Family throws party in Elvis’ honor

Elvis turns 70 on Saturday – or would have – and the date will not go unnoticed at the Masonic Temple Auditorium in downtown Spokane.

An “Elvis Birthday Bash” will be held there Saturday night featuring not just one, but two Elvis impersonators.

Ben “Preslee” Klein will be doing the young Elvis, backed by a four-piece band, the Rockabillies. His father, Randy Klein, will do the older Elvis.

Later, in a segment titled “The Vintage People,” the two will get together for a duet – two Elvises at once.

The Klein family, from Spokane, is the force behind this “Elvis Birthday Bash.” Ben’s mother, Gwen, is in the band and also will appear later in the show doing tributes to Patsy Cline and others.

Ray Sutton will also appear, doing Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Ben Klein has been getting considerable attention for his young Elvis act. He was recently invited to appear at Elvis Week in Graceland in August.

Saturday’s birthday bash, which begins at 8 p.m., is an all-ages event.

There will be hula-hoop and hokey-pokey demonstrations between acts.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, available through TicketsWest outlets (325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).