Elvis’s Las Vegas resort keeps his party going

Elvis sang, “If I Can Dream,” and so can we. We dream that one day Westgate will just rebrand as International Hotel and we can enjoy that theme, year-round.

For now, we have recurring International-Elvis tributes. Up next is “1969 Live! The King Returns” at 7 p.m. Friday at International Theater.

The production stars the devoted Elvis Tribute artist Travis Powell, who fronted the show’s premiere last year. The concert and related events mark the 57th anniversary of the King’s International Hotel debut.

Devotees are treated to a rote re-creation of Presley’s opening at the then-International, later Las Vegas Hilton, and today’s Westgate.

As we say, themed attire from that era is encouraged, but not enforced.

The set list mirrors Elvis’s Las Vegas stage show in in 1969, featuring such classics as “Suspicious Minds,” “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up,” “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” The show is officially sold out, but you can pick up verified resale tickets (the pink dots) at ticketmaster.com.

The hotel is leaning into the King again on Oct. 24, premiering “1970 Live! That’s the Way It Was.” The show returns to the 1970 documentary, which centers on Presley’s then-new Las Vegas production. Much of the footage was filmed inside the International.

Elsewhere in this weekend’s Elvis festival, we have:

— “Karaoke with The King” inside the Cabaret Theater beginning at 8 p.m. Friday.

— The complimentary “Living Legends Series” hosted by DJ Rob Christie inside the International Theater featuring legendary Elvis insiders and special guests. From 3-4 p.m., it’s Sam Thompson, Elvis’s bodyguard and the brother of Presley’s girlfriend Linda Thompson, along with tour producer Charles Stone. Featured at 11 a.m. Saturday, Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations, Kim Davis, wife of Richard Davis, a member of Elvis’s Memphis Mafia entourage, and Sandi Miller, part of Presley’s inner circle who dated backup singer Charlie Hodge (these folks have some particularly unique tales about hanging with the King).

— Free live entertainment from veteran Elvis tribute artist Hunter Cole, with special guest stars from “Million Dollar Quartet” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

— Elvis-inspired go-go dancers performing throughout the hotel lobby and front entrance.

— A no-cover (meaning, free) “Blue Hawaii Pool Party” from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, hosted by Christie, featuring Elvis-inspired music, a fashion show, themed cocktails, food-and-beverage specials, and poolside entertainment.

— VIP International Theater tours at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., hosted by “The King Comes Home” at Westgate Cabaret star Joey Calveri.

— Elvis-inspired food and beverage offerings throughout the resort.

The resort maintains its singular relationship with the Presley legacy through the rotation of tribute productions and events, “The King Comes Home” in residency at Westgate Cabaret, and Priscilla Presley’s storytelling show, which played at International Theater in May.

As Westgate Senior Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment Dawn Rawle says, “No destination in the world has a more authentic connection to Elvis Presley than Westgate Las Vegas.”

‘Viva’ revisited

Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” acoustic guitar is among the items at Animazing Gallery in Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort from Friday through Aug. 31. The exhibit coincides with the landmark 1969 show and celebrates Presley’s 636 sold-out performances at the International/Las Vegas Hilton.

The show is highlighted by a visit from popular Elvis tribute artist Donny Edwards from 1-4 p.m. Friday, and an exhibit of authentic showgirl costumes, along with the unveiling of the exclusive art exhibit.

Included in the display and sale are works by such celebrated, renowned artists as Mel Balatbat, David Lloyd Glover, John Douglas, Alan Bodner, Ronnie Wood, Chris Dellorco, Randy Martinez, Dave Russo, Nancy Elhallak, Al Hirschfeld and Nelson De La Nuez.

Animazing Gallery owner Nicholas Leone, a collector of famous guitars, will showcase three special Presley guitars:

— The remaining one of two Gibson acoustic guitars that appeared in “Viva Las Vegas.” The first guitar was damaged when Elvis fell into a pool, leading to water damage (to the guitar). The displayed instrument replaced the first, and is stamped with”Elvis Presley” and “MGM” inside.

— A vintage 1967 Hagstrom Viking I hollow-body electric guitar, hand-painted by Nancy Elhallak. The guitar is similar to the famous red 1968 Hagstrom Viking II guitar that Elvis played during his historic 1968 NBC comeback special.

— JD Simo’s prized 1960 Gibson J-50 acoustic guitar, which he used when he served as the principal guitarist on Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” feature film, to record the rhythm, acoustic, and lead parts.

Moreno’s return

Multi-talented singer/songwriter/musician Frankie Moreno is back at the aforementioned Westgate on Aug. 15 with his “Vegas Remastered” series. This is the third variation of Moreno’s stage show, a blend of classics and his seemingly limitless collection of originals.

Moreno has packed the room in the first two performances, most recently on May 28. Moreno’s wife and dancing great Lacey Schwimmer, a former pro on “Dancing With the Stars,” is a guest star. Moreno delivers terrific showmanship, inherent panache, and (naturally) a branded booze cart that offsets the artistry. Go to WestgateResorts.com for intel. We’ll see you there.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.