Elvis tribute band to perform for a cause

NORTH ADAMS – In today’s “me-first” world, it’s refreshing to find five individuals working together to give back to their community and help those in need.

Tommy T and Black Velvet do just that, as their Elvis tribute group offers their services as entertainment to any and all in need.

Reorganized three years ago, Tommy T and Black Velvet is comprised of Tom Taglieri, Jean Golin, Bonnie Couchman, Donna Kushi and Bet Azar. In addition to performing Elvis’ hits, they also sing Elvis gospel and rock from the ’60s and ’70s.

Elvis Presley was well known as a rock and roll singer, actor and heartthrob, but the only Grammy Awards he ever won were for gospel music.

In 1968, Elvis earned his first Grammy for Best Sacred Performance with “How Great Thou Art.” In 1973, he won for Best Inspirational Performance with “He Touched Me,” and again in 1975, for “How Great Thou Art.”

He was nominated in 1961 for the soundtrack from the movie G.I. Blues and in 1962 for the movie Blue Hawaii.

The King still lives with the outstanding performances of groups like Tommy T and Black Velvet, as they embody the spirit of lending a helping hand.

Tommy T and Black Velvet love to perform and will sing for any good cause.

As Mr. Taglieri said, “You have a cause, we’re there!”

The group accepts only a small percentage of the door to cover their own expenses. Mostly they perform for the joy of the music and to lend a hand.

On May 10, Black Velvet will be joined by western Massachusetts’ number one Johnny Cash tribute artist, Will Losaw. The two acts will perform at Eagles Hall in North Adams to benefit the Berkshire County Relay for Life.

You can contact Tom at Alliance Appliance in Pittsfield (413-443-1230) or visit the group’s Facebook page (facebook.com/TommyTBlackVelvet) for more upcoming shows.

Story by Glenda Lee, Beacon Correspondent

Posted by Staff Reports on May 9, 2013. Filed under Arts and Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry