(Still) standing room only
The oversized glasses, sequins and even that famous Dodgers uniform are all part of the show, but Kenny Metcalf’s tribute to Elton John goes well beyond the wardrobe.
As part of the line-up of events during Newport Oregon Pride, Metcalf will present “Elton: The Early Years” at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20.
Metcalf and The Early Years Band recreate the music, spectacle and flamboyant style of John’s groundbreaking 1970s performances, paying particular attention to the details that made those early tours unforgettable.
That includes period-accurate costumes such as the sequined Los Angeles Dodgers uniform designed by Bob Mackie and famously worn by John during his 1975 Dodger Stadium concerts. Metcalf even wears custom eyewear created by Ray Winston, John’s original optician.
The tribute’s attention to detail earned it a national television appearance on AXS TV’s “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands,” where Metcalf and the band performed live from the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood.
Metcalf brought plenty of his own musical experience to the project. Before stepping into John’s platform shoes, he worked as a studio musician, vocalist, sound engineer and stage keyboardist, including touring with 1980s heavy metal band Stryper.
His recreation of Elton John’s early years has also won praise from people with firsthand knowledge of the originals. Caleb Quaye, John’s original lead guitarist and first producer, has performed alongside Metcalf and praised the show for capturing the energy of those formative performances.
The tribute has also received endorsements from Stuart Epps, John’s former personal touring assistant, and Rick Frio, who helped introduce the British singer to American audiences around the time of his landmark 1970 debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
Saturday’s concert begins at 7 pm and Sunday’s performance begins at 2 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive Street.
Tickets, $45 to $55, are available at coastarts.org or by calling 541-265-2787.