Album #1: Posted ETAs, Al Joslin, Andy Reno, Carlo Martini, Gordon Hendricks

Focus On: ETA Al Joslin, Posted March 28, 2018

Focus On: ETA Al Joslin

Focus On: ETA Andy Reno, August 8, 2018

Focus On: ETA Andy Reno

Focus On: ETA Carlo Martini, July 19, 2019

Focus On: Carlo Martini, ETA and More

Recap of the Casablanca Inn Show, June 1, 2019

A Chat with Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien

SB:  Good morning, Rosemarie.  Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to chat with me this morning.

RGO:  Good Morning Carolyn.  It is always my pleasure.

SB:  It has been two months since the end of the 2019 Collingwood Elvis Festival.  Were there certain tasks you needed to complete to close up the festival?

RGO:  It’s always a busy week following the Festival.  We needed to get score sheets out to Elvis Presley Enterprises, get payments out to suppliers, and I lovingly call it the purge of paperwork and notes that are no longer needed to be kept.  I love that part!  LOL

SB:  When you look back at the 25th Collingwood Elvis Festival what will stay in foremost in your mind, and what will remain close to your heart?

Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

RGO:  The entire history of the festival and my involvement will always stay in my head. The incredible stories and memories will never leave me.  After all, it has been a part of my life and my working years for almost a quarter century.  You just can’t forget that.  As for my heart, all the incredible friends I have made, the talent that I have so blessed to work with and the overwhelming love I felt during this past festival will be in my heart until I take my last breath.  I don’t think I cried so much in my entire life.  When the audience stood up to give me a standing ovation, I was moved beyond words.  I still tear up just reliving the moment in my mind.  Life doesn't get better than that!  Truly!  I am so very proud of what the festival has accomplished and the joy that it brought to people’s lives, including mine.  I have done something right and significant in my life and that was the Collingwood Elvis Festival and leaving an indelible memory is all anyone can be remembered for in their life.  God love all the Elvis fans, the ETAs and my incredible team of colleagues for that.  Oh and my husband who had to put up with me talking Elvis 99.8% of our time together.  LOL

SB:  What lessons have you learned about running a world class ETA festival over your years at the helm?

RGO:  If there is one thing I’ve learned it is to always be prepared for the unexpected and that Murphy’s Law still rules event planning.  Running a truly successful Festival means you must find that ideal balance between satisfying your budget, satisfying your Festival partners or sponsors and satisfying what your audience wants to experience at your event, and that balance is not always easy to find.  In fact, sometimes you never find it; but I was lucky enough to actually create that balance.  I tried to see the Festival from all sides.  As an Elvis fan, what would I want to see and hear, as a sponsor what is important to my company as a venue what will bring me business while still being cost effective, and from the town’s perspective, how do we manage our budget and achieve our goals.

To anyone who is thinking of starting a Festival, it is not as easy as it looks.  It is stressful, worrisome, endless hours of work and sleep deprivation, but worth every single second when you watch your audience smiling, singing along, dancing and having a fabulous time!  Someone once likened it to childbirth…the pain is excruciating, but the joy you experience with the end result makes the pain forgettable and worth it.  Odd analogy but it fits.  LOL

SB:  What special gifts did you receive at the 25th Collingwood Elvis Festival?

RGO:  I was so truly blessed, but I have been each and every year!  I have such loyal and devoted fans and friends.  I can’t think of many jobs that you experience so much joy, love and appreciation as I have been lucky enough to find working for this Festival.

ETA Robin Kelly performing in 2018 at the Collingwood Elvis Festival . Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

In 2019 alone, ETA and dear friend Robin Kelly presented me with a guitar that he purchased himself and then had all the ETAs sign it for me.  How incredible is that?  I cried….on stage….again!

Then my boss, Dean Collver, presented me with a huge framed photo of our 25th Anniversary Souvenir Program cover that was signed with messages from all my work friends, the ETAs, some fans and volunteers and they actually had to begin signing the back side of the frame because there were so many who wanted to be included on it.  And the words that Dean spoke about me, on stage during the presentation took my breath away.  I cried…again…on stage!

