Ron, Joanmarie, and RHLI Shows

Happy 70th birthday to Ron Provo

from everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine

Ron Provo celebrates his 70th birthday on December 13th, 2019. Photo Credit: C.M. for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

In celebration of Ron’s special birthday, here is a look back at some special moments. Cheers!

Thanks for the memories, Ron and Joanmarie!

Joanmarie and Ron Provo enjoying a dance at one of their many RHLI shows. Photo Credit: C.M.

Recap of Casablanca Show, Nov. 1st, 2019

“Oh What a Night!” by Carolyn MacArthur

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Sandra Gold’s shows are always a wonderful night out.  What makes her shows so wonderful is the amazing lineup of talent she hires to entertain; and if you have been to one of her ‘dinner and a show’ events, you know that the venues Sandra selects always provide excellent meals.  At the November 1st Stars on Stage Casablanca Winery Inn dinner-show, “One Night Only”, I was joined by my long-time friend, Janet, who was attending one of Sandra’s event for the first time. We both enjoyed the four course chicken dinners that were brought to our table by a very courteous and accommodating waiter.   

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

We dined with Tammy, her sister Melody and her husband, Dan, Jennifer, and our photographer friend, Buck.  With all, we enjoyed delightful conversations; and I especially enjoyed hearing about Tammy’s trip to Graceland.  Later we were joined by Tish and her husband, Marcello, Sandra, Rita, and Sue.  Before the show, I had a moment to speak to fans and friends, Cathy Wood, and Annette and Fred Coulas, whose tables were close by.  Many of those seated at the tables around the room were people I have met or seen at other ETA shows, and a few were faces that Janet and I had not seen since our days at Winona High School.  There never seems to be enough time at events and festivals to circulate and chat, so I will take this opportunity to say a warm hello to everyone I may have missed.  

Motown entertainer, Kenni Hite. Photo Credit: Buck O’Dell.

As the lights dimmed, the first entertainer to take the stage was Motown tribute artist Kenni Hite.  Known as “Mr. Energy”, Kenni lived up to the name with his energetic performance.  Kenni, who comes from a Jazz and R & B background, and was mentored by his dad, George Hite, who played with greats, such as Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lionel Hampton, treated us to great Motown hits from the Four Tops to Michael Jackson; and his set list included my favouite song, “My Girl” by the Temptations. 

Dancing the night away! Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

The music was just too good to stay in our seats, and first to take to the dance floor was our friend and fan, Cathy.  She was soon followed by others, including Sandra, Tammy, and Penny, and as we would learn later, Melody’s teacher from nursing school whom she hadn’t seen in years.   From the vantage point of the dance floor, I could see Kenni’s awesome footwork—moves most often associated with Motown groups.  If you check out the poster for the Casablanca show, you will see that under Kenni’s photo on the left hand side, his name is listed as “George St. Kitts Motown Tribute”. Kenni Hite is a member of the George St Kitts band that has been entertaining audiences across Canada and the USA since early 1990.  Kenni is one of seven singers, and six musicians, who make up a group founded by two-time Juno nominee, George St. Kitts. 

In the video, you will see Kenni doing similar “awesome footwork” while singing and performing Motown songs with the group.  Leaving nothing on the stage Friday night, Kenni channelled his love for music throughout his solo performance, and everyone felt his passion for the music. What a fantastic opening act!

www.stkittsmusic.ca Love Train Revue @ Newmarket Theatre 2015 starring: George St. Kitts, Coco Lorraine Vera, Quisha Wint, Nicole Robinson, Kenni Hite, Billy Newton-Davis

www.stkittsmusic.ca love train revue show featuring Quisha Wint and many other great talent such as Billy Newton-Davis, Kenni Hite, Jivaro Smith, Coco Lorraine Vera, George St Kitts, Nicole Robinson

Paul Fracassi as Frankie Valli. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Next to perform was Frankie Valli tribute artist, Paul Fracassi, and what a bio this 28 year old entertainer has!  Paul, who studied business at York University, has been involved in several music related ventures, including a musical revue called “Frankie and The Knuckleheads”, a rock band called Silence the Sirens, two Beach Boys tribute bands, plus several different tribute shows including Dion and The Belmonts, Elvis Presley and Frankie Valli.  In 2007, Paul competed in season five of Canadian idol, which he described as a really nerve-racking, but good growing, experience. Making it to the top 22, Paul credits Canadian Idol vocal coach, Debra Byrd, with teaching him all sorts of things that he still uses today as part of his preparation before performances.  

