'Elvis' Tuesdays at D'z Route 66 Rock n Roll Diner Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
January 10, 2017

We settled in here with a full house marked by gentle slightly cool wispy breezes off the Marina. The stage is set at the front and passersby may stop, listen, applaud, dance and even tip the performers.

Tonight two top Elvis Tribute Artists from Edmonton, Canada were joined for our pleasure. Jaedyn Pilon, in Puerto Vallarta by Rob Knight's request, is but fourteen years old and is in the process of his voice lowering with age while Rob is an established winner and total professional who now lives here with his wife.

Jaedyn opened the night with "Rock Around the Clock" complete with some restaurant employees line dancing with the beat. He has so much energy one needs to be careful from getting exhausted from watching him move back and forth and to the floor.

"Shake, Rattle and Roll" and "That's All Right" lifted the crowd and got them moving. He has the symbolic body shaking which Elvis did and his girls screamed. He has been studying, one can see. "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard is a seminal rock 'n' roll song and was given a bouncy energetic deliverance. "One Night [With You]" slowed the sound down to dreams of making loving plans with his lady. "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" are two huge classic hits for Elvis and he must be smiling at the singers as they paid their tributes.

Rob took over and broke into a wonderfully powerful "I Can't Stop Loving You". He entered a new Elvis phase when he and Leonie moved south to San Vicente, Nayarit. She spent the summer taking in his valuable suits, sequins and all, after he lost much weight. The beautiful "It's Now or Never" followed and tore a few hearts in the audience. Rob has performed many of Elvis' songs so often, he has the delivery and moves down pat. Heartbreak continued with his marvelous take on "Love Letters [Straight from Your Heart]". Rob growls on the lowest notes and if you close your eyes, you murmur: Is Elvis back again?

For song after song, Rob and Jaedyn took turns in the spotlight with a microphone. "American Trilogy" is a standout for both Elvis and Rob. The group of three songs as one is a powerful statement concerning Elvis' Dixie roots of which he was so proud. It is terrific to watch Rob encourage and guide Jaedyn, taking him in and advising his performances. He is a fine prodigy whom we look forward to hearing and seeing next season and then later. His voice will deepen and his Elvis sound will do nothing but improve.

You are able to see Rob Knight at D'z Diner every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, but Jaedyn is heading north. Consider coming early for some tasty food.

D'z Route 66 Rock n Roll Diner is located at Avenida Paseo de la Marina in Marina Vallarta. Reservations are required: (322) 209-0760.

For more reviews of performances in Puerto Vallarta, visit More of Beck's Best: Theater, Cabaret and More!