GaryElvis was host and emcee for the Windsor Elvis Fest June 27, 28 and 29 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This was an EPE-sanctioned Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist preliminary competition.
An open mic session in Dieppe Park Friday afternoon kicked off the Windsor Elvis Fest weekend. To say that it rained quite a bit over the weekend is an understatement, but in spite of the rain ETAs and fans had a great time! The city of Windsor is a beautiful city just across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan. The city has many great restaurants and the people never fail to make visitors feel welcome. The Centres for Seniors Executive Director, Ellen Hope, and her team of volunteers once again ran a top-notch festival.
Friday night's Showcase of Kings featured winning Elvis Tribute Artists from the 2007 Windsor and Collingwood Elvis festivals. The event took place at the beautiful Chrysler Theatre in downtown Windsor. Danny Granger, John Cigan, Chris Ayotte, Pete Paquette, Jay Zanier and Doug MacKenzie (as Roy Orbison) performed and were backed by the ExSpence Account Showband. GaryElvis was an excellent host and emcee for the evening, singing "Heartbreak Hotel," "And I Love You So," and leading the evening's performers into "My Way," the finale. He also told his much-anticipated duck joke.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary competition qualifying rounds for all divisions and the youth competition was held Saturday during the day at Dieppe Park. GaryElvis made an appearance dressed in his Blue Fringe jumpsuit and entertained the crowd with "Way Down." Afterwards, he posed for pictures and signed autographs.
On Saturday evening, "A Tribute to Elvis '68 Comeback Special" starring Stephen Kabakos with the ExSpence Account Showband was held at The Chrysler Theater. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary competition semifinal round for the pro division followed. Again, GaryElvis was a terrific emcee for the evening. He sang Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison" and later sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water." His imponderable jokes went over well with the audience.
The GaryElvis Gospel Show was held at Dieppe Park Sunday morning. GaryElvis' novel idea to have Fourteen ETAs make up the GaryElvis Windsor Gospel Choir, worked well to entertain the crowd with Elvis's gospel music. GaryElvis wishes to give his heart-felt thanks to all of the guys who graciously donated their time and efforts: Pete Paquette, Stephen Kabakos, Randy Love, Wayne Curtis, Danny Granger, Doug McKenzie, Jeff Marsh, Kevin Bezaire, John Cigan, Rick Duin, Jay Zanier, Chris Ayotte and Lance Dobinson. The Gospel portion went over so well that Richard Rosenthal hastily asked GaryElvis to quickly coordinate another 60 minutes of non-Gospel songs with the boys, which he gladly did and the show went on to a very appreciative crowd.
The youth division competition final round and the Ultimate Elvis preliminary competition finals were held Sunday evening at The Chrysler Theatre. All performers were backed by the ExSpence Account Showband. GaryElvis invited Jamie Aaron Kelley, performer extraordinaire, to join him on stage, and they got the audience singing "Teddy Bear." Later in the show, GaryElvis debuted his new original song, "Let the Candle Burn," which went over very well judging by the impressive audience applause.
2008 Windsor Elvis Fest Winners
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2008 Windsor Elvis Fest!
Youth Jr.
1. Brenen Katolinsky
2. Tyler Desormeaux
3. Boe Seguin
Youth Sr.
1. Brycen Katolinsky
2. Anthony Carbone
3. Bruno Nesci
Non-Pro Early Years
1. James Gibb
2. Billy Cruise
3. Joey Cundari
People's Choice--James Gibb
Non-Pro Vegas Years
1. Patrick McGuire
2. Kevin Bezaire
3. Rick Duin
People's Choice--Patrick McGuire
Pro Early Years
1. Chris Ayotte
2. Lance Dobinson
3. Danny Granger
People's Choice--Lance Dobinson
Pro Vegas Years
1. Jay Zanier
2. Paul Ross
3. John Cigan
People's Choice--Jay Zanier
Grand Champion - Windsor Elvis Fest 2008 entry into the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
in Memphis, TN during Elvis Week in August - Jay Zanier!
Richard Rosenthal provided the following Windsor Elvis Fest video links for your viewing
pleasure:
Gospel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98xgYcXlXSA
Jamming with The Elvis Chorale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AqmMfJyvqA
Let The Candle Burn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcMzJ3mGBg0
Open Mic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxtsSsyCSD4
Quackers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBxSzXSwn4w
On Sunday evening, we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends Sandy and Richard Rosenthal, Chris and Julie Ayotte, and Michael O'Connor. What a fun, relaxing and laughter-filled way to wrap up our Windsor Elvis Fest weekend! We're already looking forward to Windsor Elvis Fest 2009!
