In today’s Fan Feature, Louis Young, Danusa Gismondi, and Ashley Gloude, share their wonderful stories, thoughts, and photos about three fantastic ETAs. I hope their contributions to Fan Feature will encourage all of you to send along your stories, thoughts, and photos so Fan Feature can continue. A great big thank you to Louis, Danusa, and Ashley, and previous contributors. Fans of ETAs are rockin’ awesome!
Name: Louis Young
photographer
louisyoungphoto.com
Subject: It’s hot at the Tweed Elvis Festival
Message: Oliver Steinhoff was crowned Grand Champion at the Tweed Elvis Festival in 2016. In 2017, Oliver returned to Tweed as the Saturday night headliner. When performing, he leaves it all on the stage. That night, he wore a leather jacket during the first part of the show. After a few songs, he removed it to reveal a nice shirt—and the fire steaming off of his back.
Moving on stage as he was, his body became very hot and the contrast with the cooler evening air created lots of steam. I took several photos of Oliver that night and a couple of them clearly show the steam coming off of his shoulder. That was an amazing show from Oliver.
Name: Danusa Gismondi
Who is your favourite ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist)?: Dean Z
What makes your favourite ETA so special to you?: The energy this man puts into all his shows is magical. He is constantly doing new things on stage. The love he shows towards Elvis and his fans. Dean always makes time for his fans and appreciates all of them. He always speaks lovingly about his wife and his family. I'm sure Elvis is looking down on Dean and thanking him for keeping his legacy alive.
What song does your favourite ETA sing better than all other ETAs?: Everything Dean does is better because he puts his own twist to every song. He keeps working harder and harder and really outdoes himself every time I see him.
What costume does your favourite ETA wear the best?: Everything looks great on Dean but if I had to pick one it would be his sparkly jackets. I've seen him in the blue one and the red one and boy does he shine! Can't wait to see him in the black one in Niagara Falls!
How far would you travel to see your ETA in concert?: If I had the time and money I would travel constantly to see Dean perform. I never get tired of watching him. I have seen him in Niagara Falls and Collingwood but would travel much farther if time and money allowed.
Dean Z performing at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
What is your favourite venue where you have seen your ETA perform?: I think my favourite venue would have to be Niagara Falls because we were just inches from the stage!
What would you like to know about your favourite ETA, but are afraid to ask?: Where does he get all his energy from? Even the energizer bunny stops for a rest!
Ashley’s favourite ETA, Freddie Gloude. Photo credit for this photo: Evan Gaiswinkler; bottom two photos: Ashley Gloude.
Name: Ashley Gloude
Subject: Not The King, But My King!
Message: My favourite Elvis Presley Tribute Artist is, and will always be, Freddie Galahad, my husband. Freddie and I met because of our love for the King. The very first song I heard him sing was "Young and Beautiful" and I fell for him instantly. His passion for Elvis music shines in his vocal abilities. It brings me such joy to watch him perform. He's been singing since he was 19, but never took it seriously. Though he fears he may have waited too long, I am steadfast in encouraging him to shoot for the stars!
