Although clearly inspired by Elvis, El Vez, aka Robert Lopez, has become an institution on his own merits. The foundation of his act mixes the Presley imagery and basic sound with tongue-in-cheek humor and then combines it with Mexican cultural contexts as well as references. It’s a show-stopping act, complete with shimmying back-up singers and multiple costume changes. But where an impersonator might do the hits, El Vez performs both originals and souped-up songs from the likes of Lennon and Bowie as well as the King. “In The Ghetto” becomes “En El Barrio” and so on. It’s a routine that by all rights should have had a short shelf life, but Lopez has been doing this for over a decade, with dozens of worldwide releases to his credit.
The reason for his success is obvious. Simply put, Lopez turns in one of the best rock ‘n’ roll shows you’ll likely ever see. On a regular night, it’s a sweat-inducing workout, with a crack band moving seamlessly from funk workouts to all-out rockers. However, it’s when EL Vez hits the road with his annual holiday extravaganza that the ultimate stage magic happens. This year’s jaunt, dubbed “My Mexican Merry Mex-Mas,” will hit The Casbah on Dec. 23, and with its blend of Elvis, Christmas and Lopez’s continual monologues, the show will be the party of the year.
The holiday is clearly special to Lopez “” he’s released three Christmas-themed albums to date. The latest disc, “Sno’ Way Jose,” perfectly showcases his sense of humor, with “White Christmas” now “Brown Christmas.” While that tune is sure to be among his set list on Dec. 23, the biggest treat for fans will be the chance to pose before the concert for a picture on “Santa” El Vez’s lap. The experience is complete with a special photo folder in which to keep your memento, a la the finer malls, but the offer is only available for the first 10 fans who sign up in advance through his Web site.
It’s been a particularly windy road for Lopez on his way to becoming El Vez. Longtime music fans will remember him as a guitarist with seminal Chula Vista punk band The Zeros during the late ’70s. The band became known as “the Mexican Ramones,” and they acquired a rabid fan base, jamming with Patti Smith and touring with John Cale. Only three singles were issued during the band’s original lifetime, but following the release of a posthumous compilation in 1991, the band toured and began recording again between El Vez projects. The reunion actually lasted longer than the band’s initial run but came to an acrimonious end in 1999 following the release of the group’s excellent album “Right Now.” Post-Zeros, during the ’80s, Lopez spent time with punk band Catholic Discipline and rockers The Johnnys.
While most musicians’ pasts add up to their present, that is not the case here. Lopez’s creation is wholly unique, taking diverse elements and molding them into a character that has taken on a life of his own. Nothing shows the devotion of his audience more than the fact that, in 2003, fan and noted restaurateur Stephen Starr opened up the El Vez restaurant in Philadelphia. Lopez himself has no direct connection to the culinary tribute “” though he has visited “” but the idea of fine Mexican cuisine being served in his name, in the nation’s birthplace, must bring a tear to his eye.
If you catch just one holiday-themed show this year, make it El Vez’s. This concert offers something for just about everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish rock, big productions, rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis or just like a little humor with your music, a night with El Vez is an experience that’ll have you talking for weeks to come.
El Vez plays Dec. 23 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. For more information, visit www.casbahmusic.com.