Introducing: Photographer Lori-Anne Crewe

Introduction

Today I have the pleasure of posting my interview with award-winning photographer, Lori-Anne Crewe. Lori-Anne has been an integral part of the success of SIDEBURNS Magazine since its launch on September 10th, 2017. You may have seen Lori-Anne taking ETA photos at major Elvis festivals in Collingwood, Mississauga, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, where she works tirelessly capturing the images we all enjoy in SIDEBURNS. You may have also had your photo taken with an ETA or with another fan by Lori-Anne for a feature in “The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine”. In her interview, Lori-Anne steps away from her camera to share wonderful stories, personal experiences, and insightful details about her work and life as a professional photographer. On behalf of our followers, thank you, Lori-Anne. C.M.

Photographer Lori-Anne Crewe’s Interview

with SIDEBURNS Magazine: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine

SB:  Thank you for taking time today, Lori-Anne, to answers a few interview questions.

LA: Thank you for asking me to be a guest! I’ve enjoyed reading your previous interviews with ETAs and others. Although, it feels strange being the centre of attention—I much prefer to be hiding behind my camera :))

SB:  Would you please share with us how you first became interested in photography?

LA: I’ve always been a creative person and naturally gravitated to hobbies, activities and jobs that involve the arts or creativity in some form. After high school I enrolled in a general arts program at Sheridan College where I learned the fundamentals of black and white film photography. During my youth, I would often be found roaming the streets of downtown Hamilton, Ontario practicing my craft on unsuspecting citizens. It is here that I started my love of photography. 

SB: Have you received any formal training in photography?

Graduation day, Conestoga College: Lori-Anne with her husband, Curt.

LA: In addition to the general arts program at Sheridan College, I’m also a graduate of the Digital Media and Photography certificate programs at Conestoga College. 

SB:  Has the type of cameras and equipment that you use changed over the years?

LA: When I was in college I used a traditional 35mm film camera and developed my photographs in a dark room. With the introduction of digital cameras in the 90s, photography became much more accessible, less expensive and easier to manage—no more rolls of film or developing. Over the last several years, the mirrorless cameras have become the standard for many photographers, especially those in the wedding and event industry. The cameras are quieter, often lighter, and arguably just as capable or even more so than the standard DSLR.

SB:  When did you make the leap from amateur photographer to professional photographer?

After ETA Steve Michael’s show at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, ON, Lori-Anne and her sisters, Lisa (l) and Heather (r), and Carolyn MacArthur, Editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine posed for a photo in the lobby.

LA: I’ve been photographing weddings, people and events for over a decade on a part time basis.

About 5 years ago I decided that it was time that I pursued my love of photography more seriously and made the transition from part time to full time. It wasn’t an easy decision. At the time I had a good paying full-time job with benefits and a pension. I liked my job, but I felt as though I wasn’t living the life I wanted for myself. With the support of my husband, my family and colleagues I made the leap and I’ve never looked back. I love being a professional photographer!

SB:  Do you have a favourite subject or event that you enjoy photographing?

LA: My favourite, always, is photographing people. Every person is unique, so every photograph I take of someone is unique. Add in a wedding or an event, photographing people becomes even more interesting. I really enjoy photographing moments in time, telling stories as they unfold in an authentic and honest way. That is why I enjoy photographing ETA events—there are so many interesting people and moments to capture. 

SB:  When interested parties go to your website, what will they learn about you and your work? 

LA: I have 2 websites: one is for my commercial photography (LA Crewe Photography) and the other is for my wedding and family photography (Cast & Crewe Photography/Film). My commercial site features business portraits and food photography, and my wedding and family website features more documentary/photojournalistic photography.

A wonderful example of Lori-Anne’s skill as a photojournalist.

SB:  Has your realm of photography changed or grown since you first began?  

LA: Definitely! Since I started my full time photography/film business I’ve noticed my style has evolved to include more documentary work. I’ve also learned to use my camera for video to create highlight films for weddings and events. The more I work, practice my skills, and make connections with other photographers and artists, the more I understand myself, my craft and how I capture the world around me. Like any art form, my photography is always changing and growing with me.

SB:  What is the most interesting person or thing have you been hired to capture with your lens?

LA: A few summers ago I was hired by another photographer to photograph the groom and his groomsmen getting ready for a wedding. While I was busy in another part of the house, I could hear cheering and cat calls coming from the pool area. As quickly as I could, I headed out to see what all the commotion was about. As I approached, I caught the best man coming out of the pool with a small towel wrapped strategically around his credentials. The groom informed me that I just missed the best man skinny dipping! I replied, “That’s ok, I don’t have my macro lens anyway.” Unbeknownst to me, the best man was none other than an NHL hockey player and star from the reality show, Hockey Wives of Canada! I didn’t find this out until after the ceremony. LOL

SB:  Please tell us about awards, honours, or accolades you have received for your work as a photographer.

LA:  I don’t think there is enough room here…ha! Just kidding. I’m honoured to be a 2020 “Top photographer in Canada” and “Top 50 International” award-winning member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an association representing the best of wedding photojournalism from around the world.

SB:  Is there one award that has special meaning to you?

LA: This past year, one of my wedding photographs was selected for an award with the international photography group, This Is Reportage. It is very difficult to receive an award, as the judges are my peers and they only award the best of the best in wedding photojournalism. The photo was also selected for a feature in Vanity Fair Italia, Bored Panda and DIY Photography.

Lori-Anne’s photo was chosen by the international photography group, This Is Reportage, to receive an award The photo was also selected for a feature in Vanity Fair Italia, Bored Panda and DIY Photography.

SB:  What is the greatest challenge in being a professional photographer?

LA:  For me, it is trying to crack the marketing code on social media. There are many photographers out there, and competition is tough. A photographer can have the most amazing photographs, but if the work isn’t being properly exposed (pardon the pun) it won’t get noticed amongst the crowd. Developing a brand and being consistent with it is key; but takes work and persistence.

SB:  If you were asked to pick 10 photos that best describe your work, which ones would they be?  

Lori-Anne’s Top Ten Slide Show

SB:  You have been a part of SIDEBURNS Magazine since day one.  How would you describe your association with the only ETA magazine worldwide?

LA: Oh wow! I didn’t know it was the only ETA magazine worldwide! It really has been great fun. I’ve enjoyed photographing some of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world and meeting so many kind and loving ETA fans. The Elvis festivals are probably my favourite because I’m often given special access to photograph the performers on stage, as well as backstage. It has been my pleasure to work with editor, Carolyn MacArthur, over the past 4 years and to see the work and care she has put into the magazine to make it what it is today.

I’m really looking forward to the day when we can all see each other again! (Lori-Anne’s Vimeo video above is a compilation of photos taken from the early years of SIDEBURNS Magazine.)

SB:  Were you an Elvis Presley fan before the launch of SB Mag? 

LA:  Yes! I was 5 years-old when I saw Elvis in Clambake (or was it Girls, Girls, Girls?) and I was smitten from that day forward. Even at age 5 there was no denying Elvis’s charisma and good looks. I didn’t know many of his songs until I started photographing the concerts and festivals for SIDEBURNS. My current favourite Elvis song is “His Latest Flame”, although it isn’t often chosen for competitions or concerts.

SB:  What do you specifically hope to capture when photographing an ETA at a show or competition?

LA: ETAs are really fun to photograph because they do show lots of emotion, as did Elvis when he was singing. Although I do enjoy taking photos at concerts, it can be a bit tricky because of the filtered lighting and moving subjects (especially if the ETA is singing Polk Salad!).  You will often see me moving around the stage and changing lenses to get better angles and focal lengths of the performances. I also take many photographs of the same angle to ensure that I’ve captured the ETA in a flattering moment, and with emotion.

SB: The photos in the slide show demonstrate the precision it takes to photograph an energetic performance, such as the one ETA Cote Deonath gave at the Niagara Falls Festival. With lightening speed, you captured moment to moment changes in Cote’s body movements and facial expressions.

LA: As I mentioned, photographing a moving subject can be tricky, especially with a limited light source. Just making sure the settings are correct and taking lots of photos of the same angle usually produces at least one photograph that will make the cut.

SB:  The camera equipment that you carry is very heavy.  How do you handle the physical challenges of your chosen profession? 

LA: When I first started photographing weddings full-time, I could hardly walk the next day. Taking an epsom salt bath and walking off the muscle cramps would help, but the aches would last at least a few days. After a few years of photographing weddings, my body has adapted and I’m much better the next day. Doing regular exercises like squats and push-ups helps as well.

SB:  How difficult is it to protect your work from copyright infringement?

LA: I think every photographer has had at least one experience with photo theft. With the internet it is very difficult to stop others from downloading photographs, and even more difficult to track the user. Usually, an email requesting the user to delete the photograph is good enough, but sometimes a firmer, legal course of action is necessary, especially if the photograph is being used for financial gain.

SB:  What have you learned about yourself while photographing others?

LA: I’ve always been a shy person, but photographing others has taught me how much I like people. I enjoy bringing out the best in others, to make them glow and feel good about themselves, specifically with portraiture. 

SB:  Is there a person(s), living or deceased, whom you would love to photograph?

LB: Elvis, of course! I wish I could also go back in time and photograph my grandparents in their home to document their day as I remember them. 

SB:  Who is your favourite artist or photographer?

LA: There are several photographers that I really admire. Some of my favourites include American street photographer, Vivian Maier, Canadian street photographer, Fred Herzog and Armenian-Canadian portraitist, Yousuf Karsh.  

SB:  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

LA: I’ve probably seen every 1950s Film Noir movie ever made. I listen to Elvis music on the way to every wedding I photograph. I was a knitwear designer for a short time and also created animated health and safety videos for a school board. 

When Malcolm isn’t practicing his new tricks, he likes to help Lori-Anne with her puzzles.

SB:  Outside of photography, what other work or hobbies do you pursue?

LA: Since COVID became a way of life, I’ve been doing lots of jigsaw puzzles, training my tabby cat to do tricks, and spending more time gardening. I enjoy sports, so when I have time, I like to go for hikes, cross country ski and take our canoe out for a paddle. I always have some sort of photography project on the go as well. There never seems to be enough time in the day!

SB:  Are there people in your life, or who passed through your life, that you wish to thank?

LA: Thanks to you, Carolyn MacArthur, for asking such great questions for this interview and for including me in SIDEBURNS. We have made some great memories over the past 4 years. You are a talented writer and I hope you continue doing what you love (and I’m not just saying that because you are my mom ;) 

SB:  And for my last question, is there a question you wish I had asked but didn’t?

Lori-Anne Crewe’s candid shot of Ultimate ETA Dean Z with the Casino Brothers Band during a sound check.

LA: I think you covered everything. Again, great questions. 

SB:  Thank you, Lori-Anne, for a wonderful interview.  And on behalf of everyone who enjoys the fantastic images that you capture, thank you very much!

LA: Thank you!

Comments from Clients

"These photos bring me right back to every single moment with such power of emotion! You sure know how to recreate a story in such an elegant, honest and artistic way.  I don’t even know how to explain how full my heart is."  Matt & Alana

"Thank you so much for the beautiful wedding photos. Kirby and I went through them last night and he had tears in his eyes all over again. You truly have an amazing talent for capturing the whole essence of a very memorable evening!" Jay & Kirby

"We haven't been able to stop looking at the photos! You did such an incredible job!" Adrian & Ashley

“[The photos] are magical, beautiful and goosebumps worthy! You are an outstanding photographer and I’m lucky to have found you!" Elena & Nick

Editor’s Notes

Lori-Anne chatting with Pat Clark, grandmother of ETA Connor Russo, at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.

Many of you knew before reading Lori-Anne’s interview that she is my daughter. As her mom, I could not be prouder of all she has accomplished in her career as a professional photographer. To me, Lori-Anne’s greatest personal success in life is the kind, caring, and loving person she is to her family and friends. If you have had an opportunity to speak with Lori-Anne at any of the shows or festivals, you know she is friendly, soft-spoken, a good listener, and someone who really enjoys getting to know ETA fans.

Lori-Anne and I share many things as mother and daughter. We have the same sense of humour. We love old movies, art, and cats. We enjoy dining out, going to spas, and most of all, spending time with family. Many of our favourite moments together over the past four years have been spent in our hotel room at ETA festivals talking about the day’s events late into the night and drinking a bottle of wine that Lori-Anne always remembers to pack.

Thank you to our friend, Louis Young, for this wonderful photo.

Lori-Anne’s contribution to the success of SIDEBURNS Magazine cannot be overstated. Literally, from day one, she has been by my side helping in immeasurable ways. If I have a tech problem, Lori-Anne is always willing to assist. She has patiently taught me new tech skills so I am more efficient and self reliant on my iPhone and laptop. (Just the other day, Lori-Anne taught me how to post on Instagram :) Without Lori-Anne, my adventure with SB Mag would not be nearly as much fun.

Thank you, Lori-Anne, my dear daughter, for all your hard work over the past four years; and most of all, thank you for a lifetime of beautiful memories. Love, Mom.

Photographer Lori-Anne Crewe at Work

Expert Advice

Lori-Anne’s article on how to successfully include pets in your wedding photos was published in the 2019 Fall/Winter editon of the bridal magazine, The Wedding Ring.

An Engagement Slide Show by Lori-Anne Crewe

Model Photos

Contact Information

https://www.castandcrewe.com/ http://www.lacrewe.com/

Introducing: Dan Lentino

“You will instantly like this guy!”

Introduction

My first meeting with Dan Lentino was at the 2019 Collingwood Elvis Festival.  Shawn Klush was on my list of ETA interviewees, and accompanied by Dan, he met me in the media area. Scheduling was tight at the festival and it was clear that there would not be enough time for an in-depth interview. The few minutes I had with Shawn, therefore, needed to be meaningful. I briefly explained the goals of SIDEBURNS Magazine and spent the rest of the time engaged in friendly conversation. Shawn was as delightfully funny and charming one-on-one as he is on stage in front of a large audience; and Dan, who had been quietly standing by keeping a close eye on the time, was pleasant and professional.

As Shawn and Dan were leaving the media area, Dan handed me his business card and said to contact him about a full interview with Shawn.

Over the months since that first meeting, and while doing research in preparation for Shawn’s interview, I came across some interesting articles about Dan. In summary:

Dan on balcony in Puerto Varas, Chile.

Long-time musician and businessman, Dan Lentino, is one of the top ETA agents in the business. Dan has been connected to the ETA world since the early 1970s when he and his band performed backup for several Elvis Tribute Artists. From his on-stage vantage point, Dan saw first-hand how and what audiences responded during a performance and this insight helped him in marketing and managing ETA careers.  Over the years, Dan has guided and managed the careers of some the world’s most successful Elvis Tribute Artists.

There is much more to Dan’s interesting story, and who better to tell his story than Dan himself.

It is such a pleasure featuring Dan Lentino, long-time friend and business manager of actor, singer, recording artist and Elvis Tribute Artist, Shawn Klush, in SIDEBURNS Magazine. As blogger Mark Damon said about meeting Dan for the first time, “You will instantly like this guy.”* I full heartedly agree! Please enjoy…

Introducing: Dan Lentino

Entertainment Impresario and Ambassador

Dan as Master of Ceremonies.

A professional entertainer since the age of 10, Dan Lentino, along with his brother and 2 boyhood friends, formed a band called the Fabulous Ambassadors and became extremely popular, even opening for huge entertainers such Johnny Cash and June Carter and many others until the novelty of their ages wore off. Dan then decided to form a rock ‘n’ roll revival band covering the great hits of the 50s and 60s which became successful all over the Midwest. The band released a record called Mac is Back and the Rumble Boogie with Dan on lead vocals which gained airplay in both the US and Europe.

Dan became involved with the Elvis world in 1972, the first time he saw Elvis perform live. He saw a young man at a local Boys Club carnival that looked just like Elvis. He put him on stage the very next night and the audience went crazy. His name was Rick Saucedo. Dan became his manager and 5 years later, just after Elvis passed away, Dan brought Rick and the band to New York  where Dan co-directed the Broadway show ‘Elvis the Legend Lives’ which ran at the famous Palace Theater in NY for 16 weeks. The show incorporated Elvis’s own backup singers, the legendary Jordanaires, as well as some of Elvis’s own musicians like his original drummer DJ Fontana. The show toured the US and Canada for a number of years which included a successful run at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. Following that show, Dan co-produced and directed a series of highly successful tours including The Elvis Memorial Concert Tour, Heart of the King on Tour, The Las Vegas Elvis Fest at the LV Hilton, 3 Faces of the King, the highly successful Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular in celebration of Elvis’s birthday and the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour, the most popular Elvis tour in the UK.

Dan with Joe Esposito.

 Dan is highly respected in the Elvis world and formed over 40-year friendships and business associations with The Jordanaires, DJ Fontana and so many others that worked with, and many who lived with Elvis. That is much longer than they knew or worked with Elvis. Dan also formed close friendships and business relationships with the late Joe Esposito, Elvis’s right hand man and road manager. Joe was undisputedly the man who was closest to Elvis. Ambassador Dan exclusively manages and books The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis’ very own female vocalists who performed over 1000 shows with Elvis from Vegas up until the time of his death. Dan also worked with the late Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood of Elvis’s Imperials, the late Charlie Hodge, Elvis’s Stamps Quartet including JD Sumner and the late Joe Guercio. Dan has become very close with Jerry Schilling who was Elvis’s lifelong friend and close member of his inner circle.  

 Besides the US, Dan tours the shows regularly in the UK, South America, Europe, Australia and Canada where the response has been unbelievable, exposing Elvis’s music to new generations and markets.

Dan has produced 7 Elvis Tribute albums and has participated in, been consulted on numerous Elvis related books and films. Dan was asked to review the CBS TV movie ‘Elvis’ and works closely with a network of 120 Elvis fan clubs worldwide and continues to work closely with Elvis Presley Enterprises on many events. Dan was the consultant on numerous TV shows including ‘Elvis Day’ on Oprah Winfrey, Maury Povich, BBC1’s World’s Greatest Elvis TV Show, ‘Elvis Week’ on The Late Show with David Letterman and the HBO series ‘Vinyl’ produced by Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger. Dan was recently involved on the pre-production of a new Elvis bio pic due to be released in the Fall of 2021.   

Dan and Cody in Vegas.

Currently Dan produces, directs, acts as musical director and consultant for some of the largest Elvis Festivals in the world. He exclusively managed and started the careers of the world's most successful Elvis Tribute Artists: Rick Saucedo, the late Trent Carlini, Ryan Pelton, and Justin Shandor. He also books and advises Dean Z and several others. Dan is exclusively, the career long manager of Shawn Klush, the most popular Elvis Tribute Artist in the world today, and Cody Ray Slaughter, who starred in the Tony Award winning Broadway tour of Million Dollar Quartet. Dan Lentino continues to be the ‘go to man’ in the world of Elvis Tributes.

For more information, please visit:

Ambassadorshows.com, ElvisTributeArtistWorldTour.com and ElvisTributeArtistSpectacular.com  

Bio provided by Dan Lentino. Photos are credited to Dan Lentino and photographer Eva Brand. Editing by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Introducing: Greg and Alanna Frewin

Introduction

Following the 2018 media event for the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, I wrote a blog thanking organizers for an informative and entertaining day that included the musical prowess of ETAs Bruno Nesci and Richard Wolfe and two dazzling feats of magic by world renowned magician Greg Frewin.  I had seen Bruno and Richard perform in many great shows in the past, but it was my first time seeing Greg Frewin on stage.  Baffling onlookers by making a full sized ten pin bowling ball drop from a 2D drawing, magician extraordinaire, Greg Frewin, also made his lovely assistant turn into Richard Wolfe!  I marvelled and wondered at these spellbinding illusions that must have taken years and years to perfect. Greg’s amazing performance left me wanting to know more about the man behind the magic and how the the Greg Fewin Theatre evolved over the years to become one of the most popular destinations in Niagara Falls, known not only for magnificent magic shows and big musical productions, but as a location for a very successful annual Elvis festival and competition.   

Article on Magician Greg Frewin

by Carolyn MacArthur

World renowned magician, Greg Frewin. Promo photo.

Originally from my hometown of Stoney Creek, Ontario, magician, Greg Frewin, attended Saltfleet High School at the same time as my eldest daughter, Lori-Anne. Lori-Anne remembers Greg performing magic tricks during assemblies.  Greg’s interest in magic began at very young age and by the time he started Saltfleet High he had read everything available on the subject of prestidigitation.  In his early teens, Greg secured the help of Hamilton, ON, magician, Doug Basham, for some hands-on training.  After rehearsing tricks with coins, cards, ropes and handkerchiefs to perfection, Greg moved on to more advanced illusions, and assisted Basham in his shows. 

In the years that ensued, Greg enjoyed great success as a magician, winning several coveted awards, including First Place at the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), the Gold Medal of Excellence, also from the IBM, First Place at the Society of American Magicians' annual convention competition, and First Place at FISM, the "Olympics of Magic", which was held in Yokohama, Japan, 1994.

Greg also appeared in 35 television programs, including the 2009 Frogwater Media Inc./CBC special called Greg Frewin Magic Man Home for the Holidays. The following video is from 2020.

Performing his magic in popular venues such as Caesars Palace, the Tropicana, and the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas, Greg also performed in Monte Carlo for Prince Rainier at a command performance.  Named Magician of the Year in 2009 at the World Magic Awards, Greg Frewin is recognized by his peers as the “International Grand Champion of Magic". 

The Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

After years of extensive touring and it came time to settle back home in Canada, Niagara Falls seemed the perfect fit for Greg, since the Lily Langtry theatre, located in Maple Leaf Village (now Casino Niagara), was the first stage where Greg performed his own magic show.  Having decided on the city, the next step was finding the proper location.

In 2003, Greg and his dad, Art, found the perfect venue—a 42,000 square foot warehouse on Ellen Street just above the Clifton Hill area.  After much planning and hard labour, the 700 seat Vegas-style Greg Frewin Theatre opened in May, 2005. 

Standing beside one of the two lions that guard the entrance to the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls, ON. Photo Credit: C.M., June 17th, 2019.