The Lake George Elvis Festival was held May 29 through June 1 in Lake George, New York. Lake George is in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains area of New York. The morning of May 29, GaryElvis, Michael O’Connor and Moira enjoyed breakfast at Maude’s Kitchen, a wonderful, quaint restaurant in Glens Falls, New York that bears mentioning. If you’re ever in Glens Falls, be sure to visit Maude’s. You will not be disappointed!
GaryElvis performed Saturday afternoon for the festival semifinals wearing his white with turquoise Phoenix jumpsuit, a replica of a jumpsuit that Elvis wore in concerts in 1972 and 1973. He sang "Johnny Be Good" followed by his signature song, "Just Pretend."
GaryElvis performed two of his own shows in downtown Lake George at The Adirondack Pub and Brewery to a packed house. For his afternoon show, he wore the Purple Owl jumpsuit that so many of his fans adore. For his 2-hour evening show he wore the Blue Fringe jumpsuit. Both shows went over well with the audience, with fans clamoring for photographs with GaryElvis between song sets and after the show.
Friday night’s “40 Year Comeback” show at the Lake George Forum featured Dwight Icenhower, Irv Cass and Robert Washington.
Saturday night’s “Aloha from Lake George” show at the Lake George Forum featured Shawn Klush, winner of the EPE Ultimate Elvis competition in August 2007, and Donny Edwards. Backing Shawn and Donny was the Change of Habit Tribute Band from Chicago, Illinois. GaryElvis was present after the show and was happy to fulfill requests for friends and fans who wanted their pictures taken with him.
Saturday evening’s after-party was held at a lakeside bar, where GaryElvis entertained with many other ETAs. The dance floor was packed with an excited audience, who appeared to enjoy each consecutive song even more than the one before it!
On Sunday morning, GaryElvis participated in a Gospel show, where he sang Lead Me, Guide Me.
The finals were held Sunday afternoon, and the results for the Lake George Elvis Fest are as
follows:
Professional Early Years
1. Gino Monopoli, 2. Matt Joyce, 3. Ted Torres, 4. Joseph Hall, 5. Lance Dobinson
Professional 70s
1. Joe Ramsey, 2. Kevin Mills, 3. Mario, 4. Bryant Scott, 5. Rick Huntress
Fan’s Choice
1. Joe Ramsey, 2. ERock (Eric Haws), 3. Joseph Hall
Non-Pro Early Years
1. Larry Tschekalin, 2. Prezley, 3. Drew Polson, 4. Brycen Katolinsky, 5. Bruce Herron
Non-Pro 70s
1. Steve Mitchell, 2. Anthony Carbone, 3. Wayne Curtis, 4. John Cigan, 5. ERock
Youth
1. Davis Campbell, 2. Jackson Begley, 3. Matthew Boyce
GaryElvis was very happy for the winners and congratulated each one. He is always a gentleman and consistently goes out of his way to help the other Elvis entertainers in any way possible.
Sunday evening’s after-party was held onboard The Mohican, Lake George’s largest cruise ship which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Mohican began sailing on Lake George in the spring of 1908. GaryElvis performed and graciously helped organize all the music for the performing Elvis tribute artists. The ship was packed with ETAs and fans! It was a rockin’ good time!
Be sure to check GaryElvis’ website Photos page or his Yahoo GaryElvis Official Fan Club website for pictures from these events.
GaryElvis placed 2nd in the "Memories of Elvis" competition, which was held in West Monroe, LA March 15.
GaryElvis was among six Elvis tribute performers who sang at a Valentine’s Day party for children and their families at the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa on February 14. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the heart-shaped stickers he handed out, which had “GaryElvis Loves You” and his photo on them. We also added heart necklaces and bottles of bubbles to gift bags for the children. After singing and spending time with the children and their families, GaryElvis fulfilled a special request to visit Robyn, a beautiful 13-year-old girl, in her room to sing for her and her family, since she was not able to attend the party.
The Elvis Extravaganza Impersonator Contest National Finals & Fan Convention was held at the Florida State Fair February 15 through 17 in Tampa, Florida. The event was designated as one of GaryElvis’ “Love Me Tender Day Charity Project” Countdown Partner Shows. Fair attendees brought bears and non-perishable food that was collected and will be presented to local needy families and hospitalized children in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida area. GaryElvis thanks Eric and Cherie Ericsson for their concern and help with the collected stuffed toys and food items. And a big thank you goes out to those great Elvis fans like Vickie Leopard who went out of their way to contribute to the Love Me Tender Day Charity Project!
