United Seniors Inc. Brings Back Memories Of The 50s

By CATHERINE ELLERTON

Moapa Valley Progress

All appeared normal on the evening of Friday, November 16. The inhabitants of the Moapa Valley community were preparing for Thanksgiving. They were joyful. They were in great expectation.

Yet, within the charming Moapa Valley Recreation Center in the middle of the town called Overton, a strangeness was taking place. The inhabitants had been lured by Director Cindy Marino with the promise of an enchilada dinner prepared by chefs Raegan Whited and Jack Johnson.

There were young National Honor Society (NHS) members lurking about, Emilie Barraza, Lainey Cornwall, Mikelle Ericksen, True Jarell, Emma Walker, Brylee Watkins, and Ashlyn Western. The Moapa Valley Kountry Kickers Line Dancers danced to “Stuck On You” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”

Soon a deep vibration could be felt. The building glowed with the energy. Muted sounds of BRAVO! and Michael – Michael – MICHael – MICHAEL grew louder and louder. The not-so-young in the audience appeared to become young again. They were dancing and swaying back and forth.

The ninety-six years-young Dorothy Fitzgerald lovingly held a scarf that had been presented to her. Others ran to the platform to get theirs and perhaps, maybe, a kiss. The crowd had been transported back to the 1950s and 60s.

The ringleader was a man called Michael Cullipher. He was on the platform dancing and swaying and undulating to the songs he sang. Songs like Billy Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” added to the excitement. And then Cullipher transformed into a legend with his renditions of “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

Cullipher had become ELVIS, before the eyes of the entire audience. “The King’s” music captured the world back then and, it was obvious that night, it still does.
“Elvis was the best performer!” gushed Patti Brown of Overton. She saw several Elvis concerts while living in Las Vegas.

Jan Schultz said she preferred the Everly Brothers back then, but by the end of the evening, she was a Michael Cullipher fan particularly because of his Elvis tribute.

Cullipher invited audience participation during his performance, including “Stuck On You” and “Let It Be Me.” In addition to the songs by Elvis, Michael also performed songs by Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, and Willy Nelson.

Michael said he always admired Elvis. They both hailed from the same place. Michael worked in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Café in Memphis and began singing at the age of four. He now tours the country bringing the music of Elvis to audiences. In 2013, he was voted in the 29 Best of the Best in the Elvis Tribute Artist World.

Michael took requests from the audience as the performance wound down for the evening. The strains of “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Blue Christmas” filled the auditorium. “I believe it is my job to keep Elvis’ memory and music alive,” he said.

Cullipher ended the evening with “I Need Your Love Tonight” which was the song Elvis sang Tuesday, August 16, 1977 – the day he died.

Michael promised to return again on Wednesday, January 23 and Saturday, February 23 to perform Country and Gospel favorites.