In 2018 when I visited the Greg Frewin Theatre for the first time, I was impressed by the beauty and functionality of the theatre that offers the best magic shows in the world.  It is a spacious and welcoming venue in a city that attracts millions of visitors annually from around the world, making it perfect location for an Elvis competition and festival.  The success of the NFEF, which is celebrating its fourth year in 2020*, is a testament to the business acumen of Greg and Alanna Frewin and their festival partners, Tony Busseri and his daughter-in-law, Heather Busseri.  I had the pleasure of meeting Greg, Alanna, Tony, and Heather for the first time at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Just prior to the 2019 NFEF, I completed and posted an interview with Tony Busseri for SIDEBURNS Magazine, and I thought how interesting it would be to do a companion interview and article with Greg. (Tony’s interview can found on my website blog under Introducing: Tony Busseri).

*(Although the first ETA competition/festival was held in 2017, the COVID pandemic interrupted plans for the festival in 2020 and 2021, making 2022 the fourth anniversary.)

I brought a list of interview questions with me to the 2019 NFEF in the hopes that I might complete an article that I started last year after witnessing the pure magic of Greg Frewin at the 2018 media event. Greg, however, was away at a conference for most of the weekend, but I had the great pleasure of interviewing Alanna Frewin who gave wonderful answers to questions about the Greg Frewin Theatre and their NFEF business collaboration with Tony and Heather Busseri.

Alanna, who has in the past assisted Greg onstage in his magic shows (as seen in the video on the left), shared her passion away from the theatre in videos of her mares with their foals. Alanna’s love of her horses shone through her words and smiles as we watched her lively filly and colt being closely monitored by their attentive mothers. It was a special moment during the interview that I will long remember. Thank you, Alanna, for your insightful answers, for sharing your wonderful videos, and for sending along the following beautiful photos for all to enjoy. Best regards, Carolyn.

Description of photos provided by Alanna Frewin. Top row: 1) This is Finnigan…he is hilarious. He's a handsome young man at just 2 months.  2) Finn again. Second row: 1) This is our yearling Quill. 2) Finn and Flicka. Bottom row: 1) This is my daughter Megan and her horse, Rose. 2) Little Mave and Mary. Mave is our little porcelain doll but she is an eventer at heart. (Photo Credit: Alana Frewin. Edits by C. MacArthur).

An Interview with Alanna Frewin

Alanna Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theatre, June 17th, 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  Please reflect on the years following the opening of your theatre in 2005?

A.  It was a lot of work, and there were a few difficult years.  It takes a while to fit into the Niagara Falls community.  They have developed a “sit and wait” attitude because over the years, so many businesses have come and gone. 

Q.  When Greg first decided on the building that is now the Greg Frewin Theatre, what were the greatest challenges he faced?

A.  The building needed to be renovated.  Ashak Merani, who owns the theatre and many other buildings in the area, liked the idea of a magic show; and working to Greg’s specifications, he did the renovations.   In the last three months before opening, Greg concentrated solely on the construction the stage.

Q.  How would you describe the design of the Greg Frewin Theatre?

A.  The theatre you now see is best described as “Las Vegas” style.  It is a dinner and show venue.  The spacious lobby, which was decorated by Greg, lends itself to an easy flow of traffic when patrons enter the theatre. 

Q.  What arrangement do you have with the owner of the building?

A.  We rent the building; and it is happy news that we have signed the lease for 10 more years. 

Q.  From the beginning, had you and Greg envisioned that your theatre would be used for more than magic shows?

A.  Not 100%.  In the first year of opening, we worked on establishing Greg’s magic show.  Then in the second year, we branched out and added shows run by Disney Productions.  This year, we will present Linus Hand’s production of “Beauty and the Beast”. (Ticket information for “Beauty and the Beast” that starts on July 3rd, 2019, can be found at http://www.gregfrewintheatre.com )

Q.  How did you first meet Tony Busseri?

A.  Tony came to the theatre to talk about whether the shows he produced would work in our theatre.  Typically, our theatre would buy shows such as Tony’s.  Then four years ago, Tony introduced the idea for a Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.    

Business partners, Tony Busseri and Alanna Frewin, 2018, at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  What were the steps that led to Greg and you forming a partnership with Tony?

A.  The first year was one of development.  There was a lot more work involved in putting on a three day event. 

Q.  Before the NFEF had you and Greg, or Tony, booked any Elvis tribute acts? 

A.  Tony brought ETA Stephen Kabakos to perform at the Greg Frewin Theatre.  He was the only ETA performing at our theatre prior to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. 

Q.  Were either you or Greg Elvis fans prior to the NFEF?   

A.  Neither I, nor Greg, were Elvis Presley fans before seeing the talented ETAs who perform in our theatre.

Q.  How would you describe your and Greg’s working relationship with Tony and Heather Busseri?

A.  We love both Tony and Heather.  And we love working with them.  Tony is so enthusiastic!

Q.  What do you see as the potential growth for your business and the city of Niagara Falls as it relates to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival?

A.  The potential for growth for both our theatre and the city of Niagara Falls itself is great.  Our first three years have been so successful that we are adding a fourth day of events in 2020.  Next year, the NFEF will run from Thursday to Sunday.  In 2018, the month of April was officially declared “Elvis Month” in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, by Mayor Jim Diodati. 

(Photos from 2018 and 2019 feature Mayor Diodati (first photo) and a few photos of present and former GFT employees).

Q. What is your response to Tony’s comment that you play a big part in the organizing of the NFEF?

A.  I do my part; but I must credit my team, namely, Serena Waldeck, Michelle Peach, Brandon Green, Larysa Hawrylyshyn, Shannon Rossi, Tamara L’Ecuyer, Jessica Maier, and Susan Cullen, for the organization and success of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.  It is definitely a group effort. 

Q.  Who are the people you would like to thank for making your shows and the NFEF so successful?

A.  There is such a long list!  Many people to thank, including, Tony, Heather, Victor, and our dedicated team.  We knew Victor J Hanson long before the NFEF through his work on cruise ships.    

Q.  How did you and Greg meet?

A.  We met at a Halloween party.  We are heading towards our 25th Wedding Anniversary. 

Q.  What do you do to relax during the days you are not at the theatre?

ETAs Di Diogo Light, Riley Jenkins, and Cote Deanoth at the 2019 NFEF Gospel show. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

A.  When I need a hug, or just some quiet time, I go to see my horses.  Greg always has a magic project on the go.  He is so artistic, and does his own designs for his shows. 

Q.  Describe the perfect future for you and your family.

A.  Jokingly, retirement in Florida. 

From all of us, thank you very much, Alanna and Greg Frewin.

Video

Introducing: Tony Busseri

Prologue

The following background information is an edited excerpt from ARB Productions website:

For more than 20 years, ARB Productions has been producing and brokering nostalgia stage shows featuring legendary performers and tribute acts from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. ARB was founded in 1990 by Tony Busseri and his brother, Frank Busseri, who was one of the original members of The Four Lads.  ARB began producing nostalgia shows in dinner theatre format, bringing acts to venues across the country. 

Frank Busseri at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in 2018. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Sadly, Frank Busseri passed away on January 28th, 2019.  The following announcement was posted on the NFEF Facebook page:

Today we lost a member of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Family and a music legend.  Frank Busseri, a member of the Four Lads and founding member of Festival partner ARB Productions, passed away in Palm Springs at the age of 85. 

Before rock & roll took over the charts and became a decades-spawning cultural phenomenon, Toronto vocal group The Four Lads dominated the early 1950’s North American pop scene.  Their four-part harmonies and clean-cut image helped make hits of songs like “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”, “Moments to Remember” and “No, Not Much!” in both America and Canada.  Frank Busseri and the Lads were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1984. 

Frank was part of the Celebrity Panel at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival and entertained our guests with his more than 60 years of experience in the music industry. 

In Tony Busseri’s interview, he shares fond memories of his brother Frank and stories from their early life at home.  Tony’s deep love for family shines through in all his answers.  In partnership with his daughter-in-law, Heather Busseri, and Greg and Alanna Frewin, Tony produces the highly successful Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, now in its third year. 

It was a delight interviewing Tony over the phone, and I very much appreciate Tony’s insightful answers. At the conclusion of the interview, Tony commented, “You now know more about me than anyone else.” With today’s post, everyone will get to get know a little more about the man behind the productions we all enjoy. On behalf of all SIDEBURNS Magazine readers, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you, Tony, for sharing your wonderful story.

It is indeed a pleasure introducing Anthony Ralph Busseri to you all. C.M.

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The Interview

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

A.  My dad, whose last name was originally “Bucceri”, was from Brooklyn, NY.  In his late teens, my dad came to Canada where he met my mom who was born in Toronto, where I was also born.  I grew up surrounded by a lot of music.  My dad, who was a musician and a music teacher, was also in a band later on.  My brother, Frank, who was 8 years older than I (I am the baby of the family), was a singer; so between my dad and brother’s connections in the industry, there were always a lot of celebrities hanging out at our house.  With our loving mother, home-life was a lot of fun.  I played a lot of sports, and had an interest in music.  I wasn’t the best student, but I liked school. 

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager. 

A.  I had a lot of friends and a lot of fun as a teenager.  Bloor Collegiate High School was a small high school, so everyone knew each other.  It was a different era.  I was involved in hockey and football.  I had some good teachers.  My favourite subject was history.  I worked for the City of Toronto Parks Department as a park and recreation playground supervisor.

Q.  Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

A.  The exposure to music at home was a big, big, factor, and I learned a lot through the experience. I also learned from my brother, Frank, and from travelling with him and others.

Tony Busseri at the Greg Frewin Theatre, 2018. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

A.  Sinatra and his era of music.  We listened to a lot of crooners and big band music.  I worked with Jerry Vale and Al Martino.  I booked and promoted them.  My brother, Frank, was in three PBS specials with The Four Lads.  

Q.  What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

A.  From my parents, I learned to treat people like you want to be treated and to show respect.  I learned to sit back, assess, and reflect on what I was doing in my work and personal life.  I learned about humanity through the related courses I took. You have to know how to deal with people--especially performers.  The big name performers were reasonably easy to deal with.  Now my job is a producer, and it is a big part of my job. 

 Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A.  I went into chartered accounting and worked for a firm; but I didn’t finish the course because I really wasn’t an accountant.  I decided to get involved in the government. I was groomed into management and became a director.  I took many Social and Humanity courses, as well as leadership courses, over the years. I married in my twenties, and with wife, and our three sons that followed, in tow, moved around a lot for work.  Due to the job, and to get the experience I required, we moved 6 times in 5 years. 

I retired at 55 after 35 years in government employment, and for the past 28 years, I have been a show business promoter-- a total change in career!

Q.  Who are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

A.  My wife, Patricia, was the important woman in my life.  I learned so much from her about how to deal with people, and how to nurture and love.  She could make you feel you were the only one in a room.  She didn’t judge and thought the best of people, giving them the benefit of the doubt.  Patricia passed away 18 years ago, and my grandchildren came into my life at the right time.

Q.  How are you different from your late brother Frank?

A.  My brother was a lot more laid back and easier going than I.  I am more assertive and goal oriented.  It took years to find out his stories about the business because Frank was very private. 

Tony with his daughter-in-law and business partner, Heather Busseri, at the media launch for the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  Describe how your company ARB Productions got its start.

A.  When I retired I was too young not to do something else and music was the logical next step because of my brother’s influence.  I started an entertainment business in partnership with my brother.  The promoter takes all the risks.  At first I was an agent; now I am a producer.  The concept of dinner theatre was our attempt to bring back the heyday of dinner theatres and nightclubs…a place to have a meal, have a drink, and see a great show.  As I did that, dealing with the variety of performers, I moved into producing events after I learned about the business…it was a natural progression.  Entertainment agents sell the shows.  Producers create the shows from a concept. 

Q.  What men have had a positive influence in your life?  How?

A.  My sons have had an influence by providing input.  My oldest son, Tony, is a CEO and works with finances.  My middle son, Michael, is a psychologist, and along with my daughter-in-law, he is there for counselling.   He reminds me I don’t smile enough.  And youngest son, Peter, is there for moral support and to have to fun.  Heather is my business partner in the NFEF, as well as Greg and Alana Frewin.  Heather has her roles in the business.  And my other daughters- in-laws, Karen and Jodi, have also had a positive influence in my life.

Q.  What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A.  In my moments of despair, there is loneliness at not having my partner, my wife.  We took risks together, and we talked a lot about things.  I have some good friends to talk to.

Q.  Describe your typical day at home.

A.  I like to go to sporting events.  I like movies and documentaries.  I follow the news, and watch research programs on PBS.  I like to read stories, mostly fictional, because I like to be distracted when I read.   A good story does not require much concentration, and I get lost in the story. I enjoy cooking for my family.  I also cook for myself because I enjoy it.  I watch a lot of cooking shows.  I occasionally enjoy gambling.

At the Flaming Star Elvis Festival in 2018, I asked if I might take a photo of Tony with Theo and jokingly added that I knew “more about him than anyone else”. Theo found this exchange very amusing…lol. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur..

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A. Kidding around with people makes me laugh.  With my buddy, “Fast Eddy”, who is a widower, I laugh a lot.  He likes to joke around.  I learned from the tragedy of losing a wife that we have to look at the lighter side of life and take each day as it comes.  Make life fun and look at it in a humorous way.  Eddy lived around the corner, and I would see him walking fast around the streets after his wife died.  That is how he got the nickname “Fast Eddy”.

Q.  In the list of entertainers on your website, there is an absence of ETAs.  Please explain.

A.  I don’t usually promote individual Elvis tributes.  Steve (Kabakos) Michaels is one of the better ETAs in the business, and I booked him for 12 years.  I stopped promoting him because once I got involved in Elvis festivals, I had to stop promoting individuals as I had no desire to create a potential conflict of interest.  Once an artist has become an Ultimate, it becomes easier to promote them because they cannot compete in any other competition

Q.  What has surprised you most about the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival?

A.  I did not realize the commitment and the level of trust of Elvis fans and the Elvis community.  They help each other and do so much to help other festival promoters who are their business competitors.  The ETAs pay their own way-- commonality between all festivals.  We lost the idea of community, and found it in the ETA world.  I am continuing to build the legacy that Elvis left, and it is nurtured in true ETA performers.

Q.  Describe one or more memorable event in your business career.

A.  The Elvis festival has had the most profound effect on me than any other aspect in ARB Productions.  It does not happen in the entertainment world.  They know they help each other, but they do not realize how unique the brotherhood of ETAs and their community is.  

 Q.  How are the judges chosen for the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival selected?

A.  I specifically wanted three experienced ETA judges, and three other entertainment people who also know something about Elvis and who have a lot of experience in the entertainment field--performers or agents, producers etc. 

Tony Busseri keeps a close eye on all the happenings at the NFEF. He is pictured here listening to the Q & A at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  What sacrifices have you made for your career?

A. Time.  I donate a lot of time to my business. You just can’t call it in.

Q.  Besides your brother, Frank, who was/is your favourite all time performer?

A. Frank Sinatra.

Q.  What performer, past or present, would you like to book? 

A.  I would have liked to book the original Rat Pack. 

Q.  How do you explain the success of your first and second annual Niagara Falls Elvis Festivals?

A.  People who know the entertainment business—Greg with his 30 years of experience, and me with my knowledge of management at the business end, and the right location, account for the successful first two years.  Niagara Falls is an excellent city to run an Elvis festival.  We wanted to be different:  We offer food, location, competition and contest.  To me the contest is fundamental to our success.

Q.  What annoys you?

A.  People who live on the dark side of life annoy me.  People who do not see the potential in life annoy me.  I feel badly for them.   They can’t see much hope; they need to help themselves.

Q.  What do you fear?

A. I don’t know.  I’m not worried about dying.  I may worry bills, but don’t dwell on it.  I worry about not wanting to screw up.  Still can have failure…the things I can’t protect.  I pay attention to them.  When you are at this stage life, you worry about your energy level.  You don’t sleep the same.  You have to manage what you want to make important.

Q.  Describe a future that is specifically design for you.

A. I don’t know.  I take segments at a time. After the festival I take stock and change what didn’t work and what did work.  Before I do it with other people I have to know from where I am coming.  I look at what the next festival will be and whether it is something I want. 

Cynthia Pepper, Tony Busseri, and Carolyn MacArthur at the Flaming Star Festival, 2018. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  How do you handle disappointment?

A. I look at why that happens.  I am very much into assessing what went wrong.

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire?

A.  I don’t know…maybe when I run out of steam. And if I still have the energy.  I think will know when, and if, the time comes. 

Q.  What will you do in retirement?

A.  Until I know I am going to really retire, I have no idea.

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A.  Don’t ask me.  Sometimes I worry about things that I should not worry about…the human side of me.  I have my good days and bad days.  And I do the best I can.

SIDEBURNS Magazine editor, Carolyn MacArthur, conferring with Tony Busseri of ARB Productions, Niagara Falls, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.

Q.  Do you have a favourite Elvis Presley song?

A.  No, I don’t have a favourite Elvis song.  What do I respect and endear is how good of a performer he was.  I now realize how phenomenally talented and creative he was.  There were two guys in their 90s that I asked separately to name three things they liked about Elvis.  They both said the same three things: He was a good singer; he had stage presence; and he had a great personality.

Q.  What do you treasure?

A.  Family, friendship, and my five grandchildren. I travel to my grandchildren’s games to support them. My grandson plays baseball in the US, and I coach my granddaughter’s softball team. My other granddaughter is a rep goalie in girls’ hockey.

Q.  If you had not co-founded ARB Productions, what would you want to do for a living?

A. I have no idea.

The Niagara Falls Elvis Festival coveted award. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Q.  What question do you wish I had asked, but didn’t?

A.  I think you asked the key questions.

Q.  How would you answer your own question?

A.  I wanted to make sure you understood why I got involved in the Elvis festival.  It was getting more difficult finding a show to put on.  I didn’t want to go to the 80s and 90s to promote, and the audience was changing.  They used to know the performers.  So I asked myself, “What do I want to promote?”  Someone mentioned Elvis, and I did some research and was staggered by the ETA business.  No other entertainer who has passed is as well-known as Elvis Presley. 

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Photo Album

The Niagara Falls Elvis Festival attracts ETA competitors and performers from around the world. Pictured, are the 15 competitors from the 2018 NFEF competition. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Slide Show

Thank you to photographer Louis Young for giving permission to use his photos in the above slide show. And thank you to photographer Lori-Anne Crewe for capturing the interview update in the TCB photos below. You are both so awesome!

Taking Care of Business

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Introducing: Andrew Martin

Introduction

At my very first ETA show, “Return to Grace” at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, in 2015, Steve Michaels shared the stage with some amazingly talented backup singers and dancers.  One of those amazingly talented backup singers was Andrew Martin.  In Steve’s show in Guelph in late fall of the same year, Andrew was part of a quartet that entertained with Elvis gospel songs while Steve exited the stage for a costume change.  Andrew’s solo with the quartet was jaw-dropping!  

Between shows. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Usually only Steve makes an appearance at the end of his shows for photo opts, but on one special occasion, I had an opportunity to meet Andrew and snap a photo between a double billing of shows.  One of Andrew’s loyal fans, Gail, whom I would often chat with while waiting in line, told me about Andrew’s singing career outside his work as Steve’s backup singer.  Before and since his time on stage with Steve, Andrew has had a stunning singing career befitting someone who is so vocally gifted.

Presented by “Andrew Martin Music”.

I have enjoyed communicating with Andrew over the weeks that we have been running the “Crooner’s Christmas” contest, and want to thank him very much for generously offering eight tickets to his shows as prizes to celebrate SIDEBURNS Magazine’s first anniversary. Our four winners, Linda, Dawn, Tracy-Lynn, Jeannine and their guests can look forward to an evening of wonderful holiday entertainment.

Photographer John Rowlands. Photo Credit: C. McArthur.

Andrew, with his band, is also performing music from the ‘70s in a great show in November which also includes the Rev-Tones, an eight piece band that covers the music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.  Special guest, renowned photographer John Rowlands will be presenting a slide show and talk on his spectacular body of work that includes photographs of legends in music history, such as David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, Little Richard, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Sir Elton John--and countless others.  I was very fortunate in seeing John’s photographs at ETA Thane’s Dunn show, and I can attest that it is a not-to-be-missed presentation. His photographs of Elvis on tour will give you chills.

On the same evening that I met John Rowlands, I had the pleasure of meeting George Sicker, and Cliff Walsh, singers with the Rev-Tones.  George, who is, in his words, an Elvis ‘nut’ who knows a lot of useless Elvis stuff, and who is also, I learned recently, friends with Andrew Martin, had some very nice to things to say when I asked about their friendship:

Andrew Martin, John Rowlands, and George Sicker. Photo Credit: J. Martin.

“I met Andrew on Facebook through Steve Michaels.  Somehow, we hit it right off.  I had no idea how good he was, or that he had won all these awards.  By the time I found out, he was just ‘Andrew’ to me.  He sure is one talented individual.  Just an incredible voice!!  He’s a humble kind of guy, so I was surprised to find out about his accomplishments.  The first time I will be working with him will be the 23rd of November, but I’m certainly a fan.  He’s a terrific person.  We did a “meet the Press” about a month ago.” (The Peterborough Examiner, October 8th, 2018: Take a Trip Through Rock ‘N’ Rock History at Peterborough Show by Ed Arnold).

Thank you for contributing to the intro, George. C.M.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the extraordinarily talented Andrew Martin to SIDEBURNS Magazine readers. Thank you, Andrew, for your insightful answers to my questions, and for the terrific photos. Best regards, Carolyn.

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The Interview

Q.  In what city were you born?  Where do you now reside?

A. I was born in Napanee, ON, April 19, 1971. I reside at our family estate in Napanee. I grew up living next to my grandparents and aunt and uncle, and I now live in my aunt and uncle’s house. I’m the only one in my family still here on the 500 acre family farm. We converted my grandmother’s home into our rehearsal studio for my band. 

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

Andrew Martin.

A. I grew up on a farm doing hay in the summer and feeding cattle during the winter. My family went to the all night gospel sings at Massey Hall where I learned to love quartet singing and. of course. tight harmonies. I had a passion for music which developed into me being a drummer at the age of 13, and at age 15 I was travelling with different groups around Ontario as a drummer. My family operated a school bus company which is now owned and operated by my sister and her husband. Martin’s Bus Service is the largest independent school bus operator in Ontario. I was driving school buses around our families garage and farm when I was 13.

