Recap of the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa Show

Two Sirs and a King

Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc. put together a fabulous line-up of talent for the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa show, Saturday, May 5th, 2018.  We were entertained by three of the top tribute artists in the business paying tribute to music icons, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Rod Stewart, and the King of Rock N Roll, Elvis Presley.

Jeremy Wright

Tribute Artist Jeremy Wright as Sir Paul McCartney.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Tribute artist, Jeremy Wright, whom I saw for the first time last night, bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Paul McCartney.  With his Beatles inspired mop top hair style, arched eyebrows, British accent, superb vocal range, and excellent guitar and key boarding skills, Jeremy transported the audience back to the 60s with some of the best loved Beatles songs from that decade.  Jeremy encouraged audience participation during many of his song selections, including a crowd pleasing rendition of “Ob la di Ob la da” that capped off a wonderful performance.  Jeremy’s portrayal as Sir Paul McCartney was so convincing that I expected him to speak with a British accent off stage.  When I met Jeremy post show, I learned that the talented young artist from Hamilton, ON, and father of two baby girls, speaks with a Canadian accent when not portraying Sir Paul.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing Jeremy perform his tribute to Sir Paul McCartney, I have provided the following YouTube video for your enjoyment:

Doug Varty

Tribute Artist Doug Varty as Sir Rod Stewart.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Dressed in a striking red suit, black shirt, and polka-dotted tie, entertainer, Doug Varty, hit the stage prepared to pay a fabulous tribute to Sir Rod Stewart.  Animated throughout his performance, Doug dazzled the audience with his fluid moves and raspy soulful vocals.  With energy to spare, Doug mingled with fans and ‘strutted his stuff’ just like the legendary Sir Rod.  Singing chart topping songs, such as “Maggie May”, “Hot Legs”, and “Do You Think I’m Sexy”, Doug left it all on the stage, the floor, and at one point, a chair. 

The following video of Doug Varty as Rod Stewart, recorded in Richmond Hill, shows the high calibre performance we all enjoyed at the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa.  A versatile performer, Doug also pays tribute to Bryan Adams, and Bad Company in CADCO – the Canadian Bad Company tribute:

Tim E Hendry

ETA Tim E Hendry wearing black leather in his first set.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.  

I was looking forward to see ETA Tim E Hendry.  It was only my second time seeing Tim in person since I first saw him at Port Colbourne Canal Days in August, 2017.  In his first set, Tim looked splendid in black leather.  His voice was as powerful as I had remembered from the August show, and he looked hot—literally and metaphorically.  I offered  to wipe his brow with a cloth napkin, and while doing so, I casually reminded to him that I was his interviewer.  After I dabbed his face and neck, I asked, “Is that better?”  Tim answered that he was sweaty in other places too, to which I quipped, “You will have to take care of that yourself!”  Tim laughed.

In the concert years set, Tim wore the ever popular “Peacock” jumpsuit.  The songs from the 70s require a lot of movement, and Tim delivered the moves with panache.  In the song “Hurt”, where the last note is the one fans wait for, Tim E, accepting the challenge, took a drink of water, and with humorous comments proceeded to hit the note on a second try that earned cheers from the audience.  As a seasoned professional, Tim E demonstrated how to handle a momentary glitch in an otherwise great performance.  Tim is the ‘ultimate’ ETA.                    

ETA Tim E Hendry during his second set.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

With assistance from Rita Petrone Caruso, who also handed Tim his guitar at the beginning of the second set, Tim gave out scarves which he later signed during a meet and greet.  With encouragement from Sandra and the audience, Tim E returned to stage for an encore, and was joined  by Jeremy Wright for one last song.  Unfortunately, Doug Varty had an emergency and was not able to join them in singing “Viva Las Vegas”--a great song to end an evening of exciting entertainment, delicious food, and loads of fun!

