All shook up: ‘Elvis’ makes an appearance at The Lodge at Sherwood Village

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025

For two hours on Wednesday, June 18, Elvis was in the house.

About 135 people congregated in the Olympic Dining Room at The Lodge at Sherwood Village in Sequim for “The Illusion of Elvis,” an energetic performance by Danny Vernon of Milton.

Vernon has been named among the top 10 Elvis tribute artists in the world by Elvis Presley Enterprises. He was once voted “Best Young Elvis” in Palm Springs, California by several of the King of Rock and Roll’s friends and stage entourage.

Vernon entertained the crowd of residents, guests and staff with help from his wife, Marcia Smith, who served as a back-up singer, dancer and DJ. When Vernon took a short break during the show, she sang a few songs solo.

No Elvis show would be complete without the kind of costumes the King of Rock and Roll was known for. Vernon’s show included two such costumes. A black and gold ensemble represented Elvis in his younger years, and a white jumpsuit with turquoise and silver accents and accessories represented his Las Vegas years. Presley died in August 1977.

Some people were already familiar with Vernon from past performances at 7 Cedars. He said he expects to be there for a December performance this year.

Audience members said that the quality of Vernon’s vocal performance and its resemblance to Presley’s was one of the ways in which his performance was outstanding. Some commented that it was the “best Elvis impersonation” that they’d witnessed.

April Oldfield, activities coordinator, asked before the show began who in the audience had seen Elvis Presley in person. A significant number raised their hands — perhaps around 25%.

There were younger fans in the audience too.

Wearing a black baseball cap that said “Elvis” in gold letters, Colby Thomas — who said he was born on Elvis’ birthday, just as his father had hoped he would be — attended with his wife Courtney and their three children.

The couple married in Las Vegas — twice — with an Elvis impersonator officiating. The second ceremony was at the request of their children.

Sheila Layton told the Gazette that the performance “brings back memories.”

Layton said that in 1957, at age 12, she and a friend stood in line to get $10 tickets for a seat in the front at the Lincoln High School football stadium in Tacoma. She said it was Presley’s first West Coast tour. Their seats were close to the front row and she recalled being annoyed by the screaming of other girls.

Layton was a fan before that concert and continues to be one. She said she listens to a SiriusXM stream which features an “endless supply” of Elvis music. There are so many different recordings that she can listen for weeks without hearing the same version of a song, she said.

Layton was among those who said Vernon is the best Elvis impersonator she’s ever seen.

“He’s really authentic,” she said. “Elvis himself would’ve approved. He does a really good tribute. He’s more realistic and not flash-bang like some others…”

Attendees were treated to beverages and strawberry shortcake with fresh berries from Graysmarsh Farm.

“It’s our first time here, and you’ve treated us like family,” Vernon said at the end of the show about his and Smith’s Sherwood Village appearance. ”Thank you very much.”

After the performance, Vernon and Smith chatted with fans, sold a few CDs and posed for photos.