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager.  (Who were your friends?  What subjects did you like at school?      Did you belong to any clubs?  What did you do for fun?  What were your struggles?)

Andrew and his mom.

A. Life was spent here on the farm. With the bus company operating out of my grandparent’s home, the garage to fix the buses out behind their home, and of course having the farm and cattle, too, it didn’t leave too much time for friends or other activities. It was come home from school, help out with the chores; and when any bus emergency came up you just went out and hopped in the car with mom and dad or Papa & Gram and headed out to fix a bus, drop off a new one, take kids home that were stuck because of weather or mechanical bus breakdown etc. I loved the fact of being able to constantly be out and going with my grandparents and parents.

Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A. Well before High School had ended I was already a business man. In my last year of school my sister and I opened a clothing store in downtown Napanee. We sold Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Laruen, Izod Lacoste, Guess Jeans and many other top designers.

Q.  What career path did you decide to take after high school? 

A. Well seeing that I had already had the store running I went into operating the store on my own as my sister was moving over to help out with Martin’s Bus Service in the office. On weekends, once we had hired staff, I was out on the road as a drummer with different groups.

Q.  At what age did you, or someone else, realize you could sing so beautifully?

A. It was the age of 4 actually. My grandfather was in charge of our churches Christmas pageant and he asked me if I would sing a song. I stepped to the front of the stage, toes hanging over the edge of the stage and belted out my song (I don’t remember what I sang). When I was done, the audience started to applaud and I just stood there bowing and bowing and bowing until my grandfather had to come pick me up and take me off the stage. I guess you could say I was hooked right there.

Q.  Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

Andrew Martin at age four with his dog, Snoopy.

A. I have never taken any formal singing lessons. Singing was just a natural God given gift and it was easy for me to do. Even finding harmonies when singing with others is something that is just a natural gift.

Q.  What is your vocal range?

A. I once had a vocal coach come up to me after a show and ask that question. I went with her to the piano and 4 ½ octaves later she said, “Wow, what a range!”

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

A. If it was not gospel music it was Elvis. We had an old record player in the house (which I still have) and it had all the gospel groups in there from the Blackwood Brothers (they sang with Elvis), The Stamps Quartet (also sang with Elvis), The Goodmans and others. We also had Elvis “Aloha from Hawaii” and, of course, his gospel album as well. I would go in and turn on the record player and put on Elvis and sit on the floor waiting for “C C Rider” to start and I would start to pound the floor with Ronnie Tutt, and of course sing along with Elvis.

Q.  What is your association with ETA Steve Michaels?

Andrew Martin and Steve Michaels having fun on Andrew’s wedding day.

A.  Steve is one of my best friends. I was the best man at his wedding and he at mine. I’m blessed to be a God father of Steve and Ashley’s son. What is funny is that Steve and I met in 2011 with “Return to Grace” at Fallsview Casino. He came into the room where the singers were rehearsing and Steve and I hit it off right away. We were pretty much always getting together and laughing and having fun throughout that run of shows. I always say we are like two brothers form different mothers.

Q.  What made you decide to embark on a solo career rather than continue as one of Steve’s backup singers?

A. Actually it was not embarking on a solo career, but rather leaving a solo career to join with Steve. I had already been touring 190+ shows a year across this country in my tour bus since 1999 and had pulled back my touring to 100 shows a year in 2010. While on break in January 2011 I received a call to join “Return to Grace” and because I had the time off I joined that show. Then in the fall of 2012 I stopped singing because I was going through a divorce and that’s when Steve & Ashley called and asked if I would join their cast for “If I Can Dream”—a brand new show Steve & Ashley had written about the life of Elvis. At the end of that spring 2013 run I just ended up staying on with my best friends to continue doing Steve’s show until the fall of 2015. On a trip to Montreal for one of Steve’s shows, he and my fiance were in the car and both of them said that I shouldn’t be wasting my voice and to get back out there singing. So at their urging I went back out on the road in 2016. I would still sing with Steve as it’s fun hanging out with my best friend and of course singing Elvis music, but it’s too hard to juggle two different touring schedules.

Q.  What did you learn during your time performing with Steve, his band, and other singers?

Andrew Martin and Steve Michaels performing in “If I Can Dream”, June, 2014.

A. I think during my time with Steve I learned more about myself to be honest. It was a raw time of my life personally and I believe it helped me to become a better man and essentially a better performer.

Q.  Do you perform Elvis songs in all, or any, of your own shows?

A. I do perform some Elvis songs in my shows. I’m not an ETA, I want to state that clearly, although I always hear, “You look just like Elvis”, and “You sound so much like Elvis”. I honour Elvis’s music, but I do perform it as Andrew.

Q.  What are your two favourite Elvis songs to listen to, and what are your two favourite Elvis songs to sing?

A. My two favourite Elvis songs to listen to are “In The Ghetto” and “Something in the Way She Moves”. The two songs I love to perform are “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and “American Trilogy”. The only time I sing “American Trilogy” is with Steve and his shows, but it’s one of my favourite songs. You will hear “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in one of my shows, and I have recorded it along with a few others.

Q.  What three words best describes your own musical style?

A. I’m a Crooner. Elvis was a Crooner, as was Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others. So crooner, love Songs, ballads…and Andrew. You can never nail down Elvis to just one musical style and I will keep that tradition alive.

Andrew Martin, July 1st, 2018.

Q.  Describe the backstage atmosphere before you perform.

A. Backstage atmosphere is always very light and fun at my shows. Most times you will find all us hanging out laughing, joking and sharing stories.

Q.  Are there special vocal exercises do you do regularly?

A. I shouldn’t give this secret away; but, no I don’t do any special vocal exercise. I know I should and so hopefully I will start…lol.

Q.  For those of us not in the business, what goes on during rehearsals?

A. It depends on the artist to be honest. For some, they run songs the band has had problems with, anything that is synced up to video or multi media etc. For me it’s just making sure that everyone on stage can hear what they need to hear without being too loud for the sound man out front to do his job. Too many times I have seen bands have their monitor mixes or guitar amps so loud that the person controlling the house mix can’t create a great listening experience for the audience. Yes the band needs to hear each other but not at the expense of the audience.

Q.  What advice can you give to someone wanting to have a career as a singer?

A. Singing is just one little small part of the equation. There is marketing, posters, interviews, booking of the shows etc., so you have to wear many hats and sometimes you wear them all at the same time. So learn to multi task and be able to be cool under pressure.

Q.  What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

A. To always do everything to the very best of your ability. Put others first and foremost and everything else will fall into place.

Q.  Describe the highlights of your singing career.

A. Well there have been a few from 1999 – 2008 I was honoured with many awards. I have garnered over 15 nominations from different musical organizations in both Canada and the United States. I have been awarded 2 Albums of the Year, 2 Songs of the Year, 1 Inspirational album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, International Artist of the Year as well as being in the top 5 artists for World Vision Canada and having 3 songs in the Billboard top 10 with one of them reaching #1. From touring each year with over 190 shows, from churches to theatres to 5 different arena shows (all of them in the same year too) it’s been an absolute highlight. And of course being able to do all of that with my family on the road and my 2 daughters joining me on stage every night back then was also the icing on the cake.

Q.  What is the best part of being on stage?

A. Watching the reactions from the audience. When you sing that song that sparks a smile when you can tell they have had a hard day, to the tear when that love song comes on when you know someone has a memory of someone they have lost, to having them dancing and clapping to their favourite tune. Now that is the best part of being on stage and what I live for.

Q.  Who are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

A. My Grandmother Martin, my Mom, sister, my two daughters and, of course, my wife. My grandmother and mom have both passed, but the strength they taught me was invaluable. My sister has always had my back and my daughters are my world. My wife….. there is not enough time to discuss how special she is to me. From her love and support, to all the help she does running the fan pages, designing and running my web site to even running sound on a couple shows when we did not have a sound tech. She does it all and always keeps me smiling and laughing. I can’t say enough about her and her love.

Andrew Martin and his wife, Janet, in Banff, Alberta.

Q.  What men have had a positive influence on your life?  How?

A. My Papa Martin and my dad of course—two men that showed strength, yet knew how to properly treat a lady and recognize how strong women are.

Q.  How are you different on stage compared to off stage?

A. On stage and off stage are pretty close to being the same. I like to have fun and laugh.

Q.  Would you want to judge a singing competition?  What do you think are the challenges of being a competition judge?

A. I would love to judge a singing competition; however, the contestants would not want that, as I am very much a Simon Cowell. I think the hardest part would be trying to be constructive without sounding mean to those who are sharing in the competition.

Q.  What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A. This is a hard question. There is not just one thing that makes me sad to be honest. Life is about the ups and downs. When the downs happen I have to find the places within to embrace and heal before moving forward. Each situation will present it’s own challenge and healing.

Q.  In what international cities have you performed?  How are audiences different in different countries?

A. I have focused on performing in Canada since 1999. Since Canada was my home and since we have such a large country going coast to coast every year didn’t leave much room for going anywhere else to be honest.

Q.  Is there a country where you really want to perform?

A. I would love to do a tour in Europe. I have had some opportunities present themselves over the years for England and Italy, but the timing was just not right. But I know one day very soon it will be.

Q.  What are your strengths as a performer?

A. That’s a tough question to answer. I would say the ability to connect with the audience. If you can’t connect with the people you are singing too then why are you singing. I have only ever sang at one dinner show and one corporate event where I was the background music, so to speak, and I walked off the stage both times and said, “Never again”. When I can’t connect with the audience, and what you are sharing is just background music, that’s not for me. I need and want to connect with my audience.

Q.  Describe your typical non-performance day.

A. Mostly it is getting ready for the next show. Even when I was doing the 190+ shows I would be sitting on the tour bus, sometimes driving it (ok most times, as I loved driving), doing phone interviews for radio and newspaper, booking shows and working on the paperwork and posters.

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A. Artists that take themselves too seriously…lol. I have met people at festivals etc. that walk around back stage thinking way too highly of themselves and that the audience should be honoured that they are there to perform. Now that makes me laugh every time.

Q.  If it were possible, with what singer, living or deceased, would you like to sing a duet?

A. Hmmmm; I have a few actually. Elvis, for sure, Dean Martin, and Vestal Goodman. Definitely Elvis, because he was electric on stage and always connected with the audience. Dean Martin because of his sense of humor, although I think Dean and I would have gotten into a lot of trouble, and Vestal Goodman was a gospel singer that just knew how to flat out sing. Doing a duet with her would have been magical.

Q.  What do you treasure?

Andrew Martin and Presley.

A. My wife and my girls and my dog Presley. I don’t know how to expand more on that to be honest. Words don’t do justice to how special these three remarkable women are. Presley came into my life after my ex-wife had left and we were the two bachelors sitting together on the couch watching TV.

Q.  If you weren’t a singer, what career would you chose?  Why?

A. I would still have my clothing store. I loved the retail side constantly having to be creative with store and window displays. There is a creative side of me that has to come out, so if it’s not singing and performing, it would be in my second love of working my clothing store.

Q.  What has surprised you most about being a performer?

A. People that have followed me from concert to concert. I mean, yes I followed different groups around and even saw back to back shows when I was younger, but I guess I never expected that to happen to me.

Q.  Describe your favourite audience.

A. Every audience is my favourite to be honest. I’ve sang to seven people and to over 7000 and sometimes on the same tour…lol. It’s just as hard to sing to seven as it is over 7000.

Q.  What are sacrifices have you made for your singing career?

A. When I was touring so much I didn’t have holidays, or times with family for birthdays etc. as life was always on the road. Now I don’t regret any of those things, please understand. Just performing was first and foremost as I knew there would come a time (like I have now) where I would have a lighter schedule to enjoy spending time on holidays (like I do now in the Caribbean many times a year).

Q.  In one of your posted photos, you are shown sewing your costumes.  Do you make many of your own costumes? 

Andrew Martin’s 70’s Elvis jacket.

A. No, I must admit I don’t. I think that’s why the picture was taken…lol. My wife has made a number of the different costumes I have needed for different shows. Generally we try and purchase what I need; however when something is just not quite right, we sometimes embellish those outfits and I think that’s what I was doing in the photo.

Q.  Please describe some of your favourite costumes, and why they are your favourites. 

A. I think my one of my favourite ones to wear is the 70’s Elvis style jacket I wear in the “70s Revolution” show. There is just something about the big high collar that I love and, of course, how it makes me look. I also loved my “Elton John” inspired jacket that we had in the 2017 shows as it was so over the top. At the same time I love wearing just the black suit / tuxedo and shirt and tie. The classics never go out of style.

Q.  Does “dressing the part” help with your performances? 

Andrew Martin’s brown 70’s jacket.

A. Sure, I believe it does. When you get the right outfit for the performance you are doing, it just works. When I’m singing “The Prayer” I would not be wearing the Elvis or Elton John jackets, nor would I want to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. That song begs for the classic suit. So having the right outfit to the right songs is very important. Now in my “70s Revoution” show it’s hard to sometimes have the right outfit to the song as we cover so many different artists from Elvis, Elton John, Neil Diamond, The Bee Gees, Three Dog Night, The Eagles, Rod Stewart, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and more.

Q.  What annoys you?

Andrew Martin’s 70’s Elton Jacket.

A. People that drive at night without their headlights on. I know cars have automatic daytime running lights and at night the dash of your car lights up, but when I’m driving down the road and I come up on somebody from behind in a black vehicle, at night, in the rain, and I can’t see them because they didn’t take the two seconds to turn on their headlights……. Well that is annoying to me!

Q.  What do you fear?

A.  Besides snakes, big spiders and climbing ladders? I think that list is long enough…lol.

Q.  Describe a future that is specifically design for you.

A. I’m living the future specifically designed for me. So I guess my answer would be tomorrow.

Q.  How do you handle disappointment?

A. One step at a time. I can’t control the elements or the people around me, I can only control my reactions to it. At times I have been successful and at times I have found that I still have a lot of work to do. It’s in those times you recognize your mistake, take a deep breath, and start again.

Andrew’s store window display.

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire from performing?

A. I don’t think you ever truly retire from performing. You just do less shows. If Elvis were alive today I truly believe you would hear or see him every now and then, at the right time in the right setting. Never truly retiring; just not actively touring.

Q.  What will you do in retirement?

A. I say all the time that I retired when I was 25 (the year I closed my clothing store). I do what I love and I will never retire from that.

Q.  Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your   career?

A. My family and of course my fans. Without either one of them I would not be where I am today.

Q.  There is a video posted of you and your daughter singing together.  Describe the experience. 

Andrew Martin and his daughters, 2004

A. The video that is posted is from Jamaica. Both of my daughters shared the stage with me all the time. It was always so special to see them walking towards the stage and watching the crowds reaction as they sang. One funny moment I remember while thinking of this happened when my youngest was about 8 or 9. We were singing at a church in Alberta and for whatever reason the crowd didn’t applaud. So when the song was over you had maybe a handful of people clap. When my daughters were done singing they walked off the stage heading to the back of the room with their mom. Savannah was about half way back the centre isle of the church, turned around and said, “Tough crowd huh Dad”. There was about a five second delay, which seemed like five minutes until the place burst out laughing. The church crowd just usually waited until the complete end of a total performance before they would clap. Let’s just say after Savannah’s astute observation the crowd clapped at the end of every song. I think we sold more CD’s that night per person than any other show…lol.

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A. That if you throw me into a room where I do not know anyone I will be the quiet guy that stands in the corner and does not talk. My wife will go out and start talking and break the ice. Once the ice is broken I will laugh and joke with you all night long but to break the ice…I’m standing there like a shy little boy. Usually that makes people think that I am stuck up, but I’m just shy.

Andrew Martin, July 14, 2017..

Q.  What would you like to say to the backup singers and band members with whom you perform?

A. Always strive to do your best and constantly keep working on your craft. And also remember you are here for the audience not the other way around.

Q.  Have you written any songs?  Is writing and singing your own compositions something you would like to do?

A. Yes I have written and performed many of my own songs. I enjoy writing even though it does not come naturally for me. When the inspiration hits, and it’s hit in the weirdest places, I start to write. I had mentioned earlier that I had a song go #1 on the Billboard charts. I wrote that song in the back of my bus in a Walmart parking lot in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I woke up with lyrics in my head and rolled over in bed before the sun was up and started writing. By the time my wife woke up I had written the song that ended up doing very well for me.

Q.  Do you have CDs for sale?  Or are you planning on producing CDs?

A. I have 4 CD’s at this time. I have released 11 CD’s, 1 EP and 1 DVD over the last 19 years. The 4 CD’s that are currently for sale at my shows and on iTunes and my website are “Christmas Traditions” (Christmas CD with many seasonal favourites), “Departures” (has “The Prayer” and the Elvis song “Can’t Help Falling In Love” on it), “AMORE (a love songs CD with “Love Me Tender”) and “Roots” (a gospel album with such great Elvis gospel songs “How Great Thou Art”, “Stand By Me”, “I’ve Got Confidence” and many more).

Q.  Is there a question you wished I had asked but didn’t?

A.  I usually get asked about my watches and my shoes and of course my wedding ring. For whatever reason when someone who has come to my show, or during an interview, one of those three things are asked about.

Q.  How would you answer your own question?

A. I love watches and I have a collection of great ones. I have my Hamilton Venture watch that Elvis wore in Blue Hawaii, my Movado which was my wedding present from my wife, which looks wonderful with the tuxedo, and an array of watches (a different one for each day for almost two weeks) that go with my mood or outfit.

As for the shoes…I think I have more shoes than my wife does. I love cool shoes, colourful designs, sparkly etc. I have some shoes that go with just that one pair of jeans, a certain shirt and jacket and the only time I wear those shoes is with that outfit. I know that sounds excessive however that comes from the time of having my own clothing store.

As for my wedding ring…I designed my ring. I have wanted black and white diamonds for a long time. When my wife and I decided to get married, I started to research companies on where to get one made. I found a company out of California that had the ring made in Italy—2 ½ carrots of black and white diamonds in a pave setting. I love my ring!!!!

Q.  What would you like us to know about your upcoming show, “Crooner’s Christmas?

A. Crooner’s Christmas will be an evening with me and a three piece band (piano, upright bass, drums) singing all the favourite Christmas standards. It’s a evening to take a trip back in time to those old style Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra Christmas variety type shows. Christmas is my favourite time of the year and this show is my favourite show to perform. So come and join me and together we will sing, laugh, and transport ourselves into a ‘Wintry Wonderland’.

For more information about Andrew Martin, his upcoming shows, and ticket sales, please check out the following:

http://www.andrewmartinmusic.com

http://www.facebook.com/AndrewMartinMusic

https://twitter.com/AndrewMartinFan

https://www.instagram.com/andrewmartinmusic

https://www.youtube.com/andrewmartinmusicchannel

(Unless otherwise noted, all photos used in this article are credited to Janet and Andrew Martin).

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Introducing: Rosemarie Garrity-O’Brien, Collingwood Elvis Festival

Introduction

I first had the pleasure of meeting Rosemarie Garrity-O’Brien in October, 2017 when she was a judge at the Flaming Star Festival.  Several months later, we met again at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in April 2018.  I am delighted that Rosemarie agreed to be featured in SIDEBURNS Magazine.  Rosemarie’s bio and CV are a treasure trove of information that outline her experience, education, and volunteer work.  In her interview answers, Rosemarie shares heartfelt moments from her past and graciously recognizes the contributions of others connected to the Collingwood Elvis Festival.     

As a way of thanking Rosemarie for agreeing to be featured, and for all she does to make the Collingwood Elvis Festival such a great success and memorable experience for everyone, I would like to share the following story of how, on the busiest weekend of the year, she made the needs of an individual a priority, truly demonstrating that she is "passionate about customer service":  

Rosemarie Garrity-O'Brien with ETAs Justin Shandor and Di (Diogo) Light, and Cathy Korsakas at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Image being at an event the size of the Collingwood Elvis Festival that attracts thousands of visitors over the weekend and losing your car keys somewhere in the sea of people.  Imagine, also, that not only do you need your car for travel, but it is where you will be spending the night.  This true story happened to dedicated ETA fan and friend, Dot Farr, during one of her many trips to Collingwood for the Elvis Festival.  What Dot remembers most about that day is the not the worry over her lost keys, but the kindness shown to her by Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien when she stopped by Rosemarie’s office to report her lost keys.  Rosemarie made Dot a cup of tea and arranged a phone call to a local dealership to see about getting a new set of keys.  Dot remembers Rosemarie as being a caring, kind, and concerned individual during a very stressful day—a day when dozens of others also needed Rosemarie's attention.  

From Dot’s story we can see that those who attend the Collingwood Elvis Festival, whether as a guest, a judge, or an ETA, all are in good hands with Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien at the helm.  On behalf of everyone, Rosemarie, thank you, thank you very much.  Best regards, Carolyn.

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Bio

Living in the Collingwood area since 1973 after relocating with her family from Brampton, Ontario, Rosemarie has been involved in the growth and development of the Collingwood Elvis Festival since 1998 when she began as a volunteer while working with the local Chamber of Commerce.  Employed in 1999 as the Office Clerk for the Festival, Rosemarie was later promoted to Office Manager in 2001 and then Festival General Manager in 2003.  Rosemarie currently holds that position while working with the Town of Collingwood for the past 10 years continuing to improve and develop the event each year.  The Collingwood Elvis Festival is now internationally recognized, and is the largest event of its kind in the world.

Among her other experiences, Rosemarie is a graduated law clerk/paralegal by trade and has been in the entertainment industry as a singer/songwriter and recording artist for almost eighteen years.

Also among her achievements is being one half of Creative Gal Productions, an entertainment production company Rosemarie formed with her friend and colleague, Elena Chisholm, in 2012, that offers unique entertainment opportunities in a variety of entertainment genres, and in various locations throughout the province.

Rosemarie also lends her experience and event expertise as a consultant for new festivals, as a speaker for workshops on Sponsorship and Event Planning, and as the current Vice-President, and Awards Chairperson, for Festivals and Events Ontario.

Rosemarie enjoys working with the public while being able to utilize all her skills and experience in her management position.  She is married to her husband of 12 years and still resides in Collingwood, Ontario.