Dean even arranged for my former boss, Peter Dunbar, to show up and present me with an absolutely gorgeous bouquet of flowers and I was so shocked to see Peter that I…cried, again, on stage!  See the pattern forming here?  LOL

I was given mugs, jewellery, gift cards, taken out to dinner at my favorite restaurant which had become a tradition every year, taken for lunch after the festival, again an annual tradition, and other personal gifts that will remain private with me but those folks know who they are and what their generosity meant to me.

My apartment and my office are just full of incredible gifts from over the years, but one I do want to mention was given to me last year as a birthday gift from some fans who became dear friends and they had a photo of me with 2017 Ultimate Champion Gordon Hendricks that I love and they had one of the Elvis photographers, Louis Young, photoshop a picture of Elvis into the photo and had it inscribed with “Just Pretend” on it, which first, is my favourite Elvis song, but also was what I always wanted…to have met Elvis; but this is as close as they could get to making that dream a reality.  I treasure it and both photos are framed and remain in my office.

SB:  What are your plans for the next two years?

RGO:  Well I will still be working with the Town of Collingwood as their Festival Coordinator, so I will be working on all our other Town events, which means that I will be overseeing, or at least somehow involved, with whomever becomes the new management of the Festival.  And for all those fans who have been so concerned about me and for me, I’m happy with this and I’m looking forward to what comes next in 2020, really!  I am totally complete, satisfied and proud of what I have done to bring the Festival to where it is, so maybe some new and younger (LOL) blood can reignite some excitement, or offer new initiatives to re-energize the festival which I am also happy with.  Progress can be a great thing. Change can also be a great thing.  You need to give it a chance.  You either progress with the times or get left behind.  That’s just reality.

Rosemarie with ETAs at the 2018 Flaming Star Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

I have already been approached to become a Festival Judge which is something I would never accept while I was the lead staff for the Collingwood Elvis Festival.  I felt it was a huge conflict of interest and that made me uncomfortable; but I will admit that I was asked to be a fill-in judge during the Gospel Competition at the Flaming Star Festival, which by the way is a wonderful event if you have never been to it, and I accepted the challenge and did enjoy it, but it was the only exception I made to my rule at that time.  Now that I am not in that management type role, I think I may try my hand at judging since I am an Elvis fan too and enjoy attending and listening to the ETAs.  Bring it on!  I’m up for a new challenge!

I will also have a chance to pursue some new opportunities with my own company, Creative Gal Productions, which is a partnership between myself and my friend, Elena Chisholm.  We will keep our hand in the Elvis industry but we also want to offer more legends in both shows and dances.  People love to dance.  It’s great to go to a concert, but I miss the 80s when we could go to a nightclub and dance.  There aren’t many of those left these days.  I’ll stop there because now I’m just showing my age.  LOL

SB:  What can you tell us about the future of the Collingwood Elvis Festival?

RGO:  Well I won’t say “no comment” but I really don’t have much information to share at this time.  The management of the event will be offered under a Special Event permit process to a 3rd party.  We currently have some Expressions of Interest and they will be able to submit their application, with their plan, in the order that we received their interest so at this point, it is too soon to speak of anything definite.  The Festival is hopefully going to remain on the same weekend as it has in the past, and remain in Collingwood--at least that is the goal.  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how things roll out, right?

SB:  What closing words would you like to say to friends, family, fans, co-workers, volunteers and ETAs?

RGO:  It has been an incredible journey over the past 23 years for me.  All the memories, laughter, tears, losses and changes have brought us all together as an Elvis family.  Everything that has made this Festival so outstanding, we have built and shared together!  Although I am so humbled and honoured to be made feel like I was the only person responsible for the Festival’s success, that couldn’t be farther from the truth!  Every staff member that I worked with, every tribute artist that came to the festival, every fan and volunteer who supported the festival, all the venues, sponsors and partners, including media which includes you Carolyn and Sideburns Magazine, one of among many…all played a vital role in “raising” the Collingwood Elvis Festival to the incomparable event that it became.  And to Billy Cann, who was the original ETA who sparked the creation of this phoenix who rose to incredible heights, I share my heartfelt appreciation, love, respect and thanks. 

Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien, 2019 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

They say that nothing lasts forever but the memories I have in my heart certainly will!

SB:  Thank you very much, Rosemarie.  It has been such a pleasure chatting with you. 

RBO:  Thanks, Carolyn, for letting me have this special opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings.  I wish Sideburns continued success and I will look forward to seeing you at the other fantastic festivals that now exist for fans to enjoy and support!  God bless!

For more about the incredible life of Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien, please check out Introducing: Rosemarie Garrity-O’Brien, Collingwood Elvis Festival

Flaming Star 2019: Competitors and Headliners

Introduction

For SIDEBURNS Magazine followers, I have put together this post featuring the great line-up of competitors and headliners at this year’s Flaming Star Elvis Festival. Bios are credited to Flaming Star via Facebook and Flaming Star’s website/Competitors, with edits by Carolyn MacArthur. Photos, unless otherwise noted, were provided by each artist.

For those who wish more information about individual ETAs previously featured on SIDEBURNS Magazine, a link to their post can be accessed by clicking on the bracketed highlighted URL. (Example: Click on (Spotlight On: ETA Oliver Steinhoff ) if you wish to read Oliver’s interview).

We are all looking forward to a weekend of fabulous entertainment and exciting competition at the Flaming Star Elvis Festival. Thank you Pam Pettit and Sue Harris! Cheers to another successful year!(Introducing: The Women behind the Flaming Star Festival)

Headliners

All the way from Germany, our 2018 Triple Champion, Oliver Steinhoff will be one of our headliners for the Showcase of Champions show Saturday, October 26.

There are no words to describe Connor Russo other than amazing. Connor is one of our headliners in the Showcase of Champions show, Saturday October 26, along with Di Diogo Light* and Oliver Steinhoff. You don't want to miss this show! Visit our website at www.flamingstarfestival.com for information.

*Facebook message from Di Diogo Light: I’m happy to make my first appearance at the Flaming Star Elvis Festival! I’m very happy for Dean Z as he and Stephi await the arrival of baby Z! He will join you next year. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to see you all again back in Canada!

Photo Credits: B&K Enterprises (first photo); Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography (second and third photos).

Special Guest: Cynthia Pepper

Can't wait to see this beautiful star at Flaming Star Festival. Cynthia Pepper is not only a part of the Flaming Star Festival family, she is a sweet friend to us all. Look forward to more tales of co-starring with Elvis in “Kissin' Cousins”. (Photo Credit: “Pigtails, Presley & Pepper” by Cynthia Pepper with Victor J Hanson).

Open Mic Announcement

We are very pleased to announce Bruno Nesci will be hosting the nightly Open Mic sessions at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival. Bruno will have you all clapping and singing along to all the tunes and having fun. Thank you Bruno! 

Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Competitors

Sylvio Fontaine

We would like to announce our very first entry for 2019: Sylvio Fontaine from Saskatchewan, Canada. Sylvio feels it is an honour to sing the songs of the greatest entertainer that has ever lived and hopes his tribute performance will bring back a few memories of Elvis. He wants to thank all of you for keeping the legend of Elvis Presley alive for all generations to come.

Sylvio has wanted to participate in the Flaming Star Festival since 2014 and is thrilled to be back for his second year at Flaming Star Festival. Welcome back Sylvio!

Cote Deonath Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photogrpahy

Cote Deonath's interest in Elvis started at the age of two when his grandmother sat with him to watch the Elvis movie, "Follow That Dream".  His first live performance was at the age of five, and in 2014 Cote competed in the Georgia Elvis Festival, winning his first contest in the Non-Pro Division.  He competed many times in the Youth Division at the "I'll Remember You" competition in Live Oak, FL, and there, in 2015, he won his first Professional Division competition. Cote wrapped up Elvis Week 2015 by winning Fan Favorite and champion of the Semi-Pro Division at the Images of the King competition.  In 2016 Cote won his first Ultimate qualifier contest at the Tampa Bay Elvis Festival and placed in the top 10 in Memphis.  Cote qualified for the Ultimate in 2017 by winning the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Cote was the 2018 Champion of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Cote will be going back to Memphis in August 2019 to represent the Tweed Elvis Festival at the Ultimate competition. Please welcome Cote to the Flaming Star Festival family.