GaryElvis and other Elvis tribute performers sang at special karaoke events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. These were held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Chris Noel, who starred with Elvis in the movie “Girl Happy”, was present for the Elvis Extravaganza to tell about her memories of Elvis, for photo opportunities and to sign photos.
Elvis Extravaganza Contest open rounds were held on Saturday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Another contest open round was held Sunday at 1 p.m., followed by Final rounds at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. All rounds were held in the 5,000-seat Sweetbay Entertainment Hall on the grounds of the Florida State Fair.
Prior to the start of the first round of competition Saturday afternoon, GaryElvis was present for fan photos with Crystalyn, 5 years old, and Preslie Ewbanks, almost 1 year old, daughters of Tampa Elvis entertainer Jeremy and his wife Shelby Ewbanks. The children were wearing adorable jumpsuits created just for them, and the sisters had been pictured in brochures and advertisements for this year’s Florida State Fair.
GaryElvis entertained the crowd for round one dressed in his white with turquoise Phoenix jumpsuit, a replica of a jumpsuit that Elvis wore in concerts in 1972 and 1973. He sang “Way Down” followed by “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. His lovely wife, Chris Britt, was there cheering him on.
Elvis tribute performers who prequalified for the Elvis Extravaganza by winning previously held regional competitions performed during round two. Competitors who qualified in rounds 1 through 4 Saturday and Sunday at the Florida State Fair were as follows: Jeff LaJess, Jerome Jackson, ERock (a.k.a. Eric Haws), Billy Lindsay, GaryElvis Britt, Doug Church, Ted Torres, Jeremy Ewbanks and Steve Roberti. Despite the fact that GaryElvis was coming down with what turned out to be a 72-hour virus, he persevered and competed in the Finals. GaryElvis took the stage for the Final round in his elaborately studded and bejeweled Aloha eagle jumpsuit, a replica of one of the jumpsuits Elvis wore in 1973 and 1974. The 5,000-seat Sweetbay Entertainment Hall was packed with a very enthusiastic audience! Contest rules mandated that competitors sing the same songs they had during the open rounds, so GaryElvis once again treated the crowd to his awesome renditions of the songs “Way Down” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
When ERock (a.k.a. Eric Haws) took the stage for his Final round, he publicly thanked GaryElvis, who he said really helped him out this weekend. He said, “GaryElvis, you’re awesome—one of the nicest ETAs I know!”
The winners of the Elvis Extravaganza are as follows: Best Overall—Vic Trevino Jr. (Texas), Best Look-Alike—tie between Brian Brenner (Ohio) and Doug Church (Michigan) and Best Sound-Alike—ERock (a.k.a. Eric Haws) (Missouri). GaryElvis was very happy for the winners and congratulated each one. He is always a gentleman and consistently goes out of his way to help the other Elvis entertainers in any way possible.
Be sure to check GaryElvis’ website Photos page or his Yahoo GaryElvis Official Fan Club website for pictures from these events.
GaryElvis placed 3rd overall in the "I'll Remember You" Elvis Tribute Contest, which was held in Live Oak, FL at the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park January 25-26.
The Tribute to the King Contest was held in the Northern Lights Theater at the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Monday, January 7 through Thursday, January 10. Three elimination rounds were held each of the first three days, and the winners of each elimination round qualified for that evening's final. Additionally, one wild card round was held Thursday afternoon. Winners of the evening finals and the wild card round went on to compete in the big final night on Thursday. The grand prize was $25,004; the competition was intense and entertaining.
Ryan Pelton, Myrtle Beach, SC Legends in Concert performer, entertained each evening during the Tribute to the King Contest for an enthusiastic crowd in the sold-out theater. Joining Pelton on stage were Elvis' drummer D.J. Fontana and The Imperials, the Grammy Award-winning vocal group whose incredible voices backed Elvis at the Las Vegas Hilton International Hotel and on concert tours.
GaryElvis' song selections for the Monday rounds were "Hurt," "Just Pretend," "Way Down," "How Great Thou Art," "I Can't Stop Loving You," and a special tribute "Bridge Over Troubled Water" he dedicated to a special friend, Jerri Brian. GaryElvis looked terrific in his white with turquoise Phoenix jumpsuit, a replica of a jumpsuit that Elvis wore in concerts in 1972 and 1973, and even more stunning in the later rounds in his elaborately studded and bejeweled Aloha eagle jumpsuit, a replica of one of the jumpsuits Elvis wore in 1973 and 1974.
