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Minnesota Elvis Impersonator & Tribute Artist Art Kistler!
Art in the news (click for links):
........ Biography and Information ........
Nationally acclaimed, Minnesota-based Elvis Tribute Artist/Impersonator Art Kistler is a professionally trained vocalist, experienced and accomplished entertainer and recording artist. Art is a charter member of the Professional Elvis Impersonators Association of Las Vegas. Art has performed all over the country and is a regularly contracted cruise ship performer on Elvis Theme Cruises. On his way to becoming a pro, Art won eight talent competitions as "Elvis" and participated in innumerable international Elvis Impersonator events. He has appeared numerous times on local and national TV broadcasts, was filmed in Las Vegas for an ETA documentary (released pending as per John Stuart Productions) has been a regularly featured artist on the Internet's "Elvii Radio," has a personal interview published in the book, "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes," and as a Christian Elvis Impersonator has been featured in Charisma Magazine and has entertained at innumerable Christian affiliated events. Art is a true Elvis fan and Elvis Tribute Artist/Impersonator, a veteran entertainer - in the truest sense of the word - who performs with heart and soul and consistently impresses audiences as he effectively conveys his respect for the positive memories of the King of Rock and Roll in a fun, high energy and impressive show called "Forever Elvis... the Spirit LIVES!"
Art has walked the footsteps of Elvis in Memphis and Graceland, experienced the Virtual Concert (Melbourne, Florida), and has met and shook hands with Sam Phillips of Sun Studios fame (rest his soul), along with Elvis' Band director Joe Guercio and original band members James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin, Ronnie Tutt, D.J. Fontana, and back-up vocalists the Sweet Inspirations (see photos near bottom of photo archive page)... Art has made friends over years and throughout the country with many other terrific Elvis Tribute Artists and is honored to mentor any who ask him for tips or advice.
(There's more info on the FAQ page)
Personal Background
Who: Art Kistler, native of St. Paul, Minnesota. Married: to Jean, three daughters. Art is very physical, a self admitted "exercise fanatic," explaining that he can't afford to out-grow his numerous custom-fit costumes. In addition to singing, Art is a pianist, drummer and plays the electric bass guitar. Education: A.A. and B.A. in Liberal Arts, Spanish major; graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors from the U-of-M in 1993 as "nontraditional" (Art's favorite academic euphemism for "old!") student. Art might very well be the only Phi Beta Kappa pro Elvis Impersonator on the planet! Day job: Management position at the University of Minnesota. Live just outside of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and enjoy an active, suburban, very much Christian family lifestyle.
How: Jean operates the sound and lighting systems for the show, does most of the photography, sews and/or repairs the outfits and scarves, assists with administrative and promotional details, acts as Production Manager and Events Coordinator on Art's Elvis Theme Cruises, and she does countless other crucial tasks to keep the show rolling. Jean and Art utilize and individually custom re-mastered pro accompaniment tracks from KingTracks, Sound Choice, Golden Voice and Music Maestro to ensure authentic and consistent back-up music and vocals - this also keeps show pricing within market rates. Art and Jean have two sound systems, one portable set-up and another offering over 4,000 watts. The available stage lighting is more than adequate for most venues and the combination of equipment provides an impressive, visually and audibly satisfying "Las Vegas style" show. To prep for a show it typically takes 3-5 hours to set up the full sound and light systems. Art and Jean add special touches and apply attention to details that help make every show special and memorable. Art also does "special appearances" when clients have hired a DJ to provide and operate the sound system, etc., and Art can integrate with them and perform through their sound/amplification system; This has been a very popular option at the low end of the rate scale Rates start at $500 for up to 60 minutes of "Elvis."
