“Elvis: The Concert “ live from Blaisdell Arena was the much anticipated homecoming of the famed Elvis concert series. At this time, it is the closest anyone will get to seeing Elvis in concert again. Much of the original band and back-up singers were a part of the show. They played all the music as Elvis, via three huge video screens sang. Most of the footage used was from the historic “Aloha Concert”, which was broadcast live around the world in 1973. The show was an awe-inspiring event that left much of the crowd in tears or at very least a serious case of “chicken skin”. Tom Moffat, as he has done so many times in the past produced the show, along with its’ sponsors Bank of Hawaii. Rock Island Café was lucky enough to be a part of this legendary concert, being the only shop in Hawaii with such a vast collection of old and new Elvis memorabilia and collectibles. The staff from Rock Island Café, along with the Elvis Presley Memorial Fan Club of Hawaii, dressed up in poodle skirts and bowling shirts and passed out membership information and Rock Island Café flyers to the fans as they were seated in the arena. Everyone thoroughly, enjoyed the show and were proud to be apart, of what is sure to be an historic Elvis event. In the days following the concert, Rock Island Café, unofficially became host to a number of the show’s performers, including orchestra and band members, and various singers from “The Stamps”. Most exciting was a visit from lead guitarist James Burton from the “TCB Band”. James played lead guitar for Elvis from 1969 –77, he went on to play for many other legendary singers. James and his wife, sat at Rock Island Café for hours telling stories of his experiences with Elvis, signing autographs and taking pictures. His stories focused on what a warm, caring and generous man Elvis Presley was to his friends and family. Thus enforcing the reasons he was considered the “King of Rock And Roll”. James plans on possibly coming back to Hawaii for a New Year’s Eve special performance with his son. This will surely be an event not to miss. Elvis related sightings are not a rarity at Rock Island Café. In the past couple of months, they have been hosts to many Elvis co-stars. On a typical day at Rock Island Café the Elvis classic “Paradise Hawaiian Style” was playing on the TVs throughout the store. Then all of the sudden who should walk in but Donna Butterworth, the actress that played opposite Elvis as a spunky young girl. She sung such classics, as “Queenie Wahine” and “Dating is a Game That Grown-ups Play”. She had so many wonderful stories to tell of the behind the scene’s adventures with Elvis. She emphasized what a joy it was to work with him and that “he was really just a big kid”. Other notable celebrities include encounters with Darlene Tompkins from “Blue Hawaii”. She played “Pasty” one of the schoolgirls Elvis guided around the islands. Another member of the Elvis elite to meet the gang at Rock Island Café, was George Klein, Elvis’ life long friend from high school, legendary Memphis DJ and part of the notorious “Memphis Mafia”. So remember to visit Rock Island Café on your next trip to Waikiki. Enjoy the wonderful collectibles and memorabilia, all available for purchase. Or relax with a Hollywood inspired collection cocktails or beer. Delicious gourmet pizzas and classic sandwiches are also available after you have worked up an appetite. Don’t forget to save room for dessert from the old fashion soda fountain.You are sure to see our Beatles band “Rubber Soul” there every Sunday. Who knows who else may stop by. |
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