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 GENERAL EXPERIENCE

• Began with Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce as a part time student

• Worked as the front desk manager and executive secretary for 10 years at the Hotel Waldhorn in Wasaga Beach before it was sold

• Accepted a position with Blue Mountain Resort as Administrative Assistant after returning from Fanshawe College in London

• Completed the Ontario Superhost training program and received a nomination for “Customer Service Excellence” and “Employee of the Year” through the Collingwood and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

• After graduating from the Law Clerk program with honours, opened a Paralegal office to assist clients with Small Claims and Provincial Offences Court matters.  Also can write and prepare wills and Powers of Attorney, Name Change and Pardon Applications

• Held the position of a freelance Court Process Server for over four years in conjunction with the Paralegal firm

• Became a Board Member and Awards Chairperson with Festivals and Events Ontario in 2010 and moved into the position of President in 2013

• Possesses experience in research, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising and holds a wide and varied database of contacts within the tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries

• Has been a speaker at many events on topics such as Event Planning & Sponsorship, entertainment, motivational experiences, customer service, and prides herself on being a creative thinker

Who I Am

¯ Married 12  years to my husband Ralph

¯ Love animals, I have five fur babies

¯ Live in Simcoe County in the heart of beautiful Georgian Bay

¯ Passionate about music, entertainment and customer service

¯ I am an “idea” girl who likes to think outside the box

¯ I’m never afraid of a challenge, and I work well under pressure

Experience

Entertainment

¯  Singer/songwriter/recording artist for 18 years

¯  Karaoke Host for 5 years

¯  Emcee for various events

¯  Lead singer of “Rosemarie & Co.” and handled all band stage production

¯  Create all Entertainment Service contracts for Town of Collingwood

Achievements

¯  Festivals & Events Ontario President & Awards Chairperson

¯  Co-Owner & Partner of Creative Gals Productions with Elena Chisholm

¯  Judge for various events

¯  Honours Law Clerk/Paralegal

¯  Speaker on Festival/Event Planning & Sponsorship

Employment

¯  Festivals Co-Ordinator for the Town of Collingwood from 2013 to present

¯  General Manager for the Collingwood Elvis Festival from 1999 to 2013

¯  Owner of Legal-Eyes Paralegal Service & Court Process Server

¯  Executive Secretary for Hotel Waldhorn for 16 years

¯  Hotel Administrative Assistant for Blue Mountain Resorts

Volunteerism

¯  Festivals & Events Ontario – held various volunteer Board positions including President

¯  Georgian Good Food Box – Treasurer

¯  Collingwood Amateur Theatrical Society – held various volunteer Board positions including President

¯  Entertainer – various area Nursing Homes & Charitable/Fundraising events

¯  Volunteer member with Volunteer Community Network in Collingwood

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The Interview

Q.  What is your official title with regards to the Collingwood Elvis Festival?

A.  I am the Festivals Co-Ordinator for the Town of Collingwood.  I cover all Festivals, including Elvis.

Q.  What do you consider your greatest challenge in organizing the Festival?

A.  The greatest challenge is scheduling all the programming and the contest rounds without conflicts for the ETAs.  Timing is tight throughout the weekend since we offer so many events.  I want to make sure that the information is accurate and that everyone has time to get to an event, and still has time to enjoy some down time or a great meal at one of our many incredible restaurants here in town.

Q.  How has the Festival changed over the years that you have been involved?

A.  The Festival has become more than just an event.  It has become, rather, for some fans, a summer vacation getaway, or a trip that is fulfilling an item on their personal bucket list.  The Festival is more interactive and experiential now than ever before.

Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien and ETA Gordon Hendricks in Niagara Falls.  Photo Credit:  Louis Young, Louis Young Photography. 

Also, it has become an internationally recognized award winning event that is considered a valuable tourism draw to the Province of Ontario.  These are all great things and worthy accomplishments over the history of the Festival.

Q.  What is your favourite part of the Festival?

A.  I definitely enjoy the Storyteller Chat event as I love to speak to the fans, and the format is very impromptu, fun and energizing for me.  Also, I adore the Saturday night signature shows because I develop the show theme, and I have a great team who work with me to develop the content and scripts.

Q.  Who are the people you would like to recognize and/or thank for their contributions to the Festival’s success?

A.   I don’t think you have enough article space to list that many people, but I will try to narrow that down.  First, credit must go to ETA Billy Cann for the entire concept of an Elvis Festival in Collingwood.  Without his original idea this event would never have happened.  And thank you to Karen Burland who thought the event had potential to become a town event and was the first Festival Manager.  Next, thank you to Yvonne Prince, the late Gary Zieman, Alex Yuen & Cheryl McMenemy, Will & Carol Chalmers, Bill and Sue Nicholson, and Greg Goldsworthy, who were some of  the original folks who worked so hard to build the festival bit-by-bit, all of whom I can still recall were out sweeping streets on Sunday night at 2:00 a.m. 

It was a big undertaking then, and is a huge undertaking now; but without their initial time and hard work, this festival would never have become the success it is today. Besides, had it not been for some of those great folks, I would have never been hired to manage this incredible Festival that I have now been with for 20 years.

Later though, thank you to Peter Dunbar and the Town of Collingwood Mayor(s) and Councillors for following through with it year after year.  It has definitely made Collingwood famous for more than just skiing.  There is virtually not a corner of the world that does not know “Collingwood is home to the Elvis Festival”, and that it generates millions of dollars in economic impact to the region. 

There are so many people to thank, but I would like to mention a few that were by my side, volunteering every year, and saw me through a lot of joy and stress.  My heartfelt thanks to Lucy Seaborn, Ann Farrell, Diana Brock, Margaret Forsythe, Denise Forsythe, Brittny DiScola, Maryann Barrie, Mitch Brock, Judy Wagner, Elena Chisholm, Cathie Korsakas, and of course my husband, Ralph O’Brien, who hardly ever sees me for the four months leading up to the festival. 

Lastly, sincerest thanks to my current team members working behind the scenes who never get the recognition they deserve, including Karen Cubitt, Chris Stoutenburg, Michelle Kusiar-Findlay, Amanda Norris and my boss, Dean Collver.

Q.  How do you relax during your hectic schedule in the weeks prior to the Festival?

A.   I listen to music, play internet games or watch movies on my tablet at home and sleep as much as I possibly can.

Q.  What are the best and worst parts of being an ETA judge? 

A.   Judging is stressful, time consuming, and relatively thankless because no matter how focused you are, how much you know, or how unbiased and fair you can be, there will always be winners and losers, hurt feelings and wounded pride among the ETAs, as well as disgruntled or discouraged fans who had other ETAs chosen for the win in their minds.  Those would be the hardest parts because you go into judging knowing that you can’t be perfect and that you can’t please everyone!

The best parts of judging would be the pride you can take in knowing when “you got it right”!  When you paid attention to detail and the outcome justified the time, energy and honesty that you put into it, and when you can take some personal satisfaction and pride in knowing the right ETAs came through on top.

There will never be perfect judges.  They simply don’t exist.  There is no one out there who can know every outfit, every lyric, every movement, every hairstyle, every nuance of Elvis down to the slightest detail, so we (the Festival) must trust that we have selected judges that have reasonable Elvis knowledge and experience, who will be fair, unbiased and dependable.  That’s all any Festival with a competition component can ask for.

Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien and her Tweed friends.  Photo Credit:  Louis Young, Louis Young Photography.   

Q.  What advice would you offer the ETA contestants who are competing at the Collingwood Elvis Festival?

A.  Select your competition songs carefully.  Don’t choose the songs you like, but rather choose the songs you do well and that showcase your voice and appeal.  Not everyone can sing every song.  Watch and learn from the Ultimates and the headliners who have taken their careers to the next level.  They must be doing something right, so take pointers from the best in the business.

Q.  Please describe some of the highlights of your own singing/song writing career.

A.  Wow! That was an unexpected question.  I would have to say there were a top 5 for me.

1.     Performing in South Carolina because it was the first time I actually heard my name announced on radio and I almost crashed my car into the guardrail.  I was treated like a superstar at every venue I played in.  It was amazing.

2.     Being the opening act for the legendary Ronnie Hawkins, not once but three separate times.  He is a fascinating person and quite a character, but I was quite honoured to be asked.

3.     To have the late Rita McNeil perform my song on her television show.  The song was “I Believe in Miracles” and it was something I co-wrote with a recording artist friend named David Walsh.  It was a thrill to later meet Rita and become her VIP liaison when she performed in Collingwood.  She was a beautiful person and I thanked her for singing my song and when she was presented with roses from the Town at the end of her performance, Rita passed them on to me and thanked me for the privilege of singing the song.  My heart melted on the spot!

4.     When I was asked to come to the bedside of a terminally ill child and personally sing “I Believe in Miracles” to her at her parents request, because it was apparently her favourite song.  What an honour and immense privilege that was, but what really got to me was that several years later I met her mother on the street and she stopped me to tell me that her daughter had passed away but had made a bequest in her Will that my CD be given to another terminally ill person.  Her mother told me that her daughter said my song had brought her hope and she wanted someone else to be able to hold onto that feeling.  I literally broke down and cried right there.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

5.     My first time in a recording studio, I was so nervous, but so excited.  I recorded at Canada’s Studio of the Year, MetalWorks Studio, operated by the legendary band Triumph, and it was an amazing experience.  I truly thought I was going to either throw up or pass out.  All the people there were fantastic and made me feel very comfortable.  The engineers even danced in the studio while I was trying to record and it took several takes because I would laugh watching them instead of staying focused.  I was never going to be a superstar and I was alright with that.  Music was fun and I made a lot of fans who became friends and worked with some incredible people in the music industry.  I can honestly say that I have not had a single regret, and not many have the luxury of saying that in their life.

My thanks to Sideburns Magazine and its staff for asking me to be interviewed.  It was fun and allowed me the opportunity to revisit some memories that I treasure and to finally thank those who have made a difference in my life and career history.  This was fun!  

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Introducing: Entertainer Bobby Allan

Bio

Entertainer, Bobby Allan.  Photo Credit:  Evelyn Napholc. 

Bobby Allan started his singing career at an early age singing in a church choir.  In his youth, he was a contestant on the Tiny Talent Show, a CHCH TV program that featured young talent from the Hamilton and surrounding area.  Early on, Bobby discovered that he had the ability to impersonate people like Crazy Guggenheim from the old Jackie Gleason show.  He then moved onto impersonating Jerry Lewis, John Wayne, Walter Brennan, Alfred Hitchcock, and many others.

Bobby joined a band called Nebo, singing songs from the Who to the Guess Who.  After leaving the group, he worked for Disc Jockeys Unlimited, and then moved on, starting his own DJ business.  Bobby began singing at some of the dances where he was a DJ. 

Bobby's first contest as an ETA was at The Kings and Classics competition.  He did not even place at that competition, but jokes that, “I did have the worst wig!”  He did, however, place fourth at the inaugural Tweed Elvis Festival contest, and has consistently placed in the top ten at Collingwood.

ETA Bobby Allan. Photo provided by B. Allan. 

Bobby’s greatest success in competition was his first place win as Ray Charles at Matt Cage’s King Trilogy contest.  Bobby now pays tribute to Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, Bobby Vinton, and many more.

Bobby’s greatest compliment, he feels, came from Nevin Grant from the Oldies Station CKOC, who told Bobby he had the ability to pick out the right nuances in each artist’s voice.  Bobby Allan truly believes that it’s not about the singing; it’s about people you meet along the way.

Bobby and Evelyn Napholc.  Photo Credit:  C.M. 

Bobby would like to thank his wife, Evelyn Napholc, who has been a rock throughout his adventure, and Rock N Ray Michaels for his encouragement.

I wish to thank Bobby Allan for sending his bio to be posted on SIDEBURNS Magazine.  Best regards Carolyn MacArthur. 

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Video

Audio

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Introducing: Artist and Entertainer, Marcus Wells

Introduction

In celebration of Marcus Wells’ birthday on April 11th, I am pleased to post his interview as a special gift to him.  But this post is also a gift to SIDEBURNS readers, since I know they will enjoy reading about Marcus Wells’ interesting life as an artist, entertainer, translator, tribute artist and ETA judge.  His answers are humorous, sincere, entertaining, and like his artwork, colourful. 

Marcus Wells and Carolyn MacArthur after his Casablanca show in 2016.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

I had the pleasure of meeting Marcus for the first time, two years ago, in October 2016, when he appeared as Elton John at a show that included famed ETA, Gordon Hendricks.  When I asked if I might have my photo taken with him, Marcus seemed genuinely pleased and a little surprised, since everyone else was scrambling to take photos of Gordon.  This event was long before SIDEBURNS, so my knowledge of who’s who in ETA land was limited.  I knew nothing about Marcus and his history in the tribute business.  I did know, however,  that I had just enjoyed a splendid performance and I wanted a keepsake of the artist who looked and sounded so much like Elton John.

A year later our paths would cross again, this time at the Flaming Star Festival, in October 2017.  When Marcus walked into the competition room, I said to my daughter with surprise, “I think we know the fellow in the bright red jacket.  Isn’t he the artist who did an Elton John tribute at Casablanca?”  Indeed, it was one in the same; but this time he wasn’t performing:  Marcus Wells was one of the judges.  When I had a chance to speak to Marcus and retell the story of our first meeting, he said he remembered me asking for his photo.

I have since seen Marcus Wells at shows where his friends were performing and at a birthday party where, to my delight, Marcus sang David Bowie's "Let's Dance".   Marcus is a fun-loving, story-telling individual with a great sense of humour and a bright outlook on life.  I appreciate the wonderful answers he gave which I am pleased to share with you.  Thank you, Marcus, and happy birthday!  Best regards, Carolyn.

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The Interview

Q. Tell us five interesting things about your early life in Montreal.

Marcus Wells, Flamboro Downs, March 16th, 2018.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

A. Let’s see…I lived through some pretty interesting historical events.  I have a sharp memory of the October crisis and the War Measures Act being established in Montreal in response.  My parents took me for a drive downtown and there were armed soldiers everywhere.  Scary, but for the 5-year old that I was, it was fascinating.  I also have very cool memories of Expo 67.  It was a magical time, and to this day, I collect Expo 67 memorabilia.  The Olympics in 1976 were also a great time.  That year, school ended early for the occasion… June 4th.  I still remember the date!  A couple more interesting things would be that I did not really speak English until I moved to Toronto at age 21, and that my friends and I (like most little Montrealers from the 70s) all pretty much started secretly smoking at age 11.  How horrible is that!?  Luckily, I kicked that deadly habit…eventually.

Q. Describe your life as a teenager.

A. I had wonderful friends, many of whom I am still in touch with.  I was a bit of a square peg.  My friends were super cool – new wave, punk - and here I was, looking like them (oh yes, spikey hair, a diaper pin as an earring, studded dog collar – yup!), but secretly listening to Helen Reddy and Elvis.  High school was particularly awesome, but not academically.  I really, really, really neglected my studies:  I was having too much fun.  In retrospect, I now realize that I was not being lazy, I was “honing my social skills”.  Hey, it paid off in the end!

Q. Please tell us about your post-secondary education.

A. I took a one-year break after high school, not the best idea, and later went back to school at a graphic design studio where I got my degree in Graphic Design.  My year was the last year where we actually did graphic design on paper and board, with actual pencils and stuff.  I missed the computer graphics by one little year, which changed everything for me and pretty much made my degree useless.  Many years later, I went to York University’s Glendon College in the translation program.

Q. What are some of the more unusual jobs have you had in the past?

A. I have had a GREAT collection of unusual jobs!  My first job was in a commercial laundry in a run-down area of Montréal.  It was 120°F all day long, during the summer, and I felt that no matter where life led me, I would never again have to work in such a horrible environment again!  I never have.  My oddest job, by far, was working as a cleaner-upper at the Maple Leaf Gardens shortly after I arrived in Toronto.  I got to see the end of all these great shows and then help clean-up the place.  I also owned a store/bakery (and so was a baker).  I folded newspaper inserts (and got fired for having too much fun doing so).  I was a taxi dispatcher, and I was a door-to-door canvasser for Greenpeace…many things!

Q. What can tell us about Charles Frappier and Associates Inc.?

A. The beginnings of CF&A (that’s what I call the company) were scary for me, but ultimately, the best thing ever.  I was senior translator for the largest telecom in Canada and decided to strike out on my own.  This was 21 years ago and I will never regret taking that intimidating step.  Today, I have a fairly large clientele of faithful customers and I love my job!  Translation is great because you never work on the same subject matter, it keeps your mind razor sharp, and, sometimes, you get to see your work in billboards, on TV, etc…mini stardom!

Q. Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

Marcus Wells, as Elton John, on stage for a final bow and photo opt at the Casablanca Winery, 2016.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

A. My mom forced me into classical violin lessons at age 3.  I used to sob on my way there.  My teacher was a nun who was, let’s say, less than warm-hearted.  I stuck it out until I was 12. I didn’t appreciate the classical training until many years later. I deeply love classical music now.  I also took some classical guitar lessons, which gave me just enough skills to be able to play Elvis music, which was all I wanted to do.

Q. What music was most often heard in your home?

A. My parents were classical and opera aficionados.  There was a lot of that…until my cool friend Lisa and her sister Carole (best babysitter I ever had!) introduced me to the Beatles.  Mom and Dad let me play Beatles albums, but Dad always made a point of making fun of them (in a funny, gentle way).  And of course, Mom and Dad loved awesome mid-century orchestral instrumentals – Bert Kaempfert, James Last, Brazil 66… I still love that “muzak”!

Q. Were you a performer prior to becoming an ETA? In what capacity?

A. Yes!  But when I became an ETA, I had not performed in several years.  Before that, I wrote a lot of crappy music and performed locally.  I had a little band in high school.  We were called “Flash” (such a dated name now!) and we played Supertramp (which I loved) and the Rolling Stones (which I didn’t like, then or now).

Q. Was performing full time as an ETA a career option you wanted to pursue?

A. Of course, I toyed with that idea, but the reality of a performer’s career was not something that I could integrate into my life.   First, there was my “real job” forcing me to stay put, and then my son was born about 2 years following my first foray into the ETA world, another great reason to not want to spend life on the road!

Q. Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance as an ETA.

A. Incredible stage fright!  For my first show, I worked for months on a collection of favourite Elvis tunes, reserved the “party room” at my friend’s condo building, rented sound equipment and invited everyone I knew!  In retrospect, it was all pretty dismal, but I was so happy to finally be doing this! There is no feeling like putting on a jumpsuit, officially, for the first time!  Makes you feel like Superman!

Q. Did you enter any ETA competitions?  Where and when?

A. My first competition was Collingwood, either 2000 or 2001.  Comps were few and far between in those days: there was Collingwood and Brantford Elvis Fest, which used to be a fantastic event also.  SO much fun!

Q. Describe the process of turning yourself into a stage-ready performer.

A. If you don’t mind, I’ll answer this in a more general way:  The process would take place, for me, over the span of several months before a big competition.  It was very exhausting and very comprehensive!  Months before Collingwood, there were always the weight-loss attempts, constant vocal training, selecting and buying a new suit, and actual exercising.  It’s a hard task to transform from an average guy to the amazing looking, incredibly charismatic and unbelievably talented performer that Elvis was!  Pro tip:  If you’re an ETA and do not wear make-up, you should.  Don’t over do it, but you can always tell the pros because they know how important it is to wear make-up.

Q. Describe how you felt before, during, and after your first competition. Did you achieve the outcome you desired?

ETA Marcus Wells at Collingwood.  Photo provided by M. Wells.

A. This is actually quite funny.  Before I entered Collingwood, I had never been there for the festival as a spectator since we were always away for that period of the summer.  I did NOT do my homework at all, and I really thought that Collingwood was basically a parade and hanging out with ETAs.  I thought (don’t laugh) that the judging was like in the movie Flashdance.  I thought you went into a classroom kind of place and performed alone in front of a judging panel.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that I would be competing in an ARENA with 1500 people in attendance!  I had a bad suit and I was petrified.  I went up on stage, spoke about the suit interminably and sang “Trilogy” without moving a single muscle.  It did not end well.

Q. What is the biggest mistake that young ETAs make in their tribute?

A. I have been judging a lot of Elvis competitions over the last decade or so, and I can say that the main issue is that the younger generation of ETAs is straying further and further away from what Elvis actually was.  It seems that the young guys have created a new version of Elvis, more vibrant, more modern and more daring, and that’s great for shows.  But for competitions, for me, that is still a big no-no.  The focus should be to recreate Elvis and not to reinterpret him.

Q. What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

A. Growing up, I was raised by two incredibly kind and considerate parents.  I like to think that I became a kind human being for that reason.  They taught me treat people with respect and, to this day, I have no tolerance for intolerance.

Q. Do you have tattoos?  Do you wish to share the meaning they have for you?   

A. Hahaha!  I have so many that I can’t quite count them!  I like to say that I only have one that takes up lots of space in several spots of my body!  I have three Elvises, my wife Karen, my dogs, Helen Reddy, Paul McCartney, a leg tribute tattoo to the old TV game show “What’s My Line” (including Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis, John Charles Daley and Dorothy Kilgallen), lots of Gary Taxali art, Bowie stuff… and there will be more!

Q. Describe the highlights of your career.

A. As an ETA, winning C’Wood non-pro in 2004 was HUGE for me.  Making it to the three-man pro finals the year after that is right up there too.

Q. What is the best part of being an entertainer?

A. I think that it comes down to seeing people appreciate what we do, telling us their stories and connections to the artist we represent.  More prosaically, singing is really fun!

Q. Who are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

Marcus with his wife, Karen (left) and his dear friend, Wendy King.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

A. That’s a very hard one to answer because, from a young age, I’ve always preferred hanging out with girls.  I have very few close male friends, but my life is filled with amazing women!  If I may quote author William Golding, “I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men; they are far superior and always have been.”

Q. How are you different on stage, compared to off stage?

A. Not very different at all, and that’s what made me realize that I could never be an ETA of the quality I would have liked to be.  GREAT ETAs are so close to the real thing, in every way, that you can actually get lost in the illusion.  I could never leave Marcus waiting in the wings and always brought my own personality on stage, to my detriment.  Sure, it made for an okay, friendly show, but not Elvis-y at all.

Q. What inspires you to paint?

A. Funny you should ask that because I was just pondering the question a few days ago.  For me, it’s almost a physical need…like being thirsty or being hungry.  Last summer, we were vacationing in Florida for two weeks and halfway through the vacation, I had to run to Walmart and buy some paints and canvases because the “craving to paint” was so strong!  As for actual visual inspiration, I love interesting faces. 

