Fan of the Month!
Interviewed by Kayt
For hot hot July we journey to sunny Florida to find our newest Fan of the Month. He's a cool dude I found dancing like a Red Elvises maniac at the Bank & Blues Club in Daytona Beach the warm June night they played there recently. My apologies go out to Jeff (again!) for filling up my 1mg camera card before I could take photos of him with all the band members, but I got him with Beth - don't both of them look great? So join me with a hearty high five as we welcome Jeff as July's Red Elvises Fan of the Month!
For the record, what is your name?
Jeff Helmick
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in West Virginia. I lived there until I was in junior high school and our family moved to Tampa, Florida.
What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you don't mind people knowing about?
When I was younger I really liked reading books, then some friends got me into sports, mostly football and baseball. Now I play racquetball about 15 hours a week so I believe that qualifies as an obsession.
Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you
play…
Well, I found out I can NOT play the trumpet and the piano. I am sure there are many more instruments I cannot play; I just haven’t tried them yet.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
I have learned not to dwell on past accomplishments and instead work on future accomplishments. Right now I am working towards having a comfortable retirement and am trying to stay fit. I can keep up with the 21-year-old college kids in the racquetball court and I am 54.
What are your favorite movies?
When I was young I saw a movie called “The Magic Sword.” It had dragons, knights saving princesses in distress, etc. It got me into the fantasy movies and books, which I still enjoy today. I also like all of the “Indiana Jones” movies.
Do you have any favorite books?
I enjoyed “Faire Tale” by Raymond Feist.
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
I like music that is a little out of the ordinary. I like Pink Floyd, the Wall, anything by Lily Allen, (she is wicked; listen to the lyrics of Smile.) Nouvell Vague is very interesting. As you see, my taste in music is quite varied.
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red
Elvises?
I saw their “Bellydance” CD in a store about seven years ago and bought it because it looked interesting. I really enjoyed the CD and have been a fan since.
About how many times have you seen them?
I have seen them two times, both at the Bank & Blues club in Daytona.
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
I like them because they are difficult to describe. Every time I try to tell someone about them I get some very odd looks. I love it.
Any standout, all time great Red Elvises memories so far?
I really like to see Beth get that guitar rockin.
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
“Bellydance” (of course), “Lovepipe,” “Strip Joint is Closed,” “I’m Not That Kind of Guy.”
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to the band?
I think they put on a great show, I especially like when they get the guitars, drums and keyboard rockin’ hard. Keep up the good work and thanks.
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to
all the fans?
Go to the shows so they keep touring.
Jeff dancing at the Bank & Blues Club with his nurse friend (3rd Place Runnerup in the costume contest!) in October 2006 with the band up onstage and yours truly in the background (off to the right).
Thank you, Jeff, great job! Hope to see you again at the Bank & Blues Club in October!
Wondering how YOU can become a future Fan of the Month? It's very easy!
Just write to: redelvisesfotm@yahoo.com
to nominate yourself or a friend. And when you see the band perform live please remember The Red
Pages -- send in your photos and write ups of the shows so other fans can enjoy your experiences
too!
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