Anthony Joseph, 25, is from Hamilton, Ontario. He is currently enrolled in university working towards his music degree. Although he performs all eras of Elvis's career, he specializes in the authentic recreation of Elvis's concert years. He looks forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. His favourite Elvis song is “Unchained Melody”. Welcome back to the Flaming Star Festival, Anthony!  (Focus On: ETA Anthony Joseph)

Gib Maynard

Gib Maynard is a 27 year old East Texan who has been an avid Elvis fan since the age of 6. Much like Elvis, Gib’s first musical experience was playing piano, and singing Gospel music in the church he grew up in. When Gib was about 8 years old his grandmother made him a jumpsuit that he would wear when he performed for family members. Being a theater major, Gib has always found himself acting or singing onstage. Combine that with being a huge Elvis fan, it seemed destiny that Gib would become an Elvis Tribute Artist. In August of 2017, Gib did just that and decided to professionally pursue paying tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. In just a little over a year of being in the business, Gib has wowed thousands with his beautiful voice, uncanny resemblance, and down home southern charm, much like Elvis. It was a great honor for Gib to be selected to perform in the 2018 Nashville Elvis festival as his first competition where he came in as a finalist. He then went on to compete in the Tupelo Elvis festival, and later was selected as a semi finalist in the 2018 Images of the King World Championship competition during Elvis Week in Memphis, TN. In August of 2018 Gib was named the champion for a local Elvis tribute contest, and went on to be named a finalist in the 2018 Elvis Explosion in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Even though Gib is new to the Elvis tribute world, he has already been honored to perform abroad and internationally, and he looks forward to many years of keeping the King’s music and memories alive and entertaining Elvis’ many wonderful fans. Please welcome Gib to the Flaming Star Festival family. (Focus On: ETA Gib Maynard)

William Young Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

William Young, 20 years old from Belleville, Ontario, has loved Elvis since the age of 5 and began his tribute to the King seven years ago. William enjoyed his first visit to Flaming Star in 2017 and won First Place Non Pro Championship. His other awards include 1st Place, Sr. Youth Division in Tweed, 3rd Place, Non Pro 2015 Tweed Festival, 3rd Place Non Pro 2016 Collingwood Elvis Festival and 3rd Place Non Pro Tweed Elvis Festival.

William is thrilled to be returning to the 2019 Flaming Star Festival! (Focus On: ETA William Young)

Lorensz Francke

Lorensz Francke is an Elvis Tribute Artist, from Scarborough, Ontario. Apart from specializing in doing a Tribute to Elvis, he can also perform songs of other artists. Offering a great crowd pleasing style, Lorensz engages his audience performing a tribute to Elvis and is capable of performing in all three eras of Elvis's musical career namely 50s, 60s and 70…new, fresh, and alive with energy! Lorensz has performed at several Elvis festivals and competitions throughout Canada. Lorensz has been awarded two Spirit of Elvis Awards in Canada. Lorensz is excited to return to the Flaming Star Festival. Welcome back Lorensz! (Focus On: ETA Lorensz Francke)

Matthew Boyce

Matthew Boyce is a 19 year-old Elvis Tribute Artist who has performed at countless events since the age of seven. Matthew has competed at Elvis Festivals in the USA and Canada, winning all three era categories at Elvis Rocks Mesquite in Nevada as well as Shadows of a King in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This past year, he starred in the touring show "On Tour: A Tribute to the King", as well as “Memories of Elvis” with casts including Bill Cherry, Dean Z, Sylvain Leduc, Chance Tinder, Gordon Hendricks and Patrick Johnson. In addition to paying tribute to Elvis, Matthew has performed in over 45 musical theater productions throughout New York. Matthew plays guitar, piano, bass and drums and enjoys performing as a solo acoustic artist, singing all types of music, including his own originals. Please welcome Matthew to the Flaming Star Elvis Festival! (Spotlight On: ETA Sylvain Leduc; Spotlight On: Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks; Focus On: ETA Patrick Johnson)

