August 10th, 2020. Editor’s Note: Life moves on and situations are ever changing. I received a message today that the personal status of Jake Slater and Laura West has changed since the publishing of this article. While I will not include a link to this article in future posts, it will remain as part of SIDEBURNS Magazine publication history. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.
Update On: ETA Jake Slater
I received this beautifully written update on what ETA Jake Slater has been focusing on recently. In the comments I received from Jake’s fans, they speak of his fine qualities as a person, as well as great talent as an artist. It is clear from what Jake has written, they know him very well. It is my pleasure to post this update. Everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine wishes you much happiness in life and in his career, Jake—now and always. C. M.
"I took a step back doing competition to focus more on my own form of entertaining instead of competing. I want to perform more around home, doing shows for smaller venues that have been loyal to me through the years. Ever since my father passed away in October 2020, I've grown more passionate about creating friendships and experiences with people who can't always travel or afford to travel long distance to see Elvis entertainment that are at bigger venues and festivals. I'm a very family oriented person, and to me, performing at nursing homes and for the veterans is where my true passion lies. The conversations and stories I get to hear from people who have seen Elvis live, to never getting to see him at all, are special to me. I have been very busy performing all around Michigan this year, and creating new relationships and bonds with people.. Maybe some day I will do another competition, but my main priority now is to provide wholesome entertainment for those around me. Since the Elvis movie came out, there’s been a big interest from the younger generations which is something I love to see! Life has been great in my personal life and career, and I've never been happier! "
Edits by C. M.
Original Article
Introduction
It is such a pleasure featuring ETA Jake Slater and Laura West in Focus On. A dynamic couple on stage, Jake and Laura, who are engaged to be married, perform as Elvis and Priscilla, and Elvis and Ann-Margret, in their shows. Laura, a talented and versatile performer, also performs as Marilyn Monroe. Jake pays a stunning tribute to Elvis Presley and recently placed in the top five at the 2019 Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis. Congratulations, Jake!
On behalf of SIDEBURNS Magazine readers, I wish to thank Jake and Laura for answering interview questions and sharing bios, photos and contact information. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur, Editor.
(Unless otherwise noted, photos used in this article are credited to Laura West and Jake Slater.)
ETA Jake Slater’s Bio
Top five, Taylor Rodriguez, Cote Deonath, Radney Pennington, Diogo Light and Jake Slater, await the judges’ decision at the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Competition in Memphis, TN.
Jake Slater is a national and international award winning Elvis Tribute Artist based in Michigan. Jake has performed at several events in Michigan and other US states, as well in Canada. He was the first place winner, as well People’s Choice winner, at The Portage Elvis Fest 2018 and will be going on to compete in The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition this year in August in Memphis, TN. He is also the two-time champion of the Saginaw King Fest Competition. He showcases a professional, family friendly show and performs all eras of Elvis music--the 1950s, 1960s, and the 1970s. Jake has been performing professionally for 10 years. Capturing the voice, moves, style, facts, and complete aura of Elvis, in keeping his memory alive, Elvis Tribute Artist Jake Slater captivates an audience and takes you back to a time when rock and roll was at its purest and most influential state. He brings back memories for those who lived in the time of Elvis’s career and makes new memories for younger generations.
Quote from ETA Jake Slater:
“I chose to be an Elvis Tribute Artist out of shear admiration for the man, Elvis himself. That was the drive. He was such an amazing and magnetic performer. He was also such a great human being and great humanitarian. Elvis has always been someone I feel you can really look up to. I want to do the best and most respectful tribute I can to the man that brought so much to the world!”
To book Jake: Email the office at ETAJakeSlater@yahoo.com and/or visit the booking tab on his website!
Jake Slater’s Website: http://etajakeslater.com/
Be sure to check ETA Jake Slater's Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/etajakeslater/ This page will help keep you up to date with the latest show schedule, events and other information related to his business, Keeping the Memory Alive, LLC.
Video
Laura West’s Bio
Laura West is a retro enthusiast, professional promotional model, and a tribute artist. Labeled a triple threat, Laura enjoys paying tribute to icons Priscilla Presley, Ann-Margret, and Marilyn Monroe. Laura captures the aura and timeless quality of these icons all in one package. Paying close attention to detail, she likes to incorporate authentic vintage clothing and traditional methods of styling. She is available for bookings as a look-a-like, and also for performances with song and dance as Ann-Margret and Marilyn Monroe--including duets, and can add her tribute to Priscilla Presley to any show. Additional fun facts about Laura: She’s also a former award winning competitive gymnast, cheerleader, dancer, as well as a former Miss Greensboro USA, and competed in the Miss USA Pageant!