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

In 2012 at the Playhouse in Thornhill, Paul performed as Frankie Valli in “New Jersey Nights - Frankie Valli Tribute”, a show he developed two years earlier after a girl he worked with told him she’d just seen the hit Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” and thought he was a dead ringer for Valli.  Paul began performing at an early age, honing his skills impersonating Elvis for competitions and tribute shows. 

Of special interest to SB Mag’s ETA fans, Paul is quoted as saying, “There’s this community in Canada that loves Elvis.  And there are so many Elvis concerts that are put on that it’s a great opportunity for young artists to get on stage and get some experience performing in front of audiences.  That really helped me out because that made it easier for me to really connect with an audience and know how to conduct myself and talk to the audience and hold their attention.”  Lessons were well learned, as Paul very much connected with the Casablanca audience. 

Unionville Show

Unionville Show

Performing Frankie Valli tunes is a natural fit for Paul Fracassi, who grew up in a “typical” Italian family and neighbourhood in Woodbridge listening to Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and Louis Prima.  On Friday night at the Casablanca, Paul covered several of Frankie Valls hit songs, such as “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man”, and “Grease”, and others.  
Paul dreams of one day earning a living off of playing original music, but thinks his future might be in accounting.  “The funny thing is,” he says, “I like accounting to music; and in a way, both professions, I think, are misunderstood and undervalued today.”  No misunderstandings in Friday’s performance—Paul’s performance was fabulous!  A great moment for me occurred when I glanced over from the dance floor and saw my friend, Janet, enthusiastically applauding, with her hands held high and a big smile on her face! 

Carousel with Photos by Buck O’Dell

ETA Tim E Hendry. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

ETA Tim E Hendry. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

As the editor of an ETA magazine, my main reason for attending shows is to see Elvis Tribute Artists.  Some are new to me, but at the Casablanca show, seeing Tim E Hendry was like seeing a good friend perform.  Since the time of Tim’s interview, and after seeing him perform several times, including his fantastic win at the Collingwood Elvis in 2018, I truly appreciate Tim’s personality on stage as well as his performance.  With numerous wins to his credit and years of experience, I knew he would give a fantastic performance.  What I enjoy, as much as the music, is his comfort and humour on stage, and his rapport with the audience. Tim barely began his first set, when he was off and running, singing and talking to fans who were seated far from the stage.  It is this type of consideration for all fans that make ETAs like Tim very popular performer.  Wearing black leather and performing under spotlights, is sweaty work, and Tim used the situation to his advantage by making jokes about his durable stage make-up.  After offering Tim towels many times, his girlfriend, Brandy, and friend, Tish, donned rain ponchos for added protection in their front row seats.  All in good fun, the joke was not lost on Tim.

After intermission, Tim returned to the stage wearing a jumpsuit I had not seen before.  Someone who knows more about the jumpsuits may want to give it a name, but what I can tell you is, “It was dazzling!”  Studded with gold beads, the suit fit extremely well.  Funny, and fun loving, Tim let us know that he bought the suit from ETA Michael Cullipher and had to have it shortened in the crotch because Michael has a very long torso…lol!  Confident in what he says and does on stage, Tim gave an excellent Concert Years performance.  For crowd pleasing “Burning Love”, Tim was joined on stage by Tammy wearing her Tim E Hendry autographed T-shirt.  After Tammy’s inspiring dance moves, she took the mic from Tim and thanked her sister, Melody, and brother-in-law, Dan, for bringing her to the show, and closed by telling her sister how much she loved her.  She also told Tim she loved him, which afterwards I learned from her sister that it is a case of “If You Can’t be with the One You Love, Love the One You’re With”.  Like many fans, Tammy LOVES all the ETAs :)

ETA Tim E Hendry looked fantastic in his new jumpsuit. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

It definitely was a night for “ladies who love Tim”. 

