A Second Look: Keeping His Memory Alive

Prologue

ETA Matt Cage at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

I originally posted Keeping His Memory Alive as an eight part series, running from September 20th, 2017, to October 6th, 2017.  Some new followers of SIDEBURNS Magazine have shown interest in reading the article; but because I have so many blog entries since the article was first posted, it is proving difficult for them to find the series.  For the benefit of those who wish to read, or re-read, why and how I started SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine, I am posting the article in its entirety. I have also included an edited version of the September 20th 2017 introduction that I wrote for the series. 

Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.

I still have not yet completely answered my own question about the crème de la crème of ETAs: “What does it take to reach their level of success in such a competitive field?”  However, through the many interviews I have conducted, and the many bios and features I have posted, I may be getting close. 

I have added photos to the article for visual interest, and I did slight editing; but other than that, the article appears today as it did when I first wrote it.  I have had the pleasure of meeting many, many, more spectacular ETAs over the past year and a half, all of whom I would definitely add to the original list of the best in the business.  Interviews with some amazing ETAs, including those with fan favourites Gordon Hendricks and Matt Cage, who are mentioned in the article, can be seen on my website, www.sideburnsmagazine.com, under Spotlight On. I am very excited about four very big interviews that are pending, and another two that are in the works. They are all fantastic ETAs who provided excellent answers to my interview questions. Some answers may even surprise you! ;)

Introduction

September 20th, 2017

ETA Chris Connor from the UK, one of the great ETAs I have had the pleasure of seeing and meeting. Photo Credit: L. MacArthur, 2018.

I have decided that today is the day I will share Part One of my article, Keeping His Memory Alive—the 4000 word article that is "too long for any newspaper", or so I was told by the editor of a local newspaper.  I may not feel comfortable sharing the entire article just yet; but once I receive stories from other ETA fans, I will be encouraged to share my thoughts with a wider audience.  Unlike articles where I write about ETAs, this article is very personal.  It is written from my perspective as an ETA fan. While writing about my experiences, it helped to keep in mind the lessons taught in Brene Brown’s lecture on vulnerability.  Writers and ETAs share a similar plight: When we put themselves out there, whether on a stage or on a page, people are going to judge.  While ETAs expect to be judged during competitions, just like all other artists, including writers, they do what they do primarily because of a passion for their craft and hope not be judged too harshly. I hope you enjoy my article written with you in mind. (Edited, May 10th, 2019). Note: Some of the content may seem outdated given that the article was posted the first month that SIDEBURNS Magazine was launched. A lot of wonderful things have happened since September 10, 2017!

The Article

Sandy Vine as Paul McCartney and Michael Wainwright as John Lennon, as part of The Caverners Beatles Tribute Band. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur, 2017, Canal Days, Port Colborne, ON.

According to a CNN iReport, at the time of Elvis’ death on August 16th, 1977, there were only 170 Elvis Tribute Artists worldwide. In 2011, the number grew to 85,000. The experts quoted in the article predict that, at that rate of growth, in 2040 a third of the world will be ETAs!

My interest in ETAs came quite suddenly and unexpectedly later in life. I was a young teen when Elvis was thrilling audiences with his music and moves. He seemed old to me with his sideburns and dated clothes. I much preferred the slick suits and mopped hair of the Beatles. Their music was based in rock and roll, but it had a beat that was fresh and exciting.  I liked Elvis movies in the 1960s, but I only purchased one of his records, ‘Stuck on You’. It wasn’t until my retirement years that my music sensibility changed, when, on September 13th, 2015, an outstanding performance by an ETA made me an instant Elvis fan and lead to a newfound hobby.  I want to share with you my experiences, observations, and insights into the world of Elvis Tribute Artists. I’ll challenge your perception of ETAs if you still believe that “it’s a fat guy in a suit eating a peanut butter sandwich talking about doing a lot of opiates.”[1]  

Poster advertising Steve Michaels in Return to Grace at the Avalon Theatre, NF, ON. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur

I was given two free tickets to the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls to see Return to Grace. At first I was moderately interested in seeing the show; but after I spotted a promo advertising the upcoming event on a big screen outside the theatre, my interest piqued.  I asked my youngest daughter, an Elvis fan, to join me.

