A Tribute Elvis Presley Birthday Today – Elvis Presley would have turned 75 today if he had lived, which is one of those factoids that doesn’t compute. The Elvis Birthday bash and the L.A. annual tribute to the King has become a lot like the man himself.

As expected, for the 25^th anniversary event tonight, this gathering will compose of three dozen performers which will set down at the Echoplex in Echo Park, one of at least a dozen different venues that has hosted the freewheeling show over the years.

Surprise guests have included Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds and early rock guitar hero James Burton. Coordinator Art Fein, who’s been helping organize the bash since 1987, a year after Southland rockabilly enthusiasts James Intveld and Ronnie Mack started it, won’t say who might drop in at the last minute this year, but noted, “One unusual and highly welcome addition has been [actor-comedian] Fred Willard, who loves Elvis and comes every year.”

The roster runs from such local roots-rock stalwarts as the Blasters, Candye Kane and Ray Campi to Michelle Shocked, Bakersfield’s Dusk Devils and Japan’s Jimmy Angel.

The show is scheduled to run from 8pm till 2 am and admission is $20. Proceeds for this year will be split between a Hollywood homeless organization and the L.A. Fire Department Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation.