elvis impersonator minnesota references page

With many many thanks to so many special people for allowing us the opportunities to entertain for them at events of all kinds, and permitting us to use a select few of them as references, to boot! This page will be updated periodically. Potential clients are encouraged to read these references, note the stature of Art's clients, note the consistency of their satisfaction, and contact them personally if you so desire.

May 18, 2010 We just returned home from the benefit for Haven (Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network} held in Merrill, Wisconsin. My wife and I drove from Chicago to not only support this worthy cause but to see Art Kistler perform again. As an Elvis Tribute Artist, Art has done an outstanding job performing, singing and teaching the public about Elvis himself. As a Vietnam Veteran, I was moved when Art performer "An American Trilogy" and acknowleged the veterans in the audience, the standing ovation at the end of this song was heart warming and reflected the love and appreciation the audience had for Elvis and our veterans. Attending one of Art's performances is a moving experience that every Elvis fan would appreciate. We look forward to attending another performance this year and would highly recommend Art's shows. Rich and Marie Hoffman, Chicago, IL t

June 26, 2009 Having art perform at out 25th wedding anniversary (we are both true Elvis fans) was the highlight of the evening for my wife and I. Art is an outstanding singer who has a voice that is so close to Elvis we have a hard time telling him apart from the real Elvis. Art interacts with the crowd very well and gets everyone involved in his show. We will definitely have Art perform for us again in the future. Randy Peterfoso rpeterfeso@msn.com.

May 13, 2009 My colleagues and seniors are all telling me it was the best party I have ever had. I will tell everyone I know about you two (Art and Jean) and how you lightup a room! You acted so professionally and convincing, we thought we were listening to Elvis! The show was wonderfully performed with lots of enthusiasm and class." Rebecca Kropelnicki, Cottage Grove senior Center, Cottage Grove, MN rkropeln@sowashco.k12.mn.us

July 16, 2008 Comments from "fan e-mails" following Northrop Auditorium Mall concert at the University of Minnesota: "Wow, Art, you were wonderful today. You definitely know how to engage a crowd." "What a great concert today! Thank you: It was very fun and you had a good crowd--even President Bruininks was there for a while!" 'Your God given talent and many hours of hard work have made your show very enjoyable. I also thought it was really neat how your wife is involved in the show as well which so nice I’m for both of you. Thanks so much for playing today I really hope it will work out that you can do it again next year." "I just wanted to congratulate you on your performance on the Northrop Mall today. I have seen lots of summers on the Mall and your performance was fun and totally appreciated by the crowd. Many years ago I was a Theatre Major and and I can tell you that you cannot teach that element of genuineness and sincerity that you generate. You represent Elvis and yourself with lots of class!" http://www1.umn.edu/umato/media/Summer08/summer08_media.html

July 4, 2008 On July 4th, 2008, "Elvis" made a surprise visit and entertained the crowd at Tomahawk, WI Fourth of July Holiday Parade. The KING totally "rocked" Tomahawk. He volunteered his time and talent to represent the Tomahawk Senior Community Center and we placed "second" [out of 66 entries] in the annual contest. Elvis was so entertaining, walking in the parade while singing, offering hugs and posing for pictures with his "fans." People even followed us at the end of the parade to have photos taken with him. Art is such a great entertainer, one of the ladies on our float, (wearing a bikini printed T-shirt) wanted Elvis to sit by her during the parade and asked "can I keep him?" It was so much fun to have him with us for the parade and for this we are very appreciative. Isn't that wonderful how he touched so many people of all ages... He is one great performer. If possible, it would be nice to see him on one of our cruises while he is entertaining. My daughter who graduated this year said some of her friends even have his picture on MYSPACE. Julie Thompson, Tomahawk Senior Community Center. jthompson@co.lincoln.wi.us

April 8, 2008 For the last few years, I have had the pleasure of working with Art and Jean Kistler on our Cruising with the King Elvis tribute cruises. Both Art and Jean are extremely professional in every aspect of their work. Art is a wonderful Elvis Tribute Artist with a phenomenal voice and authentic movements. I work with them on an average of 3 cruises a year and Art and Jean are two people that I know I can always count on. I look forward to working with them for years to come!
Ellen Hilterbrick, President, Mahwey Productions, LLC, www.mahwey.com

