Keeping His Memory Alive: Part Six

ETAs hope their performances are 'explosive', so fans keep coming back for more.

Keeping His Memory Alive:  Part Six - Fan Reaction

Audience interaction and reaction only count for 5% during competition, but are crucial to achieving and maintaining a successful ETA career post competition.  At the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, ON, no interaction with the performers was allowed after the Return to Grace concert.  Photos and recordings were not permitted in the theatre, and my balcony seat was too far away from the stage for any hope of receiving a scarf; so I had to satisfy my desire for a souvenir by taking a photo of Steve Michaels' photo that was mounted on the wall of performers in the lobby.  It wasn't until a concert in Guelph that I learned that after most concerts, ETAs do a meet-and-greet with their fans to allow time for a chat, a photo, and an autograph.  It is during this interaction that bonds are formed.  Sure, I know they really aren't Elvis, but for the duration of the concert, reality is suspended.  And if an ETA is good at his craft, he completes the illusion.  It really is quite thrilling!  ETAs have a big advantage over the real Elvis in that they are living beings who are quite willing to shake a hand, kiss a cheek, or give a hug.  If it was the real Elvis, how close do you think the average fan would get to him?  And it is not just women my age that form a connection with their favourite ETA.  I have seen children, teens, women and men of all ages patiently waiting in line.  But it is women who are old enough to remember when Elvis was alive that I think appreciate the experience the most.  I am sure each fan has a touching story about their favourite ETA.  For me, my first such experience was a magical night in Fergus, Ontario in 2015-- an evening that continues to hold a special place in my memory.

Stay tuned for Part Seven:  Interaction

Keeping His Memory Alive: Part Five

The photo below is one I took of the Aloha sign at Steve Michaels' June 24th, 2017 mega production at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, ON.  It isn't a great photo, but it does have a nice 1950's vibe that I like...almost like a faded postcard. 

In Part Four of Keeping His Memory Alive, I discussed costuming and touched on the topic of competition.  In Parts Five and Six, I look at performance and fan reaction.

Keeping His Memory Alive:  Part Five - Performance

Performance counts for 40% of your total score, as does vocals.  Each competition likely has its own system of judging, but the Vegas competition application form is worth a look because it is precise in the breakdown of the marking system and provides helpful guidelines for potential competitors.

It is somewhat surprising that performance and vocals count equally in the overall score.  Elvis' movements were so distinctive that you could see his shadow and know it was him; but unless you have "the voice", few will buy your CDs that you will want to sell at your concerts.  If you also wish to sell DVDs in which you replicate Elvis on stage, you will need to learn the moves that match each song.  Keep in mind that the audience and judges can access the same Elvis movies and concerts that you watch; so be accurate, don't improvise--at least not in competition.  If I see an ETA making a move I don't recognize, which often happens because I am a new fan, I check my computer to see if I can find a reference for the move.  I also check costuming.  Did Elvis wear that red and black scarf with a black suit?  When did Elvis tug at his army shirt?  Perhaps other fans aren't so obsessed with authenticity, but I am because I am interested why certain artists' careers have longevity.  I think it is down to how much attention is paid to details in keeping The King's memory alive.  Steve Michaels once said of his performances: "If Elvis didn't do it on stage, I won't do it on stage."  Steve's integrity has led to worldwide recognition and a fan base that recently reached a million. (Information was obtained from a flyer advertising upcoming concerts.  The number was 750,000 in 2015).  However, to keep the interest of your fans, and to make your live concerts enjoyable to perform, you will likely want to add personal touches that make your tribute unique.  Keep in mind that you are honouring an icon.  Ask yourself, "Is what I am doing on stage something Elvis would have done?"

Two ETAs and Darren

You might be wondering, "What is a photo of a non-ETA doing in a blog about ETAs?"  Good question.

Darren Evorglens performs music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, which includes Elvis songs; so maybe we can consider him an honorary ETA.  But for the purpose of SIDEBURNS Magazine, it is his friends that are of special interest to ETA fans.

Darren Evorglens and Friends provided the entertainment at the Bronte Legion, Oakville, on Saturday, September 30th.  The friends on this particular evening were young ETAs, Joey Cundari and Richard Wolfe.  The concert was sold out in advance of Saturday night, so I had to scramble to find a ticket.  With the much appreciated help of Richard's fans, an unused ticket was available for purchase when I arrived.  With only the name of my contact, I set out to find a person I had never met in a room of 140 people.  As luck would have it, at the first table I approached sat the lady who had information about my ticket.  After I paid my $20 (a bargain in my books), I awkwardly searched for a seat in room already full of people.  Unlike a concert hall where seating is assigned, the set-up at the Legion for this concert was banquet style, meaning first come, first served seating.  I went back to the first table and asked if I could sit with there. Happily seated, I waited for the concert to begin.

Darren was the opening act for what promised to be an entertaining evening.  Minutes into his performance, Darren had people up on the dance floor movin' and grovin' while he worked the room.  He is the consummate performer with a great voice and a natural ease with people.  Next to perform was Joey Cundari.  

I was looking forward to seeing young ETA Joey Cundari because the ladies at my table wearing 'Joey' buttons assured me he was going to put on a good show.  They also shared that Joey taught elementary school.  Teacher by day, ETA by night.  I was intrigued.  Joey didn't disappoint his fans.  Dressed in 50s Elvis garb, Joey had his fans on their feet in appreciation.  I would have liked to have had a chance to speak with him, but that didn't happen.  I did, however, have a pre-performance chat with Richard Wolfe where I was able to share the story of how one of his former Delta High School classmates told me of his assembly performances a few years ago.  She had not been to any of Richard's subsequent concerts, but heard he was headed to Memphis.     

Following Darren's second performance of the evening, Richard took the stage dressed in a white fringed jumpsuit.  Richard was in good voice as he sang songs from the concert years.  His exuberant fans really enjoyed interacting with Richard during his performance.  I was able to snap some very good photos of Darren, Richard and Joey.     Until next time...CM