GaryElvis took the stage next on Tuesday at 4 p.m. wearing his jumpsuit du jour, a dark blue with white Phoenix jumpsuit, a replica of the Phoenix jumpsuit Elvis wore for 1972 and 1973 concerts. He sang "A Big Hunk O' Love" and "What Now My Love."
During the first round Wednesday, GaryElvis wowed the crowd when he sang a rockin' rendition of "C.C. Rider" and his fabulous signature song, "Just Pretend." He wore his white with turquoise Phoenix jumpsuit. For the second round, he performed a hip-shakin' "Burning Love" and a commanding "Bridge Over Troubled Water." When he sang "Your time has come to shine," he had me believing it was true for him! For the last round, GaryElvis wore his dark blue with white Phoenix jumpsuit and sang "Way Down" and "Just Pretend."
The three ETAs who won the evening competitions and thus pre-qualified for the Thursday night final competition were Chris Ayotte from Canton, Michigan, Ben Klein from Spokane, Washington and Dwight Icenhower from Orlando, Florida. Kevin Mills from Ontario, Canada won the wild card round Thursday afternoon, which pre-qualified him for the final round.
Dwight Icenhower won 1st place, Ben Klein 2nd place, Kevin Mills 3rd place and Chris Ayotte 4th place. A total of thirteen Elvis Tribute performers competed in 11 different rounds (truly a marathon!). Matt Joyce won the competitors’ vote for the Congeniality Elvis Award. In addition to GaryElvis and those previously mentioned the following Elvis Tribute Artists also competed: John Van Thiel, Shawn Sharp, Rick Virga, Johnny Thompson, Joseph Hall, Irv Cass and James Begley. GaryElvis was very happy for the winners and congratulated each one. He is always a gentleman and goes out of his way to help the other ETAs in any way possible.
GaryElvis extends his thanks and appreciation to the Northern Lights Theater staff. Thanks to Rachel Buelow, Entertainment Coordinator, for putting it all together. Thanks to Bob Rech, Entertainment Manager, for his role as the lighthearted master of ceremonies. Thanks to Jamie Cobb, Production Manager. Also, thanks to Richard on sound, Jackie and all of the stage crew that did a terrific job!
What better way to celebrate Elvis' Birthday, January 8, than by attending an Elvis tribute competition? Really, the effort and attention to detail by the ETAs to pay tribute to Elvis is phenomenal and is much appreciated by the Elvis/ETA fans! One of the most endearing things about GaryElvis is he will take the time to ask someone he meets in his travels, “What’s your favorite Elvis song?” Then he’ll proceed to quietly sing a verse or two, making their day a little brighter. I can imagine some of these people he comes in contact with telling their family, friends and coworkers what a tough day they had on the job, adding “but you can’t believe what happened today” and relating how GaryElvis unexpectedly made their day. It makes me think of the song we used to sing in Girl Scouts, “Make new friends, but keep the old/One is silver and the other’s gold.” We’re so thankful for the friendships we’ve made through the Elvis world and for the support and encouragement everyone shows GaryElvis. It was great to meet everyone and spend time with friends! We were already looking forward to the next competition, so it was time to pack our bags and head to Springfield, Illinois for the Midwest Tribute to the King Competition!
The 12th Annual Midwest Tribute to the King Competition was held at the Hilton Springfield in Springfield, Illinois Friday and Saturday, January 11 and 12. The competition was produced by Perfect Impressions Entertainment. Sixteen Elvis Tribute performers competed Friday and Saturday nights for over $3500 in cash prizes. Each night Irv Cass gave a special performance as Tom Jones and Kavan entertained the crowd with his Elvis tribute.
GaryElvis’ Friday night set included “Hurt,” “Promised Land” and his signature song "Just Pretend.” The audience was noticeably dazzled by his rendition of "Promised Land," and GaryElvis appeared to be enjoying himself as he interacted with audience members. He looked fantastic in his dark blue with white Phoenix jumpsuit, a replica of a jumpsuit that Elvis wore in concerts in 1972 and 1973.
