Our Fan of the Month for July is a totally cool dude who resides in South Florida and was the
man responsible for last November's rocking private party, a 50th birthday bash for his lovely
wife, at the Coral Springs Marriott's country club. If you recall my write up of that weekend you'll remember that I heard, rather than saw, nearly that entire show from poolside at the Marriott, and then Oleg took me over there to the club after they played (so, um, "technically" I didn't crash the party but sorta did... |
Fan of the Month!
). So I think I met Chuck there. At any rate, he is one awesome Red Elvises fan and recognition for him is long overdue! So join me in welcoming our very enthusiastic July 2006 Red Elvises Fan of the Month... |
For the record, what is your name? Chuck Banker Where were you born, and where did you grow up? I was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and grew up in East Meadow on Long Island, New York. What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Growing up, I was a sports addict and enjoyed music, traveling, and psychedelic . . . Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play… I have no musical talents other than listening really well, but have had the opportunity to jump on stage with the Red Elvises for four entertaining songs . . . at least I was entertained! |
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
My pride and joy are my three daughters - - Jaclyn, Alyssa and Kerry - - and they are our most prized accomplishment (my wife Maria and I).
What are your favorite movies?
My favorite movies are The Wedding Singer and Stripes, certainly the two best movies in major motion picture history!
Do you have any favorite books?
I read a lot - - in between Red Elvises shows - - and have favorite authors rather than favorite books like Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and Daniel Silva, novels about kick-ass CIA-type heroes who kick bad guys' asses in all over the world!
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
The Red Elvises are, yes, my favorite band! Other than them, I listen to smooth jazz and classic rock, typical of aging ex-rockers!
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
I first heard about the Red Elvises about seven or eight years ago when a buddy of mine who had been strolling around San Francisco had picked up a copy of the Bellydance CD, and had to send it to me. I could barely get past Rocketman . . . and since then I've been dreaming about sex and six packs of beer!
About how many times have you seen them?
I've seen the Elvises about half a dozen times now, but am under-dosing right now . . . I'm desperately in need of a fix!
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
I first saw them at the Bamboo Room. Based on guts and instinct, I bought 70 tickets for co-workers, friends and family and dominated the incredible palace of blues. Three minutes into the show (yes, Lovepipe, of course), I knew I would become a legend thanks to the guys - - ohmigosh. Their shows are literally addictive, and I love watching first-timers falling into a trance and getting hooked!
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around that?
The farthest city where I've seen the Red Elvises was Dallas on St. Patrick's Day two years ago. It was a private party for only about 35 or 40 of us. They rocked, they played three sets, over three 1/2 hours . . . and earned a whole bunch of new fans. Roman happened to be in the bar with some other talented fans and joined the fun . . . and they closed the night playing Juliet with this new lead singer . . .oh yeah, that was me!
Which show is your favorite of the Red Elvises shows you've seen?
My favorite show of all time was my wife's surprise 50th birthday party under the stars last Thanksgiving weekend, previously reviewed (mostly from a distance) by Kayt, who waited 'til the end of the party to crash it! An amazing night . . . my wife had no clue since it was three weeks after her birthday . . . over 100 people hiding inside . . . and as we approach the desolate, dark country club, here comes Oleg and Igor in their outfits . . . ohmigosh, my surprise is ruined . . . or was it? My wife turns to me and whispers 'I think the Red Elvises are here' . . . and I tell her . . . 'what are you out of your friggin mind, what would they be doing here?' I push her into the place, the surprise is perfect and they literally rock the house for three and 1/2 hours. I get to join them for an encore of Juliet, Hanky Panky Kind of Love, and my all-time favorite, Kegga Beer and Potato Chips. Everybody stayed all night long . . . the ultimate party experience!
Chuck threw a kick ass birthday party! |
The Guest of Honor with Her Favorite Band! |
Any other standout memories from Red Elvises shows you've seen?
Every show is a great memory . . . but my memory is fuzzy for some unknown reason . . .
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
Yes, my favorite songs are the ones that the guys allowed me to join them for. OK, so they turned up the volume to drown me out . . but I never let small stuff like that bother me in the least!
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to the band?
Keep rockin' . . . they're always special and when Roman joins them . . . its as good as it gets. We have become addicts in South Florida, and I would like to see them in concert with Carlos Santana as the opening act! Yeah, that's right, the opening act for your favorite band!
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
A Red Elvises show is consistently a hoot, fans of all ages losing a bit of control from the get-go. Like I told the crowd at my wife's party - - 'for many of you, get ready for another Red Elvises experience, and for those of you who haven't seen them, this is just your first time!'
...Thank you so much, Chuck, for being Fan of the Month! Hope to see you and your wife again at a show in South Florida sometime. Keep rocking with the Reds!!
Everyone, go see Chuck's other pictures in the Photo section!