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Sammy J Formica

PHOTOS OF SAMMY J PERFORMING AT RON CADE'S

TRIBUTE SHOW MARCH 14, 2008 IN DELRAN, NEW JERSEY

Photo Courtesy of Tage Riekert

FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE!!

SAMMY J ROCKS NEW EGYPT AMERICAN LEGION HALL

Philadelphia's Sammy J owned the stage Saturday night in New Egypt, New Jersey!! Opening to the sounds of "See See Rider" and closing with a heartfelt "Can't Help Falling In Love With You", Sammy J brought Elvis into the building! As always, Sammy performs with a professionalism and a sincere love of Elvis which shines through each song. With the beads on his white jump suit dancing to the music, Sammy J entertained the audience without missing a beat. While treating everyone to "Love Me Tender", Sammy J walked around the room and greeted his audience. He took the time to introduce fans who had traveled a distance to support him. One couple traveled from Virginia and several others came from Philadelphia. It is very easy to see why Sam has such a following. He is truly a polished entertainer who knows how to please his audience. He really shook things up when he performed his rendition of "Polk Salad"!! His moves were fantastic! Since we are entering the Holiday Season, Sam offered a beautiful version of "Blue Christmas"! Songs such as "Green, Green Grass of Home", "Wonder of You", and "You Gave Me A Mountain" were delivered in his incredible velvet voice with much emotion. But, the highlight of the evening was his "American Trilogy"! What a moment in time! With the Elvis American flag as a backdrop, Sammy J brought the crowd to it's feet!! Being a veteran himself, this song is close to his heart. The audience responded with a long standing ovation. "Suspicious Minds" was delivered with all of Elvis' famous moves! Sammy J has a wonderful back and forth with his audience, so reminiscent of how Elvis played with his audiences. Everyone felt the Elvis connection and took home with them a little piece of Elvis Magic, courtesy of Sammy. For one evening, everyone relived the seventies!! Everyone also had the opportunity to own Sammy J merchandise made possible by Tage Riekert, Sammy J's photographer. Job well done, Sammy!!

The American Legion Auxilliary Unit 455 did one great job of planning the evening. There were Elvis filled baskets as doorprizes and a fun time was had dancing to the oldies for the rest of the evening.

Sammy J can be contacted through Sammyj@isitelvis.com. For Sammy J merchandise please contact Tage87798@verizon.com.

Fans from Virginia Big Winner Sammy J

ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST SAMMY J. FORMICA PAYS HOMAGE TO ELVIS PRESLEY
WITH OUTSTANDING SHOW

The velvet voice of Sammy J worked it’s magic once again. This event hosted by Mr. Ron Cade (Rockin’ Ron Cade Elvis and Friends 98.1 Philadelphia, Pa.) included ETAs Sammy J and Frank Friele. Sammy J began his portion of the show at 10:30 and it was worth the wait!! He wowed the crowd making his entrance wearing a white and gold checkerboard jumpsuit complete with cape. From the first notes of “2001 Space Odyssey” to the final notes of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, Sammy J held the audience in the palm of his hand. The audience was right there clapping and swaying on the up tempo songs and when he sang a ballad….you could hear a pin drop! This audience was feeling every moment!

Adding something extra to “Steamroller”…..Sammy J ended the song with a roll on the floor!! Talk about exciting the crowd! Crowd pleasers were Sammy J’s renditions of “You Gave Me A Mountain”, “Hurt”, and “Just Pretend” drawing thunderous applause from everyone. A standing ovation was awarded for Sammy’s efforts doing “American Trilogy”. Walking through the audience shaking hands and greeting people while singing “Pledging My Love”, “All Shook Up” and “Heartbreak Hotel” gave Sammy an opportunity to connect with his audience….something everyone loved.

Scarves were awarded to a few lucky women at the cost of some of Sammy’s makeup!! Many new fans were made on this evening and those who were already fans were reminded of why they enjoy the talent of this great entertainer so much. In the audience were two couples who had a very special connection with Sammy J. He had recently performed one couple’s wedding and will officiate at the wedding of the other couple. This is one very special part of what Sammy does for others. Sammy J thanked Ron Cade for the opportunity to be part of this tribute show honoring Elvis Presley and expressed how much this was a “dream come true” for him. He also thanked the audience for the wonderful reception he had received. Sammy J is a class act all the way! So, to the notes of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, Sammy J bid the audience farewell and left behind many fond memories of a wonderful tribute show honoring Elvis Presley!

