CLARENVILLE, N.L. — While many may not know it, as he’s on stage crooning and hip-gyrating, but an Elvis impersonator coming to Newfoundland and Labrador is in it to provide some “tender” help furry friends of the province — from kittens and cats to puppies and “Hound Dogs.”
Thane Dunn has worked hard for 10 years to bring the most authentic Elvis show possible to stages across North America, the Caribbean and even the U.K.
And having previously raised $3,500 for the St. John’s SPCA at an earlier show, Dunn is looking to broaden his efforts and contribute to the animal shelters across the province. He’s actually a celebrity ambassador for the SPCA in his hometown of Moncton, N.B.
Dunn says his connection to animals goes back to his relationship with his father, who died almost nine years ago.
“It’s hard on everybody but it was extremely hard on my mother,” he remembers.
“They had a little dog that had died and we found a carbon copy of that dog — a pup — and it brought her back to life. It just made me realize how much animals help people.”
Aside from the efforts to help the “lonesome” animals of Newfoundland and Labrador in need, Dunn says he prides himself on being the full Elvis package, with no wigs or fake sideburns.
He assumes the role of Elvis to the best of his ability and vocal range. While his imitation is widely praised, he stops short of hokey, first-person acting as the King of Rock and Roll.
“When I perform, my job is to get on that stage and reproduce what Elvis did.”
He says this is an impossible task — but he looks to come as close to it as possible.
Dunn will be performing in Clarenville at the Eastlink Events Centre on April 11.