Whenever I post something about Tim, I am guaranteed that his biggest fan, Serena Richmond, will comment.  I had not met Serena until Friday night, and what a pleasure it was to meet her in person.  Newly engaged, and celebrating her birthday, Serena was delighted when Tim led the singing of “Happy Birthday” for her and another lady, and gave Serena a scarf and a hug.  Serena shared a story with me about a time she was surprised to see Tim’s dad, Diamond Jim, sitting in Tim’s car.  Serena’s fondness for Tim and his family goes back a few years. 

Photo Credit: Buck O’Dell.

In a very touching moment with another lady, Ed Hand from Helping Hand, a company that provides immediate support and assistance to victims of injury or accident, brought one of his clients to the stage to meet Tim E, and receive a scarf.  Tim sang “The Wonder of You” to Jenny, thus ending his second set on a beautiful note that had many audience members wiping tears..

Sandra asked if we all wanted to hear one more song, to which we enthusiastically shouted, “Yes!”  And Tim E Hendry, Kenni Hite, and Paul Fracassi hit the stage for a rousing rendition of “Viva Las Vegas”.  After the show, Tim stayed for a meet-and-greet.  Next night, it was off to Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine for Tim and a repeat performance. Cheers!

Slide Show

Photos in the slide show are credited to C. MacArthur, except for the four b&w (watermarked) photos of Kenni Hite by Buck O’Dell, and the last photo of Tim E Hendry by Janet Arsenault.

On behalf of ETA fans and friends, thank you, Sandra and your team, for another great night at the Casablanca Winery Inn. Thank you to ETA Tim E Hendry, Paul Fracassi, and Kenni Hite for an evening of spectacular entertainment. Thank you to Buck O’Dell for his photos used in this article. And thank you, Janet, for joining me. Hope you had a wonderful time. Hugs, Carolyn.

Bravo, everyone!

Spotlight On: Ultimate ETA Dean Z

Spotlight ON: Ultimate ETA Dean Z

Editor’s Note

My first meeting with Ultimate ETA Dean Z took place on stage at the 2018 NFEF. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SB Mag.

My interview with Dean Z, as it appears today in SIDEBURNS Magazine, had its beginning when I first met Dean at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in April, 2018. After a brief introduction and an explanation about whom and what I had already posted in SB Mag, Dean expressed interest in an interview and suggested we set up a time and place to meet at the Collingwood Elvis Festival where he was scheduled to headline at the end of July.

Sadly, in June of 2018, Dean’s father, Walter, passed away. Dean, the consummate entertainer, went on to perform at Collingwood in July; but when I met him after his performance, I knew he had performed with a heavy heart. I felt it was not a good time to be asking questions, so I suggested we reschedule the interview.

Ultimate ETA Dean Z at Collingwood. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

Our next meeting was at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. With the help of organizer Heather Busseri and Caroline Schat, who knew the whereabouts of every ETA at the festival, Dean Z and I sat down and began his interview. We were joined for a few minutes by ETA Diogo Light, Dean’s friend and fellow NFEF headliner (and my next interviewee). Diogo and Dean talked briefly about the 2013 Memphis competition, the year Dean won the title of 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist; and both shared fond memories of visiting the children’s hospital in Memphis. As often happens with performers, Dean was called away for a sound check half way through our interview. After lunch, and once again seated side by side in the conference room, Dean and I continued the interview. During our Q & A in a room full of people dining and chatting, Dean remained fully engaged, sitting very close, with his chair angled towards me and his face propped on his right hand. Nearing the end of our interview, and without an explanation, we were unexpectedly interrupted by someone saying Dean was “needed elsewhere”. Feeling a bit flustered by what turned out to be an unnecessary interruption, I apologized for taking so much time for the interview and offered to conclude the still unfinished interview. Dean’s reply was, “Let’s continue. These are the best interview questions I have ever been asked.” Thank you, Dean!

Dean Z at the 2018 and 2019 NFEF

Photos are credited to Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Photo Credit: Courtesy FB/Dean Z.

