Elvis Impersonator Brings 'Jailhouse Rock' to St. John the Baptist

Editor's note: Updated with contact information Sept. 20.

Growing up, Franny Boyce wasn't much of an Elvis Presley fan. But decades later, she has a special place in her heart for the King, thanks to a church fundraiser and an Elvis impersonator.

A few years ago, Boyce was considering having a fundraiser for her church, St. John the Baptist in Manayunk, but she hadn't found an idea she really liked. One conversation with her mailman changed that.

"[My mailman] Richie really enjoys following an Elvis impersonator named Jeff Krick. Richie was talking about having Jeff perform at a church. I thought it would be a great idea to have him come to St. John's," Boyce said.

According to his website, Krick, a Leesport, PA, resident, is an award-winning Elvis tribute artist and the "No. 1 Elvis tribute artist in the country." As a young boy, Krick was a huge Elvis fan. He would watch his concerts and movies, sing along to his records and practice his dance moves.

When he got a little older, Krick started performing in bands in nightclubs while in the U.S. Navy. Now, Krick performs at a multitude of places and for many different events: casinos, fairs, concerts, clubs, private and corporate parties, fundraisers, conventions, weddings, retirement dinners, dinner theaters, political functions, fairs and on cruise ships. He has performed all across the nation and Canada.

Krick has even performed with Elvis's own back-up vocal group, The Stamps Quartet. One of the original members of the group, Ed Enoch, has said Krick is "the closest I've ever seen to working with my friend Elvis."

In addition to singing the King's hits, Krick also performs music from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and covers genres such as country, gospel, Motown, oldies and classic rock.

After seeing Krick perform for the first time, Boyce changed her mind about her feelings for Elvis, mostly because of Krick's "great performance skills...

"When I went to the show, I really enjoyed it. Krick has a nice personality, and he's down on the floor mingling with the people. He sounds just like Elvis. I really fell in love with him as a performer," Boyce said. "I think the people who've come the past few years really enjoy the show."

This year, the fundraiser will be held Sept. 25 at St. John the Baptist Recreation Hall from 7 to 10:30 p.m. After Krick's performance, attendees are encouraged to dust off their "blue suede shoes" and dance to the oldies. Tickets are $20 per person, and food will also be sold.

For more information on the event and tickets, contact Boyce at 610-482-4587, or visit Calcom Technologies website.