Elton tribute artist David K (left) rocks the keys while Elvis impersonator Charlie Templin (right) strums along on guitar during their June 21 performance at the Wieting Theatre in Toledo. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

The King and the Rocket Man lit up the historic Wieting Theatre last month, as tribute artists David Keiski and Charlie Templin brought the music of Elton John and Elvis Presley to life in front of a local crowd.

The high-energy show featured David Keiski, known professionally as David K, performing as Elton John, complete with iconic costumes, piano stylings, and chart-topping hits. Elvis tribute artist Charlie Templin, just 20 years old, wowed the audience with his powerful vocals and classic Presley swagger.

The performance also included live accompaniment from viola player Lana Davis, who added a rich layer to the show’s sound and helped round out the show..

The concert was made possible through a Cultural Capacity Grant awarded by the State of Iowa. The funding, administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, allows the Wieting to bring in top-tier performers as part of its ongoing mission to provide quality arts programming to the community.

David K has become a familiar face at the Wieting, having performed three previous shows at the venue. He and his band, based in the Minneapolis area, have built a strong connection with the local audience. Templin’s debut at the Wieting was equally memorable, marking a fresh and youthful tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

For more than 15 years, the Wieting Theatre has hosted a wide array of live performances, from jazz and classical music to musical theater, steel drum ensembles, cultural showcases, original plays, and more.

To learn about future events or to subscribe to the Wieting Word newsletter, email toledowieting@gmail.com or follow the Wieting Theatre on Facebook. More about David K’s performances can be found on royshow.com, while fans can find Charlie Templin by searching his name on Facebook.