What: Art sings the hits of Elvis - from the '50's classics, '60's movies to his primary focus which is on '70's concerts associated with the 'Vegas years, '73 Aloha From Hawaii, and road shows. Jean and Art have lots of fun with this show, but they take the music and the memory of Elvis very seriously. This is a very professional, classy, respectable and fun show for people of all ages and at all venues. While never stepping over the line by pretending to "be" Elvis, Art respectfully seeks to convey an illusion of the look, sound and style of Elvis, and sing every music genre mastered by Elvis, including gospel, blues, ballads, country, classics, movie tunes, patriotic, cover tunes, Hawaiian, pop, - and of course: rock and roll! Art and Jean offer unique features to ensure the fun-factor and ultimate success of any event, and they've had nothing but satisfied customers since the start.
When: Because Art and Jean "have a life" with responsibilities ranging from their respective full-time employment to family and church activities, they typically do shows year 'round - most often on weekends and holidays, the majority of which are not too far from home. Art says, "We're normally content with doing a couple of shows per month, but I have a hard time turning down opportunities to perform!"
Why: In 1995, when Art would sing a solo in church, numerous folks in the congregation would often ask if he "had any idea how much Art sounded like Elvis." Although flattered - especially as an Elvis fan all his life - Art thought this was a bit cliché and laughed it off. Then he discovered Karaoke, and one thing led gradually to another. Eventually, increasing investments in time, equipment, time and customized suits, reading books about the "King," studying concert videos, constantly listening to, studying and practicing with Elvis' recordings, and experiences with other local, national and international performers, resulted in the evolution of a hobby into a very fun and professional show and business. Art prides himself on vocal quality: control, depth, range, timbre, vibrato, accuracy and authenticity. Art and Jean never dreamed they would be doing this, but people's continuing comments, praise and encouragement inspire them to continue pursuing this otherwise unlikely pastime. "The blessings have been many."
Where: Although headquartered in Minnesota, Art has performed all over the USA and is regularly booked talent on cruise ships.
What Art does NOT do: As a professional performer Art will not compromise the high level of respect that he's worked very hard to establish. Art does not do parodies of Elvis, "Singing telegrams," and will not knowingly participate in any event or activity that might take unfair advantage of participants, cause discomfort to people or potentially be in bad taste. Art is very happily married to Jean and conducts himself accordingly: "Schmoozing the ladies" is simply part of being in character, but Art really loves Jean and without exception knows who he's going home with for the rest of his days. Art will not engage in any inappropriate physical contact with members of the audience, and if members of the audience act inappropriately Art will consciously seek to avoid them. Art will not do "everything" that Elvis did, nor will he under any circumstances intentionally compromise the positive memories of Elvis Presley.
Here are just some of the venues in which Art has performed, corporate affiliations, bands with whom Art has appeared, church affiliations, etc.:
"5 - 8 Club" Minneapolis, MN
"5 - 8 Club" Oakdale, MN
2000 Gospel Quartet Convention, Bloomington, MN
The Vegas Lounge, Branson, Missouri
American Legion, Foley, MN
Atlas Grille in the Pillsbury Center, Minneapolis, MN
Augustana Care Center, Hastings, MN
Bandana Square, St. Paul, MN
Barr Engineering
Benchwarmer Bob's, Brooklyn Park, MN
Bessie Burton Sullivan Home in Seattle, WA
Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon - on the strip in Las Vegas
Boutwell's Landing, Stillwater, MN
Brookhall, Blaine, MN
CSM Corporation
Carpenter Nature Center, Prescot, WI
Caryn Model Management, Minneapolis, MN
Celebrity Cruise Lines ship Century
The Historic City Hall and Opera Hall, Independence, WI
Coachman Supper Club, Baldwin, WI
Coborn Cruises, Walker, MN
College of St. Mary's, Winona, MN
Christ Church of Edina
City of Blaine, Minnesota
Crown Plaza, Bloomington, MN
Cruise Connection, Coral Springs, FL
Days Inn, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Degidio's, St. Paul, MN
Delwood Country Club in White Bear Lake, MN
