Truth be told, yesterday wasn’t really Gale’s birthday. The retired school teacher celebrated her birthday earlier this month on July 6th. On her official birthday, from what I understand, there was a drive by of well wishers in honour of her milestone birthday. Gale’s friend, Rose, who is an ETA festival judge, and wife of Gale’s colleague from her teaching days, jokingly said that Elvis was coming to Gale’s neighbourhood to wish her a happy birthday. When a disappointed Gale found out that Elvis was not making an appearance, she wondered what it would take to make it happen. With the help of Rose, and agent Sandra Gold, Gale was able to book ETA Matt Cage for a Sunday afternoon show on July 26th. A few invited guests that included ETA Richard Wolfe, gathered on Gale’s front lawn along with neighbours who kept at a safe distance (or within their own bubble), to catch Matt’s Early Years show.
On a sweltering summer day in Stoney Creek, ON, Matt looked cool in his black and white shirt, black pants, and gold jacket. It has been four months since Matt’s last live public performance, and he was in top form for this summer show as seen in the following slide show:
For those gathered at the show who are dedicated ETA fans, this weekend was a sad reminder of the loss of the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Coincidentally, July 26th marked the 10th anniversary of Matt’s first appearance at Collingwood. Matt posted the following on his Facebook page:
Rockin the leather...I looked much better in this shot from Andrea Jones than I performed back then!
So today I did a gig, first since March! Wild! Then it occurred to me that it had been exactly 10 years since I began my Elvis journey! It all happened in 2010 at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Sadly, it's no more (though I'm hopeful that perhaps somehow, someway it can return in 2021?) but the legacy for Elvis, myself and countless other tributes and fans live on! Here are a few highlights in all their cringeworthy goodness for you! I've come a long way baby! Not sure if I'll see through another 10 years of this, but I must say I am thankful of every minute of the last decade.
Matt’s comments on his photos: 1) My first Collingwood Elvis Fest... Well first anything Elvis for me in 2010! Hard to believe a decade has gone by! 2) Singing “Treat Me Nice”. 3) Look at that hair... I swear just a couple hours before this pic, it was straight. Definitely got better at that over the past ten years! This pic was taken just minutes before my first EVER Elvis performance (aside from Karaoke and family living room acts haha)...I would be introduced as Matt 'DOR-Sett"....hmmm....perhaps a stage name would be a good idea! 4) Me and Frank Greenwood (first fellow performer I met) meeting a young Marco Spadafora for the first time - caught on film! Wow! He's like... you?? You are gonna become Matt Cage?? Nahhh... I can't see it.
I hope everyone finds something in life that energizes, excites and makes you feel alive. This has certainly done that for me. I've been to Vegas, Mexico, Cruises. all around Canada and the US... Been in theatrical productions, tv and more... I've been invited into people's homes and hearts, and for that - I'm so grateful! Thanks for all the love and support! AND THANK YOU TO ELVIS PRESLEY! STILL THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL AND THE BEST BEST BEST EVER. WHae are just carrying the torch you left. TCB!
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary as an ETA, Matt. We wish you many more happy ETA years.
A Photo Album for Gale
Happy birthday, Gale! Hope it is the start of a spectacular year! Best wishes from everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Thank you to Matt Cage, Gale, Rose, and Sandra Gold, who invited me to join in on the fun, photographer Lori-Anne Crewe, and the wonderful people of Stoney Creek, my hometown. C.M.