Q. What are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?

A. You have to know your stuff!  That’s the main thing.  You have to be an Elvis fan, not an ETA fan, and you have to never forget to be respectful to the guys.  Not everyone is equal, but everyone benefits from constructive advice.  I used to worry about whether I would be taken seriously as a judge.  After all, so many ETAs I know have had stellar careers, been finalists at Ultimate, and I have not.  But then I realized this:  When you watch the Olympics and you see little gymnasts doing their thing, look at their trainers and coaches--middle-aged large guys who could not get on parallel bars if you paid them.  But yet, they have the knowledge.  So now, I see it that way.  The fact that I can or can’t do something does not mean that I don’t know what NEEDS to be done!  Oh, and in passing, judges need to be pretty thick-skinned because we get doubted and second-guessed (at best) a LOT.

Q. What men have had a positive influence on your life?  How?

Marcus Wells at Flamboro Downs, March 16th, 2018.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

A. My father (now gone for 25 years) taught me everything in the craft of being a good parent.  He was a kind and loving man.  I try every day to be like him.  If, when I’m gone, my son Tommy thinks of me like I think of my own dad, I will know that I did a good job.

Q. What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A. The passage of time saddens me.  I love life and I always look forward to the next adventure, but I have always had a big helping of nostalgia within me.  Recently, on Facebook, someone posted:  “Do you realize that one day, you went out to play with all your friends on the street and none of you realized that this was the last time you’d do it”.  That had me in tears.  I cope with sadness in the unhealthiest way possible:  I squish it back down until I can’t feel it anymore.

Q. What is your connection to Saatchi Art?

A. Saatchi is one of the many avenues through which I try to sell some art.  And they’re a pretty big name too!  Unfortunately, I am realizing that selling art online is a super hard thing, and that selling art in person is not that hard at all!  People have to see and touch art, with their eyes and hands, to fall in love with it.

Q. Pick an art gallery or museum anywhere in the world where you would like to see your paintings on display.  Why did you pick this particular gallery or museum?

Victor J Hanson holding one of Marcus Wells' beautiful paintings of Elvis Presley.  Photo Credit:  Louis Young Photography.

A. Well, this is a bit paradoxical because my favourite museum is dedicated to one artist only:  the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.  I think my work would fit in terms of colour and style.  I LOVE pop art!  Now, I have had my work shown at the Neutra Museum in LA and that was a HUGE deal for me.  I am absolutely gaga about mid-century architecture and design, which the Neutra specializes in!  Having a piece at MOMA would be a crowning glory.

Q. What are your strengths as a performer?

A. I sing on key and I am self-deprecating – two things audiences seem to appreciate.

Q. Besides Elvis, to what other famous entertainers do you pay tribute?

A. Elton!

Q. Describe your typical non-performance day.

A. I keep a strange schedule – and always have as an adult.  I usually get up at around noon and immediately start working.  If work is under control, I will stop at around 7 pm, have dinner, and go paint.  I go to bed at around 2 or 3 AM and treat myself to some movie time almost every night (big foreign movie and horror movie fan!) and I go to sleep at around 5 AM.

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. My wife, of course.  We spend ¾ of our lives with laugh cramps.  She really knows how to strike my funny bone; and also, young people’s humour, memes.  When the Internet happened, I realized that my particular sense of humour was much more common than I thought.  

Q. If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis? What would you say to him?

A. I love the person that Elvis was in 1976-1977--flawed and human Elvis.  Yet, he was searching for answers and seemed open to exploring different concepts of spirituality, life.  I would have no questions, but I would have loved to chat with him at length and hear his take on many “life” things.  As for saying things to him, I wish I could tell him how loved he is and how important he is (to this day!) and how he should have loved himself more.  In the end, I think that Elvis was like so many of us entertainers are, deeply insecure; and I would love to find and say the right words to him to alleviate some of his pain.  And of course, I would have a HUGE thank you in store for him for bringing into my life most of the people I so love.

Q. What do you treasure?

A. My posse of friends, my extended family.

Marcus on his wedding day.  Photo provided by M. Wells.

Q. If you weren’t an artist, what career would you chose?  Why?

A. Well, I sing, I paint and I translate, three of my favourite things in the world!  Time permitting, I would love to devote time to sculpting.  Also, I am convinced that there is a book in me somewhere, just waiting to get out (but don’t we all).

Q. What has surprised you most about the response to your art?

A. It’s been well-received so far!  I didn’t necessarily expect that.  And now, I am slowly getting a foothold in the actual art world and this is such a source of awe!  Imagine, if you admire an artist’s work and then tell you they like yours.  It’s amazing!

Q. Have you ever taught art?  Would you want to teach art?

A. Oh my goodness, no!  I realized a few years back that I cannot teach anything.  If I’m passionate about something, I talk about it with complete disregard for linear thinking; I just go on and on, take tangents and never get back to the original topic, throw in anecdotes regardless of the fact that they are uninteresting to others.  I’d be a horrible teacher!

Q. What process would you use to critique someone else’s art?

A. To me, art is not meant to be critiqued.  It’s meant to be appreciated and loved.  I started a FB group called “Bowie Art and Artists”, and we now have over 1000 members, mostly artists, and people post their stuff everyday.  Some of it is technically perfect, some less;  but the reality is that all art comes from the heart and the soul, and, for me, you can’t criticize that.

Q. What are sacrifices have you made for your career?

A. I touched on this earlier, but I realized that my career as a translator (and now as a translator and a painter) would not let me be a full-time entertainer.

Q. What is your favourite Elvis decade?  Why?

Marcus Wells...a dead ringer for Sir Elton John.  Photo provided by M. Wells. 

A. That question is SO complex.  As a performer, I enjoy singing from Elvis’s 70s repertoire.  As an Elvis fan, I’m all over the place.  I love the really early Sun stuff (“I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine”, “Milk Cow Blues Boogie”, etc.), the poppy mid-century stuff (“Smorgasbord”, “Happy Endings”, etc.) and, very specifically, the thin 1969-1972 sliver of treasures (“Next Step is Love”, “Mary in the Morning”, “Stranger in the Crowd”, “Any day Now”, “We Can Make the Morning”, etc.)

Q. How may, Elvis and other, tribute costumes do you own?

A. I used to have tons of Elvis costumes and gear, but gave most of it away.  For Elton, I currently have 5 stage suits (but I want more!).

Q. What annoys you?

A. As I’m getting older, I let less and less stuff bug me.  Intolerance of any kind, however, grinds my gears more than a little.

Q. What do you fear?

A. Death.  All my life, I’ve feared death.  I also fear the loss of autonomy and having to depend on others.

Q. Describe a future that is specifically design for you.

A. Oh…let’s dream a little.  Karen by my side, my son Tommy secure and happy, doggos, health, my family and friends always around, working for pleasure, not because I have to, travelling like a mad man.

Q. How do you handle disappointment?

A. I learned a big lesson about that.  One early-career year in Collingwood, I came in READY TO WIN.  I had put forth so much effort for many months.  I was so confident, that I had saved my “show-stopper” for the finals, so convinced was I that I would make it!  And of course, because life is like that, I never made it past the first round.  I was crushed.  I holed up at Blue Mountain and cried all night.  I remember saying, “I have never felt so crushed since my father’s death”.  I was a complete mess.  My (now ex) wife Victoria was amazing.  She stayed up all night with me, trying to comfort me, and when the day came, she said, “Ok, now you go out there and be nice, and happy, and gracious, to people, even if you have to fake it”.  I did that.  My spirits were lifted and I instantly felt better.  I’ve learned over the years that disappointments are just passing, so the best thing is to just dust yourself off, put on a smile and move on.  Opportunities will ALWAYS follow and there will always me more ways to shine.  So nowadays, I see disappointments as mere delays to something bigger and greater.  Incidentally, my advice to all:  WHATEVER HAPPENS, DO NOT BE A SORE LOSER!

Q. How will you know when it is time to retire?

A. For Elvis, who was such a young man when he died, well, I stopped when I realized that I could not possibly ever do him justice as much as I would like to.  For Elton, it’s fair game!

Q. What will you do in retirement?

A. I have very ordinary dreams about retirement communities in Florida!

Q. Who are the people you would like to thank for always being there for you through thick and thin?

A. My wife Karen and her mom Audrey, Sue Harris and Wendy King--my angels on earth, my Gibbs, my Paul, my son Tommy, Victoria and Kenny, my family,  my friends, and my other friends.  I’m a very lucky man.

Q. What famous artist, in music or art, alive or deceased, would you like to interview?

A. Charles and Ray Eames (designers), Eero Saarinen (designer), Joan Crawford, David Bowie, Elvis, Paul Klee, Rothko.

Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Marcus's monk.  Photo provided by M. Wells. 

A. I have a life-like (but not life-sized) Buddhist monk statue in my house and it creeps out everyone.  Also, I’m an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church.  I can marry people, bless houses, baptize babies and stuff.

Q. What would you like to say to the other performers with whom you share a stage during a show?

A. I’m always grateful and excited.  One of the things I love is being star struck when I first share the stage with someone new!

Q. Other than Elvis, do you have a favourite singer?

A. A few, yes!  Helen Reddy, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Debby Boone.  And I listen to classical music every day!  My favourites are Bach and Chopin.

Q. What question do you wish I had asked?

A. I think that this was a very well-rounded interview!

Q. What would be the answer to your question?

A. That I couldn’t possibly think of anything more to say!

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Videos

Here are some great videos of Marcus Wells performing as Elvis and Elton John, including his wonderful performance at the Casablanca Winery in 2016.

Introducing: Butch and Kim Polston of B&K Enterprises Costume Company Inc.

“I buy my jumpsuits from B&K Enterprises…if you want the best, you have to order from B&K Enterprises.”  ETA Oliver Steinhoff, SIDEBURNS Magazine, December 26th, 2017. 

Introduction

Butch and Kim Polston at the Blackpool show. Photo Credit: Gene Doucette.

The questions that I prepared for Butch Polston’s interview focus on Butch and Kim’s company, B&K Enterprises Costume Company Inc.  ETA Oliver Steinhoff’s statement that B&K are “the best” intrigued me, so I created questions to find out why B&K Enterprises are considered the best manufacturers of Elvis costumes in the world.  Butch’s answers treat readers to a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making their beautiful Elvis costumes and running a very successful company.   Subsequently, Butch addresses the question of why Oliver claims B&K are"the best".  But after reading and re-reading Butch’s answers to prepare his interview for posting, I realized that I learned just as much about the “B” in B&K Enterprises, as I did about the "Enterprises" part of their company.  Butch’s answers reveal his strong work ethic and integrity, his love for his family and friends, and respect for his parents.  Butch spices his answers with bits of humour, and reveals that he is an artist at heart.  I take great pleasure in introducing Butch Polston to SIDEBURNS followers.  I wish to thank Kim, the “K” in B&K Enterprises--and Butch's wife, for her assistance in setting up this interview while Butch was in Birmingham, UK.  Kim is an integral part of the story behind B&K Enterprises; in fact, the company may have not gotten its start years ago if not for Kim’s ‘nudging elbow’ that inspired the sale of the first four jumpsuits.*  I wish also to thank Kim for sending along her photos which add a charming personal touch to Butch's interview.  Best regards, Carolyn.

The Aloha (Liberty Eagle) jumpsuit . Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

The Interview

Q.  What was it about Elvis’s jumpsuits that intrigued you at a very early age?

A.  The artwork that was on them was the first thing that always caught my eye.  Being an art fanatic, I could appreciate the workmanship that went into the detailing.  The fact that a lot of his jumpsuits were theme driven also intrigued me.  The way Elvis carried the costumes themselves, more so the jumpsuits than the two piece stage wear, made him look like a Superhero.

Butch Polston in one of his first four suits he sold. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

Q.  What are the greatest challenges in making jumpsuits?

A.  Getting them to fit people that may be thousands of miles away, and the customer not understanding how to take their measurements is one of the most difficult parts.  You must have the right measurements from the start in order to make the suit fit properly.  A second challenge is making all the suits look like Elvis’s, when not everyone is the same size as Elvis.  Also, getting customers to understand that when we send them a belt template, they need to make sure to keep the buckle template on the belt when marking it, instead of overlapping the belt and then putting the buckle in the middle—doing this adds 7” to the length of the belt.  Lastly, getting the stud, stone and buckle manufacturers to get us our supplies on time.  Back in the 80s and 90s it was easy, as there were a number of places that made these items here in the US.  Now, due to so much overseas outsourcing, many of the US companies have closed.  The remaining US companies still make a much better product than any other companies around the world.  It’s not because I’m lording the US over other countries’ heads.  I’ve looked at overseas products because they are so much cheaper and could allow me to make a less expensive product, but the quality is not there.

Calf length Eagle Cape by B&K Enterprises. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

Q.  What is the most requested jumpsuit?

A.  By far, it is the Aloha (Liberty Eagle) jumpsuit.  The worldwide telecast made it the most famous suit in Elvis’ wardrobe.

Q.  How has your clientele changed over the years?

An early photo of Butch and Kim Polston's son, Michael. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A.  It has not changed a lot.  The people who come to us know from the beginning that they are going to get the best quality product on the market, and that we stand behind what we do.   We have more women and children’s costumes now than in past years.  We have also done over 30 movie projects and over 26 TV projects, most of which had Elvis themes, plus some country and rock singers and even items for some A-list  celebrities who are big Elvis fans.

Q.  Approximately how many costume requests do you receive in one year?

A.  It changes from year to year, so that’s a difficult question to answer.  Every 5th anniversary is when we get the most orders.  We have had years when we’ve done as many as 300 costumes.  Some of those are for charitable events to raise money. 

Q.  How many orders do you fill in one year?

A.  Again, this would be a hard one to answer, because it would depend on whether you are inquiring about just Elvis costumes, or all the other recreations of his garments that we make, including 2 pc suits, shirts, vests, jackets, pants, and even costume jewelry.

Q.  What valuable lessons did you learn from your parents that you still use in your daily life?

Kim Polston with son, Michael, in his first jumpsuit, 1980. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A.  A few things I learned from my parents are honesty and integrity, to be respectful to my elders, and to treat women with the utmost respect, to never steal from others, and if you’re going to do something that someone else has done, always ask for permission, and to make every effort to be a good husband to my wife, to be a good father to my child.  My mother had a thing about making sure me and my two brothers kept our rooms clean.  My late mother told us “I’m not sending you out into the world so that some woman can take care of your lazy backside.  You’re going to pull your weight and respect the woman you’re with!”  In the final analysis, we were very poor as children, but I had wonderful parents who gave us  so much love, we didn’t know we were poor.

Q.  What has surprised you most about the ETAs you have met?

A.  Nothing really.  I’m amazed at their dedication and their love for Elvis.  Those of us who loved him and are big fans of his are a bit like one big, dysfunctional family.  LOL!  In truth, people are just people, whether they are an ETA, a rock star, movie star, or a ditch digger.

Q.  How do you spend your time when you are not at work?

A.  I’m a huge movie and documentary lover—more documentaries than movies, as my brain doesn’t stagnate when watching documentaries.  I love knowledge, and even at almost 61 years old, I love to learn new things.  Documentaries are right up my alley.  I also love to read and study history in detail.  One of my joys as I’ve gotten older is finding time on Saturdays, after running errands all morning, to take a nice nap to rejuvenate myself.

Q.  If you were to design an original Elvis jumpsuit what would it look like?

Butch Polston and Bill Belew, costume designer. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A.  I don’t know if I understand this question correctly.  I can tell you, we have designed a great deal of custom “Elvis” themed outfits for ETAs, some of which are quite elaborate.  One ETA had Gene design him a custom Elvis jumpsuit, and he loved it so much that he had the design painted onto his car.  He loved the design so much that he got it in white and in black.  If you’re asking if we were designing costumes for Elvis today, what would they be, they would still have the element of “wowing” people, but for a man in his 80s, they would be very elegant, but they would not be jumpsuits.  If Elvis had lived, I truly believe he would probably have gotten burned out on the jumpsuit look by the 1980s.  I can assure you that they would still have the element of blowing his fans out of their seats.

Q.  What is the greatest number of costumes that you have sold to one customer?

A.  The largest order we received was for the movie “3000 Miles to Graceland”, with Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell for head costume designer, Mary McLeod, who jobbed us to do the project.  We manufactured 29 costumes in 6 weeks, which almost killed us.  But for the standard ETA, about 10-12 at one time.  However, we do have one customer who is a collector, from Indianapolis, IN, who owns just about one of every costume we have recreated to date. 

Gene Doucette at the Louvre. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

Q.  If it were possible, what questions would you ask Elvis about the costumes he wore, particularly the jumpsuits?

A.  Since I know the original designers, and they are like family members to us, both of whom were our son’s godfathers, I pretty much know everything in the discussions about the costumes that went on.  I even have notes and documentation that I’ve taken from them over the years to confirm some of the stories.  I think I’d probably ask him how he felt about carrying around the weight of the garments.  Some of them had so many jewels and studs on them that they were quite heavy.

Q.  With the advances in technology since you began your business, how has the process of making Elvis costumes changed for you?

A.  I would say it’s given us a reach to a broader market worldwide.  Other than that, we still use the same techniques that were used to make the original costumes.

Q.  What can you tell us about the making of the documentary, Elvis – Fit for a King?  Is there a connection to Canada as suggested by the byline BKEnterprisesCanada?  If not, please explain the use of the word ‘Canada’.

Gene Doucette and Andy Dumas during the filming of "Elvis - Fit for a King" documentary. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A. The documentary was made by a gentleman named Andy Dumas, that I was good friends with.  He is a stage actor, TV personality in Canada, and he also made documentaries based on some fitness books that he and his wife, Jamie, wrote.  He came to me and told me he thought that the story of how we got started into this and created a market and helped create the concept for the contests would make a good documentary.  I told him that it would come off like I was trying to brag about something that someone else created, and that it should be more about Bill Belew and Gene Doucette than B&K Enterprises, because the story, in my mind, was truly about Elvis, Bill, and Gene.  I really didn’t feel comfortable doing it.  Andy really had a passion for the project, so he hit me in my weak spot, which convinced me to do it.  My weak spot was, in 1999, my most beloved wife, Kim, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I became passionate about wanting to find a way to help people that could not afford treatment to get it.  He suggested we make the documentary, and donate the proceeds after his expenses were covered for making the documentary to the Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation.  Of the proceeds raised by this organization, 50% go into research and development of new tools to fight cancer, the other 50% goes to a special fund for treatment of patients without health insurance.  After a period of time, Andy would then put snippets of the documentary on the internet.  We sold a few hundred of the documentaries and raised a fair sum of money, which we donated.  It was also shown on what used to be the Documentary Channel, and different local independent affiliates around the US picked it up.  The Canadian web site was something Andy created for us to keep interest in the documentary and also to help sell our products. 

Q.  Why do you think ETAs choose your company over others to make their jumpsuits?

Bill Belew in Rotterdam. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A.  We were taught by the people who made the original costumes. I single-handedly created the market for these costumes, as when I started there were only about 15 Tribute Artists worldwide.  As an old commercial for a television used to say “the quality goes in before the name goes on”.  We will do our utmost to make our customers happy and satisfied, and we stand behind our products.  The ETAs all know, if they want the best costumes on the market, if they come to us, it’s like coming to the original designers—after all, the man who did the embroidery on Elvis’ costumes is the man who does the embroidery on their costumes!  How much more authentic could you get?  We’re not in this just to make money.  We’re in it because we love what we do.  We love the people we deal with, and we feel it’s our way of paying tribute to Elvis and to Bill Belew and Gene Doucette.

Q.  Have you ever refused to make a costume for a customer?  Please explain why or why not.

Michael Polston working on a new Web Cape. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A.  Yes, there have been a couple of occasions.  A couple are rather sad.  We were making costumes for a few different ETAs, who we later found out were using our costumes to take patterns from and starting their own costuming business, or helping to set someone else up in business by letting them use our costumes for patterns in exchange for good deals on costumes.  Unfortunately, this still goes on to this day.  That’s why the market is oversaturated with bad copies of our products.  Also, there were times when we turned orders away when the customer requested a costume for a specific deadline that we simply could not meet.  I have also had very young ETAs come into our shop, and once they saw our display room, they would pick out very expensive costumes.  I talk them out of buying the expensive ones until they become more seasoned and get big enough not to grow out of it quickly.  I think it’s wonderful that young people are keeping Elvis’s legacy alive by doing an Elvis tribute act.  However, I feel that it’s ripping the client off by selling them a very pricey costume that they are going to outgrow, or that once they get into this they may find that they really don’t want to do it after a period anyway.  So, I try to get them to start out in simplistic outfits that are less expensive and work their way up as they grow.  Unfortunately, there are those out there making costumes, without scruples and try to fit these kids into the most expensive thing that they make.

 Q.  What is the most unusual request that you have received regarding the making of a customer’s jumpsuit?

Kim and Butch Polston's Aunt Gayle working on jumpsuits, early 1990s. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A.  That can be a long book in itself, LOL!  We’ve done costumes for people to get married in, for people to be buried in, to wear for Halloween, and we did Elvis jumpsuits with company logos.  We have manufactured capes for military groups overseas that hang in their barracks. EPE asked us to manufacture two eagle capes and two eagle belts which they gave to George W. Bush and the Prime Minister of Japan when they visited Graceland.  We were requested to make an Eagle suit, cape & belt for President Bill Clinton’s presidential library.  Both presidents have had their Elvis items on display.  Whether they are still on display now, I don’t know.  There are some personal things that I won’t put into print that people have requested, but let’s just say one outfit was for fertility purposes, LOL! 

Q.  Do you still travel to do a fitting?

Kim Polston and Bill Belew in Amsterdam. Photo Credit: Butch Polston.

A.  On occasion—especially if the client is willing to pay my travel expenses.  I’m always happy to try and work with them.  In the days when airline tickets weren’t so expensive, we would work the personal fitting into the price of the garment if they wanted it, and I would travel to do fittings (in the 1990s).  Most customers from other countries prefer to fly into Memphis so they can see Graceland, drive the 5 hour drive up to visit with us and get their fitting done, then drive back to Memphis—or fly out of our local airport that same evening.  This has become more of the occurrence. 

