Introduction
The Roseneath Elvis Competition and Festival took place in September, 2021; and even though it is now February, 2022, I thought you might enjoy reading about the event
This article is jammed packed with wonderful photos provided by photographers. Bill Watson and Tyler McEwan (photographer for The Printed Planet). Since I was unable to attend, I reached out to those who were at the event for their input and memories of the competition and festival that was held under the dark cloud of Covid. Thank you to ETAs Berry Chumbley and Paul Thain for answering my interview questions, to Dorian Baxter, aka Elvis Priestly, for his comments, to Tyler McEwan for insightful comments on photography, and all the others who contributed or are quoted throughout the text. (Introduction, article, interviews and edits by Carolyn MacArthur, writer and editor for SIDEBURNS Magazine).
The “Best Elvis Competition”
“Bought an Elvis wig yesterday and it looks ridiculous lol”. From Darren Brown’s FB page. Photo Credit: Tyler McEwan.
The Keene Centre for the Arts Elvis Weekend was held on Labour Day weekend in 2021. The three day event began on Friday, September 3rd with what was billed as the “Best Elvis Competition”. The six contestants who competed at this inaugural competition and festival, held in Roseneath, ON, were Paul Thain, Berry Chumbley, ‘King’ Jim Robinson, Darren Brown, Ken Arndt, and Don McLean (aka The Chicken Man). Each artist (not all were Elvis Tribute Artists) performed for a full half hour before a judging panel that included Daniel Jackman, Nigel Husing, and Dorian Baxter. “Morning Drive & Midday On-Air Personality” Jim Glover (Northumberland 89.7) acted as emcee on Friday night of the event.
As suggested in the second poster above, the competition finale was held on Saturday, September 4th, 2021. A three-way tie was declared by organizer Ida Brown. ETAs Berry Chumbley, Jim ‘King” Robinson and Paul Thain (Captain Elvis) all took home an equal share of the prize money.
The Sunday morning “Best Elvis Gospel show” tribute was hosted by Dorian Baxter, aka Elvis Priestly. According to this excerpt taken from a Facebook page, it sounds like the gospel show was a wonderful way to spend a September morning: When the Elvis Gospel show begins, we will serve you coffee and all of Elvis’s breakfast favorites. He (Elvis Priestly) will even renew your vows afterwards for a fee. It’s going to be so beautiful and romantic with lots and lots of Elvis music! When asked about his experience at the Roseneath Elvis Competition and Festival, Dorian had this to say about the three day event: My role was to be the chief judge for the Friday night competition and to be the Headliner for the Saturday night Elvis show and again for the Sunday morning Elvis Gospel Service. The Elvis competition met all my expectations and I can only give accolades to Ida and her amazing team for doing such an excellent job of everything. In retrospect I would not have changed a thing. It was very well organized and as usual the Elvis fans were just so friendly and so much fun to be with! It is my understanding that this is an annual event and there will be a competition/festival in 2022.
A glowing review indeed! But did others I asked share Dorian’s enthusiasm? Let’s see…
Photo of ETA Daniel Jackman was taken at the Scarborough Ribfest, 2018. “They have an annual Elvis show during the festival.” Photo Credit: D. Jackman.
From event judge, Daniel Jackman, who, himself, is an ETA: Even though It was a brand new competition, the atmosphere was fantastic. The audience really enjoyed the performers. People had a lot of fun. I hope they do the competition weekend again.
When asked if he would judge or maybe compete next year, Daniel replied, “I would judge again if asked. I like performing the most. I started doing a tribute to Elvis when I was a young teenager. I did my first live show about a year before Elvis passed.”
From Jim Glover, radio personality and Friday night emcee: We had a great time!! In the photos below, Jim is seen with Jodi Losee, also an on-air personality at 89.7 FM. Photos credited to: Bill Watson. Edits: C.M.
We have heard from a judge and an emcee; but what did the competitors think of the first-time Roseneath Elvis competition and show? ETAs Berry Chumbley and ETA Paul Thain, two of the three winners of the event, were kind enough to answer a few questions for this article.
An Interview with ETA Berry Chumbley
Q. How did you first hear about the “The Best Elvis Competition” in Roseneath, ON?
ETA Berry Chumbley performing at the 2019 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
A. I found out about the competition from a spectator who had been to other performances at Roseneath Fairgrounds.
Q. What other ETA/Elvis competitions and festivals have you competed and attended in the past?
A. I have competed for the past 6 years at many Elvis festivals. I started out with my first one at the Tweed Elvis Festival, followed by the King Trilogy Competition by King Attractions, the Berry Rock and Roll Festival, the Collingwood Elvis Festival, Flaming Star and quite a few people’s choice competitions in various towns: Ajax, Napanee, Belleville, and Collingwood. Most of the time I finish in the top 5, some of which require the ETAs to step out of their comfort zone and perform all three of the eras of Elvis’s career, the 50s, 60s and 70s.