Article by: Barbara Garton
***Show information provided Zettie Pearce

PHILADELPHIA TRIBUTE ARTIST RECEIVES HONORS FOR HIS ARTWORK

Philadelphia’s own Sammy J. Formica is well on his way to becoming one of our best known modern day artists. Not only is Sammy one of the hottest and fastest rising ETA’s in the Elvis World today, he is also a highly respected and talented artist in his own right. Many of his works have been exhibited around the United States. Recently, he won the honor of having his work included in “The Best of America Oil Artists & Artisans”. “Looking To The Future” and “Jeremiah’s Dream (Elfreth’s Alley)” are the works for which he was honored. Sammy is a self-taught artist who truly sees life through detail. This is very evident in his paintings. “Looking To The Future” is a painting with sweeping detail. Taking three years to create, this painting depicts over one hundred triumphs and tragedies of our American History. Uniquely, Ben Franklin is surveying his Philadelphia through a window while on a cell phone! Sammy has a way of bringing history to the future. Having a studio close to Independence Hall certainly allows Sammy to view history yesterday and today anytime he wishes. This life-sized painting (7’x5’) “Looking To The Future” can be seen at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. It should be mentioned it also is part of the art collections of several American presidents, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. “Jeremiah’s Dream” is a depiction of Elfreth’s Alley for which Sammy was commissioned to paint. Again, Sammy’s attention to detail is incredible.

As an Elvis Tribute Artist, Sammy J also tends to detail. He takes great pride in his appearance and everything is authentic. His music is flawless, as is his velvet voice. Sammy’s performances are works of art!! He is a complex, intriguing and incredibly talented individual.

Congratulations, Sammy! Below is “Looking To The Future”.

SAMMY J ROCKS AUDIENCE FOR ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOW

Playing to standing room only, Sammy J Formica delivered just what his audience wanted!! Lucy’s Hat Shop in Old City, Philadelphia came alive with the essence of Elvis Presley! This Tribute Concert on the 29^th anniversary of Elvis’ death, had excitement, emotion, energy, great Elvis songs and Elvis magic! From his grand entrance to the sounds of “2001”…. “See See Rider” and finishing with “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”, Sammy J kept his audience entertained and wanting more. He delivered his tribute with Elvis style and much respect for the music of Elvis Presley. His jumpsuit, complete with cape during the last part of the show, was stunning. Wearing the black and gold jumpsuit and emulating Elvis’ famous moves, he certainly brought back beautiful memories to the excited crowd. On their feet, clapping, singing and smiling……they rewarded Sammy with well deserved applause throughout the show.

With his velvet voice, Sammy delivered a fantastic version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, complete with a sexy spoken verse. “Love Me” , “Pledging My Love”, and “My Way” were crowd pleasers. “Polk Salad” showcased Sammy’s incredible moves and brought down the house! The songs chosen were a great mix of Elvis’ hits. Sammy J delivered an awesome opening note for “Hurt” that earned him a huge round of applause and again the spoken verse was wonderful. Impromptu audience participation added to Sammy J’s version of “For the Heart”. Several tables of fans spontaneously began singing the background music and it really sounded great!!! On a more serious note, Sammy J sang a moving version of “I Believe”, reminiscent of Elvis’ love for Gospel music. And of course, what tribute would be complete without Elvis’ standards such as “Love Me Tender”, “Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel”, “One Night” and “Blue Suede Shoes”? Sammy J rocked the crowd in true Elvis fashion and presented scarves to the ladies. Philadelphia Channel 3 News was present and a clip of the show was shown on the late evening news.

Sammy J has been invited to compete in Montreal, Canada this September as part of Lady Luck Music’s 6^th Annual Invitational Performer’s Showcase. Also, he just performed in Syracuse, New York to rave reviews!! Sammy J has performed several times at the New Jersey Friends of Elvis Fan Club events where he has received many standing ovations and is a crowd favorite. Always a professional and willing to perform for charity, Sammy J thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to relive and share special Elvis moments with his fans. This Tribute Show was for the benefit of the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. You can visit Sammy J at his website www.isitelvis.com and learn more about him.