Crosby Stills and Nash coming to Carson Center

The Carson Center in Paducah, Ky., will, for the next few weeks, host a group of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, followed by a tribute to The King.

From living legends ...

The music of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash is recognized as a cornerstone of rock 'n' roll music, and they are quickly selling out their July 28 Carson Center performance.

Known as Crosby, Stills & Nash, this trio of legendary singer-songwriters has collaborated since 1969, when they first harmonized in either Joni Mitchell's living room or Mama Cass Elliot's dining room, depending on which member you ask (Crosby and Nash say the former, Stills is adamant about the latter). Wherever its origin, the connection they forged as artists and friends has passed the test of time.

The group's music is said to contain essential elements of the pop culture experience, conveying emotional truths and social consciousness in equal measure. Forty years into their creative partnership, they are expanding their repertoire with two new album projects -- one spotlighting a recent creative spark, and the other the group's roots. And in June, Rhino Records released "Crosby, Stills & Nash Demos," a collection of rare and previously unheard demos of signature songs reaching back to the group's earliest days.

The group will also play some of the music from landmark groups individual members were instrumental in before forming a group together -- The Byrds (Crosby), Buffalo Springfield (Stills) and The Hollies (Nash).

The fact that each came from another hugely successful band led to them being known as the first supergroup.

... to a legend that never dies

Elvis -- or at least two of his best impersonators -- will enter the building Aug. 3.

The tribute show is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and features, along with the two Presley impersonators, special guests the Sweet Inspirations, Blackwood Quartet and Ray Walker.

Representing Tupelo, Miss. (Elvis Presley's birthplace), Cody Ray Slaughter, who will open the show, has been tagged as one of the most talented young Elvis tribute artist's in the country. Elvis Presley Enterprises named Slaughter the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis last August. Slaughter has performed all across the country in traveling theme shows such as Legends In Concert, 50s At The Hop and The Liverpool Legends. Slaughter also appeared on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16."

Some of Slaughter's accolades include The People's Choice Award during Elvis Week 2008. At the 2011 Las Vegas Elvis Fest, Slaughter received The Horizon Award for best new Elvis tribute artist.

In just a short time, Shawn Klush has emerged as the world's top professional Elvis tribute artist. Born and raised in the coal-mining town of Pittston, Pa., Klush's love for music led him to begin imitating Elvis, his musical idol. He performed in the Poconos region in 2002, followed by a tour of Canada. He eventually entered and won a $5,000 prize in the Worldwide Elvis Competition in Montreal. This caught the attention of Las Vegas show "Legends in Concert," where in 2004 he starred as Elvis in its production. Each January he stars in the "Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour," an Elvis extravaganza with the legend's own musicians, singers and friends.

Klush has released three CDs and a single. He portrayed Elvis in a television miniseries, "Shake, Rattle and Roll," which aired on CBS and VH1. On Jan. 6, Klush became grand champion at the $25,000 World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition.

There are fewer than 100 tickets available for Crosby, Stills and Nash, and prices range from $50 to $150. Prices for Shawn Klush range from $18.50 to $64. Tickets for all Carson Center events can be purchased by calling 270-450-4444, or online at thecarsoncenter.org.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

100 Kentucky Avenue, Paducah, KY