‘Greatest’ Elvis impersonator in VW park

VW independent/submitted information

Just a reminder that the “Greatest Elvis Impersonator of All Time” will perform this evening at a worldwide event in Van Wert. ESB Pro Audio and Center Stage Productions honor the “King of Rock and Roll” on the 38th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley (August 16, 1977) with Elvis impersonator Ben Portsmouth and a full nine-piece band.

Fans from all over the world declare Portsmouth is the closest they have ever seen to Elvis Presley. Social media forums have been overwhelmed with fans from the U.S. demanding that he return to the United States. There was only one Elvis, but Portsmouth is the closest people will ever get in terms of Elvis’s looks, his singing voice and on-stage charisma.

What a success within less than two years! Portsmouth accomplished what no other Elvis tribute artist has achieved. He has won three major Elvis Presley Enterprise endorsed contests, culminating in the crown jewel of contests the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest” held in Memphis, Tennessee, during “Elvis Week”, commemorating the life and legend of Elvis Presley.

Portsmouth’s meteoric success did not go unnoticed. In February 2013, he performed on “The David Letterman Show” in celebration of Elvis’ 79th birthday. The performance left Letterman at a loss for words, as he exclaimed, “Oh, my god, Oh, my god!” That one performance broadcast internationally resulted in an immediate social media explosion nobody could have predicted.

Opening for Portsmouth will be Van Wert’s Samantha Rae Duquette, winner of the 2015 “Ohio Has Talent!” competition. She will perform at 7:45 p.m. today, with Portsmouth taking the stage at 9 this evening.

Those attending should bring their own seating to the event (lawn chairs). Fountain Park will open at noon today and lawn chairs may be placed on a first-come, first-served basis. No coolers are permitted at this event. Food and drinks will be sold.

This will be the first ticketed event in Fountain Park history, with the park entirely encased in a privacy screen with only two entrances. People must have a ticket to enter! All proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Christmas Garden Project, so come and support a great cause and see a great show.

Tickets are $25 if purchased early and $30 at the gate tonight. Tickets can be purchased online at www.visionarypromotions.org or by phone by calling Jim Clay at 419.771.9508.