The Depot, St. Paul, MN
The Depot (Marriott), Minneapolis, MN
Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
"Elvis Extravaganza" in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, WA
Experience Music Project Live, Seattle, WA
Famous Dave's Blues Saloon, Uptown, Minneapolis, MN
First Presbyterian Church, Belle Plaine, MN
First Lutheran Church, Aitkin, MN
The Fremont Experience Stage in Las Vegas, NV
Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Guardian Angels Church Fall Festival, Oakdale, MN
Harriet Bishop (the), on the Mississippi, Padelford Packet Boat Company, St. Paul, MN
Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota / Dakotas
Hendricks Community Hospita, Hendricks, MN
The Hilton, Minneapolis, MN
The Hudson House, Hudson, WI
The Hyatt in Minneapolis, MN
The Honky-Tonk, Augusta, GA
Hudson Golf and Country Club, Hudson, Wisconsin
HyVee 25th Anniversary Concert; 2003 Holiday Show, Sioux City, Iowa
"Images of the King" Augusta, Georgia
Inshalla Country Club, Tomahawk, WI
International Market Square, Minneapolis, MN
Isle of Capri Casinos in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Marquette Iowa
It's Your Party, LLC, Madison, WI
Ivanhoe VFW, Ivanhoe, MN
Jackpot Junction Casino, Morton, MN
Joe's Garage, Minneapolis, MN
Jonathan Padelford (the) on the Mississippi, Padelford Packet Boat Company, St. Paul, MN
The Kahler Hotel Ballroom, Rochester, MN
Kilkarney Hills Country Club, River Falls, Wisconsin
Kozlaks' Royal Oak, Shoreview, MN
Landmark Hotel Ballroom, St. Paul, MN
The Legion, Savage, MN
Lansing Corners, Austin, MN
The Levee, Hastings, MN
Lost Spur Country Club, Mendota Heights, MN
Mall of America Doubletree Grand, Bloomington, MN
Mall of America, Chapel of Love, Sam Goody Stage and the Rotunda stage, Bloomington, MN
Marian Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington, MN
Mahwey Productions, Coral Springs, FL
Medina Ballroom, Medina, MN
Madden's Resort, Brainerd, MN
Mariott Grand Ballroom, Minneapolis, MN
Melvin's on Green Lake in Spicer, MN
Mendakota Country Club, Mendota Heights, MN
Metro Connections, Minneapolis, MN
Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Department of Parks Recreation
Minnehaha Falls Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN
Minnesota State Fair
Monarch of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Music Box Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Nicollet Island Inn, Minneapolis, MN
North High School, St. Paul, MN
Northeast Community Development Corporation, Minneapolis, MN
Northern Lights Playhouse, Hazelhurst, Wisconsin
Northrop Auditorium Mall, University of Minnesota
Norwegian Cruise Lines "Elvis Theme Cruise" 1999
Oak Glen Country Club, Stillwater, MN
Oakwood Country Place, McMinnville, OR
Padelford Packet Boat Company, St. Paul, MN
Paramount Theater, Austin, MN
Polish American Club, St. Paul, MN
Prestwick Golf Club, Woodbury, MN
The Prom Center, Oakdale, MN
Radiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Radisson Ballroom, St. Paul, MN
Ramada Northwest, Brooklyn Park, MN
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' "Radiance of the Seas"
Red Barn VFW, Cottage Grove, MN
Red Hat Society - numerous factions
Republic Airlines (Retired Employees Group)
River Oaks Country Club, Cottage Grove, MN
R.T. Dygert International
Sheraton, Bloomington, MN
The Shrine Temple, Sioux City, IA
St. Anthony Main Event Center, Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN
St. Croix Casino, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin
St. Croix Yacht Club, Stillwater, MN
St. Francis of Assisi, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN
St. Helena's Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Prescott, WI
Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater, MN
St. Olaf's College, Northfield , MN
Stonebrooke Gold Country Club, Shakopee, MN
St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
St. Patrick's Church, Afton, MN
St. Paul Department of Parks Recreation
St. Paul Science Museum banquet facility, St. Paul, MN
St. Paul Winter Carnival opening ceremonies and parades, St. Paul, MN
Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Stillwater, MN
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Tartan Park Clubhouse, Lake Elmo, MN
"Tony and Tina's Wedding," Hey City Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Treasure Island Casino, Hastings, MN
"Tribute to the King," Marquette, Iowa
University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center, St. Paul Student Center, Coffman Memorial Union and one Homecoming Parade!
