BACK
Wise men say attend Elvis Lives March 31 at SHS
by Brenda Jessen
The Salem News
Salem's own Elvis, Rich Vickers, will bring his unique impersonation of The King to Salem for two shows March 31.
The Salem Area Community Betterment Association will present this fund-raising concert, "Elvis Lives," at the
Salem High School gym. Proceeds will benefit the SACBA, which serves the Salem area in numerous projects,
including support of volunteerism, beautification, educational programs, the arts and tourism.
The TLC Show Band, which includes Vickers' wife, Kristi, Michael Connors, Steve and Patti Connors, April Greer,
Richie Key, Greg and Tammy Nash, Dennis Parker, Harold "Bubba" Schettler and soundman Grant Hamlet, takes
a nostalgic tour of the best of the best in country, rock and pop.
"I can't believe the quality talent of the people who are playing and singing in this show," Vickers said. "They
complete the Elvis package and are such an integral part of the tribute to him and to great American music."
There will be 2 p.m. and a 7 p.m. shows with Vickers and the TLC Show Band, featuring the sounds of Linda
Ronstadt, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin and the Righteous Brothers.
Advance ticket information is available by calling 729-8684.
"I would easily compare this band and group of singers to anything Branson has to offer," Vickers said. "Even if
you don't like Elvis music, you will love the pre-show."
From the costumes to the gaudy rings, from the wig to the acquired Elvis "snarl," audience members often forget
that he isn't the real thing. This authentic edge earned Vickers the distinguished honor of membership in the
Elvis Entertainment Network, a designation reserved for the cream of the Elvis crop.
Rich Vickers has been singing professionally for over 20 years. He won several Elvis impersonating contests and
he produces and arranges the Elvis Lives show. He's not just an impersonator. He is the Music and Worship
Director at New Harmony Church in Salem and has performed at the Ozark Actors Theatre (OAT) stage in
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He has performed all over the U.S. at venues such as the
Missouri State Fair, Oklahoma State Fair, Branson, Memphis, Estes Park, Colo. Growing up, he learned to play
drums and sing by listening to the Elvis LIVE performances.
"It is a privilege to re-create some of that magic of the Elvis live performances with this incredibly talented group
of singers and musicians."
Chris Mathes, president of the SACBA, is thrilled to have a hometown icon like Vickers performing here.
"When I saw Elvis Presley for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show, I knew the music world would never be the
same. My wife and I have been Elvis fans from that day on, and we believe Rich Vickers is one of the best Elvis
impersonators in America. Elvis Lives is a must-see event," Mathes said.
Tender Loving Care Band
Steve Connors, Salem, (acoustic, lead, rhythm guitar), presents the sounds of Johnny Cash and other favorite
songs and is really the foundation for the TLC Show Band. Steve has been in the music business for over 30
years. He has sung tenor for just about every major gospel quartet in the South Central Missouri area and has
played and sang at many concerts, music theatres and venues across the Mid-west including Branson. His
knowledge and expertise of the various styles of music-especially rhythm and blues, is unmatched and
unparalleled in our area. He is a walking dictionary of Elvis music.
Patti Connors, keyboard and pianist, has been performing with her family and various southern gospel groups
for more than 35 years throughout Missouri. She brings her unique style to the piano on songs such as Crazy
and How Great Thou Art. A tremendous vocalist, Patti is the wife of Steve and the mother of Michael and Tammy
(Connors) Nash, and Trisha, hairdresser for most of the band members.
Michael Connors, lead guitarist, a Salem native, is a two-time finalist in the TNN talent competition "Nashville
Star," and shines in the show with a head-spinning, passionate display of the instrument. Michael brings the lead
guitar part for the show band, but is an up and coming artist himself. Showcasing his versions of Eric Clapton
and Bon Jovi, Michael has been compared to Hank Williams, Jr., and rightfully so. Michael has finished as a
finalist the last two years in a row in the TNN talent search, "Nashville Star." He comes from a heritage of great
musicians and brings the Elvis sound up-to-date with his unique and professional sound. From ZZ Top to Chuck
Berry, Michael loves to play it all.
Tammy (Connors) Nash (Vocals), Salem, enjoys performing the smooth sounds of Patsy Cline along with her
favorite country songs from today. Tammy is another one of the talented children of Steve and Patti Connors.
Tammy was brought up around music her whole life, but in the last couple of years has really come into her own
as a stunning female lead vocalist. Tammy sings every week in the New Harmony Church worship team and is
one of those rare jewels who enjoys shining out front or singing background vocals. Tammy grew up with all the
Elvis music and jumped at the chance to re-create this live show.
Greg Nash, vocalist, brings the vocal styling of the Righteous Brothers. Greg is the assistant worship leader at
New Harmony Church and is an incredible tenor singer. He grew up in a musical family as well and enjoys
stacking the parts of the big songs. Greg and Tammy not only are great singers but are parents to two wonderful
performers Colin and Kaylee.
Kristi (Morton) Vickers, vocals, Salem, performs the soothing sounds of Linda Ronstadt. She grew up playing
piano in a musical family. Not only is she a great lead and harmony vocalist she helps to arrange the vocal parts.
Growing up as an Elvis fan, it is easy to see how Richard and Kristi make a good match. Kristi has sung and
performed with many groups over the years and has won many alto vocalists awards.
Richmond Key, Rolla, bass guitarist, is also the lead male vocalist every weekend at the Meramec Music show in
Steelville. He has played with various major artists and spent countless hours as a studio bassist and drummer.
Richmond was the 1999 fine arts male vocalist of the year and second place male vocalist in the nation out of
more than 5,000 singers. He not only is an excellent drummer and bassist, he sings harmony and has a beautiful
lead voice. He admits he has the most fun playing the Elvis Live style of music.
Harold "Bubba" Schettler, Licking, is the drummer for the group. He was a studio and club musician in California
for many years and walked away from it when he moved to Missouri. Just in the last couple of years he has pick
up the sticks and dusted them off to bring his unique style of the back beat sound of the TLC band. Bubba's
musical background is broad and diverse and was introduced to the drumming of Ronnie Tutt and DJ Fontana,
Elvis' original drummers, when he joined the TLC show band. "I wasn't a real huge Elvis music fan like the rest of
these guys, until I started playing some of these songs, now I am hooked," Schettler said.
April Greer, vocalist, Steelville, is another sibling act. April and Richmond Key are brother and sister. April is no
stranger to being on stage as she has performed literally across the country from Branson to Nashville where
she sang background vocals for several well known artists, and now weekly at the Meramec Music Theatre in
Steelville. April is also the Worship and Music Director at Change of Heart Church in Cuba, and is thrilled to be a
part of the Elvis Lives concerts when she can work it into her busy schedule.
Dennis Parker, bass singer, Boss, recreates the classic sounds of JD Sumner. Dennis has sung bass for many
groups over the years. He currently is the bass singer for the award winning gospel quartet Heartbeat. He enjoys
performing and has been on stage with some the most world-renowned gospel musicians in America.
Grant Hamlet, sound, Salem, is the silent member of the band. Grant is a sound and electric engineer. Not only
does Grant come from an incredibly talented musical heritage, but he is virtuoso of music history and styles.
Grant has a keen ear and loves the role of making things work on stage.
BACK