LIVING LEGENDS

While conspiracy nuts may theorize otherwise, by all accounts Elvis Aaron Presley died on August 16, 1977. That much we know. Meanwhile, the number of Elvis tribute artists is at an all-time high. Lucky for us, one of them calls Center City home. This Tuesday, the sequin-clad Sammy J will take the stage at Lucy's Hat Shop for its second annual "Spirit of Elvis" show, in memoriam of the King. A portion of the proceeds will go to the 103rd Engineers Family Support to benefit Philadelphia-area troops and their families. The caped crusader is very particular in his depiction of Presley, from the authentic stage wear down to the duck's ass haircut. "I like to present myself almost as an illusion, not so much an impersonator," says J. "To me, an impersonator is somebody who walks around at all times trying to look like Elvis. I like the fact that I can get on and off stage and nobody knows who the real Sammy J is."

The Spirit of Elvis, Tue., Aug. 16, 7 p.m., $10, Lucy's Hat Shop, 247 Market St., 215-413-1433, www.lucys215.com.