Vegas Lounge, Branson, MO
Vegas Lounge, Minneapolis, MN
VFW's in Hastings, MN; White Bear Lake, Stillwater, MN
Valley Creek Mall, Woodbury, MN
The Wilds Country Club in Prior Lake, MN
YMCA Burnsville, MN
Some of Art's Corporate and Municipal clients and/or affiliations include:
3M Corporation
Allied Blacktop Company
Anderson Windows
Bessie Burton Sullivan Care Center, Seattle, WA
City of Blaine
City of Cottage Grove
City of St. Paul Park, MN
Cruise Connection, Coral Springs, FL
Guidant Corporation
HyVee
Lion's Club (various factions)
Mahwey Productions, Coral Springs, FL
Minneapolis Parks
Minnesota Rural Water Association
Malt-O-Meal Corp.
MERSC
Minnesota State Fair
National Night Out
Northrop Auditorium Mall, University of Minnesota
Northwest Youth and Family
Padelford Packet Boat Company
Poweshiek County Fair, Grinnell, Iowa
The Red Hat Society
Regions Hospital
RockTenn Corporation
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Shamrock Banquet Hall, Brookings, SD
Sheraton, Boomington, MN
Smead Corporation
Stars & Strikes Entertainment Complex, Wyoming, MN
St. Paul Park and Recreation
St. Paul Park Heritage Days
St. Paul Winter Carnival
St. Thomas University, St. Paul, MN
Target, Target House
Town and Country Club, St. Paul, MN
Twin City Federal
US Bank
The Vegas Lounge, Minneapolis, MN
Visions Event Center, Winona, MN
WonSavage Arts and Entertainment, LLC, Minneapolis, MN
Art has had the pleasure of performing with a number of live bands including:
The Rockin' Hollywoods
Steve Millar and Diamondhead
The Extravaganza Show Band
The Chancellor's Quartet
Expence Account
The Ned Kantar Jazz Trio
Second Generation
Carole Holley and the Planets
George Faber and the Icons
Bob and the Beachcombers
D C Drifters...
- and others....
Art was featured in an article in the August 2003 issue of the national Christian magazine Charisma, about Elvis Tribute Artists who work some ministry into their shows by including Elvis' gospel music. Art was also featured in the book, "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes."
Some of Art's Church-affiliated appearances include:
St. Bridget's, Hudson, WI
Church of St. Peter, North St. Paul, MN
CrossRoads in Cottage Grove, MN
College of St. Mary's, Winona, MN
First Lutheran Church, Aitkin, MN
First Presbyterian Church in Belle Plaine, MN
Glades Presbyterian Church, Boca Raton, Florida
Guardian Angels Church, in Oakdale, MN
Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, MN
St. Francis of Assisi, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN
St. Helena's Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN
St. Olaf's in Northfield, MN
St. Patrick's in Hudson WI
St. Stephens Catholic Church, St. Stephen, MN
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
ELVIS SIGHTINGS! Hiring a band or DJ or just want to add a classy, special-shock-value-surprise guest appearance by "Elvis"?! See the "Rates" page options and e-mail us about our "Drive-by Elvis Sighting" options!
PARADES! Art is available to perform for sponsors in community parades; some of Art's parade experiences include: Hastings River Days, Woodbury Days, the Great Grove Get-Together, St. Paul Park Heritage Days, Taste of Northeast in Minneapolis, and six straight years in the St. Paul Winter Carnival parade!
MORE Info? If you have questions after perusing the FAQ page, Rates page and Info/Bio page, etc., and if you don't find your answer and/or just want to talk about booking a show, please e-mail Art using link at top or bottom of any page. Almost all of Art's show bookings are initiated on-line. There's also phone number info on the "Contact Art" page if you prefer.
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©1997 - 2010. The site: ElvisTributeArtist.com. No part of this site may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written permission of Elvis Impersonator / Elvis Tribute Artist Art Kistler President of "E" ala K-Art Entertainment.