Elvis Fest returns: Gold Coast nightclub celebrates the King’s 90th birthday

CHICAGO - A hunk, a hunk of birthday love!

Wednesday, Jan. 8 marked what would have been Elvis Presley's 90th birthday. To celebrate, The Original Mother’s—located in the Gold Coast—hosted a birthday bash and will be entertaining bargoers all month long.

After a nearly decade-long hiatus, the Division Street bar and nightclub is celebrating the return of ‘Elvis Fest,’ which kicked off Wednesday evening with cake and performances.

What started as a one-night event in 2000 and returned for about 15 years before ‘leaving the building,’ Elvis Fest is back for its 16th installment.

Local Elvis impersonator William Vaughn, who goes by Will E. Vee, took center stage in honor of the King.

"My favorite part is the happiness I bring to people. That's really what it's all about," Vaughn said.

On Wednesday, Vaughn performed iconic hits, like "Hound Dog," "Burning Love," and "Jailhouse Rock." Signature cocktails were also on the menu, including ‘Blue Suede Booze’ and ‘Love Me Ginger.’

Plus, Elvis's favorite snack was served: peanut butter and banana sandwiches!

Vaughn has been impersonating the music legend for more than 25 years.

"When karaoke first came out, I was at a bar in Crystal Lake. I got up there and sang ‘Teddy Bear’ and they loved it," Vaughn explained. "Several years ago, I wrote a song called ‘Thank You Very Much,’ I’ll be performing it here today. I also performed that song across the street from Graceland at the Heartbreak Hotel a couple different times for the events they have there during Elvis Week."

The party doesn't end on Wednesday—The Original Mother's is celebrating Elvis throughout the month. Featured events include ‘Love Me Tender’-themed paint-and-sip bookings, ‘Rock Revival Dance Nights,’ and ‘Rack ‘N’ Roll’ Billiards.

Elvis’s Birthday Bash was set to run until midnight on Wednesday.

For details on the full calendar of events, CLICK HERE.