By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Singer Jim Anderson dabbles in TV movie acting
pic jim-2
Jim Anderson paid special recognition to Ellie Cloos, who is in her mid-80s and a big fan. - photo by VINCE REMBULAT

Moments before his first official hometown performance, Jim Anderson was excited, nervous and thrilled.

For one, his free concert – a tribute to Elvis Presley – at Northgate Park as part of the Movies in the Park finale Saturday was being video-streamed worldwide via the Internet.

He mentioned that folks in Australia, Germany, Japan, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Germany would be tuned in to this live event.

It was just a few months ago that Anderson decided to return to the stage.

“I was in law enforcement, but I was injured in the line of duty and finally had to take a medical retirement,” he said.

As usual, Anderson has to provide treatment to his legs in order to perform. “After that, I’m good for two hours,” he said.

Anderson and the Rebels – included is a group of professional musicians, Frank “The Godfather” on guitar, Tom “Fancy Fingers” on keyboard, Mikey “Batman” on bass, and Greg “Crazy” on the drums – rocked Northgate by playing Elvis tunes of the 1950s.

Along the way, he gave thanks to his wife of almost 20 years, Michelle, paid tribute to their late son, Brandon, and acknowledged one of his biggest fans, Ellie Cloos.

Anderson and the Rebels are booked to play at Pumpkin Fair and will headline “Legends in Music” later in the fall at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.

He’s also juggling a part-time acting career and coaching football at Sierra High. Anderson, who is the new head freshmen coach, is looking forward to doing more acting work after the football season.

He recently appeared in two Discovery Channel shows – “I (Almost) Got Away with It” and “I Faked My Own Death” – and appeared in several scenes in the movie “Contangion” with Jude Law in the Steven Soderbergh-directed action thriller due for release in 2012. Matt Damon and Kate Winslet are also part of the cast.

“I just hope they don’t cut my parts,” he said.

No surprise that Anderson plays a familiar role as a law enforcement officer for the San Francisco Police Department.

He once worked as an officer with the Sonora Police Department and a deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

“I enjoyed working in law enforcement,” said Anderson, who is a 1986 graduate of East Union High.

But music was his first love. He got his taste of performing live on stage in his senior year, and continued doing so for several years, opening for the likes of the Coasters, The Platters, and Marvelettes, to name a few.

Anderson, who will soon set his Elvis tribute act aside, is looking to playing his own music. His style is influenced by Country, Boogie Woogie, and Rockabilly.

He’s planning his first album, “Unfinished Business.”

Fred White, who served as the proprietor of the Northgate concert under DeCristo Productions, will soon serve as his manager.

Anderson, in addition, is booked to play at the State Theatre in Martinez followed by a big show in Walnut Creek in coming weeks.