Russian rokenrol

The Red Elvises return to the Reno-Tahoe area after a long absence. Singer-songwriter Igor Yuzov and bass-balalaika player Oleg Bernov formed the band in Los Angeles in 1995. Claiming Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and the speeches of Fidel Castro as musical influences, their Russian-flavored take on American rock ’n’ roll and surf music quickly attracted an audience. Their song “I Wanna See You Bellydance” was a hit in 1998 and was followed by contributions to the soundtrack of the 1998 independent film Six-String Samurai. Performances on television shows such as FOX’s Melrose Place and FX’s Penn & Teller’s Sin City increased their exposure to a wider audience. Yuzov and Bernov remain the original core of the band, which has gone through several line-ups in its 10-year history. The group’s latest CD, Lunatics & Poets, is the band’s 11th release on their Shooba-Dooba label. The Red Elvises perform 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 Highway 28, in Crystal Bay. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call (775) 833-6333.