At the 2019 NFEF everyone knew that Dean and Stephi were expecting their first child. When I asked his thoughts on becoming a first time dad, Dean said, “It will complete my life. My heart is ready. Being a dad will give my life’s passion more meaning.”

On October 11th, 2019, at 11:34 am, Dean and Stephi were blessed with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl, Everly Jo, 6lbs 12oz. Congratulations, Stephi and Dean, and welcome to the world and ETA family baby Everly Jo Z!

Surprise!

Everly Jo Zeligman, born October 11th, 2019. Photo Credit: Dean Z.

Baby Photos

Proud parents, Stephi and Dean Z pose for a charming family photo with their beautiful baby girl, Everly Jo, or “Evie” as she is lovingly known by her mommy and daddy. In the second, early childhood photo of Dean and his brother, Dan, Evie in her first month photo looks very much like her daddy. The third photo shows a tender mother and daughter moment between Stephi and baby Evie. (Photos are courtesy of Dean and Stephi’s Facebook pages.)

Time Flies

Christmas photo of Dean, Stephi, and Everly Jo with Santa.

Intro to the Intro to the Interview

As a special introduction to Dean Z’s interview, I invite you to enjoy the wonderful and amusing story by ETA Keith Hart about the time Dean Z was his mentor and instructor. Within the body of Dean’s interview, you will find the Philips video of Dean working with Keith.

An Introduction by ETA Keith Hart

In 2015 I attended an amateur Elvis tribute contest and, based on how much fun the crowd and the performers were having, I set a personal goal to get up on stage.

Keith and Dean. Photo Credit: Keith Hart.

Having never really sung before, I started voice lessons in January of 2016 to prepare for the contest, and I also joined a few of the Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) groups to help with my planning. 

A few months later I started seeing a casting call for a commercial posted in those ETA groups, and at the time I didn’t give them a single thought as I figured that they already had many submissions and I had only just recently started singing.  Later, I received the call for competitors for the August competition and signed up immediately. At the bottom of the email was the casting call again. Something in the wording of that message prompted me to do a little more digging, and a short while later I came across a post regarding the commercial that I hadn’t seen before that said, “Do you like to dress like Elvis for Halloween?”  “Why yes, yes I have--quite a few times actually!”  So I took five minutes to submit my information; after all, what’s the worst that could happen?

The next day I found myself on a video call with a casting agent, and the next week I was on a video call with the creative team.  In one month I had a crew come to my home for introductions as we would start shooting the very next day.

In a crazy twist of fate, I was not able to participate in the contest in August as the project took me back to Memphis to release the commercial during Elvis Week.

Dean and Keith. Photo Credit: Keith Hart.

It was definitely a whirlwind!

During my first chat with the director I was told that they were bringing in a mentor to work directly with me, but they wouldn’t tell me who it was.  It wasn’t until the middle of the fourth day of shooting, in a quiet scene with the cameras rolling, that Dean stomped across the ballroom floor and into my life. 

Having been seen so many videos from various performers I already knew who Dean was, but I don’t really think it fully clicked at that initial moment.

Photo Credit: Keith Hart.

Working with Dean was absolutely incredible! The energy you see in his videos and his live performances was carried through all of our time working on the video together.  Dean flew from his home in Branson to my home in Portland several times and still fit in several other events along the way.  When we weren’t working together in person, Dean took time out for a daily video call, often while he was still done up for his performance in the Legends show. 

Dean is a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly generous with that knowledge. He flooded me with so much information in a short amount of time and it really gave me a huge boost in my journey!

At the end of the project Dean made it clear that he was available if I ever had a question or needed advice. 

I saw Dean again during Elvis Week 2016 and he took time out to come and say “Hi” and check on my progress. 

In 2018 Dean was one of the headliners for the Penticton Elvis Festival in British Columbia where we had quite a bit more time to chat.  He made a point to stay at the festival during the competition to see me perform even though I was one of the last performers of the day.  When I nervously stepped out onto the stage, I looked down to see Dean sitting right up front, watching and smiling.  When I was done he came over to give me a huge hug and to congratulate me on my progress. K.H.

Dean Z with some fans. Photo Credit: Keith Hart.

