He has been called “The closest thing to the King of Rock and Roll,” and “The world’s No. 1 Elvis tribute artist.”

He is Shawn Klush, and he is coming to Our Lady of Peace School’s Summerfest at 7 p.m. Friday, June 20.

The international star began perfecting his trade at the age of 12, and has performed in the “Legends in Concert” show in Las Vegas, Branson, Mo. and Atlantic City. Klush has won numerous awards for his tribute to The King, like being crowned grand champion at the World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition and the people’s choice award from Gibson Guitar as Best Concert Elvis. He also won the BBC’s World’s Greatest Elvis Presley competition in the United Kingdom, as well as Elvis Presley Enterprises’ first Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis this year.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Darien resident Cheryl Sikora, who has been an Elvis fan since she was a child. She has been to three or four Klush shows.
“He’s always the best. When he goes up on stage, you think it’s the real Elvis singing. It will be exciting to see him in a small venue like this,” she said.
Larry Douglas, the family ministry coordinator of Our Lady of Peace, helped organize the concert.

“It’s been pretty good as far as advance orders. People have said they’ll be coming from all over the place, including neighboring states,” he said. “Some people even want to show up at 3 p.m., right when the fest starts, to get a good spot.”
This will be the third annual Summerfest and the first time any live entertainment is planned. It is also earlier in the summer for better weather.

“Before, we had it in the middle of summer, and it always seemed to be the hottest days,” said Douglas. “It was about 100 degrees out, and I thought people were going to melt in the parking lot. Hopefully the weather is great this year.”
In addition to the headlining act, Summerfest opens at 3 p.m. with games, music, karaoke and other fun family activities. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase, and a $2,000 grand prize will be raffled away.

“I just hope it will be a nice summer day out, and people from the community can come out and just enjoy themselves out there at the concert,” said Douglas.