Saturday night GaryElvis took the stage in his elaborately studded and bejeweled Aloha eagle jumpsuit, a replica of one of the jumpsuits Elvis wore in 1973 and 1974. He delighted the audience with "Way Down" and "Dixieland." Ladies formed lines on each side of the stage to present GaryElvis with roses and carnations.
The judges cast their votes and the following seven finalists were announced: Steve Brandis, Bill Cherry, Dwight Icenhower, Ben Klein, Jim Potter, Walt Sanders and Dave Thomas. After each of the finalists sang and a brief intermission, the following winners were announced: 1st place Ben Klein, 2nd place Bill Cherry, 3rd place Dwight Icenhower, 4th place Walt Sanders. Dwight Icenhower won Friday's People's Choice award, and Ben Klein won Saturday's People's award.
GaryElvis graciously congratulated the winners and sang during a karaoke get-together in the Rendezvous Lounge after the competition. Once again, it was great to meet everyone and spend time with friends! Thanks so much for all the support and encouragement everyone shows GaryElvis! It's much appreciated!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all
GaryElvis here in Sunny Florida,
What a wonderful year 2007 was!!!! Lots of new and exciting things happened in the Elvis Tribute Artist
world. And what about EPE crowning the "Ultimate Elvis" Champion in Shawn Klush? A better performer and
ambassador for the ETA world, you'll never find. Shawn is so phenomenal on stage. I've had the distinct
pleasure of competing among the best ETA's in the world over the past 7 years and I'm convinced that we
should all be proud to have Shawn representing us. Also, what about Ryan Pelton performing with Celine Dion
on the Elvis Tribute American Idol show back in April?? Wow!!!! That absolutely took my breath away. Again,
a better ETA to represent us would be hard if not impossible to find. Continuing on with the ABC Television
show, "The Next Best Thing". Millions of people watched as each week went by and celebrity performer after
celebrity performer was knocked off by the eventual top 3 entertainers, ETA - Donny Edwards, a Frank Sinatra
and the top winner, ETA -Trent Carlini. I personally feel humbled by Donny and Trent's success, being one of
only a small handful of ETA's to have beaten them both in tough competitions back in 2005 and 2006. And then
finally, how about the USA Today worldwide newspaper celebrating their choice of the top ETA's in the world.
Donny Edwards, Shawn Klush and Trent Carlini made the top 3, with Trent taking top honors. Although my final
order would have been different, I've got to say, the focus on Elvis Presley in 2007 and especially the focus
on the ETA World in general has NEVER BEEN GREATER!!! We can only guess what lies ahead in 2008 and beyond.
I, for one, am very excited and honored to be numbered in the ranks of those performers who strive to
perform and entertain by paying tribute to the best entertainer who ever lived, Elvis Aaron Presley.
Be sure to support your local ETA and bring non-perishable food and/or a stuffed Teddy Bear to any of their shows for them to pass along to needy families and hospitalized kids. Let them know you heard about the idea from GaryElvis and the Love Me Tender Day Charity Project. As a group, we can all make a BIG difference in our communities.
Well, take care and think about making this world a better place to live by sharing a smile and more to all those you come in contact with this Christmas season and beyond.
Love to you all from GaryElvis and Chris Britt down here near Mickey Mouse Land.
God Bless You All,
GaryElvis
www.GaryElvis.com
P.S. I hope to see you at another ETA competition and festival this year and especially in Windsor, Ontario, Canada June 26-29, where I'll perform and be the host for the 3rd straight year. Cya, GE
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!
My Oh my oh my,
This year has completely flown by hasn't it???
Another Thanksgiving is upon us. I hope everyone will have the best ever. And for all of our loved ones going through trials and tribulations, I wish for you God's Extra care at this time.
My fantastic wife Chris and I have had a truly wonderful 2007. No, not economically, but there are more important things, as you know. I believe that when the finances are tight, you have to rely on each other more than ever and on God's love and care. That way, when things get easier, you'll REALLY appreciate them and be more considerate to others.
Well, I hope to see you at a show or competition soon.
I'll be competing at the Milwaukee, WI contest January 7, 8, 9, and 10th. Then I'll be in Springfield, IL for Fred Puglia's contest Jan 11th and 12th. Then I'll be competing in February at the Tampa, FL contest (check later for dates).
So, until we meet again..........May God Bless You All............and don't eat TOO much tomorrow and this weekend!!!!!!!
Yours always,
GaryElvis
Elvis Week 2007 in Memphis, Tennessee was phenomenal! This being the 30th Anniversary year, there was so much to do and just so much time to fit everything in.
