Elvis Rocks Mesquite

By MIKE HENLE | May/June 2012

The third annual Elvis Rocks Mesquite event returns to the CasaBlanca Resort, June 21-23.

Fittingly, three days of singing Elvis Presley songs from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s is capped by an Elvis look-alike (and sing-alike) competition. Johnny Fortuno of Henderson took gold last year, following up his blockbuster victory at the 2011 Ultimate Elvis competition on Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Fortuno’s song selection included “All Shook Up” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”

For his efforts, Fortuno pocketed $3,000 in prize money to edge the talented Robert Washington, from Maine, who earned runner-up money of $1,500.

As was the case in the inaugural Elvis Rocks Mesquite event, the second gathering of Elvis impersonators was so anticipated that the finale had fans lined up at the door long before the first Elvis song was sung. “I’m elated with the outcome of the event,” said Sue Arko, an event promoter from Phoenix. “I think it certainly lived up to what people expected, especially when you tie in the related events.” One of those events was a fundraiser to benefit tornado victims in the Midwest.

The combined efforts of all those involved to present a true showpiece was evidenced by the fans who traveled to the event. “I follow James King,” said Sue Rivera, a Redondo Beach, California businesswoman. “I received a flier from one of the competitors, and I also belong to the Jail House Rockers in California. We are also connected with several Elvis Tribute Artists, so we follow the events.

“I had never been to Mesquite, and it’s a pretty amazing place,” Rivera continued. “This was my fifth time to see an Elvis competition, and this show was the best-produced contest that I have seen. The lighting and the showroom are fabulous.”