SCOTT CARTER (Elvis / Band Leader / “Elvis Through My Eyes” fundraising event co-producer)
Scott’s music education began 9 months before he was born listening to his dad sing from the womb. By 6 he was playing along with Dad and family on drums. Curiosity took him next to guitar, some piano and Bass.
As an adult he was exposed to a brief stint of Big Jim Sykes on satellite radio. It was that time that Scott truly realized the impact the music of Elvis had on his family’s music. Right out of High school Scott played Conrad Birdie at the Old Town Playhouse. His Elvis suit was so custom fit they figured no one else would ever wear it so sold it to Scott. That started it all off. Scott won a karaoke contest singing teddy bear then won his “soon to be” wife’s attention singing it at Karaoke.
Scott went on to embrace Elvis’ admiration for operatic Tenors and received a master’s in voice with a concentration on opera from Northwestern University in Evanston.
Today, Scott is delighted to surround himself with talented musicians who are also great people to use this Love for his Father, and for the music of Elvis. In the “Elvis Through My Eyes” musical review audiences will hear some of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits, as well as help raise awareness about food security affecting children in Northern Michigan.
M’LYNN HARTWELL (Audio Engineer / Video Tech / Creative Stuff / “Elvis Through My Eyes” co-producer)
Each year my company Freshwater Events, LLC endeavors to give something back to my community; a community that I love! My passions in life are human rights, social justice, and advocating for the environment (our life support system). One of the greatest injustices in our great nation is the fact that some of our most vulnerable, our children, go to bed hungry.
Knowing that children are suffering from hunger, when we actually have the opportunity to help, makes absolutely no sense to me. So this year, I’m teaming up with Scott Carter (Elvis and event co-producer) to bring his wonderful production of “Elvis Through My Eyes” to our community in the form of a fundraiser.
One-Hundred-Percent of the proceeds from this event will be donated to two non-profit organizations in the Grand Traverse Region that specifically Feed Hungry Children. I hope that you’ll support this endeavor! I’m looking forward to sharing an evening with you on January 26, 2024.
JEFF WINKLER (Lead Guitar)
When Elvis recorded his first hit, ‘That’s Alright Mama’ he played his guitar. The rest of the band consisted of a bass and Scotty More on lead guitar. Our very own Scotty More is Scott Carter’s longtime neighbor and friend Jeff Winkler.
Jeff started playing guitar when he was 11. His neighbors were the Carters so in his teens Jeff would play guitar at the Carter house with Ford (Scott’s dad), Scott, and Brian. Ford provided guidance on the guitar licks Jeff played. Jeff says “Playing guitar with Scott, and as a tribute to Ford, is an honor.” We say the honor is all ours.
Be sure to come here Jeff crank out licks from Scotty Moore all the way to James Burton with plenty of Jeff Winkler sprinkled in.
JOHN PAUL (Bass)
Drums are nice, but Add an amazing bass player and you have a great back line. Our Bassist is also one of the very best in Northern Michigan.
Meet John Paul. John is a local singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and full-time musician. He regularly performs around the area as one half of Rhett & John, solo, and as bassist for a number of local artists, including Drew Hale, Jack M. Senff, A.S. Lutes, East Bay Drive, the NMC Jazz Big Band, and numerous others. He is the father of two young boys who keep him busy when he’s not performing.
Like our Drummer Will Jurkiewicz, John was in the original Elvis Through My Eyes performance. He was our very first choice for this go round and we are super stoked that he said yes. Be sure to get tickets to see him as soon as seating is limited.
WILL JURKIEWICZ (Drums / Percussion)
Keeping the group in time on drums is the one and only Will. Will Jurkiewicz is a Traverse City-based teacher and drummer. He wants kids to have easy access to food and music fans to have easy access to Elvis.
Will was part of our original show and we are so pleased to have him back.
ANDRE KUSCHELL (Vocal / Keyboard / Woodwinds / Guitar)
If you listen to Suspicious Minds you’ll hear Charlie Hodge on Harmony, guitar and what ever was needed. Our Charlie Hodge is non other than Andre Kuschell. Scott has known Andre for decades and learned about his music abilities and skills while running sound for his band 5th gear.
He is not just talented but also a great colleague. Be sure to catch him on Vocals, Keys, Sax and guitar.
BOBBIE LANGE (Keyboard)
Bobbie is Music Director at Northport Covenant Church. A classically trained pianist and organist, with a Master’s Degree from University of Michigan, she enjoys playing a wide variety of music.
CHAR RYKSE (Vocal / Keyboard)
Mom, Nurse and Rock n’ Roller, Charlotte Rykse handles vocals and some keys to round out our background vocals.
She also crushes her part in a duet version of the 1968 Comeback special Hit ‘If I can Dream’.
JERRY LANGE (Vocal)
Jerry Lange is pastor at Northport Covenant Church. He enjoys writing and recording his original songs, and has sung bass in numerous barbershop and gospel quartets through the years.
Rhett DuCouer (Vocal)
What started out as a special guest appearance has delightfully morphed into a member of our vocal ensemble.
The singer and self-taught guitar player struggled with stage fright until her 30s, but those who’ve caught her gigging around the North are glad she finally did. We certainly are!!!
Not only will her acoustic duo ‘Rhett and John’ provide pre-show music for the VIP ticket holders, she’ll also be on stage with us bringing her soulful country -tinged style to the music of Elvis.