Jonathan Rader

Jonathan Rader has a very unique story. He was born August 28, 2005 with a club foot on his left side. After several surgeries, many cast changes, and intense therapy, he took his first steps at 17 months old. By age 2 he was singing bluegrass music with Driving Rain. By age 6 he recorded his first bluegrass CD and was a guest of the Moron Brothers at many festivals in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.  His greatest moment in bluegrass came in June 2014 when he was a guest on the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Show. Later that month he saw John Beardsley's show "A Tribute To The King" at the Texas Troubadour Theater. From that moment on, from bluegrass to rock-n-roll became a reality. Jonathan has performed at the Memories Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, The Nashville Night Life Theater, The Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville, Tennessee and the Rock and Roll Cafe' in Memphis, Tennessee. His second CD is a tribute to Elvis Presley with 9 of his favorite songs. Jonathan recently won the 2018 Images Of The King Youth Championship. Welcome Jonathan to your first Flaming Star Festival!

Mark Sheton Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

Mark Shelton, from Vermont, has being paying tribute to Elvis for more than 10 years. New to the Elvis Tribute Artist competition world, Mark Shelton was awarded the “People’s Choice” award at the 2017 “Reflections of the King”; runner up in the 2018 “28th Annual People’s Choice in Montreal” —his first appearance at each event. Mark has been receiving accolades and invites to perform all over the world. He continues to gain global attention due to his humanitarian work, service to his country (Military Police Officer in the United States Army), the quality of his performances and vocals, as well as his long history (since 1978) of his Elvis tribute performances, and the positive reflection Mark brings to the memory of the King of Rock and Roll. Welcome Mark! (Focus On: ETA Mark Shelton)

Dave Collinson

Wow! Time sure flies and the Festival is here again!  Dave Elvis Collinson is excited to be coming back again to keep Elvis's memory alive. He has competed in a lot of Festivals, Collingwood,Tweed,Flaming Star to name a few. Dave has won the Spirit of Elvis awards at Tweed (2), and the Paco Danesi Award at Collingwood for Charity (Diabetes) work. Dave hopes to see all his Elvis friends to rock the house. Welcome back Dave!

Father and son ETAs, Bill Gallant and Aaron Gallant Photo Credit: C.M.

Bill Gallant has been an Elvis Tribute Artist for twenty-two years. From Angus, Ontario, Bill has won numerous awards as an ETA including the 2013 Paco Danesi Award at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Bill is looking forward to seeing all his ETA family and friends. Welcome back Bill!

Aaron Gallant is from Angus, Ontario. Following in his father's footsteps, Aron has been an Elvis Tribute Artist for thirteen years. He placed second in the 2018 Youth Division of the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Aaron is looking forward to his second Flaming Star Festival competition. Welcome back Aaron Gallant.

Lee Alexander

Lee Alexander has been a tribute artist for four years and has very quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the UK's top Elvis Tribute Artists. An Elvis fan first and foremost, Lee takes great pride and passion performing his tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. Lee lives just outside London and performs all over England and the world. In a short time he has become a multi-award winning ETA: Return to Graceland 2016 Champion, European Gospel Champion 2017, Best Elvis Festival 2017 and King of Spain Grand Champion 2018. Singing Elvis is his passion and he brings this to every performance. Before Elvis, there was nothing. Welcome Lee to the Flaming Star Festival Family.

Nathan Pittorf

New to the Flaming Star Festival Family is Nathan Pittorf from Buffalo, New York. He is a singer/guitarist and model. Nathan has visited Graceland every year of his life,13 years! Award winning Elvis Tribute Artist winning 2018 Lackawanna, NY Got Talent Competition; Finalist in Lake George Elvis Festival Youth Division 2017-18; Finalist in Images of the King Memphis Youth Division 2017. Nathan has performed during Elvis Week Memphis at the Graceland Tent, Beale St. & Dad's Place. He has also appeared in TIME Magazine in the August 2017 edition, with his family’s tribute display on Elvis Presley BLVD, during the Elvis vigil 40th anniversary. Nathan enjoys early rock & roll, classic rock, country music & classic cars! Welcome Nathan! (Focus On: ETA Nathan Pittorf)

Dan Barrella

Dan Barrella, ( DB KING ) from Staten Island, New York, is a dedicated tribute artist, performing throughout the United States and Canada. Whether DB is performing alone, or with his backing band "The Disciples of Sound ", he strives to bring his audience a heartfelt and accurate portrayal of his boyhood idol "Elvis Presley". Dan placed 2nd in the 2015 Flaming Star Pro Division and is excited to return to Canada to see all his friends and Festival family.  Welcome back Dan Barrella!

