Jesse Garron's Elvis returns for Bethany finale Sept. 3

2017 marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death and the 20th year for Jesse Garron's tribute to him. He will close out the Bethany Beach Summer Concert Series on the Bandstand Sunday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. Pa Pop's Doo Wop DJ will open the show at 6:30.

Delaware-based Garron performed his first show in October 1997 as a newcomer to the Elvis tribute scene. He performed by himself to prerecorded music. The capacity crowd stayed for the entire show, and 20 years later, Garron continues to fill venues nationwide and attract new fans. He has an international fan base of close to 7,000.

The show itself has changed over the years by incorporating custom-designed jumpsuits created by Elvis' own designer, Bill Belew. Garron also added a live band in 2008 with musicians, backup singers and an optional horn section. Some of the players have changed, but the act remains a genuine portrayal of Elvis in the height of his Vegas career right down to the scarf serenades and standing ovations.

Garron recently worked with Bon Jovi's sound engineer, Obie O'Brien, to record his first CD. "The timing was finally right," says Garron. O'Brien also brought in Grammy award-winning producer Phil Nicolo (who's worked with John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Sting, Amy Grant, and Billy Joel, among others). "We were lucky to be able to work with such reputable names in the business." The CD features the current Jesse Garron Band along with a horn section out of Philadelphia.

Bethany Events Director Julie Malewski manages the show and sings backup (along with her daughter). Her predecessor, Gloria Farrar, started the tradition of booking the act for the town, and it remains one of the most-requested returning acts. "I can't believe it's been 20 years," Malewski says. "Even though we've taken the show nationwide, Bethany has been a part of its family for 19 of those years. The fans always turn up and pack the plaza."

Jesse Garron's Tribute to Elvis is one of the free concerts offered in Bethany's Summer Concerts on the Bandstand, 1 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. For more information on Jesse Garron, go to www.jessegarron.com.