Return to Grace starred seasoned ETA Steve Michaels (aka Stephen Michael Kabakos) from Milton, Ontario.  Both my daughter and I were amazed by his portrayal of Elvis.  He flawlessly covered the decades of Elvis’ career from the 1950s to 1973’s Aloha from Hawaii.  I was so blown away that I came back a second time the following week.

Steve Michaels and Carolyn MacArthur at the Capital Theatre in Port Hope, ON. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

From September 2015 to December 2015—in just three months, I saw Steve Michaels in concert seven times.  I drove as far as Port Hope, a fair distance from my home, to see two concerts on one day.  I began to notice many of the same people at each concert; so while waiting in line for a photo and autograph, I would talk to them about the concert.  Fans were willing to share their experiences and information about their favourite ETAs.  Most had been going to concerts for years, and some even saw Elvis Presley perform live. I could add little to the conversation, because embarrassingly, I had not been to any Elvis festivals or competitions, not even the mega annual event in Collingwood, Ontario. And when I had an opportunity to see the real Elvis perform in Buffalo, NY, in 1976, I declined (much to my regret now). But thanks to technology, I have been able to fill in the years by reading articles and watching performances on YouTube.

ETA Matt Cage and Carolyn MacArthur after his performance in the MDQ at Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton, ON. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

To date, I have seen Steve Michaels perform a total of sixteen times in less than two years—most recently at the Hershey Centre for a ‘word for word, note for note, song for song’ re-staging of the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii satellite performance, complete with Hawaiian dancers and full back-up. I would have seen more shows, but some were out of province or out of country. But Steve isn’t my only ETA. Last year I saw Gordon Hendricks from Great Britain twice in concert, in Hamilton and Grimsby, Ontario. And this year, I saw Matt Cage (aka Matt Dowsett) originally from Belleville, Ontario, at a local venue. Matt is an ETA I will see definitely see again. (He is presently travelling across Ontario in Million Dollar Quartet, singing and acting in the role of young Elvis). And my list keeps growing.  To date, I have seen five different artists perform live, and dozens more on YouTube.   There are thousands of wonderful ETAs worldwide, and every fan has their favourite. It isn’t just about how the artist performs on stage. Fans have to feel a connection to develop an interest in their ETA’s career. All three artists I have mentioned have very successful careers as professional ETAs.  So, what does it take to reach their level of success in such a competitive field? I base my proposed answers on research I have done, but also on my personal preferences and observations. Keep in mind, “It’s all in good fun.”[2]

ETA Sylvain Leduc, winner of the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Seen here in a photo from the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.

If you are seeking a career as a professional ETA, entering a competition is a good place to start. It will require some work to take you from average guy to Elvis superstar, but it will be worth the effort. Having a tall, lean body is a definite asset.  Elvis was 182cm, close to 6ft, and weighed around 75kg/165lb at the height of his career.  Not to worry, though, there are very successful artists under 6ft (and some over 6ft). If you need a little extra height to give you confidence, slip some lifts in your shoes. No one will know. Black leather pants with waist hugging jackets and jumpsuits, especially in white or light blue, are unforgiving; so unless you are going for a 1977 look (I don’t like the three lettered ‘f’ word so often used to describe Elvis in ‘77), best keep your weight in check.  A good head of hair, whatever the colour, is a plus because it can be dyed jet black and styled to suit each decade. Elvis’s personal hair stylist, Larry Geller, stated in Yahoo Beauty that he dyed Elvis’s hair every two to three weeks with L’Oreal. Some sites report that he also used Lapinol and Miss Clairol 51D Black Velvet over the years. To address Elvis’ concern about losing his hair from constant dying, Geller used Vitamin E and jojoba oil to condition his hair.  He also changed brands of hairsprays routinely to avoid drying out Elvis’s hair.  Eyelashes and brows need to be dyed to match your hair. In the early days, Elvis apparently used boot polish on his eyelashes. Fortunately there are safe products available for at home use. Shoppers Drug Mart sells a product made in Germany called Swiss O Par for under $20, or you can seek the help of a professional. For touch ups, mascara and eyebrow pencils work well.  Larry Geller even used black mascara in a pinch to touch up Elvis’s hair. If you opt for a wig instead of dye, purchase one of high quality; otherwise your hair will look like a helmet, and no one will want to ‘run their fingers through your long black hair’.  A little eyeliner under your bottom lashes has a nice effect if skillfully applied.  Be careful, though—too much will have you looking more like Adam Lambert than Elvis! 

