LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT)\u00a0\u2014 Crying all the time? Can’t help falling in love? Experience all the emotions and thrills at the 29th annual Elvis Explosion this weekend in La Crosse.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Live at the La Crosse Center, we’ll have just under 50 Elvis tribute artists from all over the world come in and compete for $25,000,” said producer Ronny Craig.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Presley lovers from all over are invited to enjoy multiple days of fun. The full schedule included welcome events and kick off concerts in Mauston, Prairie Du Chien and La Crosse Wednesday and Thursday. The first semifinal “Red Round” kicks off Friday, beginning a series of six shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Three more shows take place Saturday at Noon, 3 and 7 p.m. The final shows on Sunday are set for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“So, it’s kind of like an American Idol tournament of Elvis tribute artists,” said Craig. “So, if you like Elvis, you’ll love the Elvis Explosion.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 10 a.m. show on Sunday will look a little different from the rest of the shows, with a gospel show consisting of a choir of Elvis’s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of the tribute artists, Justin Shandor, shared what the competitors will be judged on.<\/p>\n
“We’ll be judged on recreating the illusion of the nostalgia of Elvis Presley,” said Shandor. “The looks, the vocals, the mannerisms and hopefully one of us will take home the prize.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Elvis is the king, said Craig. Elvis the pelvis, the taboo, the look and the era is what keeps Elvis Presley’s legacy alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n