Neil Diamond impersonator to jazz up Storm hockey
Monday, March 1, 2010
- For Immediate Release
KEARNEY, Neb. – Longtime Las Vegas entertainer Jay White, considered the most convincing Neil Diamond impersonator around, will perform two postgame concerts at Kearney’s Viaero Event Center following the Tri-City Storm’s hockey games Friday and Saturday.
White also will perform Diamond’s greatest hits during the weekend games. There is no additional cost for the performances, but those attending will be required to purchase a game ticket to the 7:05 p.m. contests.
Celebrating his 27th year as a Neil Diamond tribute performer, White has performed as Diamond in more than 9,000 shows and in front of more than six million people. He also was the longest-running act at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, where he was the headliner in the Legends in Concert series from 1989 to 1997.
Diamond is known for hits such as: “Sweet Caroline,” “Song Sung Blue,” “America,” “Heartlight,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon.”
In 2002, Diamond was asked to comment on the many tribute performers who recognize his work. “I've heard a few of them, and I'm always complimented by their efforts and dedication, but my favorite is a young man named Jay White,” he said.
White credits his popularity to his dedication to accuracy, attention to detail and respect for Diamond as both a singer and composer. He said it took 10 years to get the portrayal down in every respect.
"The performance is more than the look and sound alone,” says White. “From facial expressions to body language to audience participation, it all needs to come together to form an exhilarating emotional experience."
Offstage, White is an avid hockey fan and player. He earned tryouts for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and the former International Hockey League’s Kalamazoo Wings in the 1970s.
He was the emergency backup and practice goalie for the IHL’s Las Vegas Thunder in the ‘90s, and he currently has that role for the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL, previously known as the East Coast Hockey League.