Elvis Live in Lake Tahoe - What Reasons?

[NEA]

Hi Guys,

I am very interested to find out the reasons behind Elvis playing some engagements at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel in Nevada during the 70s - whose idea was it? how did it come about? was it a new hotel complex? how many seasons did Elvis perform there? what Jumpsuits did Elvis wear at these shows?

We already have one show available to us from a Lake Tahoe performance on the FTD Label and, as you know, that is entitled "Takin' Tahoe Tonight" and is the 3am Mothers Day show, May 13th 1973. And, if my mind serves me correctly wasn't this some type of benefit performance?

The first engagement EP did there began on July 20, 1971 and this was the set list:

Also Sprach Zarathustra
That's All Right / Proud Mary
Jailhouse Rock
Love Me Tender
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Polk Salad Annie
Johnny B. Goode
Love Me
Heartbreak Hotel
Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
One Night
Hound Dog
Suspicious Minds
The Impossible Dream
Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
Sweet Caroline
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Can't Help Falling In Love

Hmmm...this would make a very good choice for a FTD release I think...

I believe that Elvis' final engagement in Lake Tahoe was from 30th April - 9th May 1976. Elvis' set list for opening night was as follows:

Also Sprach Zarathustra
See See Rider
I Got A Woman/Amen
Love Me
If You Love Me
You Gave Me A Mountain
All Shook Up
Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
Tryin' To Get To You
Polk Salad Annie
[band introductions]
America The Beautiful
Hurt / Burning Love
How Great Thou Art
Funny How Time Slips Away
Hound Dog
Can't Help Falling In Love

So guys, any thoughts and info about our man in Lake Tahoe and what are your feelings about "Takin' Tahoe Tonight" and other possible Tahoe releases on FTD?

Cheers,

NEA.

[U.S. Male]

I was always impressed with his Tahoe performances, especially the ones from 1971. Perhaps being in a more relaxed environment (as compared to Las Vegas) helped bring him more energy and enthusiasm that resulted in more powerful performances. Even the 1976 shows sound pretty good, considering his health at the time.

My hope is FTD will be able to release another of these shows in the near future.