Mesquite resident Claude Nielson, a retired chiropractor, will return for the second Elvis Rocks Mesquite event in June at the Casablanca Resort. The 76 year-old Nielson drew standing ovations last year and was named the most inspirational performer by his competitors.

Elvis Rocks Mesquite enters its second year June 23-26 at the CasaBlanca and 76 year-old Claude Nielson will be there to compete with his wig, Elvis suit and all the rest.

Nielson, a retired chiropractor, moved to Mesquite with his wife, Shirley, three years ago. He took the inaugural event by storm in 2010 finishing fourth among more than 50 entries.

“He was absolutely incredible,” said event organizer Sue Arko of Phoenix. “No one knew what to expect from him, but he turned out to be amazing. He was a delight and rocked everyone’s world.”

Using a walker borrowed from a local care facility in Mesquite, Nielson limped onto the stage, faked a fall and launched a performance that drew a pair of standing ovations in the jam-packed CasaBlanca Showroom.

Born in Nebraska and raised in Salt Lake City, Nielson sang in karaoke events before deciding at the last minute to enter last year’s Elvis Rocks Mesquite.

“I just happened to read about it in the newspaper,” Nielson said recently. “It was close to the start of the show and I kind of wondered if I could get in. I went down to the CasaBlanca and talked to some of the clerks who put me in touch with the promoter. I had done some Elvis songs in the past and thought it might be kind of fun to enter.”

The 76 year-old Nielson, participating in serious competition, was the only entrant over the age of 30. He also had the least expensive clothing worth about $300 — far less than the threads worn by his competitors that cost as much as $3,000.

“It was huge,” Nielson laughed. “I started out singing in the 50s category with “Love Me Tender” before singing “My Way.”

While he just missed out on the prize money, Nielson received the ultimate compliment when he was named by his competitors as the most inspirational performer of Elvis Rocks Mesquite.

“I was only one slot away from the money,” Nielson explained. “I’m told the money has been increased this year and the purse will pay down a little further. It’s going to be very good this year. They added another category for the amateurs and that’s probably the one I should have entered last year.”

This year’s event promises to be even better considering the success of the 2010 program.

This year’s Elvis Rocks Mesquite will again include competition in 50s, 60s and 70s categories. Tickets begin at $11 and may be purchased at www.elvisrocksmesquite.com.