ETA Berry Chumbley performs at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
Q. What were your expectations when you registered to compete in “The Best Elvis Competition” held in Roseneath?
A. Meeting new people and making contacts, and having the opportunity of performing in front of a live audience again. Also working with the organizers and the ETAs who give their all for the people in the audience.
Q. In what ways did the competition and festival meet or exceed your expectations?
A. This competition was very different than other competitions. It was a small venue for an outdoor event, still very appropriate for what we have been going through with COVID. This was the first competition where the contestants are judged on a full 40 minute set of songs. I love to entertain, not just compete. I made some really good contacts for future events including a Feb. 12/22 Valentine’s Show with promoter Ida Brown at the Keene Art Theatre.
Q. Describe how was the weekend was organized (parade, competition, headliners, gospel hour, food, accommodations, vendors—what we have learned to expect at most ETA competitions and festivals).
A. There was a single car parade with Captain Elvis riding in a convertible to open the big Friday night show. Great food was available for all. We stayed on the grounds with our fifth wheel and offered it to the other headliners as a change room. The church service was grand! Singing gospel songs made famous by Elvis has to be one of my favorite times. All the ETAs took part in the service singing three or four gospel songs along with Preacher Elvis (Dorian Baxter).
Q. What were the highlights for you personally over the weekend of festivities in Roseneath?
A. Meeting the judges and Ida Brown and her husband, seeing some familiar faces and, of course, meeting new people.
Q. If there is a repeat of this particular competition, will you attend and compete?
A. Certainly we will do it again. I am hoping that things open up to a point where more people will be allowed to gather and enjoy the competition.
Organizer Ida Brown taking care of business. Photo Credit: Bill Watson.
Q. Are there any changes you would like to see if “The Best Elvis Competition” and festival were to be an annual event?
A. Add a couple more judges (5 to 7). Standardized the score sheets so they are similar to those used at larger events to determine a winner (grand champion), second and third place. The winner would then be asked to do a headliner show the following year. There could also be a People’s Choice award added to the festival. (These are only suggestions based on other competitions I have attended). Photos of judges credited to Bill Watson.
Q. Please tell us about your upcoming ETA performance plans.
ETA Berry Chumbley in a photo by Bill Watson.
· I am booked in for 3 dinner shows for three consecutive nights in Gatineau at the Le Forum Jan. 28,29,30th, 2022
· March 12/22 I am performing at the Keene Centre for the Arts 7:00
· Feb. 19/22 Tweed Elvis and Bowl 7:00
· July 1st/22 Campbellford Canada Day Celebration (Headliner) Tribute to Elvis around 8:00 pm.
· July 15/22 Trenton DBA Festival on the Bay (Headliner) Elvis 6:30-7:30
· Booked in for the Tweed Elvis Festival Aug. 25-28 2022.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?
A. I was one of six ETAs who performed at the Empire Theatre for the Tweed Virtual Elvis Festival 2021. The festival can be viewed on the Tweed Elvis Festival web site at www.TweedElvisFestival.com
Tweed Elvis Festival’s Chris Tindale dances with Garth Brooks Tribute Artist, Darren Brown. Darren also competed in the 2021 Roseneath “Best Elvis Competition” as Elvis. Photo Credit: Bill Watson.
Thank you, Berry, for answering my questions about “The Best Elvis Competition”. C.M.
An Interview with ETA Paul Thain
Photo of ETA Paul Thain by Bill Watson.
Q. When did your interest in Elvis first begin?
A. My interest in Elvis began at 5 years old when I wore out “It’s now or Never” and other 45 records. I was born July 9 1954, on the weekend the Elvis got his start. His single “That’s Alright Momma” was played on the radio in Memphis that weekend.
Q. How long have you been an ETA and when did you start performing?
A. I played in bands as lead vocal and rhythm guitarist and we did Elvis medleys. I have been an ETA since 2008 when I first went to the Elvis Fest in Collingwood.
Q. What is your stage name? How did you come by this name?
A. My ETA stage name is Captain Elvis. I was a Captain at Air Canada for 38 years. All the funds I earned as an ETA went to Dreams Take Flight, a charity that sends sick and challenged kids to Disney via Air Canada flights by funds raised by staff and other airport organizations.
Q. What competitions, other than Roseneath, have you entered? Have you won prizes?
ETA Paul Thain in a photo by Tyler McEwan.