A very big thank you to ETA Keith Hart for his well written story and fabulous photos about his time spent with Dean Z. Wishing you the best of luck with your ETA career, Keith. Best regards, Carolyn.

The Interview

Dean at age 5. Photo Credit: Courtesy FB/Dean Z.

Q.  What interesting facts would you like to share about your childhood?

A.  From the age of 3, I have been interested in Elvis.  When I was ten years old, I played the drums in a band with my brother, Dan, who was eight at the time.   I am a big fan of the LA Kings and played hockey in the Mojave Desert near my home in California.  In grade 8, I had to change schools due to bullying, and enrolled in a private school. 

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager.

Dean at age 7. Photo Credit: Courtesy FB/Dean Z.

A.  At age sixteen, I took flying lessons.  I became a good student in my last two years at high school and developed an interest in the Sciences—particularly Earth Science, Botany, and Marine Biology.  I met one of my best friends, Ultimate ETA, Justin Shandor, while in high school.

Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A.  After high school, I really only had one job—for two months, at a hot dog restaurant.  I was already entertaining in small theaters, festivals, and state events when I got a call from a Las Vegas production company that was looking for a young ETA to perform in their shows.  At age seventeen, I moved to Laughlin, Nevada. 

Q.  How did your career proceed after moving to Las Vegas?

A.  After working in Las Vegas for 12 years, I went on to perform in Japan, Australia, Norway, Denmark, England, across Canada and the United States.  I earned a spot in the “World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show:  Legends in Concert”.  In 2007, I moved on to headlining the show in Branson, Missouri. I felt that was just the right amount of production without watering down the authentic spirit of Elvis in the ‘50s in the shows at Legends, Branson.  

Q.  Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

2017 Logan Brinson Elvis Festival ( the Dean Z show )

A.  I have had no vocal or dance training.  For ten years, from ages seven to seventeen, I took only drum lessons.  I now play six instruments.  Interestingly, my music teacher married my second cousin, and is now part of my family. 

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

A.  My parents, who are British, did not like Elvis and only listened to oldies.  I have been a fan of Elvis Presley since I first saw “This is Elvis” on television as a toddler.   I immediately jumped on the coffee table and started to perform.  I love all Elvis music.    

Q.  What made you decide to embark on a career as an ETA?

A.  My career found me—my childhood passion became a career.  My mom made my first Elvis costume, and I was on my way.

Dean Z at age 3 performing Jailhouse Rock for the first time.

Q.  Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance as an ETA.

A. At my first performance at age three, which my mother taped, I sang “Jailhouse Rock”. I shook and the audience screamed!  LOL

Q.  Describe how you felt before, during, and after your first competition.  Did you achieve the outcome you desired?

GOING TO THE JAIL HOUSE..............

A.  In 2013, I decided it was time to go after the Ultimate ETA title.  I earned a my ticket to the Memphis competition by winning the “Rockin’ Elvis Fest” on March 17th, 2013, at the Pala Casino, in Pala, California.  I entered Ultimate not expecting to win; I entered to perform for the audience, as I felt the audience was the true judge. 

Q.  Besides winning the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, were there any other experiences in Memphis in 2013 that stay in your memory?

A.  Second to winning the title, my most memorable experience in Memphis in 2013 was visiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. 

Q.  Describe the process of turning yourself into a stage ready ETA.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

A.  To be continually stage ready, I have to stay healthy.  I stay in shape by doing yoga. To promote a healthy lifestyle, I worked on a worldwide internet ad and campaign for Philips, the global electrons company.  In the short film, “A Little More Action”, I train aspiring ETA, Keith Hart, to help him fulfill his lifelong dream.

Q.  What is the biggest mistake that young ETAs make in their tribute?

A.  They must stop watching other ETAs, and not forget they are doing a tribute to Elvis.  He is the teacher!

Q.  What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

In memory of Walter Zegliman, Dean’s dad. Photo Credit: FB/Dean Z.

A.  From my mom, Jackie, I learned to have character as a human being, and to treat people as I want to be treated.  My dad, Walter, taught me to have a strong work ethic.  He was the hardest working man I know.  He was a pattern maker and worked for Los Angeles fashion designer, Carol Little. 

