Patrick does Port

Singer Patrick Dunn’s show at the Erie Trackside Manor in Port Jervis on Sunday, July 23, was the fastest selling show in the venue’s history ­– so much so that they had to add another show to keep up with the demand.

Why?

Because in addition to being a top-rate artist with an impressive background in Broadway musicals, having a solo voice with an amazing vocal range and being an Elvis tribute artist who won the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest, Dunn is a “hometown boy” – a native son.

Dunn says he knew almost everyone in the audience.

“They’ve known me since I was in diapers,’ he said. “I went to their houses, hung out at Len and Joe’s, and many of them had a hand in developing me as a person and an artist.”

Dunn loved doing the show and interacting with the audience, calling out people by name, gracefully and easily bantering with them, and they loved it. The smiles on their faces said, “That’s out Pat, that’s our boy.”

And when he said, “I hope I’ve made you proud,” the applause was resounding.

At one point he came off the stage, went into the audience and asked Linda Schultz, former owner of Len and Joe’s to dance, took her in his arms briefly, and then ran back up to the stage.

He called out to other audience members as well, including his Mom and Dad who were very much present in the audience.

Performer par excellence

Dunn performed in his first Broadway musical in 1998 (“A Christmas Carol­ – the musical” when he was 12, and went on sing with 10 and 12 piece bands all over the country.

His biggest gig was with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, with 65 orchestra members and an audience of about 8,000 people.

Dunn has toured throughout 52 countries and 48 states.

He has played Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables” and a number of singing roles in other Broadway musicals like “Waitress.” He doesn’t just “sing” a song — he crafts it and stages it.

Early on in his career, when Dunn was preparing for the role of one of his characters, a friend suggested that he listen to some Elvis Presley tapes. He did and became totally enamored of Elvis’ music.

“If you’re going to be an Elvis Tribute Artist,” Dunn said, “you must first start with loving his music. “

Dunn did and also began touring as an Elvis Tribute Artist. He reached a pinnacle when he won the “Elvis Tribute Artist Award at Graceland, which also came with a check for $20,000. This award is like the Superbowl for Elvis fans.

Some people, when they first see Dunn, are amazed because he doesn’t look like Elvis, even though he can sing and move like him. It’s fascinating to watch Dunn on stage as he morphs from his natural ponytail to a very long curly head of light brown long hair when he is playing himself to a totally realistic portrayal of Elvis with the dark hair, sideburns and very tight jump suit.

He says he was not allowed to cut his hair because of his contractual obligation to one of his shows.

Dunn also does not usually combine the Patrick persona with the Elvis, creating a kind of “Patvis,” he did it here for the joy of the audience.

“This is kind of like a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Mildred Launt, one of his biggest fans. “He travels so much, he won’t have time to come back to visit us soon. I’m so glad we could get to see him.”

More than 200 people echoed that sentiment with many standing ovations.