I wish Tim E Hendry great success at the Tupelo Elvis Festival, Thursday, June 7th to Sunday, June 10th, 2018, and I look forward to seeing him perform at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, Friday, July 27th to Sunday, July 29th, 2018.  For your enjoyment, here is a video of Tim E Hendry singing "Hurt", and hitting the big ending note with ease:     

The Evening in Photos

During the intermission, I met some very nice people.  Isabel and Bill Prout, from Smithville were celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary.  Isabel and her friend, Julie Notarianni, were reunited with a friend they met five years ago.  Connie Bennett is pictured in the photo below with Isabel and Julie.  I also had the pleasure of meeting another Julie, and Ella, David, and Mike, who gave me permission to snap and post their photo that appears below.  I was so happy to finally meet Sandra Gold's best friend, Karen, (in the striped dress) whom Sandra spoke of so fondly in her interview.  I shared a table with some very nice people:  ETA fan and friend, Dot Farr, Sue Harris, co-organizer of the Flaming Star Festival, Sandra's right-hand, Rita Petrone Caruso, Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., photographer Lori-Anne Crewe of LA Crewe Photography, the two ladies in the 'peace sign' photo, and Tammy and her mom (not pictured).  James, who looked after sound and lights, is pictured at the control panel.  Brandy, Tim E Hendry's girlfriend, is pictured with Clarence "Buck" O'Dell who you may have seen at ETA events taking photos.  I look forward to seeing fans and friends at the next big ETA event.  Best regards, Carolyn.    

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Tributes and Tales: Part Four of the NFEF Recap

When ETAs Justin Shandor and Di Diogo Light shared the Greg Frewin Theatre stage at the NFEF, it was magic times two!     Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography. 

Dean Z

Based on all that I heard about ETA and entertainer Dean Z, I was looking forward to The Dean Z Show with eager anticipation.  From the moment Dean stepped onto the Greg Frewin Theatre stage, it was apparent that he was going to live up to all expectations.  Dean was born to perform.  Handsome and talented, Dean Z, the Ultimate Elvis contest winner in Memphis, 2013, is the ultimate performer.  Wearing a dazzling sea blue sequined jacket with black trim in his first appearance, Dean provided non-stop entertainment of the highest calibre for the duration of his show.  

Singing, dancing, playing guitar, and engaging the audience with banter—and a twist contest, Dean demonstrated why he is one of the most popular ETAs in the business.  At the end of his show, Dean received a well-deserved standing ovation.  I had the pleasure of meeting Dean Z at a post show party where I learned first hand why he is a fan favourite.

Dean has natural charm.  In a room full of people waiting to talk to him, he possesses an amazing ability to make the individual with whom he is speaking feel as if they are the only person in the room.  While having his photo taken with a fan, he remains attentive and focused.  Dean displays an appreciation for the fans who come to his show that is expressed in the way he takes time to chat with each person, never seeming hurried.  He is extremely likeable.

In an industry that can easily inflate egos, it is an admirable trait to remain so grounded.  Dean and his wife, Stefi Z, singer, choreographer, and creative director of The Dean Z Show, often share their lives in YouTube videos and podcasts.  Their open and honest approach makes them a well-liked couple.  From my own experiences at the NFEF, I can understand why everyone I have talked to speaks so fondly of Dean Z.     

I was trying to hold my business cards in one hand while balancing my camera in the other to take a photo of the fans attending the Q&A.  The cards slipped out of my hand, and as I was about to gather them up, I saw a beautifully manicured masculine hand picking them up.  As I straightened up, and locked eyes with my rescuer, I realized it was Dean Z.  If a cartoon was drawn to describe the moment, hearts and stars would be fluttering from my eyes.  I was star struck!  Dean, who was having a conversation with Collingwood Elvis Festival's General Manager, Rosemarie Garrity-O’Brien, didn’t miss a beat.  He maintained his focus on her, while helping me. 

On Sunday morning, after Gospel Hour, I took a lot of photos for SIDEBURNS of Dean with other people.  I am also an ETA fan, so I wanted a photo of me with Dean for my own collection.  I casually took his hand as he was talking to some people, and once again, he kept his concentration on them while comfortably holding my hand--so kind of him.

