Robert Washington of Auburn, Maine, who won the 2012 Elvis Rocks Mesquite, returns for the fifth annual show June 20-21 in the CasaBlanca Showroom of the CasaBlanca Resort. Submitted photo.

Robert Washington of Auburn, Maine, who won the 2012 Elvis Rocks Mesquite, returns for the fifth annual show June 20-21 in the CasaBlanca Showroom of the CasaBlanca Resort. Submitted photo.

Talented Robert Washington won the 2012 Elvis Rocks Mesquite at this city about 80 miles north of Las Vegas and judging by his luck at the Belmont in New York June 7, the resident of Auburn, Maine might be on a winning streak heading into the fifth annual Elvis Rocks Mesquite in the CasaBlanca Showroom of the CasaBlanca Resort.

The 55-year-old Washington, who was runner up at Elvis Rocks Mesquite in 2011, pocketed $2,500 for winning the event two years ago. He won even more money when he bet on several long shots as the favorite California Chrome finished fourth in its attempt to capture the Triple Crown.

The long shots paid off only two weeks before Washington heads for Elvis Rocks Mesquite.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Washington won’t be the furthest-traveled Elvis Tribute Artist in Mesquite, but he’s in the running. Robert Walkerdine of England is expected to collect that honor as the event continues to draw interest from all over the world.

But Washington has all of the ingredients to collect his second ERM championship based on the fact that (a) he certainly has the talent and (b) his discipline is immense based on the fact that he’s also a U.S. Marine whose service ended in 1981.

“The Marines are still a part of me,” said Washington. “You have to be disciplined when honing your craft.”

From the get-go, Washington was a hit doing Elvis songs. When Washington sang “Don’t Be Cruel” in Waukegan, Ill., in 1983, he was instantly praised for his work and the rest is history.

Solidifying his talent was the fact that he won the Images of the King Championship. Throw in his tribute to James Brown and you suddenly have a multi-talented individual who knows the moves while also providing the perfect singing technique.

Ironically, Elvis died on Washington’s 19th birthday in 1977 and just to make sure the world continues to enjoy Presley’s music, Washington – and others – are carrying on the music with classy work that is met by enthusiastic audiences.

Washington was also the first African American to win the World Championship Elvis Impersonator title. He beat out 100 other competitors and has traveled the world carrying on the memory of Elvis’s music.

“I heard about Elvis Rocks Mesquite through Eric Hawes (known as ERock) in about 2010,” said Washington. “I thought it sounded interesting so I decided to go.”

Washington had been to Las Vegas many times prior but not for competing or doing shows.

“I think Mesquite is a great venue and I love the casino there,’ he said. “I think it’s a great contest. I’m coming back because everything is run very smoothly. Everyone is on top of their game. It’s top notch as far as I’m concerned.

“I wouldn’t be traveling from Maine if I didn’t think it wasn’t an excellent event. It’s more than 3,000 miles to get there.”

Washington has worked in ship yards for 25 years and started working in oil refineries in states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Wyoming. He certainly isn’t afraid of work.

“It is hard work but I like it,” he said. “It’s something I have done all my life. The Elvis work is something I do for fun. It’s a hobby just as it has been ever since I started. I look forward to it all the time.”

The competition is intense in Mesquite as evidenced by the past winners.

Australian Mark Anthony captured the inaugural ERM in 2010 while Johnny Fortuno of Henderson took the 2011 showdown, Washington grabbed the crown in 2012 show and Shelby, N.C. native Travis Powell took the title in 2013.

Needless to say, the distances traveled and the quality performers that have competed are proof positive that Elvis Rocks Mesquite has been a hit since the day it was conceived by Arko and the CasaBlanca Resort.

Presented by Sue Arko of Free Spirits Vacations and Events near Phoenix, Elvis Rocks Mesquite has drawn entrants from all over the country.

“Elvis Rocks Mesquite is not only great competition, but it’s also a great attraction to not only the CasaBlanca but also Mesquite, too,” Arko said. “It has brought an all-new facet of entertainment to the city.”

Yet another valuable element is the quality people that Elvis Rocks Mesquite has attracted. When Washington won the title in 2012, Presley’s long-time manager and good friend Joe Esposito made the trip and was quoted after the final round saying that he was impressed with the talent.

“Yet another key factor is that those who perform are really nice people, too,” added Arko. “While the competition is keen and the prize money is also very good, it’s actually very heart-warming to see how the ETA’s help one another back stage. “

The schedule June 20 includes competition in the Best of the 50s at 2 p.m. and the Best of the 60s at 7 p.m.

The Best of the 70s will be highlighted starting at 2 p.m. June 21 with the finals set for 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. All performances are presented in the CasaBlanca Showroom.

Advance tickets for the 50s, 60s and 70s competition are priced from $20 and are priced from $25 for the finals.

Further information can be found by visiting www.mesquitegaming.com; calling Star Tickets at 800-585-3737 or by contacting Arko at www.freespiritvacations.com or by calling Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-5547.

The schedule June 20 includes competition in the Best of the 50s at 2 p.m. and the Best of the 60s at 7 p.m.