Creston Village Assisted Living & Memory Care has its very own Elvis Presley, and he’s alive, well, and rocking sideburns that would make the King proud. Each year for the past decade, Executive Director Adam Bramwell transforms into Elvis for the community’s annual Valentine’s Day concert, performing a 13-song set that included classics like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” plus the debut this year of an original tune, “Viva Creston Village”.
What started as a $29 Amazon costume and a rough around the edges performance ten years ago has become a beloved tradition. Bramwell, a music lover raised on classic rock, found a niche in the annual Elvis act. “I’ve never been talented enough to play in a band, so this lets me get whatever talent I’ve got out of my system and have some fun doing so” he said.
The concert is full of playful surprises. Known for his mustache, Bramwell shaves it off each year, leaving residents to joke that their Executive Director is “out to dinner” on Valentine’s Day — while his wife, Laura, secretly joins the audience.
During slow songs like “Love Me Tender”, he hands out roses to the women and shakes hands with the men. “Many in the room shared slow dances to those classic songs with spouses who have passed,” he said. “There’s a reverence during those moments.”
After the main concert, Bramwell visits bed-bound residents for private performances. He sang “Love Me Tender” to a woman in hospice with her husband of 50+ years by her side. “It was one of the few happy moments in some really dark days,” her daughter shared.
Bramwell wasn’t an Elvis fan before taking on the role, but he’s grown to love the King’s music. During a family vacation, he visited Graceland, bringing back souvenirs to the residents at Creston Village.
He recently added a personal touch by re-tooling the tune of “Viva Las Vegas” with new lyrics to create “Viva Creston Village”. Though still a work in progress, the song was a hit. “Singing without Elvis’s voice backing me was outside my comfort zone,” he said, “but the residents loved it and it will get better in years to come.”
For Bramwell, the concert is about bringing joy and connection to Creston Village. “It’s my favorite day of the year,” he said. “Seeing the smiles and creating memories; that’s what it’s all about.”
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