Elvis Tribute Artist, Jake Slater, Laura’s fiancé, who has been a professional Elvis Tribute Artist for ten years, is also available for shows and events. Together they appear as dynamic duos, Elvis and Marilyn, Elvis and Priscilla, and/or Elvis and Ann-Margret for special shows and events.
Quote from Laura:
"My favorite part about modeling and doing photo shoots has always been the creative aspect! I love fashion, putting ideas together, really paying attention to detail, bringing my ideas to life and capturing beautiful moments! With doing my tributes, it's the same thing. I have a huge passion for it all! My fiancé, Jake Slater, is the same way with his tribute to Elvis! I also have such a blast getting to do duets, especially with my fiancé. It's a dream come true being on stage with him! With the tribute work, I want to do the most accurate and respectful tributes I can of these icons, while still having fun and being creative. I'm appreciative of all the opportunities thus far, and I am excited for all future opportunities with my modeling, tribute work and performances to come!"
Photo Credit: Giedre Sunquist Photography.
Book Laura today as a promotional model or as one of these nostalgic icons: Marilyn Monroe, Priscilla Presley, and Ann-Margret for your show or special event.
Video
For all modeling and tribute inquiries, please contact us at our office emails. Thank you! Laura.F.West@gmail.com or ETAJakeSlater@yahoo.com.
Laura a West’s Social Media links:
Modeling & Entertainment Page: https://www.facebook.com/MissLauraWestModelTributeArtist/
Individual Tribute Pages:
Ann-Margret Tribute Laura West: https://www.facebook.com/AnnMargretTributeLauraWest/
Priscilla Presley Tribute Laura West: https://www.facebook.com/PriscillaPresleyTributeLauraWest/
Marilyn Monroe Tribute Laura West: https://www.facebook.com/MarilynMonroeTributeLauraWest/
Videos
Questions and Answers
Photo Credit: Lexi Johnson Photography.
Q. What qualities first attracted you to each other?
A. We both agree that there was a deep attraction from the beginning, of course physically, but also emotionally as well. Along with being each other’s significant other, we are also best friends and soul mates. We have always felt what’s meant to be, is what’s meant to be!
Q. Would you like to share how the proposal took place?
A. The proposal took place at Graceland and it was such a peaceful and beautiful day that day!
Q. What’s your favorite Elvis’ song?
A. Laura: Oh wow, almost too many to name…I would say “Baby Let’s Play House” and “That’s Alright Mama”.
A. Jake: I would have to say “Baby Let’s Play House”. Really though it’s hard to pick just one!
Q. Answering for each other—what quality does your partner bring to the stage that you most admire?
Photo Credit: Lexi Johnson Photography.
A. Laura: Jake brings such a natural charisma, and is very authentic. He has such a great connection with the audience and is very knowledgeable about Elvis and often shares neat trivia information and stories with the fans during his performances which they really enjoy.
A. Jake: Laura also brings such an authentic representation of her tributes and is very creative with coming up with outfits and ideas. I feel people also love the charisma and connection we have in real life and that always comes through on stage as well when we perform duets together.
Q. Have you always been an Elvis fan? What are your earliest memories of seeing the King of Rock and Roll?
A. Laura: My first memory is a cassette tape my dad gave me of Elvis, and I was instantly hooked!
A. Jake: I first heard Elvis on the radio at my grandparents’ house and it was playing “You’re So Square, Baby I Don’t Care”, which has still remained one of my favorite songs to this day.
Photo Credit: Lynn Gregg.
Q. If either of you were not in show business, what careers would you each wish to have?
A. We would love to own a store together, maybe a boutique that also has antiques and a record and music selection. Or maybe even a retro style diner or bed and breakfast! We are always dreaming of neat ideas together.
Q. How do you both relax on non-performance days?
A. We love to relax and watch movies or be outside relaxing and cooking out! We also love going to concerts, antique stores, and festivals!
Photos
Photo Credit: Larry Moore.
Laura West as Priscilla Presley (wearing a hat) is credited to Lynn Gregg.