concert e-mail stevemdxelvis@gmail.com or call 281-358-4867.