ETA Diogo “Di” Light at the NFEF, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

While a good head of hair is an asset, if you have so much chest hair that it looks like you are wearing a brown t-shirt under your jumpsuit, you may want to consider waxing or shaving.  Steve Michaels pointed out in his audience chat that Elvis shaved almost all body hair for his movies. Unless you plan on wearing tight white shorts in your act, no need to go that far for authenticity. There are photos showing Elvis with a hairy chest; but since his natural hair was dirty blonde, he most likely shaved or waxed his chest rather than trying to dye it to match.  Covering that much hair with dye would be a nightmare! Shaving or waxing is also a good way to eliminate grey hair and maintain a youthful appearance. Or you simply could just keep your jumpsuit zipped up! A tanned complexion looks good with black hair, and makes your teeth look pearly white.  If your teeth need work, no one will fault you for having veneers.  It is all part of being a professional entertainer.  Brown or green eyes will benefit from blue contacts. Some ETAs have surgery, treatments, or injections to enhance their appearance; but major surgery to make you an Elvis look-a-like isn’t really necessary.  It is amazing what proper makeup application can accomplish in selling the illusion.  

ETA Cote Deonath performing at the NFEF, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.

If you are a non-professional, or if your budget is limited, some articles of clothing can be borrowed from your dad or uncle if you are performing the Early Years. You can also shop at charity shops where you may find actual sport jackets from the 1950s.  Make sure the look is authentic.  Do your research.  Is what you have laid out on your bed really reminiscent of what Elvis would have worn? In the Las Vegas: Images of the King contest outline, Rule # 2, under Know Your Material, clearly states: Your costume should represent your song selection for each day. (Example: Do not sing “Suspicious Minds” in a sport jacket or leather).  Rule #3, goes on to say: For the purpose of judging and choosing your material, the Early Years (Sport Jacket, Gold Lame, Speedway Jackets, Black Leather, etc) will be considered from 1954 to Dec. 31, 1968. The “Jumpsuit Years” will be considered as Jan. 1, 1969 through Aug. 16, 1977.

Ultimate ETA Justin Shandor having a look at the fine apparel for sale at the B&K Enterprises Costume Co Inc. boot at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

If you are performing the ‘70s, be prepared to spend well over three grand CDN to buy a professionally designed jumpsuit made specifically to your measurements. Off the rack costumes are less costly, but make sure the company that offers them is reputable. One such company is ProElvis Jumpsuits in Nanaimo BC whose owner, Elle von Boetticher, gained national recognition when she appeared on Dragon’s Den.  There are some interesting videos on YouTube where Elle explains what goes into the jumpsuits she makes.  Elle’s company is one of the top suppliers of Elvis costumes internationally because she provides garments to customers that are of the highest quality.  She makes sure you won’t leave a trail of rhinestones, studs and nail heads on the stage.   And you definitely do not want the seams to tear.  Elvis jokingly changed the words in the song “Suspicious Minds” in his 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert from “Because I love you baby” to “I hope this suit don’t tear up baby” as he took a deep karate stance.  But it is a real possibility. On March 21st, 1976 at a concert in Ohio, Elvis’ jumpsuit did tear, and Charlie Hodge came to the rescue by tucking a towel in Elvis’ belt.  After the set, Elvis returned to the stage in a new outfit with the torn jumpsuit slung over his shoulder. Designer Bill Belew was horrified! (Editor’s Note: Since the writing of this article, at which time I knew only of the Canadian company, I posted a fabulous interview that I did with Butch Polston of B&K Enterprises Costume Co Inc. I also have had the pleasure of meeting B&K’s representatives at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in 2018, and again in 2019).