Q.  How do you ensure that a client at a distance who orders online receives the proper fit?

Bonnie Jonus working at B&K Enterprises. Photo Credit: Robin Theobald.

A.  If we are provided with good measurements and good detailed pictures, there are usually very few problems.  We have a detailed measurement chart, which we use to make the customer a pattern.  We send a fitting suit for them to try on and send us photos of themselves wearing.  Once we get the fitting pictures, we ask them to pin any loose areas, and the sleeve length and pant leg length.  Usually this is all it takes.  Once in a while, if the fitting needs a lot of adjustments, we will send it back for a second fitting after we have adjusted it.

Q.  Have you made costumes for an ETA who has the exact measurements of Elvis?

Kim Wein, B&K Enterprises head seamstress for close to 20 years. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A. No.  There are several who are close to Elvis’s size, but out of the many thousands of customers, we’ve found that really, no two bodies are exactly the same.  They can be close, to the point that they can sell their used costumes on eBay and someone else can buy and easily fit into it.  That’s one of the reasons why this is an expensive undertaking. 

Q.  Are all aspects of making jumpsuits and other costumes still done solely at your business location in the US, or are some jobs sourced out?

A.  Yes and no.  All the costumes are manufactured here in the US; however, if you buy an embroidered suit from us, Gene Doucette (the man who designed Elvis’s original embroidered suits), does our embroidery.  He lives in California.  So, while it is still made in the US, it’s not all made in one facility.

Q.  What is the most difficult jumpsuit to make?  How many hours do you estimate goes into making this particular jumpsuit?

Gene Doucette and Butch Polston. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A.  There are a number of them that are equally difficult to produce because of the studwork and precision detailing of the embellishments.  The embroidered suits actually take the longest, because they are not done on a computerized multi-head machine, nor are they sewn on like a patch.  Gene stamps the pattern on the garment and does the embroidery work.  Those suits can take up to 240 man hours to produce.  A cheap patch style knock off only takes a day or so.  The way we do the embroidery, the stitching is done right through the garment, one chain stitch at a time.  Then the embellishments are added, topping the embroidery with rhinestones and studs, and can take a number of hours, depending on the suit.  We do this at our shop.  Even though a great deal of the suits are time consuming, if you’re not going to do it right, you shouldn’t do it.  We promised Bill and Gene that if we were going to use their artwork, not only would they be paid for that usage, but it would be done right—the way they did it for Elvis and other entertainers that they did jumpsuits for.

Q.  What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting a garment making business?

LuAngelia works on a costume. Photo Credit: Robin Theobald.

A.  In these days and times, I would suggest not to.  Even though our suits are expensive, because we do top quality garments, people can believe what they want, but there’s not a lot of profit in it.  There have been weeks when Kim and I couldn’t write ourselves a paycheck.  After you pay your labor expenses, your material costs, your taxes on you and your employees, health insurance coverage, building rental, and all the other expenses, at times you’re lucky to break even—especially when there are so many people saturating the market with cheap knock offs.  If you’re talking about garments as a whole, other than just Elvis garments, it’s foolish to even get started into it, because of all the cheap items that are now made in China and other Asian countries.  Unfortunately, a lot of young people suffer in the Asian countries working because they’re not paid a decent wage and are taken advantage of.  Growing up in the US as a child, there were people who did tailoring work everywhere.  Now, because of all the cheap garments that are made, we live in a disposable society that’s made it easier to go out and buy a new garment than to repair the old one.  This outsourcing has killed many generations of different aspects of the clothing industry as a whole.  The only thing I could tell anyone that’s interested in fashion, that comes up with an idea for a unique product that’s never been seen on the market, is to take your idea, jump on it, run with it, and get off of it, and not to expect longevity in it.  No one in the world has an original idea in their head, so you can bet, if you are that person, a number of people are going to steal your idea, have it produced in some sweat shop, and you will be left with a great deal of hurt and unhappiness.  Unfortunately, we live in a world where you only get rich off of the other guy’s sweat.  When that other guy becomes someone overseas that utilizes children for cheap pay so they can get rich, there’s no hope for a decent market.

Q.  Do you attend any ETA concerts that are not related to business?  What are your impressions of  tribute performances?

At the Hacienda in the early years. Photo Credit: Mike McGregor.

A.  In the early years we used to attend a number of ETA concerts, but most of them were our customers inviting us to the shows. Or, it was individuals who were someone else’s customers that were not happy with the competitor’s product and wanted us to come to the show so we could watch them perform and tell them our views on their garments (critique them). However, I started also going to large venue concerts with lots of different famous entertainers, and would go back stage and watch the shows.  After a while, it started to catch up with me.  One year, I was home 10 weekends out of the whole year because I was either going to a professional entertainer's show, or an ETA’s show.  In my 30s and 40s and even early 50s that was fun to do and I enjoyed it all.  When you hit your 60s you start to run a bit out of steam.  So, now even though I’d love to still take in their shows and am still invited to shows, I tend to prefer to stay home, relax, cuddle up with my wife and dog, and watch a documentary.

Q.  Are you able to tell from a distance that an ETA whom you have not met is wearing one of your costumes on stage?  How?

Karol Tomes working at B&K Enterprises. Photo Credit: Robin Theobald.

A. Yes, I can certainly tell our suits on stage, by the cut of the suit, and also by the quality of the materials used on the suit (such as the rhinestones).  We use a very expensive grade of Austrian rhinestones.  Others tend to use an inexpensive brand made elsewhere.  The Austrian rhinestones have more brilliance, like a diamond.  Another way we can tell if someone copied Gene’s work is, Gene did something using his artistic talents that most people are not aware of.  In most of the elaborate suits he designed, he embedded his initials, which is his trademark, into the incorporation of the design.  There are only 4 people alive that know how those initials are incorporated into the designs.  That’s how we win court cases if we take someone to court for stealing our products, because not only are they violating our Intellectual Property Rights, they are also violating Gene’s Artistic Rights and Trademark.

Q.  Please describe your experiences at the recent Birmingham competition.  Were you there for business or pleasure?  Please explain.

A.  We have worked with Michael (Cawthray) King for many years to set up a display of our costumes and other products at his shows.  Everyone has always treated us with a great deal of dignity and respect.   We have a number of ETAs there that are our dedicated customers.  We are so extremely proud to have them as part of our B&K family.  It’s always a joy when we have the financial means to do that show. 

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire?

Robin Theobald, Kim's assistant. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A.  We love what we do.  I had a plan worked out so that I could retire at 65, unfortunately, in 2008 when the market bottomed out, it destroyed our retirement accounts.  We were on track to either let our son take over the business, or sell out.  I do not know at this point where the road is going to lead us.  I must say, it’s not that I don’t enjoy what we do and the wonderful people we do work for, but I’ve been working, doing everything from cutting grass, to painting houses, to everything in between, and now making Elvis costumes, since I was 13 years old.  I helped my parents out as a child with earning my keep, so it’s more a matter of at 65 I just wanted to do some things I’ve always wanted to do in my life, other than just work all the time.

Q.  What are your plans post-retirement?

A.  If I ever do get to retire, I would love to write a couple of books about some historical events and go to a local art school and learn to paint.  I always wanted to build a little cabin in the Great Smokey Mountain region, in Tennessee, and spend my spring and summers living in the cabin, painting and reading.  I’d spend my winters writing.  The funniest part of all of this is that I started this business because all I wanted was one of Elvis’s original costumes to hold near and dear to my heart all my life, as he was my hero.  I’ve never been able to afford one of his original jumpsuits, but had I been able to have gotten one back in the early 80s when I was researching them, I would never have started this business in the first place.

Q.  What are your hopes for B&K Enterprises after you retire?

Butch and Michael Polston. Photo Credit: Kim Polston.

A. That will really be up to our son.  He’s 38 years old, and has been helping us in designing these garments since he was 6 years old.  It is definitely a legacy that’s worthy of passing down to someone.  However, as he’s getting older, he’s more in the mind of perhaps with people saturating the market and the prices of materials being so costly, once we decide to retire, it may be a good time to sell the business to someone with the same fire and passion that we had when we started it.

Q.  Is there a question that I should have asked, but didn’t?

A.  Perhaps “Why did you start the business?” 

Q.  How would you answer your question?

A.  As I stated earlier, the business started as a fluke.  I had no intentions of making Elvis costumes for a living.  When I found out Elvis had passed away, my wife (who was then my fiancée), one weekend when I was home on leave from the Army, asked me “If you could have anything that Elvis owned, what would it be?”  I said, “One of Elvis’s costumes.”  Had I been able to afford one of his suits back then, I would have never started this business, and this article would have never been written.

Videos

Link: The story of Butch's first sale

Introducing: Rose Geoghegan Collingwood ETA Judge

Introduction

LAC (Lincoln Alexander Centre), July 16, 2016. Photo Credit: C.M.

I wish to thank Rose Geoghegan for her informative answers and great photos.  I had the good fortune of meeting Rose when I purchased one of only two remaining tickets available for ETA Gordon Hendricks’ concert at the LAC (Lincoln Alexander Centre) in Hamilton, Ontario.  Rose personally looked after the organizing and running of Gordon’s sold-out concert.  The evening of the concert, Saturday, July 16th, 2016, holds special meaning for me, since it was the first time I saw Gordon perform, and it was on that same night that the idea for an interview with Gordon was germinated during his post-concert meet and greet.  It was, indeed, good fortune that I purchased a ticket for Gordon's concert on that momentous day.   

The first time I saw Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks was at the “Linc” in Hamilton in 2016. Photo of poster credited to Rose Geoghegan.

Collingwood ETA judge, Rose Geoghegan, is from my hometown of Stoney Creek, Ontario, so I take great pride in introducing Rose to SIDEBURNS readers.  Best regards always, C.M. 

Rose (far right) and her sister, Carmela (left of Gordon) with Gordon Hendricks after his Collingwood win in 2014. Photo Credit: Rose Geoghegan.

The Interview

 Q.  What circumstances led to you becoming an ETA judge?

 A.  For a few years, I promoted/advertised an Elvis tributRe artist's shows.  My desire was to be involved in the Elvis festival, so I submitted my resume to the Collingwood manager, Rosemarie O’Brien.

 Q.  Prior to becoming a judge, what were your interests in Elvis and ETAs?

 A.  Elvis's music fuels my soul.  The closest to Elvis are ETAs, for they try to copy Elvis's voice and re-create the image.

 Q.  Besides judging ETA competitions at Collingwood, have you judged any other ETA competitions?  Please explain.

Rose Geoghegan with Collingwood Judges and Emcee, July, 2014. Photo Credit: Richard Leonardo.

 A.  I have judged two festivals at Lake George, N.Y. and once at the "Image of the King" contest in Memphis, Tennessee.

Q.  What is the most difficult part of being an ETA judge?

 A.  It is the nature of competitions to be stressful for the competitor.  And the judges may also feel anxiety.

Q.  What is the most rewarding part of being an ETA judge?

A.  The most rewarding part of being an ETA judge is when the Elvis Tribute Artist you have chosen as your winner/representative wins the Ultimate competition.

Q.  Please describe a typical day of judging.

A.  It is essential to be at the judging site in ample time to fill out the forms with the competitors’ names and song selections, and to sign the judge's form.  It is important to be focused and relaxed.

 Q.  Is there something you would like to see changed about the judging process?  Please explain your answer.

A.  No. The judging process works, so why change something that works?

Q.  Over the years, what is the biggest change in competitors you have seen as a judge at Collingwood?

 A.  Every year, I notice improvement.  The ETAs are ready and hungry to win the festival.

Q.  Describe the feelings you have after you hand in your scores.

Rose Geoghegan with ETA Richard Wolfe, July, 2013. Photo Credit: Richard Leonardo.

A.  I am fair and confident with my scores.

Q.  What is the biggest mistake that ETAs make during a competition?

A.  They may forget the lyrics or change a phrase in a song.

Q.  What is your favourite category to judge in an ETA competition?

A.  Vocals are key.  At the start of a song, I bow my head, close my eyes, and then look up; appearance is secondary.  In the 50s and 60s, emphasis should be on appearance, charisma, showmanship and movement.  In the 70s, the main emphasis is on vocals, stage presence and appearance.  Judging the Youth Division is a joy, for they are still learning about Elvis, his music and the art of showmanship, and they give it their all. 

Q.  What is the breakdown of the marks for a performance?

A.  The Elvis Tribute Artists are judged in 5 categories:  Stage Presence/Showmanship, Performance, Appearance, Vocals and Full Tribute/Authenticity.  Professionals are scored in these categories from 1 - 10 with total possible score points of 100 in the qualifying and semi-final round.

Non-professionals are scored in these categories from 1 - 5 with total possible score points of 50 points in the qualifying, semi-finals and finals.  Youths are scored in these categories from 1 - 5 with total possible score points of 25 in the qualifying round and finals.   

The Grand Finals belong to Elvis Presley Enterprises, and the Ultimate Score Sheets are used to score the professionals.

Vocals represent 20 possible score points, while appearance, stage presence and overall performance count for 10 possible score points each. 

Voice will always be the deciding factor in a tie.

Q.  Is there room for a “gut feeling” in judging?  Please explain.

A.  Definitely.  From the qualifying round, I have a feeling of which competitors should advance to the finals.

Q.  Is ETA judging always a paid position?

A.  The judges in Collingwood have the option of  monetary payment or complimentary accommodations for the Elvis festival weekend.

Q.  What are the special preparations you have to make the week before judging the weekend long Collingwood Elvis Festival?

A.  I study Elvis's music by listening to his CDs and watching his movies and videos.

Q.  You succeeded in running two very successful concerts, one with ETAs Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter, and one with ETA Gordon Hendricks.  Describe your role in both concerts.

Rose Geoghegan and ETA Shawn Klush, April, 2014. Photo Credit: Richard Leonardo.

A.  I was the CEO.  I hired the artists, booked the venue, the orchestra, and the sound and lighting.  I advertised, reached out to all my Elvis contacts and sold tickets.  I am very grateful to have sold out both productions.   

Q.  When you are not judging ETAs, how do you spend your time?

A.  I work part-time at Canada Post in Stoney Creek.  My husband and I regularly cruise a few times a year, plus we travel overseas to Europe, and recently to China.

Q.  How many consecutive years have you judged at Collingwood?

A.  I have judged the Elvis Collingwood Festival in Collingwood for seven consecutive years.

Q.  Are there particular upcoming ETAs, worldwide, whom you would like to see perform at Collingwood?

A.  Yes, a young 15 year old ETA, Riley Jenkins, from Tennessee.  He won the Myrtle Beach competition in 2017 at the age of 14.

Q.  If you were not an ETA judge, what ETA events, competitions, and concerts would you attend as a visitor?

A.  I would attend the 3 rounds of competitions:   Qualifying/Semi-Finals/Finals, plus the Inspirational Gospel competition and the main tribute artists show at the arena.

Q.  What advice do you have for young ETAs entering their first competition?

A.  Memorize the song and try to not be nervous.  Dress accordingly how Elvis did when he performed the song, and re-create the image by curling your lip, moving a finger, and showcasing your Elvis hand gestures and leg movements. 

Q.  Does Collingwood Elvis Festival provide an outline of how they will be judged so they can plan their performance based on expectations?

A.  Yes, there is a Judging Manual that the ETAs should read to become aware of the rules of the competition.

Rose Geoghegan and ETA Cody Ray Slaughter, July, 2014. Photo Credit: Richard Leonardo.

Q.  How does a win at Collingwood further an ETA’s career?

A. The Collingwood Grand Finals are considered to be a Qualifying Round of Competition for the UETAC. The winner of the Grand Finals is a fast tracked to the Semi-Finals in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held each August in Memphis, TN. 

Q.  What special personal qualities do you possess that make you a good judge?

A.  I listen to each song for Elvis's voice/tone, plus I look for charisma and performance on stage.  I judge each contestant fairly.  We are reminded to be constructive, not cruel.  I add encouraging words like "good job", since it builds self-esteem and morale.

Q.  Is there a pertinent question or questions about judging that I should have asked?

A.  What is your best success story being a Collingwood Judge?  How satisfied are you being on the Elvis Judging Panel? 

Q.  How would you answer your question(s)?

A.  In 2012, our judging panel chose Ben Portsmouth from the UK as our winner/representative and he won the Ultimate title in Memphis, Tennessee.  In 2017, our judging panel chose Gordon Hendricks from the UK as our winner/representative and he won the Ultimate title in Memphis, Tennessee. 

 I want to be involved in the Elvis industry because I am a fan.  From his Deep South humble beginnings to fame and fortune, Elvis always remembered his struggles and southern roots.  Forty plus years since his passing, Elvis is still celebrated worldwide in festivals that re-create, remember, and pay tribute to his life and music.  I am honoured and feel fortunate to be a part of the judging team.  I do not take it for granted, for it is by invitation only.

Another great show in Hamilton in 2014. Photo of poster credited to Rose Geoghegan.

Article:
Mahoney: Hamilton's ultimate fan brings the ultimate Elvis show to Carmen's by Jeff Mahoney, Hamilton Spectator, April 9, 2014.

Introducing: Lisa Lesage and the Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival

Introduction

I wish to thank Lisa Lesage for sending along her enlightening story of how the Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival came into existence and for including her very interesting bio of how she went from gate keeper to director in a short eight years. 

When ETA Gordon Hendricks knows that folks from Tweed are at his concert, he always  pays them recognition.  He tells the story of how long a trek it was to find the town the first time he competed in Tweed, and it always gets a big laugh.  Gordon’s fondness for the people of Tweed and the festival are evident.  ETA Oliver Steinhoff describes Tweed as one of his favourite places in Canada.  Oliver speaks highly of the festival and the friends he has made in Tweed.  Lisa Lesage invites everyone who hasn’t been to the festival, to attend this year’s three day competition and celebration.  And after reading Lisa's story and bio that are written with such festival and hometown pride, I am sure a lot of people, including me, will take her up on her offer and join the perennial festival goers in August.    

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Introducing:  Lisa Lesage and

The Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival

So I must, right off the bat, confess that I was not a huge Elvis fan until the past 8 years of my life.  Of course, I, like many others of my age group, grew up with Elvis all around me.  My mother loved him, and I think that she married my dad due to the fact that he kind of resembled the king in that he had dark black hair and blue eyes.  But he couldn't sing, so that is where the resemblance ended.  My mother’s family were very musical and, of course, they loved to pay tribute to Elvis by singing his songs; and they did this whenever they could.  In fact, two of my uncles did this as a full time job for a while.  The younger ones, who were a little shy, just went to concerts whenever they could.  They loved to see Elvis live.  I wish that I had that opportunity now, just like so many others in the world.

Director of the Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival, Lisa Lesage, at the opening ceremonies, 2017.  Photo Credit:  Louis Young.

In 2011, my aunt, Kathy Scott, got together with a few people from Tweed, namely, Jim Keniston, Scott Pettagrew, and Bob Taylor, and decided to start an Elvis festival inTweed.  There had been some bad things happen in Tweed due to outside influences, and the Town had a reputation of which it was not very proud;  so Kathy went to the Collingwood Elvis Festival to meet with Rosemarie O'Brien to discuss how to start an Elvis Festival.  Kathy came back with a lot of ideas.  And what Tweed had that no one else had, was the distinction of being the last place that Elvis was seen after his death.  This was due to a local owner of a restaurant dressing like Elvis on the anniversary of his death and on his birthday.  This man would pipe Elvis music from the speakers of his restaurant, and one day a radio announcer returning to Ottawa from Toronto just happened to catch the sight; and when he got back to his radio station, he commented that he had just seen Elvis alive and well in Tweed, Ontario, Canada.  This story has been told for the past 30 some odd years, so why shouldn't Tweed have an Elvis festival.

Eight years ago my aunt Kathy was looking for some help for the festival.  I was a gate keeper, and I loved the job so much I decided to volunteer for the next year.  Well, my aunt moved me into Celebrity Services, where you meet all the dignitaries, judges, ETAs and anyone else that is important to the competition.  I became a Director on the Tweed Music Festivals Inc. Board of Directors.  December of the same year, my aunt decided that she had enough of running the festival, so she resigned, and Jim Keniston took charge.  I remained in Celebrity Services.  That year was a great year for the festival, and we were doing all right. 

The next year Jim Keniston resigned as Chair of the Festival.  There seemed to be no one who wanted to take it on, so I jumped in.  At the time I was working full time, had kids at home, and a husband who liked to see me once in a while.

Director, Lisa Lesage, ETA Gordon Hendricks, and Vice President of Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival, Bonnie Jussilla, at Casa Blanc Wineries. Photo Credit:  Louis Young.

In 2013 we had our first international Elvis come from Europe.  We had made it!  We were so excited to have an ETA from another continent. The international ETA was Gordon Hendricks, who was crowned the 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis Tennessee this past August.

Since then, we have had at least two international tribute artists come to our festival each year, and last year saw the biggest crowds since our inaugural year.  Tweed Tribute to Elvis is always looking for ways to improve our festival, and we take great pride in always evolving to make the Festival a more enjoyable event for the guests that come and camp on sight for 5 days, and for the ETAs that perform for 3 days straight.  We have over 100 volunteers that work the week before and after the festival. Our 18 managers work year-long to ensure that everything is in place for the big weekend of August the 24th, 25th and 26th.

If you have not yet joined us, this is a great year to plan on being at the Tweed Elvis Festival.  To check us out go to tweedelvisfestival.ca.

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Introducing: Comedian, Musician, Writer, Emcee, Victor J. Hanson

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Introduction

One of the many talents of comedian Victor J. Hanson is writing.  Victor has written a musical play, several scripts, radio commercials and comedy routines.  Also, of special interest to Elvis fans, Victor co-authored a book with Cynthia Pepper, Elvis Presley's co-star in Kissin' Cousins.  In his interview answers, Victor uses humour to tell us tales from his life.  I laughed throughout the proofreading of Victor's answers.  What a brilliant, comedic mind he possesses...or possesses him (or one of "the other 87 people" who live in his head).  He can make anything sound funny, even the more serious moments early in his life.  Victor's goal is to "help people laugh"--a goal he achieves over and over in every word he has written for his interview.  And Victor uses lots of words:  "By the way, I think I wrote a novel here."  Even his emails are funny.   I invite you to pour a glass of your favourite libation, put up your feet, settle in, and enjoy Serious About Being Funny...the story of Victor J. Hanson.  It is a great read!  Note to Victor:  If you every decide to write your memoirs and need a co-author... ; ) Cheers! CM

Addendum  

September 25th, 2018: Victor J Hanson has been busy emceeing many festivals and events since my interview with him first appeared in SIDEBURNS Magazine in 2017, and he doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Victor has several upcoming appearances that I am happy to share with you:

Victor will be hosting the Flaming Star Elvis Festival this October, and the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, 2019. He is also playing the part of Jethro Hicks as the host of “Christmas in Nashville”, which tours theatres in Ontario, November and December, with a quick tour in Manitoba this year. He is also performing as a character named Po'Boy, in “The John Fogerty Story”. It is touring Ontario theatres this coming October and November. Victor, in his humorous way, had this to say about his busy schedule, “Zooming everywhere... No wonder I have no hair!” LOL Thanks for the update, Victor. C.M.

