NILES — With his slick backed hair, smooth voice and scandalized dance moves, Elvis Presley earned his place as the 20th century’s “King of Rock and Roll.”

Presley died of a heart attack in 1977 at the age of 44, but his legacy is one that continues to live on in the hearts of his fans. This January, the singer would have turned 83 years old, and, to pay tribute to the musician, the Niles Elks Lodge will host a celebration and tribute concert.

For the occasion, Elvis Presley’s look alike will be in the building from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Tim Dudley, of South Bend, a tribute artist with 14 years in the business, will perform songs across three distinct eras of Presley’s career, including concert-era Elvis and the 1968 “comeback” era.

Those who attend can hear songs like, “Loving You,” “Return to Sender” and “Burning Love.” Concert goers are invited to get into the spirit by dressing as Elvis or his wife, Priscilla. The two best dressed people will be awarded a cash prize.

The concert is open to the public and tickets are $15 each. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the concert is open to the public.

It takes Dudley a couple of hours to get into the iconic jump suits or leather attire that Presley was known to wear. He also spends time perfecting his gelled hair and makeup. But the details are what impresses Elvis’ fans, Dudley said.

“Trust me the Elvis fans will tell you, [if something is off],” Dudley said.

Dudley said he was delighted to have the opportunity to bring a little Elvis to the Niles area and provide a little nostalgia for “The King of Rock and Roll.”

“It is a really neat that they asked me,” Dudley said. “The concert is for entertainment and to get the word out about what the Elks do. They help the youth, special needs and veterans in the community.”

The Elks Lodge is part of a fraternal order and charitable organization with the mission to provide support to local veterans and youth. Members offer scholarships and youth community programs, such as the Elks Hoop Shoot. 

Dudley can recall the first day he found his passion for Elvis. He was 3 years old and at home sick, when his family decided to cheer him up by renting him the movie “Aloha from Hawaii” — a concert headlined by Presley.

“I fell in love with his voice right then and there,” Dudley said. “Now, with all my shows lined up, they say ‘I never thought you would take it this far.’”

Dudley spent years poring over footage of the singer performing and listening to each of the 728 songs Presley recorded.

When he was an adult, Dudley’s friend challenged him to sing Elvis at a bar during a karaoke night. Standing in front on an audience while clutching the microphone, Dudley said he was almost too petrified to sing, initially. 

“It gave a whole new meaning to ‘All Shook Up,’” Dudley said.

But once the fear subsided, Dudley felt he had found his calling.

His first impersonation performance followed a few months later, at a nursing home in Louisiana in 2004. From there, Dudley’s legacy as tribute artist grew.

Since his early days as Elvis, Dudley has performed across the United State and Canada. He was even invited to perform on the lawn of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. and open concerts for artists such as American Idol’s Kelli Pickler and Patti Page.

In May, he will pack up his Elvis jumpsuits and perform in Memphis.

“I just love performing,” Dudley said. “It is a blessing to be able to do what I do.”

Tickets can be purchased before the concert by contacting the Elks Lodge at (269) 683-0133. Tickets will be sold at the door, but seats are limited. The Elks Lodge is located at 1322 Canal St. Niles.