It may seem like a lot of preparation for a maximum of 4 minutes onstage given that appearance only counts for about 20% of the judges’ marks in most competitions.  But keep in mind that you are building a reputation that may lead to a win that may ultimately lead to a professional career.

ETA Tim E Hendry, winner of the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Performance counts for 40% of your total score, as does vocals. Each competition likely has its own system of judging, but the Vegas competition application form is worth a look because it is precise in the breakdown of the marking system and provides helpful guidelines for potential competitors.

It is somewhat surprising that performance and vocals count equally in the overall score. Elvis’s movements were so distinctive that you could see his shadow and know it was him; but unless you have “the voice”, few will buy your CDs that you will want to sell at your concerts. If you sell DVDs as well as CDs, you accurately need to learn the moves that match each song.  Keep in mind that your audience can access the same Elvis movies and concerts that you watch; so don’t improvise, especially in competition.  If I see an ETA making a move I don’t recognize, which often happens because I am a new fan, I check my computer to see if I can find a reference for the move.  I also check costuming.  Did Elvis wear that red and black scarf with a black suit? When did Elvis tug at his army shirt?  Perhaps other fans aren’t so obsessed with authenticity, but I am because I am interested in why certain artists’ careers have longevity. I think it is down to how much attention is paid to details in keeping The King’s memory alive.  Steve Michaels once said of his performances:  “If Elvis didn’t do it on stage, I won’t do it on stage.” Steve’s integrity has led to worldwide recognition and a fan base that recently reached a million according to an ad for an upcoming show.

Ultimate ETA Brandon Bennett performing at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.

Audience interaction and reaction only counts for 5% during competition, but is crucial to achieving a successful ETA career.  At the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, there was no after concert interaction with the performers. And because photos and recordings are not allowed in the theatre, I had to satisfy my need for a souvenir (balcony seats were too far away to have any chance of getting a scarf), by taking a photo of Steve Michaels’ photo that was mounted in the hall of performers.  It wasn’t until a concert in Guelph that I learned that after most concerts, ETAs do a meet-and-greet with their fans to allow time for a chat, a photo, and an autograph.  It is during this interaction that bonds are formed. Sure, I know they really aren’t Elvis; but for the duration of the concert, reality is suspended; and if the ETA is good at his craft, he completes the illusion.  It really is quite thrilling.  ETAs have a big advantage over the real Elvis in that they are living beings who are quite willing to shake a hand, kiss a cheek, or give a hug. If it was a show with the real Elvis, how close to think the average fan would get to him? And it is not just women my age that form a connection with their favourite ETA.  I have seen children, teens, women and men of all ages patiently waiting in line.  But I do think it is women who are old enough to remember when Elvis was alive that appreciate the experience the most; and I am sure each fan has a touching story about their favourite ETA.  For me it was a magical night in Fergus, Ontario that holds a special memory for me. 

At ETA Steve Michaels’ show in Guelph, ON, Lori-Anne surprised me by buying an 8x10 photo for me, which Steve autographed.

