Elvis Tribute Band Graceband Celebrates 20 Years With Show At Saint Rocke

We all went to Riviera Elementary, then Newton, then Calle Mayor, then South High School. Our first show was at the Gable House Bowl, circa 1987.  We were too young to drink and could only be on the stage (not at the bar).

Our first bar gig was at the Hale Hawaii,  circa 1991.  This is a little Polynesian-style bar in a strip mall on Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance. The Scorpion Bowls – a rum-heavy drink served in a kind of conch shell with several straws to share –  are vicious!

We played back yards, graduations (our own!), and garages throughout high school and college. We all went to UCSB together and kept the show rolling there while in college.

Originally, we started out as a rock ‘n roll cover band. But none of us could do the heavy guitar licks, let along the range of vocals required by the likes of Guns & Roses. One day at a high school fair, I recorded “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and well, the girls liked it and from that moment forward we decided to be an Elvis band.

Pre internet, we had our moms sewing up the Elvis jumpsuit & then we’d decorate them from goods we bought/stole from Michaels.  I would copy Elvis’ moves from old VHS tapes.

Today we’ve grown into a 12-piece band, playing 400- to 700-seat clubs & festivals every month, playing up & down the Southern California coast.  We do our best to rock every night & leave people joyful and entertained.