April 5, 2008, Art and Jean, I would like to thank you both for teaming up with us at Stars and Strikes Entertainment center and helping us deliver an outstanding show. It was a great experience working with you and "'Cilla" Jean, hopefully we will team up again for another show. You both did a great job will definitely highly recommend you both. Michael Colucci, a.k.a. "MIKENOSIS!" http://www.hypnoticshows.com/

October 21, 2007, Art & Jean, "Thank You", for Exceeding our Expectations today! Your performance at our 4th Annual Rowdy Red Hat Rumble at the St. Croix Turtle Lake Casino was simply spectacular. Your energy and talent are amazing. Your interaction with audience members is a site to behold. The smiles that you put on so many faces of Red Hatters, will remain in their hearts forever, as a wonderfully pleasant memory. Thank you very much, for sharing your time and awesome talent with us. The special touches & extra special attention, (like the Red Hat Elvis scarves, and the Red and Purple Teddy Bears) was very evident, and was very much appreciated by all the ladies. And, I know that those Birthday Gals who were over 80 years in age, that were photographed with you, and recognized for the Lovely Ladies they are, will cherish that memory for years to come. Thank you again, and I want you to know, that as event planner, "YOU & JEAN", make my job easy, in the entertainment department. With Gratitude Queen Linda Glenn Rowdy Red Hat Mamas Awesome Events & Productions 1-715-472-2662 lsglenn@lakeland.ws

September 25, 2007, Art, Thanks so much for putting on a great show. Feed back was outstanding. We thought the reunion was very successful and you added much to the evening, I will add to your testimonials and suggest you start trying to contact organizers of other school reunions... Dr. Brooks Butler brooks454@comcast.net

August 27, 2007, 3M Employee Event: Thanks again for being so accommodating and performing last night. It was a great night - I've heard tons of great comments regarding the show. I really appreciate it! One of the women that was sitting at the first table that you gave the scarves and animals to, also won a giant cut out of Elvis - so she was in "7th Heaven". Your show made the evening. Thanks again! pgeorge@mmm.com

August 16, 2007 "Art Kistler provided one of the most spellbinding performances of our entire daily summer concert series at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. His artistic energy, knowledge, respect, and genuine vocal likeness to Elvis gave me goose-bumps, and I know for a fact that I wasn't the only one. Many people have been asking if he will come back next summer - I sure hope so!!! Art and his wife Jean are professional and a true pleasure to work with. Art Kistler is an excellent choice of entertainment for any event." - Jessica Berg, Concert & Events Coordinator, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board jeberg@minneapolisparks.org

June 2007: I've worked with Art twice, both on Target corporate events. Once for an event for the marketing pyramid and once at for an event at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As you can imagine, two very different events. Art is one of the most professional people I have met in this business. His attention to detail, his passion for his craft, and his genuinely kind soul make working with him an absolute pleasure. He makes an incredible Elvis, but getting to know him as a person has been priceless. When he sings, you think "Elvis is in the House". We just recently did the event at St. Jude and people loved it. What a great opportunity to bring our Minneapolis Elvis down to Memphis. Katie Lithander Katie.Lithander@target.com

June 2007: I want to thank you Art for participating in the Hearts on Fire event. A first rate performance that touched many people. Thank you for donating your time and talent. Scott Koltes, Outreach Chair, The Open Door MN scottkoltes@comcast.net

May 2007: Having the opportunity to once again enjoy the music and talents of Art Kistler, at the Red Hat Spring Fling, hosted by Rosie Segmiller in Rochester Minnesota on May 5th, we were once again, blown away by the energy, talent and enthusiasm of both Art and Jean on stage. I am still thrilled and entertained every time I have the opportunity to attend a performance. The 500 plus Red Hatters at the Spring Fling enjoyed your performance so much, that many of them did not want the show to end. Your 3 CD's are my very favorites. They are played so frequently, that I "wear them out". I cannot wait for the next one to come out. Your talent, energy, and absolute enjoyment in performing is a gift from God, that you recognize, and so willing share with others. Thank you! Linda Glenn lsglenn@lakeland.ws

September 2006: Hey, Art! You were FABULOUS! Thank you for making our Fall Festival the best one ever! I have heard nothing but good comments about your show AND I've never seen folks stick around so late on Fall Fest Saturday before. Dude! Thanks for such a wonderful show! (And your wife is a delight -- talk about the dynamic duo!) May God bless you for being so kind to us! Church of St. Peter, Pamela Germ suntravl@comcast.net