The concert venue was a beautiful church in Fergus, ON. As I parked my car, I could almost feel the stained glass windows shake from the vibration of the band and the power of Steve’s voice during rehearsal.  It was a cold November evening, and since it was too early to take a seat, I went for a cup of tea.  By the time I returned, the doors had opened and concert goers were quickly filling up the first come first served seats.  For some reason, the two ladies who entered before me took the second pew.  I had the front pew all to myself. I knew from other concerts, that scarves are normally handed out during “Suspicious Minds”. As much as I wanted a scarf, I couldn’t get up the nerve to approach the stage; but when the lady behind me enthusiastically ran to the stage, I followed her.  When Steve placed a scarf around my neck and said, “It’s nice to see you again,” it was paramount with Prince Charles saying to me, “I hope you haven’t come too far,” when he shook my hand after his Dundurn Castle tour.  I haven’t shared my experience with anyone until now for fear of sounding foolish.  I have since learned that other women close to my age have their own sentimental stories to share.  Last night at an ETA show, a 71 year old lady told me that she gave Gordon Hendricks a glass a wine at his concert in Grimsby while he was on stage.  It was the same concert I attended, and I remember the moment very well.  She proudly told me that she has a photo of him giving her a hug. I have my own stories to share about Gordon Hendricks. At the Hamilton concert, I asked Gordon if I could interview him.  I was surprised and pleased when he said yes.  On our second meeting after the Grimsby show, I mentioned that my table was so far from the stage that he wasn’t able to make it to my seat during the short time in his show when he did a walkabout.  Gordon reached into a box and pulled out one of his CDs which he handed to me and later signed. Kind gestures and words go far in building fan loyalty.  

Ultimate ETA Jay Dupuis with Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine, Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, 2019. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

The more I talk to fans about their experiences, the more convinced I am that my newly discovered hobby plays an important role in the lives of women that society generally passes over. ETAs see the warmth and humour women in their retirement years have to offer. Some of the relationships between ETAs and their fans span more than twenty years. Fans have watched their favourite ETAs careers closely, and they know more about them than just what they do on stage. Some ETAs share stories about their families with the audience during their performances, but the intimacy with their followers goes beyond the amusing stories.  I have overheard fans tell the artists about their recent surgeries, or what their children have been up to lately.  Fans will ask about the artists’ wives, and often present gifts for an ETA’s birthday or new baby.  It may be just good business to listen to the stories of people who buy tickets to your concert; but I think they really do feel a connection to their fans.  The ETAs I have met seem very caring and sincere.  They all have the amazing knack for making you feel like you are the only person in the room when they are conversing with you.  You have to really like people if you chose a career as an ETA.  When I first spoke to Steve, Gordon, and Matt, I was struck by how down to earth they really are. On stage, each puts on a killer performance as Elvis; but off stage, they seem like genuinely affable, nice guys.   Perhaps it is because they worked so hard on their careers, or maybe it stems from their upbringing, but all three ETAs are very approachable.  If an artist does develop an attitude, I think they risk losing fans. But what really goes on in the mind of my favourite artists? To find out more, please go to www.sideburnsmagazine.com and check out my ETA interviews under SPOTLIGHT ON.

The Launch of SB Magazine

My first interview with SIDEBURNS Magazine was with ETA Brent Freeman. In the Introduction to his interview, posted on October 10th, 2017, I delved into the background story of how SB Magazine got its start:

I finally made it to Collingwood in 2018. Photo of Matt Cage credited to Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

If you have been following my blogs since the first installment of Keeping His Memory Alive, you know that my knowledge of ETAs is limited.  For the past two years, my focus has been on one particular ETA whom I first saw in 2015.  Since June of this year, I have increased the number of ETAs I have seen in concert from one to ten.  Not bad, considering I still have not been to Collingwood.  Perhaps if I had made the trip to Collingwood this year, I could have avoided a rather embarrassing situation that arose in connection with an award winning ETA.

On June 16th of this year, 2017, I went to my first ever Matt Cage concert.  As often is the case with small venues such as Flamboro Downs, there were no back-up singers or band.  Musical accompaniment is provided via a laptop. Cuing and playing the song list for Matt’s show, was a tall, fine-looking man with black hair, Buddy Holly-like glasses and an engaging presence.  During the two intermissions, and after the show, I asked Matt’s bespectacled associate to take several photos of me with Matt.  It wasn’t until I got home and did some research that I discovered that the man at the laptop was Brent Freeman—award winning ETA, successful business owner, voice-over talent, musician, singer, and radio personality.  Anyone who had been to Collingwood in the past few years would have recognized him. I was more than a little miffed that I didn’t take Brent’s photo that night.

