Elvis Tribute RockStar Finley Watkins Recreates 1955 Show at Cape Arena – Elvis Returns to Highway 61 on July 20, 2026
- Thomas Smugala
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
On July 20, 1955, Elvis Presley performed at the Cape Arena, and exactly 71 years later, on July 20, 2026, they are recreating that performance in the same building.  Elvis was 20 years old at the time. This was during a very exciting time for Elvis — just months before his breakthrough national TV appearances and massive fame in 1956.  At the performance, he would have sung his latest hit “Baby Let's Play House" along with others such as: "That's All Right," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," “Good Rockin’ Tonight," "Mystery Train" and other Sun-era material.
The show is remembered locally as one of Elvis’s early Missouri appearances, and now our friends at VisitCape, as part of the Missouri Blues Highway dedication, are hosting the "Elvis Returns to Highway 61" tribute show on the anniversary (e.g., July 20, 2026), free to all to attend. 573 was given the opportunity to shoot the Elvis tribute performer who will be entertaining everyone the night of the show.  Meet Finley Watkins. Â
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Elvis tribute artist, Finley Watkins is a RockStar.
Finley Watkins is an award-winning Elvis tribute artist and the 2026 Smokey Mountain Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion with a deep passion for Rockabilly and Blues.  Finley is an amazing, makeup-up person, a great singer, and he plays eight different instruments.  His attention to character and details, down to his speaking voice, is shockingly Elvis.  He has been featured on several television shows, and he and his full live band perform concerts across the country, but there is a catch—Finley is only 17, and he lives in Bernie, Missouri.
​Finley is a brilliant young artist with a bright future ahead of him.
My name is Finley Watkins. I’m 17 years old, and I’m from Bernie, Missouri. I have an older brother named Presley, which is kind of a fun coincidence considering what I do now. Growing up, my family has always supported my love of music, and I’ve been fortunate to spend my life doing something I’m truly passionate about.
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It all started when I was four years old. My family was on vacation, and I saw a billboard with Elvis on it. When we got home, I looked him up, discovered his music, and completely fell in love with it. There was just something about it that drew me in.
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Not long after that, I learned there were such things as Elvis tribute artists, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I started performing when I was four, entered my first youth Elvis competition at six, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
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There’s a lot more that goes into it than people realize, and it really starts long before show day. Depending on the size of the event, there’s planning, coordinating with the band, promoting the show, designing posters and graphics, and making sure every little detail comes together.
There is much more to all this—everything is that way.
Then, when show day arrives, there’s another whole process. Every outfit is based on something Elvis actually wore, so there’s the costuming, jewelry, hair, and makeup. I dye my hair every three or four weeks to keep the look consistent, and I spend a good amount of time doing stage makeup with contouring and shading to help capture Elvis’ appearance under the lights. Once all of that’s done, it’s time for soundcheck and making sure the show is ready to go. There are a lot of moving parts, but seeing it all come together on stage makes it worth it.
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Young Elvis comes to life at the Cape "Elvis Returns" tribute.
For me, it really comes down to passion. I love the music, I love entertaining people, and I love bringing back memories that mean so much to audiences. When you care that much about something, it makes it a lot easier to step out on stage and chase what you want. Making people smile and seeing them enjoy the music is what keeps me motivated.
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Down to the last detail—even exact replica jewelry.
I spend a lot of time practicing. It’s much more than just learning the songs. I’m constantly working on the vocals, facial expressions, stage movements, mannerisms, and all the little details that made Elvis who he was on stage. I also study old concert footage and performances because I’m always looking for ways to make the tribute more authentic. It’s something I’m working on all the time.
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Finley spends countless hours studying of Elvis down to the slightest mannerisms.
I’m really excited about "Elvis Returns to Highway 61" because it’s a special piece of history. On July 20, 1955, Elvis performed at the Cape Arena, and exactly 71 years later, on July 20, 2026, we’re recreating that performance in the same building.
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The first half of the show will focus on the 1950s, featuring many of the songs Elvis would have performed during that original appearance. From there, we’ll move into a recreation of the 1968 Comeback Special with the iconic black leather, and we’ll finish the night with the legendary Las Vegas concert years in the white jumpsuit.
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Finley's passion is evedent in everything move he makes.
We’ll have a full seven-piece band with backup singers, so it’s going to be a big production. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just love live music, I think it’ll be a really fun evening and a unique way to celebrate an important moment in music history.
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Finley truly is a 573 ROCKSTAR.
I look at this guy and can’t help but think of what I was doing at 17.  Where he gets the courage and passion to do all that is incredibly amazing.  By the way, Finley showed up for the photoshoot after driving from Bernie to Perryville on time and ready to rock.  Good luck to this young man.  He truly is a 573 ROCKSTAR.
To find out more about this event or other Blues Highway Dedication events, visit VisitCape. Â To learn more about Finley, visit FinleyWatkins.com. Â Maybe have him perform at your Rockabilly.
​Elvis has left the building!
Special thanks to Frank & Joanie Robinson for lending their Red 57 for this photoshoot. Â
Special thanks to Frank & Joanie Robinson for lending their Red 57 for this photoshoot.
Get Out There! Visit somewhere. Go see Elvis. Go for a hike. Sing at a spring. Do something. Do anything. Get out there, that sunken sofa won't miss you—time's a-wasting!
—Pics and words by Supreme Leader Smugala
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