August 2006: Just want to tell you how much we enjoyed the shows you performed at the Inshalla Country Club in Tomahawk Wisconsin on August 11th and 12th, 2006. You and Jean provided the audience with top quality entertainment as well as history of the King that we were not aware of. We especially enjoyed the tribute to all Veterans when you performed "American Trilogy." As a veteran of Vietnam, it was great to see not only the veterans in the audience stand and be recognized, but heart warming when the entire audience stood for your performance of "American Trilogy." We would like to thank you for supporting our veterans from all wars and conflicts. Twice we traveled over 350 miles to see your performances and have enjoyed each one. As a Elvis Tribute Artist and not a Elvis impersonator, your enthusiasm for teaching the audience about Elvis and his life were a learning experience for us both. We would like to thank you for making our vacation memorable and look forward to attending another of your wonderful performances. For those who have never attended one of your performance, you're missing an outstand night of entertainment. We will keep checking your website for additional information and show dates and look forward to seeing you again! Best wishes from Chicago. Rich and Marie Hoffman. conan@ziplink.net

August 2006: Hi Art & Jean....I'm Jan Chamberlain...Tomahawk "Core." Thank you both for entertaining the people of Tomahawk for 2 enjoyable evenings. Many people in Tomahawk have never had the privilege of seeing a professional entertainer such as yourself. Comments have been "...awesome, fantastic, wonderful, fabulous"....etc. Your interaction with the audience was another thing the people were talking a lot about. It was a big hit. A Pastor from one of the churches was so taken back by your beautiful Christian songs, he bought your CD "Praises " & played "Amazing Grace" during his Sunday services. What a great compliment. Our St. Mary's Gift Shop will now be selling "Praises!" I think you made a deep & wonderful impression on this town. In Christ's Peace........ Jan jacy@nnex.net

May 2006: From newlyweds Dorci and Matt, May 13, 2006; Thanks for the great show! Everyone really enjoyed it, from my grandparents to my friends! I loved all the give always and the wide selection of songs! You really made our wedding fun, so thanks again! I will definitely recommend you to anyone who is interested! -Dorci Thompson and Matt Templeton dorcilynn6@hotmail.com

From Goldie Winn, Entertainment Director for Mahwey Productions, January 16, 2006: I had the privilege of working closely with Art Kistler on our Second Annual "Memories of the King" Elvis theme cruise. I was extremely impressed with Art's high level of professionalism and excellent performances in all of our shows! He was a pleasure to work with and endeared himself to the fans immediately! Art is very talented and easily engages the audience. Perhaps the most important testimonial is that everyone in our group asked him to come back for our Third Annual "Memories of the King" cruise in Jan. 2007, and we are delighted that he has accepted! janekwinn@yahoo.com

From Queen Linda Glenn following a Red Hat Society event on October 22nd, 2005: Once again, you delivered an afternoon of Awesome Entertainment. The energy and enthusiasm on was Fantastic !!! ....many of us had previously enjoyed seeing Elvis/Art at the St. Croix Casino and at the Minnesota State Fair. Once again, we were all "blown away" by the awesome, enjoyable, enthusiastic professional performance delivered by Art (and Jean) What fun you had, and what fun we all had. Your interaction with the audience is great. So much fun. The teddy bears, hound dogs and of course scarves become treasured mementos. Having almost worn out my copy of the first CD, Praises, I was thrilled to be able to purchase another copy, as well as my copy of the Christmas CD. After playing it several times, I have concluded that this is "my favorite Holiday CD". Great Job!! Everyone should put that on their Christmas Gift Giving List. I know that I will be ordering more in the next few weeks. lsglenn@lakeland.ws

September 18, 2005: Margie Church, St. Andrew's Catholic Church Fall Festival General Chairman: "... a marvelous time... It really thrilled me to see all our festival guests having such a terrific time with you. I couldn't have been more pleased with your performance. Many parishioners - want to know if you can come back next year! I hope our paths will cross again at a future festival. I know our guests would heartily enjoy it! ech116@aol.com

"I have seen many Elvis acts over the years and Art Kistler is one of the BEST!"

"We really enjoyed Art Kistler and his tribute to Elvis -- We would be interested in driving up from Chicago to see his show again!"

Monday, April 25th.......2005 National Red Hat Day Dear Art (aka Elvis) and Jean, On behalf of the Rowdy Red Hat Mamas of N.W. Wisconsin, Red Hat Society Chapter # 13988....... Founding Queen Mother, Queen Linda Glenn. Having Elvis for the entertainment at our 2nd Annual Rowdy Red Hat Rumble, at the Turtle Lake Casino and Convention Center on Saturday April 23rd, was an overwhelming success. When I read the 100+ convention evaluation sheets, the answer to the question "What did you enjoy most about the Rumble"? The answer was "Elvis" I have been receiving non-stop telephone calls and e mails, for 2 days, all stating, "Queen Linda, the Rumble was absolutely fantastic, the food was wonderful, and thank you soooooooooo much for having Elvis there. His performance was absolutely brilliant. He was simply the BEST Elvis we have ever seen, anywhere, ever, anytime", at any price. One lady said "I paid $50.00 to attend an "Elvis" concert, in LasVegas", and that performance on a scale of 1 - 10 was a 4, compared to Art Kistler's performance on Saturday at Turtle Lake, which in my book was a 20+. Queen Linda says: Art was simply fantastic. He could have not improved on his performance at all. Very entertaining, wonderful personality, and his wife Jean was fantastic as his "partner/sound lady, band, water girl". What a team. Many of the ladies were moved to tears when listening to the beautiful renditions of the Elvis songs. The Trilogy brought all the Red Hatters to their feet because of its beautiful presentation. Even our amputee, Lady Lin Lehmicke, managed, in honor and respect, to stand up, on her one good leg. That is how touched we all were, by the beauty of the performance of that number. The Red Teddy Bears and Red Scarves were a wonderful touch, for our Red Hat Group. And Art, coming into the audience, and "singing to the ladies", simply was "over the top". I am sure that I will be making multiple copies of all the photographs that I have taken. The convention was wonderful, all the way around, but Art & Jeans production on Saturday afternoon moved it to that next level. It sure made me, as an event organizer, look good, to have been so clever as to have "booked the very best" for our event. Thank you both so much, for delivering what you promised, and much much more. After seeing literally hundreds of "Elvis" performances over the years, I was overwhelmed to be in the presence of "The Very Best". Thank you both, for providing us with such a memorable afternoon. The graciousness at being available for photographs and autographs, for as long as was needed was very much appreciated. It is obvious that both of you take great pride in what you are doing, and in the caliber of your performance. Elvis's costuming was wonderful. The Trilogy cape was overwhelmingly beautiful. Art and Jean are totally professional, easy to deal with, and the deliver what they promise and much, much more. When Queen Linda "threw Elvis those performance Curve Balls" he did not miss a note. We are already planning our "next Elvis Event". Sincerely, Queen Linda Glenn lsglenn@lakeland.ws

August 2004, St. Paul Park Heritage Days: Coronation event, parade, two hour stage show and fronting with the band Second Generation. "Nothing but positive comments from everyone;" Jim Domeier, coordinator and board member: Jad3dome@comcast.net, or call 612-308-0079. "Wow: an Elvis Impersonator who not only sings but really kicks @%&!" Lead vocalist (who happens to kick @%& herself!) from the terrific band Second Generation.

July 2004, at the Hudson Golf and Country Club for Ann's birthday. Jack Piepel formerly of Andersen Windows - and his lovely bride Ann... Also January 2003 Jack's retirement party: "A great time!" "A great performance..." "You are very talented, the best we've seen and heard" "...professional...wonderful to work with." bopeeps@worldnet.att.com

June 2004: Northern Lights Playhouse, Hazelhurst, Wisconsin: Art did a series of seven shows over six days, including three matinees. The amount of fan mail was unprecedented. To contact Scott or Michael at the theater: funshow@newnorth.net Or, e-mail one of our new fans and friend who was in the audience: tom6869@aol.com .

November 2003: Art, I just want to say thank you to you and Jean for putting together a first class production. Your attention to detail, your follow through, and your singing ability was phenomenal. I have told the story more than once on how I had requested to hear your voice over the internet and not an Elvis recording.... and how it was actually you singing!!! What better compliment could there be? I have actually heard a lot of Elvis impersonators, but your version of the Trilogy was incredible! Thanks again to Jean for all her help and we hope to see you both at Melvin's next summer for another Elvis concert!! Steve Rice of American Express, and Melvin's on the Lake, Spicer, MN scrice73@charter.net

September 2003; I did receive several phone calls from people who attended the dinner show.
Comments were "What a great voice and stage presence", "It was a perfect evening for my family and friends - when is he coming back?", "We loved the fact that he came out into the audience."
For myself, I was very impressed with how professional and effortlessly you and Jean made the process for the arrangements and setup. I would highly recommend your show for any type of occasion. Thank you again for a wonderful evening. 3M Club Event, Lynne Johnson, Banquet, Meeting and Wedding Coordinator, Tartan Park Clubhouse, Lake Elmo, MN. ljohnson2@mmm.com

