Blast From the Past: Christmas with Elvis ft. Big Ray and the Kool Kats

No strangers to The Paramount’s stage, the “Best Elvis in Vegas” Matt Lewis and Charlottesville’s own Big Ray and the Kool Kats brought the house down at their Christmas show this past December. All eyes were glued to the King as he performed fan-favorites such as “Burning Love,” “Always On My Mind,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Audience members spent the night “shake, rattle, and rolling” in their seats as Matt Lewis worked the stage with all of the famous Elvis dance moves and, of course, three costume changes. The show concluded with women rushing to the stage as the King handed out his scarves with a touch of sweat to all of the eager ladies. After the performance, Matt took to the lobby where he did a meet-and-greet with hundreds of fans, graciously taking photos with every fan who wanted one.

Before the show last winter, we did an interview with Matt Lewis and Big Ray, where we learned that Matt has been impersonating Elvis since the age of 12, and the Kool Kats can literally play thousands of songs. To read the full interview, click here.

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Rob Garland Photographers