John Carpenter

Let's welcome back John Carpenter Eta. John's love for Elvis goes back to his childhood. Listenin g to his mom's Elvis records, he knew all of Elvis's hits from the age of 4. John was 8 years when he won his first variety contest, and by late teens, he'd won a contest in Quebec called the "Dans La Peau d'Elvis". Touring with his 8 piece band, John delights audiences of all ages. John looks forward to participating in the 2019 Flaming Star Festival. Glad you are back John.

Dustin Bricker Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

Dustin Bricker, from Shelbourne Ontario and in his 4th year as a tribute artist, is considered a relatively newcomer to the competition world. In this short time, he has won 2017 Champion NonPro Early Years Collingwood Elvis Festival; Champion Kings and Classics Festival; Champion Orillia Festival; Champion 2018 Flaming Star Festival NonPro; Champion 2018 NonPro Tweed Elvis Festival and placed in the top 10 at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Dustin is excited to be back at the Flaming Star Festival competing in the Professional Division. Please welcome Dustin! (Focus On: ETA Dustin Bricker)

Michael Cullipher

Michael Cullipher, from Memphis, will be making his second trip to Flaming Star Festival to compete. He has been an Elvis Tribute Artist for nine years. Michael knew early on that he wanted to be an Elvis Tribute Artist when at the age of four he saw his first Elvis Tribute Artist. Michael is excited to return to Canada to be part of the Flaming Star family. Welcome back Michael! (Spotlight On: ETA Michael Cullipher)

Steve Benden

Steve Benden has been an Elvis fan since he was 5 years old when he heard his dad performing Elvis songs on the guitar, watching Elvis movies with him mom, and playing their Elvis 45s. He immediately began singing Elvis’s songs and performing his dance moves. He’s a dynamic performer who thrills the audience from start to finish. His ‘That’s The Way It Was’ show is electrifying. Steve has the ability to cover all three decades of Elvis Presley’s career. Steve performs stage shows from the 50s, 60s, and 70s as well as the movies. He entertains the audience throughout, ensuring each fan has their own personal experience, providing the ultimate tribute to Elvis. While Steve has just started competing at Elvis festivals, he has performed Elvis tribute shows for a number years with his band. Steve is also a multi-instrumentalist and an independent song writer and recording artist. He has won several song writing awards, released several CDs, attained international airplay on internet radio, and recently had a #1 song with Berkshire Media Group, “Don’t Break My Heart”, on internet radio. His allegiance, however, remains true to performing Elvis tribute shows. He is a veteran with multiple deployments and recently retired as a Colonel from the Air Force after serving 32 years. Welcome to the Flaming Star Festival family Steve!

Marnie Mackintosh Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

Marnie Mackintosh also known as Miss Elvis Lee is a one of a kind tribute artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who captures her audiences with an alluring, authentic appearance, vocals and characteristics of "The King". Her dynamic portrayal delivers a fascinating, high energy performance showcasing all the legendary eras of this iconic performer. Miss Elvis Lee participated in the 2017 and 2018 Flaming Star Festivals and placed in the top 5 NonPro Divisions! Her performance is one that will leave you all shook up! Welcome back Marnie! (Spotlight On: ETA Marnie Mackintosh)

Simon Patrick

Simon Patrick was born in Northampton England. He started out as an ETA at the age of 22 and has loved everything about Elvis from an early age. His only regret is not seeing his idol perform live. Simon's favourite era is the '68 Comeback. Simon is excited to be participating in his first Flaming Star Festival. Welcome to the Flaming Star Festival family Simon!

Michael Paul Callahan

Michael Paul Callahan, from the United States, has been an Elvis tribute artist for three years and loves to highlight the 1968-1973 years. Michael Paul owns "A Time for Legends”™, an East Coast version of the Vegas hit show "Legends in Concert". He has performed at several world class Elvis Festivals in the Pro category, including the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest”. Michael Paul's career includes many years as a Christian contemporary recording artist as well as being a Hollywood movie actor in many movies, plays, commercials, etc, and also "Teen Angel" in the Broadway musical "Grease" two years ago. Michael Paul is excited to be at his first Flaming Star Festival.

