I haven't ever seen an "impersonator" act, though I might enjoy one. Here in Austin, TX, there is a guy whose approach to the "tribute genre" is one I respect.

Ted Roddy is a local musician who, I believe, has a regular day job. Twice a year, around the time of Elvis's birth and death, he performs several wildly popular Elvis tribute shows. He works with a great band including backup singers and he performs an Elvis repertoire, following the best known Elvis arrangements. I've seen the show twice. He sounds like Elvis, but there's no sense of schtick. He doesn't pretend he's Elvis returned. He doesn't talk like Elvis or say "thank yew very much." He doesn't wear some overdone simulation of "Elvis clothes." The vibe is more like, "I'm Ted Roddy. I love Elvis, you love Elvis, tonight let's honor the man's music."

I'd love to see a good band doing Beatles music. The songs certainly deserve to be performed live.

--Michael Scully