Beavercreek banker to don his Elvis gear for cancer fundraiser

Contributed Photo Ryan Roth, a Beavercreek bank manager who moonlights as Elvis. Submitted photo

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By Dale Huffman, Contributing Columnist 10:04 PM Wednesday, November 18, 2009

By day, Ryan Roth is a vice president and branch manager for National City Bank in Beavercreek, but he moonlights as one of the area’s top cabaret performers with a powerful baritone singing voice that has been alluring loyal fans to full houses in the Miami Valley for more than 20 years.

It actually started when he turned 5 and his uncle Jeff gave him an Elvis Presley album as a birthday present.

“I sang along, and enjoyed all music then,” Ryan said. “My mom (Elaine) took me to the Second Time Around music store on Brown Street and I would go home with tons of records.”

When he was 9, Ryan entered a talent show and won first place.

“It gave me the bug to perform,” he said. “My grades were great, and in Beavercreek High School, I played on the football team, but I also landed the lead in the school musical. It was a blast.”

By the time he was 20, Ryan was singing part time at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky.

He began taking professional voice lessons and was coached in musical theater, and for a number of years studied with international opera star Kay Griffel. One year, he landed a lead role in the Dayton Opera production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

At age 26, Ryan was invited to perform on the national “Be a Star” talent show on The Nashville Network.

I first met Ryan about that time, and in 1993, I was hosting a daily radio show with a live studio audience at the downtown Arcade. Ryan became a regular guest on my program and subsequently a life-time friend.

Through the years, he has kept busy continuing to sing in the evenings and on weekends in venues around the Miami Valley.

Ryan has performed at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, a show tavern known as Snickers in New Lebanon, and more recently at the Grand Victoria and Belterra casinos in Indiana.

While performing at the casinos, Ryan appeared on the bill with legendary singers Brenda Lee and Lou Rawls.

Last year, Ryan entered some contests for Elvis impersonators. He was a finalist at an event in Frankfort, Ky., and won the Elvis competition at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluff, Iowa.

In February of 2009, Ryan’s father, Terry Roth, lost a battle with lung cancer at age 65.

“My father was my hero,” he said. “He was always doing good things for others.”

Ryan now has decided to stage a fundraising concert, doing an all-Elvis tribute in his father’s memory.

Proceeds will be used to fight cancer through the Kettering Medical Center Foundation.

A performance group known as “The Change of Habit” will be travel to Dayton from Chicago to appear with Ryan at the concert. “It will be a comprehensive Elvis concert, with lots of production — all the way down to the scarves,” he said.

As a cancer survivor, and as Ryan’s friend, I have been invited to introduce him at the fundraiser.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas

. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDaily News.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.

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ryan roth is one of the best singers and elvis entertainers i have seen i cant wait to see show at mandalay.his voice will move u

billie
10:15 PM, 12/1/2009

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It will be a great night to get out and support a great cause!!!!

DJ
10:56 PM, 11/20/2009

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I knew Ryan in high school, he graduated 2 years ahead of me. I am so proud of his involvement in the local community and this event is a wonderful tribute to his Father. Ryan was always such a nice guy, always with a smile and a hello, for everyone. I wish him the best for this event.

Cat
7:12 AM, 11/19/2009

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Here's an earlier article that gives details on where and when this takes place.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news...

Jeremy
12:52 AM, 11/19/2009

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