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“Outstanding” is the word that best describe last night’s show at the Casablanca Winery Inn. Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., has a reputation for booking the best tribute artists in the business, and last night was no exception.
Sandra Gold, Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks, and Carolyn MacArthur. Photo Credit: L. MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks, has a number of fan clubs worldwide with a fan base that has grown exponentially since he first appeared years ago on the UK talent show, Stars in Their Eyes, a competition that he won by a landslide. They say that winning the title of Ultimate in Memphis, Tennessee, allows an ETA to write their own ticket when it comes to how they wish to perform. No longer fettered by the demands of competition, ETAs are free to explore other options in their tribute. Gordon Hendricks has recorded updated classic Elvis songs on his two CDs, “Stripped Back” and “Unplugged”, and performs as himself in sold out performances, most recently, and for the first time in Canada, in Tweed, Ontario. Those who attended his “Unplugged” show in Tweed rave about his performance. Included at the end of this article is a brilliant video of “Unplugged” that was taped in the UK. Last night, however, at the Casablanca Winery Inn, it was classic Elvis all the way.
Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur
There was a vibe of excitement the moment we walked into the lobby of the Inn. Sandra, Rita, and Sue were on hand to greet people and assign seating. With everyone seated, dinner was served at 6:30 pm as scheduled. This is my third time dining at the Casablanca Winery Inn, and each time the food and service have been impeccable. With dinner over, and dishes cleared, the evening’s entertainment began with Marcus Well’s tribute to Sir Elton John. Looking splendid in his red shirt, black pants and Elton jacket, Marcus obviously felt the same vibe as the audience. I have enjoyed Marcus’s tribute many times, but last night there was something extra special in his performance.
Marcus Wells as Sir Elton John. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur
Singing all the favourite Elton John songs, the most touching moment came with his comments just before singing “Candle in the Wind”. Marcus introduced the song by reminding us that a woman who left us far too soon, would now have been the grandmother of four children. Marcus, of course, was talking about Princess Diana and the recent arrival of little Prince Archie. The song took on new meaning as we all reflected on Marcus’s singing of a song that will forever be associated with England’s Rose. To end his set, Marcus picked up the tempo with “Crocodile Rock”. It was a great set for Marcus, and it took me back two years ago when I first met him at the same venue, and in a show that also featured Gordon Hendricks. I have been a fan of Marcus and his Elton John tribute ever since.
Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks poses with Wendy King. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
As with all ETA shows, the music that preceded Gordon’s appearance on stage last night created a buzz of anticipation from the very first note. The excitement in the room was palpable. With all eyes on the only entrance to the room, Gordon entered amidst rounds of cheers and clapping. Dressed in his black leather suit, Gordon Hendricks looked every bit the award winning artist we have all come to know and love. One of Gordon’s most endearing qualities, besides a voice that is a cloned version of the King’s, is his connection to his audience. Success has not diminished his appreciation for each and every fan who attends his shows. Some faces Gordon knows because they come to every one of his shows, and he made special comments and gestures to them last night; but he also circulated several times during his two sets to meet and greet with fans at tables around the large banquet room. Gordon’s performance was an ETA fan’s wish come to true. Singing familiar songs, and adding a few lesser know ones to keep his set fresh, Gordon wowed everyone. The ballads, for many, were the best part of the evening because it was during these tender songs that the true remarkability of how much Gordon sounds like Elvis could be heard. I have always marvelled at the connection fans feel for certain ETAs, but last night I experienced a revelation as I watched true Elvis fans like Wendy King, Elaine Adie, Sandra Gold, and many others nod in agreement and understanding of Gordon’s comments on what Elvis has meant to him throughout his life. It is an appreciation that goes much deeper than just enjoying the music of Elvis Presley. Wendy King said in one of her blogs that when she was young, she felt Elvis was her “friend”. It is a beautiful sentiment that I could see on the faces of many last night.
Tiffany Deriveau as Tina Turner. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur
After a brief intermission, the next performer to take the stage was Tiffany Deriveau with her tribute to Tina Turner. It was my first time seeing Tiffany, and I was blown away by her performance! Energy to spare, not only did Tiffany pay great tribute to Tina Turner with her look, but her moves and voice were superb! My daughter, Lisa, with a tear in her eye, summed up the performance by saying, “She gave every ounce of her being in that performance.” Buck O’Dell in appreciation asked Sandra, “Where did you find her!” The entire audience, who agreed en masse that it was an unbelievable performance, gave Tiffany a standing ovation. I hope to see Tiffany again in future shows.
Gordon raises a glass of wine presented to him by fan Dot Farr. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Gordon’s second set began with music heard around the world in the televised “Aloha from Hawaii”. The “scarf set”, as I like to call it, is my favourite part of the show because I really enjoy seeing the happy faces of those who receive scarves. Last night, Gordon, with the help of Rita Caruso, made the rounds handing out scarves to lucky fans. Two of our favourite followers of SIDEBURNS Magazine, Cathy Wood and Dot Farr, had their wishes fulfilled when Gordon presented them each with a scarf and a kiss on the cheek. Anyone who has received a scarf from a favourite ETA understands how special that moment feels for a fan. I remember at the first Casablanca show that Dot, whom I did not know at the time, gave Gordon a glass a wine while he was performing on stage. Last night, Dot repeated the gesture, and warming her heart, Gordon remembered her doing the same thing two years ago. It was one beautiful moment in an evening that contained many more.
Tammy, far right, enjoyed the evening with her sister and brother-in-law. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Celebrating her 40th birthday, Amy was asked on stage to dance with Gordon. Tammy, whose birthday is in July, was treated to last night’s show as an early birthday gift from her sister and brother-in-law, so she could see her “boyfriend” while he was in Canada. Tammy was invited to dance on stage with Gordon to her favourite song, “Burning Love”. Gordon also announced that Fred Coulas, whom he had chatted with in the lobby, was also celebrating his birthday. Asking Fred to stand, Gordon sang a few chords of “Happy Birthday”.
During his last set, Gordon talked about his early childhood and how he used to watch Elvis movies with his Nan. He recalled how his eleven sisters would ask their “little Elvis” to entertain them as they got ready for their dates. Laughing, Gordon added, “Now they pay to see me perform.” Remembering how it felt winning the Ultimate title, Gordon shared that he felt like a five year old kid again jumping on his bed with joy, having just realized his childhood dream.
Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks poses with Will Austin and his sisters. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
With great generosity in sharing his stellar vocals and moves, his time, his stories, and his stage, Gordon, closed with “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”. It was all, and more, that any fan could ask of an ETA. Sandra, knowing the crowd would relish one last song, called all three performers to the stage for a rousing rendition of “Viva Las Vegas”. After the show, Gordon greeted fans in the lobby, rounding out an unforgettable evening.
Editor’s Note: Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks will be appearing at the ScotiaBank Convention Centre on Saturday, June 1st, 2019. In November, 2019, Sandra will host another great Casablanca show. More details TBA.
Photo Album
A Special Photo for Gordon
Gordon has requested a copy of the photo below taken by Lisa MacArthur. I believe it is the artsy look of the photo that Gordon particularly likes. It resembles paintings favoured by rock artists for their album covers.
