July/August 1971
by Dave Bouska
It came as a surprise that Elvis had signed to perform for two weeks at the Sahara Hotel in
Lake Tahoe, Nevada. This being much closer to my home than Vegas, I immediately made
reservations to see Elvis. This was Elvis' first club date out-side of Vegas.
The Sahara Hotel in Tahoe is much smaller than the International in Vegas, but rates as one
of the finest resort hotels in the world. lt is a 30-million dollar complex and has 600 rooms.
The showroom reminds one of the International, except it is a bit smaller. It holds 1,200 for
the dinner show and 1,500 for the midnite cocktail show. However, many more were being
packed in than these numbers.
Before I go into details about the show I would like to tell a little about the Elvis
happenings occurring while I was in Tahoe.
The promotional campaign reminded me very much of the campaign in Vegas. This, too, was the
"Elvis Summer Festival" with all hotel employees wearing hats and buttons proclaiming the
occasion. Posters lined the hotel and on the outside of the hotel bright red lights on the
top storey shone out ELVIS.
Elvis was a complete sell-out for the two-week gig, from July 20 to August 2nd, before it
began. People were lining up for the midnite show at 7 p.m., and, by the time it was time
to be seated, the line stretched into the street. Our waiter told us he would be glad when
Elvis was gone because it was such a hassle and everyone was putting in extra hours.
The same waiter also said Elvis received $500,000 for the two weeks. The prices to see Elvis
were the same as in Vegas. A $15 minimum with a $2 tax which brought the bill to $17 per
person.
Now, without further delay, I will tell you about the show. I was able to attend two shows,
both cocktail shows.
The usual group was with Elvis with one exception. Comedian Sammy Shore was not present and
was replaced by Nipsey Russel, who is a very funny fellow. The "Sweet Inspirations" led off
the show with three fine Soul numbers followed by Nipsey. The "Imperials" did not have a
solo spot in this gig.
Finally, the magic moment arrived. The lights were turned out and all spotlights shone onto
the huge showroom curtain. With the curtain still closed the orchestra began the theme from
"2001" and everyone knew only Elvis could follow such a tremendous theme. Suddenly the
curtain opened and the band roared into a solid Rock beat. Then, from the right side of the
stage Elvis appeared, stood motionless for a moment, then shyly moved to center stage, took
his guitar, and whaled into "That's All Right."
After this fabulous song he said, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." The second night he said, "Hello,
I'm Clint Eastwood." He later introduced Clint, who was in the audience. "That's All Right"
was followed by "Proud Mary" and Elvis went on to perform the following songs: "Polk Salad,"
"Johnny B. Good," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me,"
"Teddy Bear," at which time he threw a few small teddy bears into the audience. "One Night,"
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "I Can't Stop Lovin' You,"
"Suspicious Minds," "Love Me," "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes,"
"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "My Babe" and his, new single in the U.S. called "I'm
Leavin'" which is a haunting ballad done in fine style with Elvis' friend, Charlie Hodge,
singing high voice for him. Elvis' closing number was "Impossible Dream" and proved one of
the highlights of the evening.
During the entire show Elvis kissed girls by the dozens and shook hands with the guys at the
ringside. After kissing the girls he announced he had the 'flu but later said he was just
kidding.
Elvis was not wearing the almost traditional white outfit this time. He wore a red shirt with
blue bell-bottoms and a blue jacket which he threw off during "Polk Salad." One member of the
band told him he looked like the "Cisco Kid" and everyone broke up. Another humorous part of
the show was the beginning of "Lovin' Feeling." The lights were all turned out as Elvis
began the song. As the lights came on, Elvis was wearing an ape mask which looked amazingly
real and as he moved to the music it was very funny. No one makes a better imitation. I felt
like yelling and asking if he had just returned from "The Planet Of The Apes" but thought I
had better not.
Yet another sensational portion of the show is Elvis karate exhibition. Elvis kicks, his arms
fly and as he does this the drums crash to his every move in what proves to be a magnificent
show of speed and agility few people possess. I wouldn't care to be the target of one of the
karate chops he lets fly.
There is one more part of the show that is, perhaps, the funniest part of the ghow. I am
speaking of the beginning of "Hound Dog." Elvis spreads his legs way apart and rests
his elbow on one knee. He said, "lf you don't start this song in this position you'll strip
your gears." He also spoke of his appearances on Ed Sullivan's Show and remarked that they
had cut him off from the waist up. Elvis also rubbed his chin mocking Ed Sullivan and said,
"Ed saw me and said 'Sumbitch'." And the whole audience nearly died with laughter.
The first note of "Hound Dog" is one that would shatter the windows if there were any in the
showroom. It is sheer power. "Hound Dog" is truly a classic. Elvis' humor shines throughout
the shows and you can tell he is having a good time.
I hope everyone has enjoyed this article, but before I close I would like to touch upon one
more subject. And that is Elvis paying a visit to England. I am lucky to be one of the
fortunate ones who has the opportunity to see Elvis in person and hope my articles give all
of you at least some idea of what Elvis is like in person. I, too, look forward to the day
Elvis appears in England. And I feel confident he will. Certainly no one deserves an Elvis
concert more than the fans in England and the rest of Europe. Your loyalty is undying and
you put Elvis at the top of all polls year after year. Perhaps if those of us in the U.S.
also "go to work" on Elvis and the Colonel the visit will come soon. But, as you all know,
you just don't pressure the Colonel.
Dave Bouska �