Elvis tribute artist Paul Lynch (Napa) has dusted off his attire and lost a few kilograms in preparation for the Elvis Presley Tribute event this Saturday.

The event, which will pay tribute to the “King of Rock and Roll”, will be held at Charlie’s Café & Bar and will feature the popular Boogies Band.

Lynch, who has been doing Elvis since 1996 when he took part in a national song contest, put on a small show on his birthday for his family and staff at Charlie’s last month.

He said he had to lose about 10 kilograms “to get back into the Elvis suit”.

“They (the patrons) were shocked when they saw me in costume. We stayed there for a couple of hours, had dinner, I did some songs, and joked around doing the voice (impersonation). People joined in for a dance and the tourists and everyone there had a lot of fun.”

Charlie Hoskings, the owner of the popular eatery in Titikaveka, then suggested a special event in honour of the late artist.

Regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, Presley died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42.

Lynch said this Saturday’s event will be part of Elvis Tribute Week, which is celebrated worldwide by his fans. In his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, every August, thousands of fans from around the world come together to celebrate his life, music, and movies.

Lynch said he will be performing five of Elvis’s top songs this Saturday, including hits like “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Heartbreak Hotel”.

The entry free event starts at 5pm and “Elvis” will enter the building at 6.30pm for a solid one-hour of live performances.

Lynch hopes to perform at an Elvis Tribute Competition in Tennessee next year on his 60th birthday.

His last Elvis show in Rarotonga was in 2020, a rock’n’roll fundraiser to purchase supplies for the local veterinary clinic. The event raised $21,000.