Spencer Bristow

Spencer Bristow is from Durham Ontario and this is his third year competing at the Flaming Star Festival. His love of music at a very young age, particularly Elvis songs, is what started his interest in being an ETA. He is looking forward to once again putting on his “Blue Suede Shoes”, getting “All Shook Up” with Elvis fans in Toronto, and sharing the stage with a "Viva Las Vegas" line-up of fellow tribute artists. Please welcome back Spencer to the Flaming Star Festival.

Mark Craig

Mark Craig began his tribute to the King of Rock and Roll nine years ago performing Elvis' early years. Mark lives in Midland and can be seen at shows throughout the Barrie, Orillia and Collingwood area as well as at all the festivals. Mark feels honoured to be returning to the Festival and is looking forward to seeing all his Elvis friends and family. Welcome back Mark!

Gord McNeil Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

Gord McNeil is no stranger to the Elvis tribute artist world. You may have seen Gord at many of the Elvis Festivals and shows throughout Ontario as well as the 2018 Flaming Star Festival. Gord tributes the ballads of Elvis with all his heart and soul. He is excited to be returning to the Flaming Star Festival to see all his ETA family and friends. Welcome back Gord!

Bryson Fuller Photo credit: Eva Brand

Bryson Fuller is from Espanola, Ontario, and began performing at the Collingwood Elvis Festival at the age of 10. He has performed in many festivals and is excited to be back to see all his friends and family at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival.

Jeffery Marsh

Jeffery Marsh has been performing his tribute to Elvis since 2001 and is having the time of his life doing it. His favourite era is the Vegas, or “jumpsuit era”. He also performs tributes to Garth Brooks and The Blues Brothers. Jeff competed in the 2014 Flaming Star Festival and we are pleased he is joining us again. Welcome back! 

EP Rock (Don Boudreau)

EP Rock (Don Boudreau) is a solo Elvis Tribute Artist from Sidney, Maine, and the newest member of our 2019 competitor's line up. Don has recorded over 250 Elvis songs and is an experienced guitar player, teacher and past music director of contemporary praise groups. A big fan from his youth, Don does all eras and genres of Elvis music from 50s to 60s to 70s including the early rockabilly Sun years and gospel recordings. Welcome to the Flaming Star Family!

Eric Evangelista

Eric Evangelista lives in Bolton, Ontario, and has been a tribute artist for ten years. Eric's favourite years to tribute are the Vegas/Concert years. Just a few of his accolades include 3rd Place 2018 Flaming Star Festival, 2017 Flaming Star Festival 2nd Place NonPro Division, 2015 NonPro Champion Collingwood Elvis Festival and Grand Champion Kings and Classics Festival 2015. Eric is excited to return to Flaming Star Festival to see all his friends and Elvis family. Welcome back Eric!

Frank "D" Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography

Frank "D" is a familiar face to the Flaming Star Festival.

He loves to entertain and is excited to be returning to the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport Hotel to compete. Frank looks forward to seeing all his friends and fans again.

Jaedyn Pilon

Jaedyn Pilon is from Edmonton, Alberta, and caught the Elvis bug in August 2015 while performing at the Blue Suede Music Festival in Busby, Alberta.  Since then, he has become an award winning international performer.  Jaedyn enjoys paying tributes to Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, the Beatles and, of course, Elvis. Jaedyn is excited to return to The Flaming Star Elvis Festival and to join his fellow ETAs in paying tribute to Elvis Presley, the world’s greatest entertainer.

Ed Butski

Ed Butski hails from St. Catharines, Ontario.  He has been performing his tribute to Elvis for 13 years.  In 2018 Ed was honoured with The Spirit of Elvis Award at the Barrie Rock & Roll Festival for his gentle and generous way of always willing to help everyone.  Ed's pride and joy came from his first place win at the Tweed Elvis Festival in the NonProfessional Division.  Ed is looking to seeing everyone again this year at the Festival.

Editor’s Note: I hope you enjoy this post. Please check out all ETAs, and others, featured in Spotlight ON, Introducing, and Focus On.

Best of luck to all competitors. You are already winners! See you soon at Flaming Star. Cheers! C.M.