Elvis Presley helped support the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). Although Elvis died 41 years ago, an Elvis impersonator Dean Z made it feel like he came back for one last song.

The SCPA held a fundraiser for the purpose of getting enough money to help support after school activities like plays, musicals, and choir shows.

Why do the parents not help the school? Well, the answer is not so simple.

“70 percent of students live under the poverty level. The reasoning for this is because of the location of the school at Over the Rhine,” said Neal Schear, co-chairman of the fundraiser.

For entertainment, Dean Z, impersonating Elvis, sang a variety of songs from the 50’s and 60’s era of music.

Some of the music he sang included “Cupid” by Sam Cooke, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones, and “Shout” by The Isley Brothers.

Even Bill Medley, who is the last surviving member of The Righteous Brothers, performed. Medley sang one of the lines from The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.” Medley performed for the last two fundraisers for SCPA, giving the chairmen of the fundraiser, Schear and Larry Bergman, a reason to change the entertainment.

People might wonder why the school would hire an Elvis impersonator and not hire someone more modern.

“For starters, Dean Z puts on a great performance. Also, Schear and I thought it would appeal to people in their 50’s and 60’s that would like to donate and would have more time one their hands,” Bergman said.

Overall, the fundraiser on Jan. 22 made $50,000 out of the $75,000 goal.

“The goal is so that everybody in the school gets to participate in after school programs whether they can afford the program or not,” Schear said.

Although the school did not reach their overall goal yet, the fundraiser was still very helpful for the school. If you would like to support the school, they would gladly accept any help or donations offered.

All in all, the performance by Dean Z was exceptional and a chance to supporting the SCPA.