A. I competed in many other Elvis festivals in the US and Canada: Collingwood and Tweed in Canada, and Lake George NY and Saginaw Michigan. I sometimes placed well in the semi-finals, but never won anything, which was not disappointing. Competition is high and I started older in life, in my 50s, and I carry extra weight--so did Elvis; but folks like his early years appearance. I performed on Royal Caribbean Cruise ships several times--this is a blast, and twice at charities in Mexico to raise funds for unprivileged children. I have also performed many Gospel shows at churches, and that is the best!
For me, my own shows are the most fun; however the festivals are a must to learn what other ETAs do and how to improve your performance.
Q. What is your best memory from the Roseneath Elvis Competition and Festival?
A. My best memory of Roseneath was arriving in the white convertible driven by my friend Bob Conner. The highlight was the Gospel show Sunday morning that was led by Bishop Dorian Baxter. We sang many Elvis Gospel standards and the crowd was excellent!
Q. What would you suggest to improve the Roseneath competition/festival if it is held again in 2022? If it is a go, would you enter again?
ETA Paul Thain arrives in style. Photo credit: Bill Watson.
A. I discussed improvements with Ida Brown who put on the Roseneath Fest. It should be exclusively an Elvis fest. There were not enough ETAs, so other acts (good acts mind you) were included. If it is billed as Elvis, it should be Elvis. There are lots of ETAs in Ontario who would come if it was sanctioned by Graceland. However, that said, in times of this pandemic it is incredible that any festival was possible last year. I would likely attend Roseneath in the future, mostly to support Ida, and because it is local to me. (We reside in Trent Hills in the summertime and Florida in winter--six and six.
ETA Paul Thain in a photo by Tyler McEwan.
Q. What else would you like SB Mag readers to know about you as an ETA?
A. I love doing the work of Elvis Aaron Presley and my focus has been on nursing homes, church gatherings and charitable performances for handicap or underprivileged children. I think this theme reflects well on the charitable heart that was the King of Rock and Roll.
Competitors Slide Show
Photographers Tyler McEwan and Paul Watson
Photographer Tyler McEwan.
The photos used in this article are credited to Bill Watson and professional photographer, Tyler McEwan. Some of the photos have interesting hues, so I asked Tyler if he would share his experiences at the Roseneath Elvis Competition and Festival regarding shooting the event and his overall impression and memories of Elvis:
The coloured lights were a pain actually. Adobe Lightroom helps, but even that's not magic, so I took about 2500 pictures each night. Digital is nice that way. The real difficulty, however, was the ever changing light outside. With the outdoor venue, as the sun went down, lighting changed constantly. Tack onto that moving musicians, and trying not to obstruct the audience, it was a challenge. Ordinarily, my photography is focused on things that don't move! I met Ida, and all that changed.
The Elvis family was a pleasure to watch, with each performer bringing their own flare. I grew up enjoying Elvis music on LP. I still have them (somewhere is one of the coloured records). It was always a thing that Elvis died when I was only one.
Photos by Tyler McEwan
Photos by Bill Watson
The Van Rosi Duo
Four photos of Jimmy and Ligia Van Rosi are credited to Bill Watson.
Jimmy and Ligia Van Rosi, who were born and brought up in Kenya, East Africa, are the back-up band for Dorian Baxter (aka Elvis Priestly, here in Ontario. For over 30 years, this husband and wife team have offered a refreshingly different approach to easy listening and dancing music. Jimmy is a seasoned musician and vocalist with more than 55 years of experience in the entertainment business. He is a very versatile guitarist and plays bass, rhythm and lead guitars. Jimmy is also a proficient drummer. Ligia is an experienced keyboard player and vocalist. Over the years, this talented couple have played with many other musicians. When Cliff Richards and The Shadows were invited by the British Government to perform for Kenya’s first Independence Day celebrations on December 12, 1963, Jimmy and his band, The Spiders, opened for them. The band consisted of Jimmy on drums, Jimmy’s cousin, Frank Van Rosi, on lead guitar, Jimmy’s brother, Charles Van Rosi, on bass guitar, David Andrade on rhythm guitar, and Warren MacMahon as the lead singer. Warren won 1st prize as the best singer in a talent competition organized by promoters of the celebrations and was awarded a trophy by Cliff Richard. In 2002, when Brian “Licorice” Locking, one of the Shadows bass players, visited Toronto, Jimmy had an opportunity to perform with him.
The Six Competitors
The Three Winners
ETAs Berry Chumbley, Paul “Captain Elvis” Thain, and “King” Jim Robinson share a happy moment as the three winners of the first ever Roseneath Elvis Competition and Festival, 2021. Phot credit: Paul Watson.