Introduction
Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.
This week, Elvis/ETA fan Gloria Joyce contacted me about an article that I will be posting in August. Gloria sent a great photo of herself and her husband, John, that was taken recently at the Empire State Tribute Festival. I asked Gloria if she had photos of ETAs at the festival and Gloria responded in grand fashion. Not only did Gloria send great photos, she had a few words to say about the photos.
Gloria Joyce with ETA Sylvsin Leduc.
I originally planned on posting a Fan Feature post on Facebook, but my interest in the Festival and Gloria’s comments about her photos (and one in particular) required a much grander format. I, therefore, decided to do a full scale article on SB Mag website.
The following article is three stories rolled into one: First there is Gloria’s wonderful comments about her photos, which is followed by a memoriam tribute to ETA Andy Svrcek who passed away in 2018; and lastly, I have added information about the 2022 Empire State Tribute Festival.
Please enjoy the article. Cheers! Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Elvis/ETA Fan Gloria Joyce
I wish to thank Gloria Joyce for her beautiful photos and insightful comments. (Edits by C.M.)
Gloria Joyce,in an outfit designed by Teresa Winston, with her husband, John, who is wearing a shirt once worn by ETA Andy Svrcek.
We were at the Empire State Elvis Festival last weekend and we had a fantastic time! Derick Defreest is the young man in the first photo. He certainly has grown a lot. I have pictures when he came up to my shoulder. Sylvain Leduc is a special friend who always gives me the best hugs. He won Empire State and will go to Memphis for Images of the King. I also took photos of Travis Powell, Robert Washington, Gordon Hendricks, and a new ETA, Phil Maiorano who started last March in Brunswick.
I wore my Elvis dresses each day and John wore his matching shirts. The hotel manager admired our outfits so much that she asked if she could take our picture and put it in the company’s monthly newsletter. I said, “Sure.” I love our outfits! I buy the outfits from Teresa Winston in the UK. She designs them and ships to the US or anywhere. The Loving You shirt that John is wearing in the photo belonged to our beloved Andy Svrcek, an amazing young man and ETA that we miss so much.
Andy Svrcek, October 21, 1970 - December 2, 2018
In Memoriam
ETA Andrew (Andy) Svrcek Jr was only 48 years old when he passed away from esophageal cancer on December 2, 2018. Survived by his wife, Kayla, Andrew is remembered by those who knew him best as an inspiration to all, a warrior.
ETA Andrew (Andy) Svrcek
Born in Pottsville, PA, to Andrew M. Svrcek Sr. and Rose Ann (Winter) Svrcek, Andrew resided in Wind Gap, PA. A graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Class of 1988, and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Andrew loved to entertain. He always said, "If you come to my show and leave your troubles and worries behind for a few hours, then I'm doing my job." And he did that every time. Some of his greatest accomplishments in his career included a number of first place finishes in ETA contests, singing at the Ryman Auditorium, and performing with Georgette Jones (daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette).
Andrew had a heart of gold, always doing for and thinking about others first. Andrew touched the lives of all that knew him and made their world brighter. Rest in peace, Andy.
EMPIRE STATE TRIBUTE FESTIVAL
Images of the King Preliminary ETA Contest and a ‘Return to Its Former Glory’
ETA Bruno Nesci, Ontario, Canada.
Before EPE’s foray into the ETA industry and ETA contests, way back in 1987, Elvis’s veterinarian, Edward “Doc” Franklin, made the modern ETA community a reality when he established the event known as IMAGES. The event, which includes an internationally recognized ETA contest and showcase, has crowned thirty-four World Champions who have gone on to be recognized as the top ETAs performing today. Each year the Images of the King™ World Championship Contest & Showcase takes place in Memphis during Elvis Week.
ETA Dan Barrella, Staten Island, NY.
The Empire State Tribute Festival includes a contest which is a Preliminary to the Images of the King™ World Championship Contest. The winner is invited to compete in Memphis and will bypass the Preliminary rounds held in Memphis and go straight to the Semi-Final Round.
The Images of the King™ World Championship Contest Preliminary takes place over three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). All contestants perform on both Friday and Saturday, and the top in each division goes on to Sunday’s finals. Registration is open to any ETAs who can compete in two divisions.
THE IMAGES OF THE KING PLEDGE
ETA Dan Fontaine, Worchester, MA.
We pledge to always put the fans first, it’s because of them that we do what we do.
We pledge to treat the performers, be they headliners or contestants, with respect and dignity.
We pledge that our contests will always be fair and that our judges will be as professional, knowledgeable and as prepared as possible.
We pledge that we will treat anyone producing an Images of the KingTM preliminary, our Sponsors and
Patrons, as partners.We pledge to treat our champions as champions, promote them and help them advance their careers.
We pledge to #BringBackTheKing. Celebrating his life, legacy and music is the reason we have these events in the first place.
Highlights of the 2022 Empire State Elvis Festival
Here are some of the events from the 2022 Empire State Elvis Festival webpage…
ETA Don Boudreau, Sydney, Maine.
Thursday, June 2nd: Welcome reception to kickoff of the 2022 Empire State Tribute Festival. Say hello to your Elvis family and get a run down of this year’s schedule. Enjoy a few songs from some of this year’s competitors and headliners. Hosted by Dan Barrella.
Concert #1 – “RAISED ON ROCK”: Dean Z, Dwight Icenhower, Gordon Hendricks, Taylor Rodriguez, Robert Washington and Travis Powell, backed by the EAS band. After hours party to follow.
Friday, June 3rd: Preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship Round 1
ETA Mario Kombou, UK.
Concert #2 – “60’s GOLD”: Dean Z, Taylor Rodriguez and Travis Powell, backed by the EAS band. After hours party to follow.
Saturday, June 4th: Preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship Round 2.
Concert #3 – “70’s Platinum”: Dwight Icenhower, Gordon Hendricks and Robert Washington, backed by the EAS band. After hours party to follow.
Sunday, June 5th: Gospel Concert: Dwight Icenhower, Gordon Hendricks, Taylor Rodriguez, Robert Washington and Travis Powell, backed by the EAS band.
Preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship Finals” The five finalists from our professional division and the three finalists from our non-professional division will perform today with the EAS Band and the winner of the professional division will be crowned the first champion of the Empire State Tribute Festival and go to Memphis in August to compete in Images of the King. Followed by a Wrap Party.
In the photos below: ETA Tom Gilbo, Syracuse, NY and ETA Ralph Carey, Lyndhurst, NJ.
