SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — It has been four years since I spoke with Thane Dunn.
Back then, the Elvis tribute artist had just gotten married to Melanie Dunn, who now sings backup with his tribute band, the Cadillac Kings.
Since that time, a lot of cool things have happened.
They now have a four-year-old son, Charlie who, like his parents, loves Elvis and all other types of music.
“Having him has helped me up my game. When I became a married man, my priorities changed. And now I’m building a future for my son. So, it’s really working,” says Dunn.
Professionally, things couldn’t be any better.
“I’m busier now than I’ve ever been.”
Recently he has been working with Bill Baize, the high tenor singer in the Stamps Gospel quartet from 1971-76, who performed on stage with Elvis for seven years. Following a sold-out show at Casino New Brunswick, they went on to do 24 shows together, including a cruise to the Caribbean.
Along the way Baize became his vocal coach, upping his game even more.
“I’ve learned so much from him – breath control, how to hit higher notes and how to sing with ease instead of trying so hard.”
He's also really proud of is his appearance.
“I’ve been working with a trainer. I’m 25 pounds lighter.”
After performing a sold-out show this month at Casino New Brunswick, Dunn is bringing his “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special” to the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on Saturday, Sept. 28.
“We’re going to take the roof off the place. (Mary) Dennis is going to be angry at me,” the singer laughs.
What’s special about the original 1968 show is it launched Elvis’ career again because Elvis had been making movies for 10 years and he thought that everyone had forgotten about him.
“People went wild the other night when we did that show,” says Dunn, adding the songbook includes everything from “Heartbreak Hotel” and “If I Can Dream” to “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “That’s Alright, Mama” and “Let’s Pretend.”
And that’s only half of the show.
After intermission, there will be songs made popular from “Elvis on Tour” , a documentary made by MGM in 1970. For the second half, he’ll be wearing a new jumpsuit that he has had made especially for the show.
“It’s very simple. It has a long fringe that points down to a V and it’s worn with a macramé belt.”
And while he’s pumped for the Summerside show, he’s realizes he’s playing a role.
“For those two hours I want people to fall under the spell that, by turning their imagination on, they’re watching Elvis.
“I can’t paint or cook your supper, but I can make you believe that Elvis Presley is on stage, in a genuine way.
If you are going
-What: “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special”
-When and where: Saturday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside.
-Tickets: Call 902-888-2500 or toll free, 1-888-311-9090
Call in and win
- The question: What is the name of the Elvis Presley backup singer who became Thane Dunn’s voice coach?
- The prize: A pair of tickets to “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special” on Saturday, Sept. 28.
- Last week’s winner: Donna Newton won a pair of tickets to Glenaladale Heritage Trust’s Rum Running Festival.
- To enter: Call the Guardian’s Phone and Win contest line at 902-629-1707.
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.
