If you think the world has too many Elvis Presley imitators, you just haven't seen Shawn Klush. Winner of numerous Elvis impersonator awards, the Pittston, Pennsylvania native has been active on the circuit since winning a "Worldwide Elvis" competition in Montreal a few years ago. Now he comes back to Cleveland to celebrate what would have been Elvis' 73rd birthday. He'll perform Elvis tunes with backing from Elvis' original drummer D.J. Fontana and his long-time back-up singers the Sweet Inspirations. Donny Edwards, another top-rated Elvis impersonator, will also perform. In a recent phone interview, Klush spoke about the trials and tribulations of being "the closest thing to the king." - Jeff Niesel

What do you have planned for the birthday show this year?

It's going to be another jam-filled fun thing like we've always done. I've dropped a couple of pounds so everyone can call me skinny. The Sweet Inspirations are really fantastic. It's a great show. The thing we try to let people know is it's not a bunch of people in a jumpsuit. It's done tastefully. The Jordinaires and Sweet Inspiration have worked with us for many years, and they wouldn't work with just anyone.

What's the most challenging aspect of the performance?

Showing up. No, it's all tough. It's all worth it. You're on the road for eight or nine days straight and doing the shows and it's tough. I don't know how those big stars like Garth Brooks do it when they're on tour for an entire year. I guess we get on a commercial plane, and they have a private jet. We don't have the comforts of home. Not to say they haven't earned it.

How did a kid from a coal-mining town in Pennsylvania end up as a world-class Elvis competitor?

I don't know. It must have been the Zodiacs. I sang all my life since I was a kid. My dad was a DJ in the '50s. I think he thought he was Alan Freed. He had every Beatles record that ever existed. That and the Rat Pack, Frank and Dino. That was his thing.

You were named the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Act of 2007. How'd you end up spending the $5,000 shopping spree money at Graceland?

Yes, I got Elvis dollars. I haven't done it yet. I'll probably buy every movie they have. That's my thing. I like watching the outtakes and everything.

What's your wardrobe consist of?

Pretty much everything he would have worn in '73. I had them made by the guy who made Elvis' clothes. Of course, I have the jumpsuits. I use the same guitar he used. It's a Gibson reissue with the same hardware. It cost me five grand and another three for the hardware.

What's the most exotic location where you've performed?

Hawaii. They're a very proud, quiet people. They love all that stuff, but they keep to themselves. They don't do stars there like they do here in the mainland. It's weird, but it's how they are. It's their style. Elvis was attracted to that. He could walk down the street and they wouldn't bother him.

What's it like being "the closest thing to the king"? Does it ever get old?

No. There's always some point of interest in it somewhere. It doesn't get old for me. This is my job. I'm constantly trying to improve the sound and everything. You constantly change things and try new things. I hear all that stuff, a new lick the guitarist plays. We always have a good time. It's a shame we couldn't do it everyday. I guess I'd be skinnier than hell then.

Elvis would have been 73 this year, right?

Yeah, and you can print this: Don't think he wouldn't have been out there. He wouldn't have sat. He would have thought, "If old Tom Jones can be out there, so can I."

Elvis Birthday Tribute

7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, State Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., 216.241.6000, tickets: $10-$45