‘Elvis’ to Rock the House at ‘Viva Las Vegas’ Event on May 8

NEW ROCHELLE—In a few weeks, “Elvis” will grace the stage at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle when the Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation presents “Viva Las Vegas,” Tuesday, May 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The fundraiser will support charities and non-profit organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and will feature “Elvis” tribute artist Cody Ray Slaughter from Arkansas, who will present a spectacular show featuring some of the classic hits from the “King of Rock and Roll.”

In keeping with the Las Vegas theme, the event will also feature an aerialist, craps tables, poker, roulette, a money wheel, open bar, food stations, music, dancing, raffle prizes, coffee and a dessert bar.

Tagged as one of the most talented, young “Elvis” tribute artists in the country, Slaughter actually began entertaining at the age of 13. “My dad was a huge Elvis fan, and I grew up listening to old school music from the 50s and 60s,” said Slaughter. “Elvis stood out the most for me. I loved listening to his music and watching his movies.”

Slaughter made his “Elvis” debut in the second grade, when he performed at his local elementary school talent show. “After that, I kept doing it every year, and started to comb my hair like him and dress like him,” added Slaughter.

When he was in fifth grade, a friend brought him to an “Elvis” contest where he watched many “Elvises” perform, and at that moment, he knew then what he wanted to do. “People started telling me I looked like Elvis and then out of nowhere I just started to get some local gigs at birthday parties or other events,” explained Slaughter. “I started out slow and then it just grew from there.”

At the age of 17, Slaughter was the featured entertainer in Pigeon Forge, TN for over a year. At that same time, he also appeared on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16.” Now 26, Slaughter has performed at special events, fairs, festivals and entertainment venues throughout the United States, across Canada, the UK, Germany and even Australia.

A true Millennial, born in 1991, Slaughter describes himself as “unique” when it comes to his music choices. “Most of my friends listen to the current pop music, so I guess I’m kind of different, but everybody supports my music and I’ve been able to introduce Elvis to a new generation,” he said.

Slaughter was recognized with “The People’s Choice Award” during “Elvis Week” in 2008. At the Las Vegas “Elvis Fest” in 2001, he received “The Horizon Award” for best new” Elvis Tribute Artist”. The award was given on the same stage where the real Elvis Presley made history at the Las Vegas Hilton. Slaughter was also the youngest man ever to be named the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” by Elvis Presley Enterprises’ in Memphis, TN during “Elvis Tribute Week.”

In 2013, he was the featured musical guest on the “Late Show with David Letterman” show on CBS-TV at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Both Elvis Presley and Slaughter were the same age when they appeared on that very stage. “I remember when I got the call. I was just walking around my kitchen and my Dad said ‘Hey, you’re going to be on David Letterman.’ I was so nervous beforehand, but I just went out there and did it. However, I just couldn’t watch it for a long time,” admitted Slaughter.

No stranger to New York, Slaughter is looking forward to returning to the Empire State and performing at Glen Island Harbour Club. “My greatest joy is when I am paying tribute to Elvis and his music and trying to keep his spirit alive with his fans,” he added.  “Elvis” and his band are being sponsored by HomeBridge Financial Services.

Tickets to “Viva LVegas ” are $150 per person and the proceeds will benefit local charities and non-profit organizations throughout the lower Hudson Valley.

The Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation supports charities and non-profit organizations that serve the housing, hunger, health, happiness, and humane needs within Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, and Bronx counties. Established in 2003 and relaunched in 2013, the foundation has donated thousands of dollars to charities throughout our area. For more information, visit www.HGRealtorFoundation.com.

Mary Prenon
HGAR, Director of Communications