Wednesday morning we joined our friends Bunny, Camille and Rhoda (a.k.a. the NJ gals) for breakfast at one of our favorite spots, The Kettle.
GaryElvis was interviewed and photographed Wednesday afternoon in an exclusive interview for the Palm Beach Post, a newspaper published in Palm Beach, FL. The reporter (Rachel) and cameraman (Gary) then shadowed GaryElvis for a bit, attempting to divine just what the ritual is when an Elvis entertainer prepares to take the stage to perform. Rachel and Gary were enthusiastic and duly impressed, especially when GaryElvis sang his signature song “Just Pretend” for them.
The Images of the King Contest was held Tuesday, August 14 through Sunday, August 19 at the Holiday Inn Select. This is truly an international Elvis Tribute Artist competition with competitors from Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden, and Germany, as well as from across the United States. GaryElvis performed Wednesday afternoon. He wore black pants, shirt and jacket, complimented with a shocking pink tie. Once again, he had many admiring fans lining the stage! He sang “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” “A Fool Such as I,” “Angel,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” and “It’s Now or Never.”
We attended Danny Dale’s luau at the Econolodge Wednesday evening, where Gary participated in karaoke. It was a relaxing time and great catching up with friends. Then it was off to downtown Memphis. We enjoyed a great rib dinner at Blues City Barbecue on Beale Street. Halfway through dinner, in came local celebrity, Ronnie McDowell. After dinner, our intention was to walk down Beale Street, but we actually didn’t get far before running into and chatting with Jesse Aron and friends from Wisconsin and Wayne Curtis and friends from New York.
After attending Images of the King on Thursday afternoon, we headed downtown to the FedEx Forum for Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert. This was a sold out event, amazing when you consider the FedEx Forum seats 18,500 people! Even with all those people, we met up with Shawn Klush, Dan Lentino, Ray Walker (of the Jordanaires), and Cody Slaughter and friends entering. The concert reunited Elvis via video on the big screen with many of the players and singers he worked with performing live on stage. Some of the performers included The Jordanaires, The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, Joe Guercio and Millie Kirkham. Lisa Marie was there to introduce her newly-created duet with her father, "In the Ghetto." Priscilla was also there and said a few words about how great Elvis fans are. She actually moved through about 200 of the floor seated fans to get to the stage.
Throughout Elvis Week many fans had GaryElvis sign their Images of the King programs and Erin Feinberg’s newly-released book, “King for a Day.” Feinberg’s book is a photographic study and includes many photos and quotes from ETAs that we know and love, including GaryElvis.
On Friday morning, we enjoyed breakfast with the NJ gals at the Jazz Cafe near the Econolodge. Danny Dale had karaoke set up there, and GaryElvis entertained once again.
The Images of the King winners were announced Saturday night and were as follows: 1st place—Johnny Thompson (Las Vegas, NV), 2nd place—Gino Monopoli (Toronto, ON, Canada) and 3rd place—Scott Norton (Port St. Lucie, FL). Cody Slaughter (Harrison, AR) was awarded the People’s Choice Award, and the Spirit of Elvis Award was awarded to Gene Shaw and Jerri Brian. Sadly, despite the crowd’s enthusiastic response, GaryElvis did not proceed to the finals. He congratulated all the winners.
The Images of the King Breakfast of Champions was held Sunday morning at the Holiday Inn Select. This is an opportunity for fans to hear this year’s Images of the King winner and winners from years past and to say goodbye to friends. It’s a nice finale to Elvis Week. As the Spirit of Elvis winner for 2002, GaryElvis was once again honored to give the invocation and prayer for the special gathering. Later in the program, he sang his thought-provoking original song, “Stuff Happens.” Pictures and videos from the Images of the King are available for your viewing pleasure at this link: Images of the King.
One of the highlights of my trip was when we attended a Sunday evening worship service and a very tasty potluck supper at the Crockett Church of Christ in Senatobia, MS with Bobby and Georgia Stewart and Mack and Mary Sue Gurley. GaryElvis took a turn leading the congregation in song. Many culinary delights were sampled during supper, including fried okra (a first for me). Bobby and Mack had been personal friends of Elvis’. After dinner, we went to the Stewart home for storytelling and an awesome jam session!
Overall, our Memphis trip was amazing, and we’re already looking forward to our return next year! Be sure to check out new photos posted on GaryElvis’ website, GaryElvis.com.
Content date: August 3, 2008
Date Updated: August 3, 2008
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.