Q.  What men have had a positive influence in your life? 

A.  My dad and Elvis Presley had positive influences in my life. 

Q.  What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A. Thinking of my dad, who passed away in June, 2018, makes me sad.  I replace my sad thoughts with happy memories of him.  I am a people pleaser, so I used to get sad when I couldn’t please everyone; but I have learned to deal with it.

Q.  Do you have tattoos?

A.  At age fifteen, my mom signed an approval form for me to get a “TCB” tattoo.  At age sixteen, I got another tattoo, this time of Elvis, on my right arm. 

Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Q.  Describe the highlights of your ETA career.

A.  Besides winning the Ultimate title in 2013, receiving the Heart of the King award at the former Las Vegas Hilton, on the same stage where Elvis performed over 700 times in the 1970s, and having the award presented to me by DJ Fontana was a very special moment.  Another highlight of my career was being named International ETA of the Year as voted by the public and my peers. 

Q.  What is the best part of being an ETA?

A.  The best part of being an ETA is making people happy and bringing joy through Elvis’s music.

Q.  Who were/are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

A.  The important women in my life are my beautiful wife, Stephi, who is loyal, funny, and a survivor; my mom Jackie, who is resilient, tough, and strong, who taught me all the values I have; and my sister, Marie Z, who is a country singer. 

“Mom and Dad holding my sister Marie 🧡Me and Steph holding our daughter Everly💛Totally not planned, just history repeating itself.” Photo Credit: Dean Zeilgman FB page.

Q.  How are you different on stage compared to off stage?

A.  I value my down time.  I am calmer at home.  I do household chores, like cutting the grass. 

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A.  My wife makes me laugh.  Stephi has a dry, ironic wit, and rattles off funny things.

Q.  What one international city where you have you performed stands out in your memory?  How are audiences different in different countries?

A.  The level of response and interactions may differ, but audiences in all countries where I have performed love Elvis.  One city that stands out in my memory is Singapore.   

Elvis Tribute World Tour - Dean Z - Glasgow SEC Armadillo - 14/10/2018 - singing - Baby What You Want Me To Do

Q.  If it were possible to chat with Elvis, what would you say to him?

A.  I would tell him that I love him and to take care of himself before he thinks of his audience.

Q.  Would you want to judge an ETA competition?  What do you think are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?

A.  Before I won Ultimate, I was an ETA competition judge in Branson Missouri, and it was very difficult.

Dean is thrilled to be holding Elvis’s belt. Photo Credit: FB/Dean Z.

Q.  What do you treasure? 

A.  I treasure my family and my down time.

Q.  If you weren’t an ETA, what career would you choose?  Why?

A.  I would like to be a WWE professional wrestler, a wrestling manager, or a commentator.  While in high school, I used to enjoy backyard wrestling.

Q.  What has surprised you most about being an ETA?

A.  I am surprised by the amount of recognition that I personally receive.  I never expected so many to be so supportive.

Q.  Describe a special moment with a fan or audience member.

A.  There are so many.  Two years ago in Nashville, a young fan—three year old Kenneth, sang a song with me on stage.  It felt like I was looking into the past and was completing the cycle. 

During Dean Z's special show at the 2017 Nashville Elvis Festival, 3 year old Kenneth Buettner made his Elvis Tribute debut.

Q.  From your view of the audience, which catches your eye when you perform?

A.  I look at the people the audience as individuals. I focus on those who are enjoying the performance.

Q.  What sacrifices have you made for your ETA career?

A.  I miss out on certain holidays and special events in life.  For example, I missed my niece’s dance recital.  I wish I could be there for all appointments.  

Photo Credit: fortsaskatchewanrecord.com

Q.  What Elvis costume is your favourite?  Why?

A.  My favourite is the black leather suit.  When I am on stage in Elvis clothing, I feel like a different person.

Q.  Who taught you how to apply your Elvis makeup?

A.  I taught myself by studying theatrical makeup.  I went to a bookstore and bought “The Art of stage Makeup” and “Casting Shadows”.  I also studied artwork of Elvis, rather than just photos.

Q.  What special care does your hair require to keep it looking good?

A.  I use good quality products, such as Royal Crown pomade and Aquage Silkening shampoo and conditioner.  I have my hair professionally dyed.