August 2003; "Fantastic entertainment... an evening we will not soon forget..." "It was a pleasure meeting you and Jean, and we really appreciated your professionalism during the planning stages, at the performance itself, and post-performance. Everything was top-notch..." Dawn, private birthday event, Andover, MN. Jobbagee@aol.com - and eannie.Erickson at Jeannie.Erickson@target.com

July 2003; "My guests said you were better than the Elvis shows in Vegas! A wonderful job... fun and exciting... awesome... you and your wife went really above and beyond." Bridget and Dan, private wedding reception. bmg@lifeworks.org

June 2003; "I was fully impressed by the extreme professionalism... and concerns of our success... as well as the way he interacted with the audience." "Everyone had an excellent time." "It is weeks later and people are still talking about the Elvis Tribute show with Mr. Art Kistler!" "I highly recommend for your special event of any kind to consider Mr. Art Kistler. He does a fine job with all ages from youth through adults." Cheri Radunzel - coordinated a fundraiser event at Kilkarney Hills Golf Country Club in River Falls, Wisconsin. cradunze@pressenter.com

September 2002 and May 2003; Owner of Fastenal Corporation, and distinguished (now former) Senator Robert ("Bob") Kierlin, and wife Mary, Winona, MN. "I can't tell you how many compliments you received from guests..." Art and Jean have done a couple of shows for the Kierlins, primarily associated with fundraisers in which the Kierlins are actively involved. bkierlin@fastenal.com

Katie Lithander of Target Advertising/Marketing: "What a team the Kistlers are. They absolutely exude professionalism. The day of the show was mind boggling, when the "Elvis" music started and Art AKA Elvis appeared... the crowd roared. You could feel the energy in the air. People are still talking about how fabulous he was. If you didn't know you were listening to Art, you'd think it WAS Elvis. I've been to Graceland and Vegas, but I never connected with the Elvis phenomenon until Art came to our holiday party. Katie.Lithander@target.com

January 2003; Mary Brown, Senior Programs Recreation Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation: "Unbelievable!... you captured the attention of the audience and amazed the staff. Everyone in attendance was awestruck by your voice, appearance and actions impersonating the "King." "The Spirit Lives Show presented by Art Kistler made even non ELVIS fans believe in his music!" Business phone: 651-266-6370

Richard Beaver, corporate (3M), Winter Carnival and personal reference: robeaver@mmm.com

October 2002; Jackie Wells, Northwest Youth & Family Services fundraiser event, Twin Cities, MN: "Not only are you my hero, you are the hero to over 100 people. Everyone went one & on about how great an entertainer you are." jackie@nyfs.org

July 2002; Lorna Pollock, President, Grinnell, Iowa, County Fair: "FANTASTIC... impressive... let alone the fact that you sound enough like Elvis when you sing - to be Elvis!" "A great evening of entertainment!!" pollock@iowatelecom.net

April 2002; Sheryl Schrader, Malt-O-Meal Corporation, Sheryl_Schrader@Malt-O-Meal.com : "If I didn't know any better I would have thought Elvis was in the building! Great performance! A real crowd pleaser, not only the music and singing but the crowd involvement too! We loved it!" Also, Debby from Malt-O-Meal Corporation, "People are still talking about the great performance..." : desusu@hotmail.com.

March 2002; Cyndi P, Minnesota Rural Water Association annual convention, St. Cloud Civic Center, cyndip@mrwa.com: "Even some of our staff that aren't big Elvis fans (they are just too young) enjoyed the show... The Rock-a hula song was really a scream... The staff and I would like to Thank you and Jean for a great show and working around our craziness too... and your show was GREAT!! Thanks a lot for all you did to make things go smoother for our 1st theme party."

On February 12, 2002; Mr. Brad Fry, Jackpot Junction Casino's Manager of Entertainment and Special Events, worked for Legends in Concerts for five years before settling in at his current position. Mr. Fry told Art, "I've heard dozens - possibly hundreds of professional Elvis Impersonators, but I've never heard anyone who sounds as much like Elvis as you do." April 12, 2002: Other documented comments from Jackpot Junction Casino affiliates: "Awesome interaction with audience." "Elvis is not dead!" "Fun to watch." "Great showmanship." "One of the best 'Elvises' I've seen in this region."

©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.