It you have not seen Dean Z perform, or if  you want to see him again, he will be returning to Ontario for a performance at the River Run Centre, Guelph on June 12th, 2018.  Ticket information about the Guelph show and other locations can be found through Paquette Productions.

Justin Shandor

In a weekend full of special moments, I must mention my interactions with award winning ETA Justin Shandor.  Justin, who won the Ultimate Elvis in Memphis in 2010, was a featured guest performer at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, 2018.  I had the good fortune of meeting Justin prior to his evening performance when he dropped by at the end of the Round Two competition.  From under the rim of his black cowboy hat, I could not help but notice his piercing blue eyes.  Justin kindly posed for a few photos, but then had to leave to get ready for his evening performance.  Justin is well known for his appearance on the David Letterman Show where he showed viewers, and Letterman, why he is a champion ETA, and I was very excited about seeing him perform. 

Justin delivered a stellar performance on Saturday night.  He did a great tribute to Elvis, looking, sounding, and moving like the King of Rock N Roll.  Justin also heated up the stage during a performance with Di Diogo Light.

Justin was not originally scheduled as part of the Sunday morning Gospel show; however, in the absence of an ill Tim E Hendry, Justin surprised everyone by filling in on Sunday morning.  Justin beautifully sang gospel songs with Dean Z, Jim Yorifido, Sandy Vine, and Connor Russo.  Justin, an accomplished pianist, performed a breath-taking solo number at the piano.  After the show, Justin and the other performers posed for photos, signed autographs, and mingled with the crowd.  I was able to have a brief conversation with Justin, which led to an amusing moment.

I approached Justin to congratulate him on his stunning performance during the gospel show.  He responded with a polite, “Thank you.”  I said, “I guess you have heard that a lot this morning.”  “Yes, I have.”  With mocked disdain, I interjected, “Well, you weren’t that good.”  He was briefly taken aback by my statement, but realized by my bemused expression that I was joking.  When Justin smiled, I cajoled with “You were, of course, amazing!”  

I asked Justin if he would allow me to take photos of him at the B&K Enterprises Costume Co. Inc. display.  In informal shots, I captured Justin shopping and trying on a jacket he selected.  I learned from our moments together that an award winning ETA, television performer, and show headliner can be a good sport and a lot of fun.  Dean Z, friends with Justin since their teen years, said of Justin, " He is a great friend and a great father to his three  sons." 

Di Diogo Light

I wasn’t at the inaugural Niagara Falls Elvis Festival last year, so I missed seeing Brazil’s ETA Di Diogo Light win his ticket to Memphis.  I watched videos on YouTube to catch up, and as demonstrated  in the video below, Di Light, with his impassioned performance, deservedly won his ticket to the 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, representing the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.  I knew from what I observed  online, Di's performance as a featured guest at the 2nd Annual NFEF was sure to be exciting. 

Di Diogo Light’s vocals and movements in his live performance were outstanding.  Di delighted the audience by generously handing out some very nice teddy bears and making his way around the audience during his performance stopping for a photo or a kiss on the cheek with some lucky ladies.  "Di Light", who is taking a break from his lawyer duties in Brazil to pursue his ETA career, delivered a stunning performance.  

In a Daily Journal article, "Brazilian Lawyer is this Year’s Winner", June 8th, 2018, written by Riley Manning, Di Light (Diogo Leichtweis) talks about the charisma, voice, and look of Elvis as the greatest entertainer of all time.  While no one will ever be a carbon copy of Elvis Presley, ETAs who do a true tribute to bring many of Elvis's qualities to the stage during their performance.  The charismatic and handsome Di Diogo Light paid excellent tribute to Elvis during his performances at the NFEF.  At the meet and greet afterwards, the delightful Di Diogo Light was a popular figure, posing for sought after photos.  Di is obviously very comfortable with fan interactions, as he didn't flinch when I cradled his face in both hands and told him how very handsome he is in person...handsome, and very nice.  