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Victor J Wants You (to have fun)! Photo by Navy Nhum Photography.

Victor has a strong connection to the ETA world through his role as emcee and musician.  Pam Pettit and Sue Harris, co-producers of the Flaming Star Festival, who have worked with Victor numerous times, kindly agreed to share their personal thoughts about the amazing Victor J. Hanson.   

What can we say about Victor J?  We had known each other casually for quite awhile before we asked him to host the inaugural Flaming Star Festival in 2014.  Little did we know at the time just how brilliant an idea that was.  It started at our first meeting.  He demonstrated immense professionalism and passion, making notes out of all our crazy ideas coming at him from all directions and doing his best to make sense of it all. We knew immediately that we were in good hands.  Right from his first appearance on stage, the audience embraced his quick wit and ability to respond to anything that was thrown at him.  He makes everything flow with such incredible ease and panache that you cannot help but envy his talent.  We know that Victor can handle anything that we throw at him; and when, as an organizer, you are trying to juggle a thousand moving pieces, the knowledge that he will graciously handle it all without a complaint is truly a gift.  There have been hundreds of moments over the past 4 years of the festival that we remember with heartfelt joy, but none greater than those times when Victor and his family of characters have brought endless joy to our audiences.  Not only is he worth every penny of the meager amount we can afford to pay, but he has become a dear and treasured friend.

Thank you very much, Pam and Sue, for your wonderful words about your friend Victor J. 

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The Interview: Serious About Being Funny

 Q.  Tell us about your childhood growing up in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.

A.  Growing up in the Jane and Finch area was an interesting experience to say the least.  At that time in history it was inhabited by two kinds of folks, the WASPY community and the Italian community.  With a name like Hanson, you must know that my family didn’t originate from Rome.

As much as there were only two groups, I think I constituted a third group by landing in the middle.  I loved my Italian friends and my WASPY friends.  I felt no personal discrimination, as I was picked on by both groups equally.

My Italian friends taught me to swear in a beautiful new language.

(Think of where I could be today if I had learned conversational Italian, instead of confrontational Italian.)

Fighting, bullying, and intimidation were a normal way of life.  I’m glad that people are trying to stop bullying in this time in the world, but back then it was a normal fabric of life and you learned to live and weave your way within it.  It wasn’t done on social media, it was done up close and personal--in your face, without the book.

Growing up and surviving in the Jane Finch corridor, you either became a great fighter, or you perished…I found a third way with music, and humour.

Q.   What are your favourite memories of school?

A.   My earliest recollection is in Kindergarten.  Unlike today, there was no “JK” or “SK”, there was only “K”.  As a German word, Kindergarten literally means “Children’s Garden”…there were children, but I don’t recall any gardens.  I started Kindergarten at age 4.  I was big for my age.  I was at least six inches taller than the tallest kid in my class.  I should have guessed that something was wrong when the other kids in my class took turns riding on my back like I was a horse. 

I don’t remember how it started but I’d get down on all fours so that a classmate could get on my back and ride me.  One after another, every kid got a ride.  Thank God kids stopped wearing spurs to school decades ago.  The teacher never interfered or demanded that we stop.  I guess she was just happy to have the class be engaged in something.  Thanks Toronto School Board! 

To be honest, it made the other kids happy and I was thrilled to give them some happiness.  To this day my knees are still angry with me.  One morning my mom came to class.  After seeing all of this she put a quick end to it all.  She was the best. Looking back, I can see where my self-deprecating comedy style came from (?)

Q.  When did you first realize you could make people laugh?

A.  I first realized that I could make people laugh when I was a kid.  It’s a toss up whether it was my mother or my grandmother that I first made laugh.

I’ve always found the phrase “make people laugh” a bit odd.  I don’t think that you can make anyone laugh.  I prefer to say, “help people laugh.”  We all want to laugh, and have it within us.  It just takes someone to help it come out.

I found very early in life that my mother needed to laugh, and so did my grandmother, so I helped.  There was a fair bit of alcoholism and abuse in some of the other members of my mother and father’s families, so I got to see the ugly that went into producing that.  I also found out at this time that there is a fine line between laughing and crying.  I discovered that I had the power to help create both.  

It was a Christmas many moons ago.  I may have been 10 years old.  A little boy that lived in a house across the street came running over to our front lawn as the snow was coming down.  He was very happy and excited to inform me that Santa was bringing him a Big Bruiser for Christmas.   The Big Bruiser was a fantastic battery-operated toy tow truck that came with a ton of cool accessories.

I was not having a great day as an uncle had just left the house after making my mother cry, yet again.  The little boy from across the street was three years younger than me.  He was busting at the seams with joy over the news that Santa would be bringing him this dream gift.  As he was telling me, for the fourth time, that Santa  was bringing him the #1 toy of the season, I just looked at him and said, “No he’s not.”  The little boy was still smiling and joyful as he told me once again what Santa was bringing him.  I repeated the words, “No he’s not.”  The smile and joy washed from his face as he asked, “Why not?”  I just calmly said, “You’re not old enough.”

He began to stammer as the tears filled his eyes.  As he ran back home crying, I realized then and there the power that words had.  I hadn’t touched him, yet I got to him.  I know this is dark and evil.  It was bullying as bad as I had been bullied by others.  I was just using what I had learned, but it was also a lesson on what this power can produce.

I didn’t like the result and felt badly for what I had done. I knew this was dark and ugly and decided that I would use my new-found power for good and not evil.  I tried to make amends by helping that little boy laugh after this incident.  Oh yes, Santa brought him the Big Bruiser.  He had the last laugh.

Q.  Did your teachers think you were amusing?

A.  Not at all.  Maybe the Kindergarten teacher laughed at the horse in her classroom, but other than that I’d be surprised if anyone remembers me from school.  I was a scholastic Ninja.

Q.   Did you perform in any school plays or musical reviews?

A.   Not much.  I sang in the school choir, but I was able to hide in the crowd, never wanting to draw too much attention to myself.  But I did get scolded for making another kid in the choir laugh a little too loudly.

Q.  Did you take any music, singing, or acting classes as a child?

A.  My acting classes as a child came from watching too much TV.  My singing came from my school choir experience.  My music instrument classes came when a door-to -door salesman charmed his way into my folk’s home, stuck an accordion in my arms and asked me to play it.

Never having touched an accordion before in my life, I squeezed it, pulled it, pushed a couple buttons and keys and was declared a musical genius by the travelling impresario.  He suggested…NO…he demanded that my mother enroll me into the music school immediately!  Not doing so would be an injustice to the music lovers of the world.  I may not have learned much about music that day, but I did learn about salesmanship.

Q.  What made you laugh as a child?

A.  Slapstick, the 3 Stooges, Abbot & Costello, Jerry Lewis, Bonanza when they did a funny episode, and my drunk uncle who would first make my mother and grandmother cry, then stagger down our front stairs to the driveway wall that divided it from the neighbours.  He would then trip over the wall falling 5 feet out of sight to the hard asphalt below, only to emerge seconds later, unscathed as he continued his drunken journey down the road.  Now that’s comedy and karma all rolled into one.

Victor J Hanson with his band Winchester Quill. What a wedding party this was. From left to right: Victor J Hanson (with hair), Gary "Houndmaster" Nobel, Mike Rauch (also the groom), Barry Tsruda, Antonnietta "Toni" Rauch. Photo from the Rauch collection.

Q.  Describe your high school years.

A.  Once again, I was a scholastic Ninja.  I made my close friends laugh, but not a class clown.  No one knew that I’d been playing guitar or even had a Rock & Roll band with three other friends from the music school I had been attending for the past couple of years.  We were originally called The Kozacks.  We later changed that to Spectrum, and later to Winchester Quill (named after Jessie Winchester).

Unlike Elvis, I didn’t take my guitar to school.  I couldn’t wait until the weekends when I’d get together with Mike Rauch (guitar), Barry Tsuruda (bass), and Gary “The Houndmaster” Noble (drums) to crash our way through some teenage angst via the band.  Gary replaced our original pal and drummer, Larry Felix.  Larry had moved down East with his folks.  All of my bandmates were very inspiring friends.

Q.  What plans did you have for your life as a country music guitarist?  Were you a big country music fan prior to joining a band?

A.  Big Country Music fan?  Hell no!

How I got into playing Country music stems from the frustration of not getting anywhere with the Rock & Roll band.  I was devoted to my friends in the band, but it was just a loop of the same music.  We spent years trying to perfect 12 songs…well, that’s how it felt for me.  I had to try for a change.

I secretly hooked up with another Rock & Roll band that was just starting out.  I thought this was my big break.  Iv met with the lead singer and one other band member at a bar.  It was a bright sunny afternoon, but the inside of the bar was very dark, so I had to make it to the table via trial and error.  I forged on using the Braille method of navigation.  After smashing my knees on a couple of tables, (my Kindergarten horse days were coming back to haunt me), I finally found the guys. I sat down with my back to a dimly lit stage.

They told of their roadie stories with Burton Cummings and some other Canadian music royalty.  I was hooked.  I started to tell them of my brief music career, but they kept looking past me towards the stage as I spoke.  It bothered me, but I forged on.  After another 10 mins of me attempting to communicate with these two stage-staring zombies, I decided to see what was so important behind me.  I looked and saw Naked Women.  I was in a strip club and didn’t even know it.  I hate losing the audience’s focus, so I left.   They called the next day, and I was in the band.  We rehearsed for about three weeks in a barn.  It was dusty, and I sneezed a lot, but I forged on.  The music was too loud, my ears hurt but I forged on.  The small sports car’s trunk parked in the barn was filled with illegal drying weed on sticks… I decided NOT to forge on.

I snuck back one night, got all my gear and left.  This frustration led me to answering another ad for a guitar player in a country band.  That’s how I became the lead guitar player for Cheyenne Record’s Cliff Carrol and the Hitchhikers.  Cliff had a recording contract and had been in a movie loosely based on his life as a country singer called The Hard Part Begins.  So, I became a hitchhiker, in more ways than one.

Q.  What were the best and worst parts of being in a band?

A.  The best part about being in a band as a young fella was meeting women. The worst part about being in a band as a young fella was…meeting women.  You can also tack on terrible pay and being on the road for a solid eleven months out of the year.

Victor J Hanson holding his prized 1970's Espana Guitar from Spain. Photo by Susan Hanson.

Q.  What led to you leaving the band?

A.  I stayed with that band for two and a half years, which was about 2 years too many.  I travelled around North America with them on a tour bus.  Eating and sleeping on a tour bus for that long without big results was a game ender.  The end resuIt was that I got to play on two studio LP’s and to open for the great Marty Robbins and the Oakridge Boys in Ohio, but it wasn’t enough.  It was going nowhere.  So, I left.

Q.  Are you a fan of Elvis Presley’s music?  Do you have a favourite Elvis song?

A.  Oh, Hell Yes, I am a Fan!  Not just a fan of the man that sang the songs, but a huge fan of all the people that wrote the songs and those that played the music for him.

There are too many great song performances that he gave, to have just one favourite.

When I was with Cliff Carrol, every night I sang “Stuck on You”.   Years later, when I was playing with the Casino Brothers I fell in love with a song that my good friend and musical director Paco Danesi had us sound check.   It was “I Just Can’t Help Believing”, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.  It was the dynamics in the song that I fell in love with.  We would make the arena in Collingwood rise and fall with that song.  I still get goosebumps thinking of how Paco, Mike Burns, Marco Spadafora, Peter Kadar and I made that song explode off the stage…“for more than just a daaay.”

Q.  Do you remember the first Elvis movie you saw?

A very good friend of Elvis, Jimmy Velvet, with Victor J Hanson at the Elvis Museum in Las Vegas. Photo by Susan Hanson.

A.  My cousin Bill, who was 6 years my senior, took me to a movie theatre in Gravenhurst  to see “The 3 Stooges”.  This was my first time going to a movie theatre.  I was only 9 or 10 years old and the Stooges never looked better or funnier on a GIANT screen.   After seeing a couple of the black and white Stooges shorts, there was a slight pause as the feature film was about to begin.  I had no real interest in seeing the feature as I had just seen the greatest movie stars of my adolescent life time.  Boy was I about to wake up that day.  The movie began.  The sound was much better than the Stooges reels and HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL!!!!  IT WAS IN METROCOLOUR!!!!  A movie in colour?  WOW!  It had action, it had girls, it had sword fights, it had girls, amazing music and singing and did I mention, GIRLS?   I had seen this Elvis guy playing his guitar on TV and girls screaming, but now he was in colour.  Heck, he even karate chopped a wild leopard into submission.  Singing AND saving girls?  This young boy was in heaven. 

Victor J Hanson and Cynthia Pepper at the Flaming Star Festival, October, 2017.

Q.  Please tell us about your first meeting with Cynthia Pepper.

A.  I first met the amazing star of stage and screen, Cynthia Pepper, in July of 2007 at the Collingwood Elvis Festival.  I had been hired by guitar player extraordinaire, Mike Burns of the Casino Brothers, to play lead guitar with a band that was put together to back 3 ETAs at the Gayety Theatre.  I had never played with a couple of these musicians, so I was a tad nervous.

One of the ETAs was coming in from the USA that day and had messed up his crossing.  Turns out that he wasn’t allowed into Canada.  When the producers caught wind of this they went into a tailspin.  “We’re missing an Elvis for the show!!  What will we do?”  I calmly opened up the Theatre door and said, “No problem.  Spit, you’ll hit one.”  Paul Ross filled the spot perfectly that day, and no one had to spit on him. 

After that show I stayed in Collingwood.  I ended up with the winners.  A festival worker that had to be backstage for the finals was rushing by with this pretty blonde lady in tow.  The festival person asked if I could look after Cynthia.  I said sure.  Cynthia sat down beside me as the other person sped towards the stage.  I turned and asked, “So you’re Cynthia?”  She responded, “Yes.” I then asked, “So, why do you need looking after?”  She laughed, and we became fast friends.

I didn’t know her Hollywood history or that she was a VIP at the festival.  We talked a lot that night and exchanged numbers.  Thank you, Collingwood Elvis Fest.

Book cover of Pigtails, Presley & Pepper by Cynthia Pepper, with Victor J Hanson. Cover design by Victor J. Hanson.

Q.  How did the co-writing of Pigtails, Presley and Pepper come about?

A.  After Cynthia and I first met in 2007, we talked on the phone and corresponded by email.  Later, my wife Suzy and I visited Cynthia and her husband Steve several times in Las Vegas.  Cynthia has the best Hollywood life stories.  She’s the real deal.

I suggested a few times that she write a book.  She said she’d like to but didn’t really know how to start it or to see it through to fruition.  Then my wonderful, impetuous wife put me on the spot by saying, “Victor will help you write it.”  My wife is a lot smarter than me, so I agreed.  The one thing Cynthia wanted in the writing of the book was that it be written in her voice.  All her friends that read the book said that it sounded just like she was reading it to them.  I was proud of the fact that I was able to accomplish that.

Victor J. Hanson and Cynthia Pepper posing at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. This is where the very first Academy Awards were held. Photo by Susan Hanson

The Sexy Ole Dawgs (Victor J. & Donny T.) with Cynthia Pepper at an outdoor show with Matt Cage in Brantford, Ontario. Photo by Sylvia Grieco

Q.  Have you written any other books?  Are there plans for another book?

A.  I have written jokes, comedy shows, corporate video scripts, newsletters, a musical play, transcripts, radio commercials, song lampoons, and the occasional postcard but Pigtails, Presley & Pepper was my first book.   As far as other books go, I have been helping Christopher Riordan with his future book.  He has done a lot of work in Hollywood including, but not limited to, several movies with Elvis and his ’68 Comeback Special.  Christopher’s story is amazing.

Sexy Ole Dawgs, Donny T. and Victor J.

Q.   What would you like to tell us about Men Without Hairs, The Pudgy Boys and Sexy Ole Dawgs?

Men Without Hairs was a musical comedy duo that I put together with a long-time friend, Edgar Thatcher.  I had known Edgar since early childhood.  (He was the little boy I mentioned a few questions ago.  He’s the one that got the Big Bruiser for Christmas.)   He was just out of university and had a musical duo that was contracted to perform at the CNE.  His partner at the time left his duo to go work with Roch Voisine, so Edgar asked me to stand behind him to fill in with some guitar playing.  He needed two guys on stage to fulfill the contract.

After a couple of days of this, I was getting bored; so I started to make faces and kibitz with the audience behind Edgar’s back.  He soon realized that there some good entertainment value to what I was doing.  I was then invited to stand beside him instead of behind him, thus Men Without Hairs was born.  How did I come up with the name?  We were both folically challenged, so it just made sense.  The Men Without Hats guys didn’t seem to mind.

The Pudgy Boys duo was with my good friend Bob Kirk.  (After looking in the mirror, that duo name just made sense too.) This show was a little less music and a little more of my scene work and improv training from Second City in Toronto.  I had met Bob and his wife, Ellen Hitchcock, when I was invited to be in their improv group, the Out of The Way Players. Mike Myers got his start in that group too, so not bad company I must say.

Sexy Ole Dawgs is a current duo that I have with my good friend Don Thompson.  Don is an incredible performer with a lot of irons in the fire; I guess he needed one more. The Dawgs perform at festivals, concerts and corporate functions.  We had a blast opening for Beverley Mahood at Cowapoloza in Woodstock.  Sexy Ole Dawgs is a hybrid of what Victor J does best and what Donny T. does best.  Lots of great music with a dash of comedy.  As far as the name goes, Donny T. came up with that one.  He looked at the two of us in the mirror and realized that I was Sexy, and he was…well, let's just leave it at that.  I love him too much to say anything more.

Q.  What are your greatest strengths as ...(Victor, "Timing!!")...a comedian?

A.  Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to yell as you were asking this question.  Other than timing, I think I have a couple of other strengths for comedy.

#1 Keep It Clean

I am by no means a prude, or a comic that can’t see the dark side of humour.  I just choose not to explore it in my show.  Dropping a curse word on the audience’s head will have shock value and they will laugh, once or twice, but after the 20th time…it just gets boring and the audience becomes uncomfortable.

#2 Perform Environmental Comedy

That doesn’t mean that I’ve gone Green.  (I still drink my water from a plastic bottle-- such a Rebel).  What I mean by “environmental” is that I bring the surroundings and current circumstances into what I’m doing on stage.

If I was in the middle of a routine and a person was walking by with a tray of dishes and dropped them in front of the stage…it’s now in the show.

It’s also what I bring into my corporate shows by using the client’s services and or products in a positive manor.

#3 Know What Is Funny and How Far You Can Go

People are born with funny bones, or they are not.  At the risk of sounding full of myself, I think I was born with funny bones.

Victor J Hanson and Suzy in Red Canyon outside Las Vegas. Photo by Tammy Sale-Rosa Photography.

#4 Funny Characters

I have some great alter egos that join me on stage.  My wife lives with me and the other 87 people in my head.  On stage it’s great.  At home...I must refer you back to my Suzy.  You may contact her directly at www.Ineedanormalhusband.com

 Q.  Are there other comedians whose work you admire?  Why or why not?

A.  Yes, but it’s a tough business so I’d rather not name names.

Any comedian that can get up on stage, stand before a crowd of strangers and help them to laugh their trouble away has my respect.

I enjoy the older comedians of days gone by.  They were blazing a trail for us all since the days of Vaudeville, and beyond.  You can go WAY back and see the start of it all. Who can ever forget the greatest of all funny guys, Shecky Shakespeare, who uttered those now famous words, “Taketh my Wifeth…Please.”

Q.  You have shared the stage with some well-known names in the entertainment world.  Do you have stories that you wish to share?  Are there certain entertainers with whom you would like to perform again?

A.  Lots of well-known names to drop here:  The Kids In The Hall, Don Felder (of the Eagles), Robin Leach, Barenaked Ladies, Dan Hill, Dini Petty, Robert Vaughn…to name a few.

Last year I opened a show for Don Felder.  This former guitarist of The Eagles was on his own after being ousted from his famous band.  He was touring with his own band at the time.  As you may or may not know, Mr. Felder wrote the music to the hit Eagles song, “Hotel California”.  He had been in court with band for many years for his share of being an Eagle.  Since we were using the same change room, I struck up a fun conversation with him.  After I got him laughing I asked if he still gets royalties from writing “Hotel California”.   He looked at me and smiled, but said nothing.  I thought for sure I had hit a sore point.  He then said, “I can’t answer your question as I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement…however I can tell you this much, my family will never want for anything--ever!”  (I think we all need to write a hit song.)

In the Elvis world I’ve had the privilege of working with The Stamps Quartet, The Holiday Sisters, The Sweet Inspirations, and The Imperials.  I’d love to work them all again.  I always felt that the background vocals on Elvis’ songs were as important as the lead vocals themselves. They were all masters of their craft.

Q.  I know that you have backed up a lot of ETAs by playing guitar in various bands.  What is more fulfilling for you, music or comedy?

A.  I have backed up a lot of Elvis impersonators from around the world and loved every minute of it.  Most recently, I got to play a couple of acoustic tunes with Gordon Hendricks at the Flaming Star Festival in Toronto.  Ever heard "Polk Salad" unplugged? It was a blast! 

I could be playing guitar with the Casino Brothers, Gerie & The Koasters, or The Mystery Train Band on the Malt Shop Cruise.  When the guy out front knows his stuff, it’s like living the dream that only Scotty Moore, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Reggie Young, Tommy Tedesco, Hank Garland and a handful of others knew.  That’s why I’m always smiling while playing in the band.  A good friend, who recently passed away, Michael “Midnight” Burns, gave me the nickname “Sunshine” Vic.  He loved that I’d always be the smiling guitar player behind Elvis.  He’d say, “You just always look so happy to be there.” He was right.  I am.  