Q.  What annoys you?

A.   What annoys me are people who haven’t had the life experience and think they have all the answers and press their judgement on you—even if you don’t ask for it.  It is of key importance that people understand that there is a big grey area, and all is not black and white.

Q.  What do you fear?

A.  Professionally, I fear not being ready to go on stage on time.  I have nightmares about it.  In my personal life, I worry about not being a good enough father. 

Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Q.  Describe a future that is specifically design for you.

A.  Financial freedom for my family, and continuing to do what I love, my passion for performing, and maintaining a strong family connection. 

Q.  What will you do in retirement?

A.  I have a vision of myself at 70 playing drums for fun in a jazz or blues band.   

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire from being an ETA?

A.  I know what I do has a time limit.  I want to portray Elvis in the best possible light.  If I can’t do that, I will know it is time to retire.  I will continue to be in the entertainment business, but I will transfer to producing shows that feature all artists.

Q.  Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your ETA career?

A.  My mother and father—I would not be here as a performer without them being there for me, and my wife, my brother and my sister.

Dean and his brother Danny. “My brother—the most talented, kindest person I know! I love you Danny Zeligman, my life long built in best friend!” Photo Credit: Courtesy FB/Dean Z.

Q.  What would you like to say to the backup singers and band members with whom you perform?

A.  I have the best team in my shows.  I love them as people as well as talented individuals.

Q.  What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you could sing it on stage during your tribute to Elvis?

A.  Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. 

The whole family: Marie, Nathan, Dean, Stephi, Tori, Daniel, Jackie and Walter. Photo Credit: http://lipslashesandcookies.blogspot.com/2013/03

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A.  People may be surprised to learn that I was raised in a household that was both Christian and Jewish.  We celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.  My Hebrew name is David Ben Zave.

Q.  What question do you wish I had asked, but didn’t?

Dean Z and Carolyn MacArthur. Photo Credit: C.M.

A.  I think you nailed it! 

Thank you, Dean, for sharing so much of yourself in this interview. You are an extraordinary entertainer and an extraordinary human being. It has been such a pleasure featuring you in Spotlight ON. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Added Features: Following the videos, I have included something special. I think you will really enjoy “Love and Marriage” which contains a Q & A with Dean’s wife, Stephanie; and I also included “Dean’s Birthday Horoscope”, which shows that Leo, Dean Z, was destined to be in the spotlight. C.M.

Videos

Edited from Dean Z’s website: In 2008, Dean, his brother Daniel, stand up bass player Rob Edwards and crew produced a musical documentary and CD album collaboration filmed and recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. This album-documentary chronicles Elvis’ entire musical catalog from early Sun Studio sessions. The sessions were painstakingly recreated using some of the same equipment that Elvis himself used in that very same studio. Producers also added "snaps," "pops" and "hisses" during post-production to match the original recordings. The first two videos were filmed in Sun Records Studio. The third video, by Jess Charro Wade, is of Dean’s amazing performance at the 2019 NFEF.

"The SUN Sessions" recorded here @ The Legendary SUN Studio at 706 Union Ave. Memphis, TN. A Great Elvis Tribute Artist.

"The SUN Sessions" was recorded here @ The Legendary SUN Studio on 706 Union Ave. in Memphis, TN. A Great Elvis Tribute Artist.

Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z performs at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Featuring the Casino Brothers Band.

Love and Marriage

From their first meeting while performing together in a show in Branson, MO, to their engagement, to their wedding in 2015, to the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Everly Jo, in 2019, Dean and Stephanie Zelgiman’s story has the makings of a Hollywood movie.  On separate websites, wedding photographer, Sheri Holloway, and disc jockey, DJ Kolmega from Kolmega Photography (who also acted as the “Master of Ceremonies” at their wedding reception) posted Stephi’s answers to their questions about love and marriage.  The following is an edited compilation from both sites:  

DJK:  Where did you two first meet?

Stephanie on her wedding day. Photo Credit: Sherri Holloway.

