Blagojevich shakes, rattles, rolls as party pro

[ensho]

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/08/blagojevich-shakes-rattles-rolls-as-party-pro.html


The towering one with the flowing locks bore a striking resemblance the male model and romance-novel coverboy Fabio.

The other, according to a voice over a loudspeaker, was "the governor of rock and roll!"

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich made an appearance tonight at an annual street party thrown by a video production company. All told, according to people in the crowd of about 200, Blagojevich stayed at the gathering for about 20 to 30 minutes, shaking hands, joking around and having his picture taken with surprised revelers.

Then there was the song.

Reports from the audience differed as to which Elvis Presley tune the former governor performed.

"Don't Be Cruel," said one partygoer.

"Treat Me Right," said another.

According to Blagojevich's publicist, Glenn Selig, the song was, in fact, "Treat Me Nice."

Efforts began in earnest in recent weeks to find a surprising musical guest for the party, which celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Optimus, a video production company at 161 E. Grand Ave., said the company's president, Tom Duff.

Optimus' "people" called the indicted former governor's "people" and a deal was cinched. Duff confirmed that Blagojevich was getting paid for the performance, though he declined to say how much. Selig, the publicist, said "a portion" of the proceeds would be donated to Gilda's Club, an organization that provides support for cancer patients.

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The noted Elvis admirer performed just the one song that lasted about five minutes. At some point he flipped up his collar and unbuttoned the top few buttons on shirt. He even injected Presley's kicks and hip gyrations into the performance, attendees said.

Blagojevich was practicing all through the week at home and came to Optimus in recent days to sing against a backing track, which he also used in tonight's performance, Duff said.
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sigh - there are pics