Introduction
It was my first time seeing 2009 Ultimate ETA Bill Cherry perform live. I had watched several YouTube videos and had some idea of what Bill was like as a performer (talented, handsome, confident, funny, and I dare say, bawdy); but seeing Bill perform live was much grander than anything I saw on my laptop.
Ultimate ETAs Cote Deonath and Bill Cherry arrive at the Greg Frewin Theatre for heir Friday show at the 2004 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, Friday, April 19th, for SIDEBURNS Magazine.
I had a brief introduction to Bill earlier in the day on Friday, April 19th, 2024, when he and 2023 Ultimate ETA Cote Deonath arrived at the Greg Frewin Theatre for a sound check prior to their evening show. It was nice seeing Cote, whom I had met at past shows; and in the few seconds I had to chat and take a photo of the two powerhouse performers, I found Bill personable and jovial. Our brief encounter was more of a series of quips than a conversation. And while I don’t remember the exact words exchanged, I know we parted with smiles on our faces.
My seat in Level 4 was a little too far back to get decent photos of Bill’s performance on stage; however, after his show, Bill graciously took time to chat with fans who waited patiently in the long line on Friday night. Tony Sciara, one of the judges at the competition, was at the front of the line offering to take photos of Bill with fans, thus moving the line along very quickly. While I waited at the end of the line, I met some very nice fans and took photos. I also took photos of Bill meeting and greeting fans and signing autographs.
Ultimate ETA Bill Cherry’s road manager, Peggy Henderson, wears many hats, including looking after Bill’s merchandise table. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
When it was my turn, I re-introduced myself to Bill, and Tony took a great series of photos of Bill and me. And before I departed, I surprised myself by asking Bill, “Do you think I can get a scarf?” Bill said, “Sure, but I don’t have any at the moment. Just come to the stage during my Sunday show.”
After photos with Bill, I had the pleasure of chatting with Peggy Henderson, Bill Cherry’s road manager. Along with her other many duties, Peggy sets up and mans a merchandise table at Bill’s shows where fans can purchase professional photos for Bill to sign and a variety of items suitably decorated with cherries.
Friday’s Show Featuring Headliner Bill Cherry
2023 Ultimate ETA Cote Deonath on stage at the 2024 NFEF. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, Friday 19th, 2024.
First to hit the stage Friday night was 2023 Ultimate ETA Cote Deonath. I have seen Cote a few times in competition and also in shows at the NFEF and I have always enjoyed his tribute to Elvis. But his performance on Friday has to be one of the best I have seen. Cote took command of the stage the moment he walked on, and he held the audience captive for the duration of his show. Tough act to follow, maybe, unless you are the incomparable Bill Cherry.
A very young Cote Deoanth with Bill Cherry on a 2009 Elvis Cruise. Photo Credit: Cote Deonath, courtesy Bill Cherry’s FB page.
2009 Ultimate ETA Bill Cherry, as expected, delivered a fantastic show on Friday night at the 2024 Niagara Falls Festival. Bill is a polished performer, and with over 15 years of stage appearances since winning the crown of Ultimate ETA in 2009, he has perfected his tribute to Elvis. Bill has also made his tribute his own creation by spicing it up in his own special way. Since it was my first time seeing Bill perform live, I am not sure how much is routine in his shows, but I am guessing Bill adds something different each time he hits the stage.
During the singing of “Hound Dog”, Bill referenced Elvis’s tv appearances in the ‘50s when Elvis was only filmed from the waist up. While Bill verbally set the stage, he proceeded to remove water bottles from the table on stage so he could take the tablecloth and wrap it around his waist. At the time, I was thinking, “Where is he going with this?” And then I quickly realized he was making a statement about censorship in the ‘50s. What Bill delivered to his 2024 NFEF audience during the singing of “Hound Dog” was a gyrating Elvis covered from the waist down by a black tablecloth—sort of a semi-censored performance. And they loved it!
Post Show Photo Op with Ultimate ETA Bill Cherry
With his fans, Bill Cherry is charm personified. He made each fan feel special during the moments he spent with them.
Sunday Evening Show
An ETA fan’s heavenly lineup of talent at the Sunday headliner show: Bill Cherry, Matt Cage, Cote Deonath, and Ted Torres Martin—all in one evening!
First to perform was Ted Torres Martin. As fan, Frances Robinson, said in her FB comment, “He was simply mesmerizing!” (And off stage) Ted “is a beautiful soul, a very kind and humble person.” (Click here for Ted’s interview.)
Next to perform was Matt Cage. Dressed in black leather, Matt, is a fan favourite on and off stage; and friend and fan, Arlene Adamson, spoke for many when she wrote, “Matt Cage is absolutely phenomenal. He's my Favourite ETA.” (Click here for Matt’s interview.)
Looking splendid in his Silver Phoenix Elvis jumpsuit, Cote Deonath equalled his performance from Friday in an explosive performance Sunday evening.
Based on his performance Friday evening, I highly anticipated Bill Cherry’s Sunday performance, which I knew would be technically superb and full of surprises . Bill, dressed to thrill in his Mexican Sundial Elvis jumpsuit, entered the stage to thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles. Looking and sounding very much like the King of Rock ‘N” Roll, the 2009 Ultimate ETA gave dedicated Elvis Presley fans in the audience all they hoped for in his performance; and for fans who enjoy the unexpected in his shows, Bill did not disappoint.
Taking advantage of the fact that Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a hotspot for viewing the Total Eclipse of the Sun on April 8th, 2024, Bill told the audience that he was going to re-enact the monumental event. Turning his back to the audience, Bill pointed over his shoulder to the large appliqued sun on his back, and said, “There is the sun. “ And pointing a little lower, he continued, “And here is…” (to which the audience, who got the joke when a spotlight hit his derriere, laughed and applauded)…“the total eclipse.” One for ETA history books, Bill!. LOL
So, What About My Scarf?
2009 Ultimate ETA Bill Cherry. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, for SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Before the Sunday show, I mentioned to Peggy that Bill said I could have a scarf. Peggy suggested I go up to the stage when Bill gave them out. I knew that likely wasn’t going to happen for a couple of reasons: although I am a fan, as media I feel it is inappropriate to take a scarf that a fan may want to receive from an ETA during a show. Secondly, I am usually taking photos of fans getting scarves.
When I joined Peggy on the steps next to the stage, she surprised me by handing me one of Bill’s scarves. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture. And the cherry on top: I was able to get it signed by Bill after his Sunday show.
I have not had a scarf from an ETA since 2019 when Steve Michaels gave me one at his Fallsview show. The baby blue scarf from Bill Cherry and Peggy Henderson has special meaning for me as it represents my return to the ETA world after more than a year absence due to health issues. Thank you. Thank you very much, Bill and Peggy.
Photo 1: Bill pointing at me: “This is the scarf that Peggy gave you and I signed, right?”
Photo 2: Me: “Yes it is. A big thank you to you and Peggy.”
Photo 3: Me: “Maybe I should be pointing at you like the other ETAs do?”
Photo 4: Me, pointing at Bill: “Maybe we should point at each other?”
Photo 5: Bill and I pointing at each other. Bill: “Great idea, Carolyn.” We both laugh.