We all look forward to seeing award winning ETA Di Diogo Light on his next visit to Canada.

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Videos

Tributes and Tales to be continued…

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Recap of ETA Mike Calamusa's Flamboro Downs Show

I first saw ETA Mike “Hounddog” Calamusa perform at last year’s Flaming Star Festival competition in October.  When Mike finished performing his last song, my photographer Lori-Anne and I had the same response, "Wow!  That was amazing!"  Handsomely dressed in the black butterfly jumpsuit and gold lined cape, Mike gave a powerful performance.

Several months passed before we would see Mike perform again, this time at the 2018 2nd Annual Niagara Falls Elvis Festival competition that took place on the April 20-22 weekend.  Again, we were blown away by his stage presence and vocals during round one of the competition.  Mike competed in the top ten, brilliantly singing “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”, “Bridge over Troubled Water”, “Tomorrow Never Comes”.  As the first performer of round two, Mike, dressed in a white jumpsuit with black eagles, set the bar very high.

ETA Mike Calamusa, Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, April, 2018.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.  

Mike’s memorable performances from the NFEF were the reason why ETA fans, Sandra and Sandy, came to Flamboro Downs last Friday night, April 28th.  The NFEF was the first time the two ladies had seen Mike perform, and they wanted to see him again.  It was Mike’s first time performing at Flamboro Downs, and the Friday night regulars were there to support him and enjoy a fantastic evening of entertainment.  The stage at Flamboro, although small in size, encourages big performances.  Maybe it is the intimacy of the venue, or the enthusiasm of the audience, but every ETA I have seen perform at Flamboro Downs seems to thrive in the atmosphere.  Dressed in black leather, and addressing minor costume issue with humour, Mike entertained in his first set with songs from the 50s and 60s. 

Meredith, ETA Mike Calamusa's fiancée,.  

Two ladies celebrating birthdays on May 3rd, Dot Farr and Frances Taylor’s sister (sorry, I did not get her name) were given teddy bears and a happy birthday wish from Mike.  In his second set, dressed in a crisp white ‘Chain’ jumpsuit with a white macramé belt, Mike continued a musical journey by singing Elvis songs from the early 70s.  In his last set, Mike, looking splendid in his black and red 'Cisco' jumpsuit with a gold belt and scarf, spectacularly sang songs from the concert years, including “American Trilogy”.  It was during this set that Mike gave out gold scarves to lucky audience members.  Meredith, Mike’s fiancée, was in charge of the soundboard, and in a very touching moment, Mike placed a scarf around her neck and gave her a kiss. 

As with all ETA shows, there were some special moments last night that came courtesy of the fans.  A lady of Italian background, who connected with Mike because of his last name, wanted to give him a big hug.  ETA fans Sandra and Sandy’s enthusiasm and humorous comments during Mike’s show made sharing a table with them so much fun.  Barb, a long time ETA fan with whom I have great conversations, drove from Brantford to see Mike’s show.  I took some great photos of Barb and Dot enjoying a wonderful evening.  A couple from Mike’s past, who came to see their favourite ETA perform, surprised Mike with their presence.  Mike gained some new fans at last night’s show—most notably the man (pictured below with the lady in yellow) who told me that he would like to join Mike on stage for a duet, since he, too, sang Elvis songs.  Thank you, Mike, for including us all in your show. 

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Friday night's show at Flamboro Downs will be the last under OLG.  As of May 1st, 2018, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, in partnership with Clairvest Group Inc., will handle the operation of four local casinos, including Flamboro Downs, Mohawk Racetrack, and Brantford Casino, where we have seen so many wonderful ETA performances these past few months, and Grand River Raceway.  As of yet, there is no word about entertainment listings for May.  If the new operators have been paying attention to the positive response to ETA shows, we can look forward to many more Friday nights at Flamboro Downs and Mohawk Racetrack with fantastic performers, such as ETA Mike Calamusa.  If I find out information about future shows, I will post an update.  Until then…cheers!  Carolyn.      

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