Brent Freeman was the emcee at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

On September 8th, 2017, I was given a chance to redeem myself.  It was Matt’s second appearance in three months at Flamboro Downs, and again, Brent was manning the laptop.  I took no time in approaching Brent and apologizing for not knowing who he was in ETA land and also for asking him to be my personal photographer at our first meeting.  Brent was very friendly, and he waylaid my embarrassment.  During the first intermission, I took a brave step and asked if he would read part of the article I was working on.  I was expecting Brent to read a few sentences out of courtesy, then hand back my article. Instead, he kept reading.  I sat quietly waiting for clues to any response Brent might have as he read.  Would he think my tongue-in-cheek comments about becoming an ETA as amusing as I hoped they were?  To my delight, Brent laughed at all the right places.  Matt’s next set was about to begin, so Brent handed back my article commenting particularly on the part about ETAs, eyeliner, and Adam Lambert.  I quickly added that according to the editor of a local newspaper, my article was too long for any newspaper, so I was thinking of self-publishing my, yet-to-be-developed, website.  There was something in Brent’s response that led me to believe I was onto something.  I confided that one of my daughters suggested that I could have a page where all things ETA might exist. Brent liked the idea, and equated it to the fan magazines that were popular in the 50s and 60s.

Me with my daughters, Lisa, Lori-Anne, and Heather. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

The next day while I was visiting my daughter, Lisa, I told her about my conversation with Brent, and how I had shared her suggestion for an all inclusive ETA fan site. She was very enthusiastic about me writing a blog, and came up with lots more ideas. The following day, on Sunday, September 10th, 2017, and after 12 hours of dedicated help on the computer from Lori-Anne, my eldest daughter, who is also SB’s professional photographer, SIDEBURNS:  The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine was created.  While I had lots of input into the look of SB, I could not have created the stunning result without Lori-Anne’s computer knowledge. My learning curve since the conception of SB, has been over the top. I still need help sometimes, but I know I can count on my three daughters to lend a hand. From coming up with ideas, to hemming scarves, to ordering mugs and business cards, to printing forms, SIDEBURNS is often a family affair. (The SB t-shirt I am wearing in the above photo would not have been possible without my youngest Heather’s help ironing on the perfectly placed transfer.) My daily role consists of setting up interviews, editing posts, researching, making contacts, answering comments and messages on FB, watching ETA videos, and finding interesting information to post that ETA fans might want to read.

As the first of October approached in 2017, I reached the point in my writing where the placement an ETA interview was optimum. On October 5th, I sent Brent a message asking if I might interview him for my online magazine. I was encouraged by the speed of Brent’s response to my request.  After conducting further research in order to prepare questions that best reflected Brent’s accomplishments, I fired off my interview questions. What came back was a list of witty, honest answers that reflect the charming personality of Brent Freeman. I I will always be grateful to Brent Freeman for taking the time to read the first few paragraphs of my article, and liking it, and for being my first ETA interview in Spotlight ON. Cheers, Brent!

Note: So there you have it: The story of how going to ETA shows for two years, writing about my experiences, and expressing my thoughts on how to become a top ETA, went from being a hobby to launching an online ETA magazine in just three days. I wanted to do something useful during the last chapter of my life, and maybe surprisingly I found it in the ETA world.

Thank you to all ETAs for your interview answers and bios, and thank you to fans for following, liking, sharing, and commenting on what I post, and also for sending your own ETA stories.  It has been such a pleasure meeting and getting to know you. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming ETA shows, competitions, and festivals. You are all so awesome!  

Thank you to Lori-Anne, Lisa, and Heather for your love and continued support, and for helping me in immeasurable ways. You mean the world to me!

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[1]USA’s ETA Shaun Klush’s response to Amy Argetsinger’s question: What do most people get wrong about Elvis impersonators?  Washington Post, November 13, 2014

[2] Steve Michaels repeats, “It’s all in good fun,” four times after a woman jumps on stage at the Ypsilanti, Michigan Elvisfest to hug him - with interesting consequences.  Ref: YouTube post by Dawn Gall

Please note: No part of my original writing may be published without my written consent. Carolyn MacArthur, Editor.

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