To answer your original question, comedy pays the mortgage, music pays my soul.

Q.  Do you have favourite celebrities whom you enjoy characterizing in your act?

A.  I have a bit in my act that I call Victor J’s Celebrity Impressions.  I do voice impressions of some of Hollywood’s greats calling their cats.  I enjoy doing Jimmy Stewart and Jack Nicholson a lot.  Oh, Arnold Schwarzenegger too.  The voice I can do…the muscles, not so much.

Q.  Were ‘real’ people the inspiration behind your alter-egos, Jose PorFavor, Shamus, and Garth Baldy?  Do you have a favourite one of the three?  Are there others?  Do they represent parts of your personality?

A.  Jose PorFavor is a hybrid of Jerry Lewis, Andy Kaufman’s “Foreign Man” and a little bit of Mel Blanc’s Mexican characters.  Garth Baldy is Garth Brooks' long lost and never talked about cousin.  The Brooks family disowned him years ago.  Shamus is based on a Newfoundland stereotype.  He is named after the great Canadian comedian, Jimmy Flynn’s son, who passed away years ago at a very young age.  I had been invited to dinner at Jimmy and his wife Sylvia’s home in Nova Scotia over the years.  I got to know their daughter, and son, Seamus.  He was very young, and loved to do celeb voices like I did.  We would do our best Rocky Stallones for each other and crack up the dinner table.  He was very talented.  In his late teens he contracted a rare form of cancer and passed away shortly thereafter.  He was a great kid and deserved better than that.  He performs with me still.

Victor J as Jose Porfavor at the Flaming Star Festival.

Q.   Pick one of your alter-egos and discuss the weather in Canada.

A.  Jose Porfavor, in a high pitched Spanish accented voice, “Yous guys call dis weather? They said come to Canada.   Work on your tan!  How was I supposed to know they meant a Tanning Salon?  Do you know how hard it is to sit in a tanning bed wearing a Sombrero?  If Trump’s Wall is going to help keep Canadian winters out of Mexico, I’m all for it.”

Q.  Describe your favourite working environment.

A.  A professional theatre with above average production values.  This theatre would be filled with a sober, focused audience.  A 50/50 spilt of male & female audience members….wait it’s 2017…make that a 33.3/33.3/33.3 split of male, female and transgender audience members...and people with open minds and a desire to explore the notion of getting happier with an entertainer that just wants to help them laugh.

Q.  What advice do you have for comedians just starting out?

A.  Do something else.  There’s too much competition for me as it is.  Sorry, I don’t mean to crush anyone’s dream.  There is no right path.  I never came up through the comedy clubs.  When I approached comedy clubs they said, "You’re too musical."  When I approached bars, they said, "You’re nothing we can dance to."  So, I had to find my own audience.  The best advice I can give is to have something solid to fall back on, like a bed or a big comfy couch.  Oh, a trust fund… yes, that’s the best thing.

Q.  If you had to pick another career path other than comedy and music, what would it be?

A.  Major League Baseball Player.  Playing catch for millions of dollars?  Count me in!  If not that, then maybe police work.  That way I can do more than honk my horn and shoot someone the finger when they cut me off.  Do you think that choice of vocation may be too vengeance driven?

Victor J Hanson and Suzy in Alberta...no wait, it might have been Vegas. Photo by Tammy Sale-Rosa Photography.

Q.  What do you do to relax on non-performance days?

A.  Non-performance days are usually spent mining and advancing future bookings.

Beyond that, I get to spend some great quality time with the beautiful woman of my dreams, and maybe later my wife.

Ok, not my fault. You kind of set me up for that one.  You set it up and I knocked it out of the park.  Oh gads, now a baseball player callback… this is all on you.  Victor J Hanson, Canada’s Funniest Comedian…In His Price Range.

Q.  Other than entertaining others, how do you use comedy in your daily life?

A.  It’s my defense mechanism.  Defusing certain negative situations.  I use comedy to help myself, and maybe others, to cope with the reality of life, war, heartache, unfairness, nonsensical acts of daily stupid that we all see on the news.  Laughter is a release from reality.

Q.  What things do you not find funny?

A.  Practical jokes.  There is absolutely nothing practical about them.  It’s just mean.  Also, the modern-day Comedy Roast.  When Dean Martin had his TV roast it was funny, clever, and at times hysterical.  Today’s roasts are just mean.  Nasty things are said, and they are followed by even more nasty things.  It’s just ugly.

Q.  Where do you think you will be in ten years?

A.  Dead.  (See, I can get dark too.)  If I survive 10 more years and if I’m still valid as a comedian with fingers that still work, I will be doing comedy and music in some form.  Mind you, I never book shows more than 9 years down the road so ask me again next year.

Q.  Do you have a list of upcoming gigs that you wish to share with us?

A.  You mean sooner than 9 years away?  Sure.  The bulk of my work is with private corporate shows that I can not invite you to.  I book public shows when I can fit them in. Here are a few in chronological order that you can come to.

Dec 17th, 2017 - Charity Christmas Concert for CASHH (Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills) at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown.

Jan 26th, 2018  - I’m playing guitar for the Creedence Clearwater Survival Show at The Greg Frewin Theatre – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  Tickets at: www.gregfrewintheatre.com/creedence-tribute.html

April 20th - 22nd 2018   I’ll be Hosting the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival – The Greg Frewin Theatre,  www.NiagaraFallsElvisFestival.com

Tickets - (866) 870-3002

I will be Hosting the 5th Annual Flaming Star Festival – Toronto, in the Fall of 2018. Check out their web page for festival info.  www.flamingstarfestival.com

For future dates come visit me on THE FaceBook: www.facebook.com/vjhanson

Visit my website at: www.VictorJComedy.com

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Article:  The Many Faces of Victor J. Hanson by Carol Hunter

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Thank you, Victor J, for an extraordinary interview.  I created a Victor J Hanson Photo Album just for you in a separate gallery to showcase your wonderful photos.  Click HERE to see the gallery.  Best regards, Carolyn.

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Introducing: Sandra Gold

Introduction

Sandra Gold.

I first met Sandra last year at a concert at Woodbine Racetrack. During our brief conversation, I mentioned that I was going to see ETA Gordon Hendricks perform at the Casablanca Winery in Grimsby.  By coincidence, Rock and Soul, was one of Sandra’s many shows in 2016.  It was a spectacular evening of dining and entertainment, and was so well attended, it was repeated this year at the same venue.

If you read my article, Keeping His Memory Alive, you know that my knowledge of ETAs has snowballed these past few months.  I recently learned that many of the artists whose performances I have enjoyed at local casinos are shows that Sandra Gold has booked.  I was intrigued by the business acumen of the woman behind the concerts, and wondered what special qualities it takes to run such a successful business.  I was pleased when Sandra agreed to an interview for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

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Introducing:  Sandra Gold

Q.  What circumstances led to you opening your business?

Sandra Gold.

A.  I was tired of working for others.  I don’t drive, so I like to conduct business on the phone.  My Jewish family encouraged me to be an entrepreneur and own my own business.   

Q.  What services does your business provide?

A.  I am a booking agent, producer, and promoter.  I put on my own shows and provide entertainers to casinos in Canada and the USA. 

Q.  How long has your business been in operation?

A.  Stars on Stage Inc. has been in operation for 14 years.

Q.  What is your official title in the company?

A.  My title is President.

Q.  How many people do you employ on a regular basis?

A.  My company employs four people.  Entertainers are subcontracted on as per needed basis.

Q.  Are there many women operating your type of business?

A.  My only competition in Canada is men.  There are some women who do run similar businesses, but they operate in the USA.

Q.  What type of challenges do you face in your line of work?

A.  It is a big responsibility in making everyone happy, and making sure everything runs smoothly.  Sometimes things happen that are beyond my control—the weather and traffic, for example; but I try my best to make sure everything runs smoothly all the time.

Sandra Gold with ETA Sylvain Leduc (left) and ETA Gordon Hendricks (right). Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Q.  How has your business changed since its beginning?

A.  I started with ETAs because I have been a fan of Elvis since I was four years old.  I became friends with ETAs at Collingwood.  As my company grew, more entertainers started asking me to book shows for them.  Fans will ask for different people from different countries, and I deliver.  I offer clients the best entertainers available for bookings. 

Q.  Do you meet with any resistance running a business dominated by men?

A.  My background in business has given me the confidence to book shows on the phone.  One man in particular was instrumental in helping me get started with OLG shows because he believed in me.  As the Director of Entertainment for Casino Niagara, he gave me a chance and assisted me in procuring my AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission) licence.

Q.  What are the biggest misconceptions people might conclude when they first meet you?

"Tim E is one of my best best friends." Sandra Gold. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

A.  People may make assumptions because I am flamboyant; but what they may not know is that I have an astute business sense.  There are different layers to my personality.  I want everyone to be happy.  I want people to forget their problems when they are at my shows.  I am fun and spiritual.  I must laugh everyday—and at myself.  We must live everyday as if it is our last.

Q.  Running a business is hard work.  How many hours do you work per day?

A.  My work is ongoing.  I can work until 2 a.m.  Trust between my entertainers and me is crucial.  They know that I mean business, and they respect that.  I want them to enjoy the gig I have booked for them because I want them to be happy.  I work hard at making sure things run smoothly for everyone.  If it goes well, ‘Sandra is a star’; and if not…!  Travel is part of my work, and fortunately, I love to travel.

Q.  What do you do to unwind after a tough day of work?

A.  I listen to Elvis.  I like to do something that is fun, like going for dinner or to a movie.  I often get invited to entertainers’ shows.

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Sandra Gold with husband, Oscar. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

A.  People may be surprised that I have been married for 29 years.  My husband is definitely an Elvis fan—he would have to be or I wouldn’t have married him!

Q.  How does the process of hiring ETAs and other artists work?

A.  A customer calls me and asks for a show, or I book a venue.  People first, or venue first, it works either way.

Q.  How difficult is it to find someone to fill in should the occasion arise?  Does it happen very often?  Are there certain artists you know can rely on in a pinch?

A. I have a few I can call on with short notice.  Replacing an artist only happens once every few months. 

Q.  Are there certain people you would like to thank for enriching your life?

Sandra Gold and long-time friend, Karen Pattiucci.
Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

A.  I would like to thank my long-time friend, Karen Pattiucci for helping me with contracts, making decisions--in fact, everything!  Karen worked long hours with me on the 20 page OLG application.  If it wasn’t for Karen I would not have gotten my AGCO licence.  I would like to thank my good friend, Rita Caruso, who has been by my side since the beginning of my shows.  Rita is my backstage manager and literally does a lot of running around to make sure that shows run smoothly.  Thank you to my good friend Sue Harris who helps me with all the extra things that need doing.  Sue also provides me with transportation to my shows at US casinos.  I am grateful to the three of you for your help, but most of all, I am grateful for your friendship.      

Sue Harris, Rita Caruso, and Sandra Gold taking care of business.

Q.  What would you like to add to this interview that has not been covered?

A.  I am blessed and happy for the people in my life, and they make me want to live.

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Thank you so much, Sandra, for consenting to be interviewed.  I have been to many of your shows these past few months, and I can say with assurance that your goals of making people happy and offering shows that run smoothly have been met each time. During our interview I saw first-hand how you handled an incident involving unexpected heavy traffic, an ETA who was running late due to the traffic, and a client who was concerned because the starting time of the show was very close.  At the end of several back and forth phone calls, you managed to make all parties concerned happy.  Through it all, you kept your sense of humour, and managed to answer my interview questions—a true professional to the core!

I am looking forward to Sandra’s upcoming 2017 ETA shows:  Matt Cage - Nov. 17th at Mohawk Raceway; and James Gibb - Nov. 24th and Kevin Mills - Dec. 15th at Flamboro Downs.  Also, you can see James Gibb and Kevin Mills together - Nov. 25th, at Sheridan United Church, Mississauga, in an Elvis Christmas.  In 2018, Tim E Hendry will entertain at the Casablanca dinner and show on May 5th; and Gordon Hendricks will return to Canada for a three day show, October 25th – 27th (details TBA).  What an entertaining way to end 2017; and we have so much to look forward to in 2018!  On behalf of all ETA fans, I wish to thank Sandra Gold and Stars on Stage Inc.!  CM  

Editor’s Notes

Update, July 6th, 2020: This article was one of the first I posted in the “Introducing” series. I attended all the shows listed above, plus many, many more; and I took lots and lots of photos that I am pleased to share with you in the album that follows. Thank you, Sandra, and all the wonderful ETAs. I look forward to a happy future when we will all be together again making more beautiful memories.

Photo Album

Contact information for Stars on Stage click HERE.

Sandra Gold with Frank (Sinatra) Campanile (left) and ETA Matt Cage (right). Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Sandra Gold with Andy Kim. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Sandra Gold with Rita Caruso. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Sandra Gold with husband, Oscar. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Sandra Gold with husband, Oscar. Photo submitted by Sandra Gold.

Introducing: The Women behind the Flaming Star Festival

On Sunday, October 15th, 2017, I attended my first ETA competition, and it was a wonderful experience.  I could not have picked a better event than Pam Pettit and Sue Harris’s Flaming Star Festival.  From the moment we signed in, the love that Pam and Sue have for organizing and running a top notch event was evident.  A three day festival of this calibre requires extensive knowledge on the part of the organizers in order for such a large event to run so effortlessly.  I am delighted that Pam and Sue have graciously agreed to share their bios. Through their words, we will get to know the women behind the scenes and how their individual talents came together to make the Flaming Star Festival such a successful annual event.  

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 INTRODUCING:  Pam Pettit

Pam Pettit. Photo by Cathy Montgomery

First of all, I am a proud mom of a daughter, son and stepdaughter, and have six amazing grandchildren.

I have worked in high schools the majority of my career and will eventually retire from the educational sector. I can honestly say that organizing convocations at Seneca College were my first steps at learning how to put together large events.

For 3 years, I was the Executive Assistant to the Telethon Coordinator at the Easter Seal Society.  Together we produced the annual provincial Easter Telethon on live TV, at that time CBC.  I also participated and helped with many other celebrity events organized by Easter Seals.

I grew up listening to Elvis music, and when my sister became friends with an ETA, I started attending Elvis tribute shows and the Collingwood Elvis Festival.

In 2009, I attended the Toronto Elvis Festival produced by Heather and Nevin Grant and Stage West.  Nevin was the Program Director of OLDIES 1150 CKOC and 820 CHAM, and music director of CKOC.  Nevin is recognized as one of the top music programmers in Canada.  I volunteered as a Judges Assistant, along with various other duties, at their annual Toronto festival.  Upon retiring as producers of this Festival in 2013, the Grants handed me the reigns to take over the festival.  Stage West in 2013 made many structural changes and closed the dining theatre and their involvement in the Elvis festival.

Cynthia Pepper and Gordon Henricks, Flaming Star, 2017. Photo by Louis Young

I have supported Rockin Ray Michaels, host of 92.9 The Grand radio, with his annual Kings and Classics Festival in Rockton for quite a few years.

I am always ready to lend a hand to ETAs with shows and fundraisers.  For a while I created websites and posters for various ETAs and their shows.

The Flaming Star Festival was established in 2014 to help fill the void of an Elvis Festival in Toronto.  The inaugural festival was welcomed by the ETA world and so began the growth of Flaming Star.

The festival has showcased the following very talented champion headliners:  Doug Church, John Cigan, Connor Russo, Tim E. Hendry, James Gibb, Pete Storm, Benjamin Dalske, Richard Wolfe, Gordon Hendricks, Sylvain Leduc and Matt Cage. Cynthia Pepper, who co-starred with Elvis in Kissin Cousins, has attended each festival and is a cherished member of the Flaming Star Festival family.

The Festival has a welcoming coziness.  The weekend may be filled with Elvis music, but it also a coming together of Elvis Tribute Artists, families and friends to have a great time.  It has been said that the ETA world is the “huggiest” group of people ever.  It takes an hour to say goodbye at the end of a show with all the hugs and kisses.

Flaming Star Festival Poster by James Gibb.

In my 'spare time', I say jokingly,  between working full time and the Festival, I also produce tribute shows particularly at the Stone Grille Restaurant/Bar in Innisfil owned by Mark Lovell.  We have showcased tributes to John Denver, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cher, Shania Twain, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Connie Francis, the Deceiving Divas, Whitney Houston etc.   We have a show on November 18 that stars Tom Jones and Neil Diamond tribute artists.

Over the years, I have been a judge at many venues, including the Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival, a preliminary qualifying contest to the UETAC, King Attractions contests, and Kings and Classics Festival in Rockton and more.  This can be a very difficult task that can only be truly carried out with a background and knowledge of Elvis, his songs, lyrics, moves, presence etc.  It is a position I hope to continue for a long time.                                   

I have been a Backstage Manager at the Windsor SuperStars Festival as well as at other tribute shows, including the first Niagara Falls Elvis Festival this past year, where I have been asked back for 2018 in the same capacity. 
 

Over the last 4 years, I can’t begin to count all the hours Sue and I have spent together working on the Festival.  During that time we have tried to ensure our passion and love for Elvis is reflected in all we do for the Festival.  Sue and I now have a close friendship thanks to the creation of this Festival.  I can't imagine doing this with anyone else.  Her close friends are now my close friends, and we are family.  I am so grateful to Sue and our ETA family for all they do to help us.  What an incredible amount of Elvis knowledge is contained in this small group. Marcus Wells likes to refer to us as his posse. 

We have a small but solid group of volunteers that fill all the necessary jobs at the Festival.  We are forever indebted to these hard working friends.

Victor Hanson

Victor Hanson is a major component of our festival and a forever team member.  He loves to create fun promotional videos. Be sure to ask Victor about his trigger finger the next time you see him. He keeps the festival running smoothly no matter what happens.  Victor's sense of humour keeps the audience entertained all weekend long. He is our "life-saving hero" in times of inevitable technical glitches!  From the business aspect, Victor offers us his professional expertise for which we are very grateful. Cynthia Pepper and Victor co-wrote Pigtails, Presley and Pepper together.  Victor and Cynthia have become very dear friends to Sue and me. 

The motto “Festivals Working Hand In Hand” was created in our inaugural year to bring together a feeling of comaraderie and togetherness with other Elvis festivals.  We are not in this to compete with each other.  We are all trying to honour Elvis and keep his memory alive for generations to come. Let us all help each other do this.

Helen Keller once said “Alone we can do so little.  Together we can do so much”.  Sue and I have proven to be the enduring and unbreakable team bringing Flaming Star to the success it is today.  We look forward to celebrating our 5th Anniversary of the Flaming Star Festival in the fall of 2018.

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 INTRODUCING:  Sue Harris

Sue Harris

I discovered my love for Elvis when my uncle and godfather took me to see Kissin’ Cousins at the Glendale Theatre.  While very young, the music and fun topped off by two very handsome Elvises resonated with me.

I worked in the Telecommunications industry from my teenage years until my retirement in roles associated with Customer Service and Process Engineering.  My main passion was the Toronto Blue Jays where I was a season ticket holder for over 20 years.  While with Bell Canada, I met a lovely lady who introduced me to the ETA world through a weekend excursion to Collingwood in 1999.  Although a closet fan through most of my teenage years, I firmly was hooked. I started attending concerts and festivals every weekend.  I loved and respected the dedication and passion that each of the ETAs, good or bad, brought to their tributes.

They say when God closes a door, he opens a window. The need to take care of my aging mother and Downs Syndrome brother made it impossible for me to continue to attend Blue Jay games…Door closed.  Enter the Elvis World and the window opened for me into a new passion. I started talking to the various ETAs - totally amazed at the different reasons and ways they entered this new and strange world.  I met caring and unselfish people who believed in helping each other and who were all united by one common goal – to pay tribute to a great entertainer – Elvis Presley.  The more I knew, the more I saw the same generosity of spirit that Elvis was so revered for.  They were like no other people I had ever met, and I was swept into their world.

When the opportunity to join the Flaming Star Festival in its inaugural year - 2014, I leaped at the opportunity to bring the fan perspective into the group as well as the chance to draw on my project management and process skills. I was also inspired to create an automated score sheet for tabulations for the Flaming Star Festival and have had the honour of extending that responsibility to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival and the Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Before joining the team, I only knew Pam Pettit having met at various events.  As I worked more and more with her, my respect and admiration for her grew.  We started the whole adventure as acquaintances and have grown to be family. Pam is more than just a partner in the Festival, she is my sister.  I feel that through our diverse experiences, we create an unbeatable team that has created a Festival that has grown and gotten better and better over its 4 year span.

All about the Flaming Star Festival

Flaming Star Festival Poster by James Gibb

In 2014, the first Annual Flaming Star Festival was launched.  Our inaugural event was wildly successful from all perspectives and has flourished every year since then.  The event is centered around 30 Elvis Tribute Artists from around the world, paying homage to the music and performances of Elvis Presley. This three-day competition is held at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport Hotel, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, culminating in the crowning of three champions in a Non-Pro Division, Pro Division and Gospel Division. As these artists strive for authentic representations of The King of Rock and Roll, they are judged in categories such as vocal ability, costume, and performance for an opportunity to claim the Championship title.  The festival garners compliments and praise from contestants, judges, volunteers, VIP guests, and of course, our all-important audience members.  Hotel and venue all under one roof --buy your ticket, book your stay and ride the elevator to all the fun.  No weather to hold us down!

Ticketholders sit back and enjoy not only the competition itself, but a headline show, as well as Meet and Greets, while ending each day with an always fun and entertaining Open Mic. 

The festival is hosted by the comedian extraordinaire Victor J. Hanson.  Cynthia Pepper co-starred with Elvis Presley in the movie "Kissin’ Cousins" and is a treasured member of the Flaming Star Festival family and will always be on hand to tell her tales of filming with Elvis.

Slide Show

 Thank you, Pam and Sue, for sharing your stories of how your past individual experiences and expertise have come together to create a festival that offers an atmosphere of family in the midst of competition.  It has a pleasure meeting you both, and getting to know you better through your words.  ETAs and their fans, I am sure, are grateful for all you do on their behalf.  

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