SZ:  Dean and I met while working together in a show called Legends in Concert. He played the role of young Elvis (1950s) and I was one of the backup singers.

via YouTube Capture

The first thing that attracted me to Dean was his gorgeous smile and sparkling blue eyes. He’s just a handsome guy all around and very charming!  Once I got to know him, I realized that he was very kind and incredibly witty. He has this innate ability to see the good in people when no one else does and that’s what he did with me.  He saw the person I was underneath all the layers and he really inspired me to become the best version of myself possible.  I’m always amazed by his talent.  He’s truly a gifted musician and has a good eye for detail.

DJK:  Who said I love you first?

SZ:  Dean said those three big words first.  We were cuddling in my apartment and out of nowhere, he whispered in my ear, “I love you”.  I had been wanting to say it for so long, but had not mustered up the courage.  As he was leaving that evening, I wrapped my arms around him, kissed his cheek and whispered it back.  I think we both cried! We’re pretty passionate and emotional people. Must be the arts.

DJK: When did you know you wanted to get married?

SZ:  Around 6 months into our relationship we both knew we were in it for the long haul. That didn’t necessarily mean marriage because the love and commitment was there regardless.  Two and a half years later, he proposed to me and I bawled like a baby.  At that point, it was the happiest moment of my life.

On Nov.1st, 2013 the man of my dreams got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! Welcome to my fairy tale, my happily ever after, my dream come true... Go to my blog www.lipslashesandcookies.blogspot.com for a full account of the most perfectly magical night of my life!

SHP:  How did Dean propose?

SZ:  We went out for our anniversary dinner to our favorite place, Level II Steakhouse.  When it came time to exchange gifts, he sat beside me as we flipped through the photo book he had designed for me.  He put so much effort and thought into this book that I was in tears a few pages in.  As I turned to the last page and read “Will you marry me?” he got down on one knee, popped the question, and I said “YES!”  It all happened so fast which is why we are so thankful to have had a secret photographer there to capture the moment.  That was my mom’s idea as she helped Dean hide the whole thing from me. So sneaky!

DJK:  I understand you had to let go of your first wedding officiator because you guys didn’t agree with his view on, shall we say, “celebrating diversity.” Who did you hire to take his place?

SZ: Our officiant, Donna, really embraced who we are as individuals and as a couple. She created such a beautiful ceremony for us.  We are passionate about marriage equality and she was right on board with us.

Photo Credit: http://djbransonmo.com/dean-z-stephanie/.

SHP:  Did you recite your own vows? 

SZ:  After going over the beautiful ceremony that Donna prepared, we decided to not recite our own vows.  She said it all!  

SHP:  What was one of your favorite memories?

SZ:  One of my favorite moments was during our vows when Dean made me laugh and no one else had a clue!  I also loved our first dance because it felt like we were the only ones in the whole world.  I think that’s the moment everything sunk in for me, so there were a lot of happy tears! Another highlight was the animal interaction.  A couple of horses came up to us during our photos and a wolf (temporarily) stole our glass from the ceremony!  A favorite moment of our guests was the butterfly release and the dedication to our loved ones that were looking down on us from Heaven.  Most people told us that it was the most unique wedding that they had ever been to and I think that’s because we stuck with what is true for us rather than what’s traditional or typical.  We both embrace our heritage, our family, our friends and nature.  Our goal was for it to be a comfortable gathering to celebrate love, and I think we did just that.

DJK:  Tell us about a memorable highlight from the ceremony. 

Photo Credit: http://djbransonmo.com/dean-z-stephanie/

SZ:  During our ceremony we wanted to honor our families.  For me, I’m of Native American descent, so we did a butterfly release which is a known Native American tradition.  Dean’s father is Jewish so we did the traditional breaking of the glass.  During our reception, a beautiful wolf kept coming close to the party and seemed to be watching us.  I swear he locked eyes with me!  We turned our backs to step inside, and he came right up to our table, snatched our bag containing the shattered glass and took off!  We have video footage of him running away and us standing there with our mouths wide open!  Eventually, the glass was returned by some small miracle and we joked that perhaps we’ll name our first child Wolf if he’s a boy.  The Hebrew translation for Wolf is “Zave” which was Dean’s grandfather’s name, so it’s definitely a contender!  Another cool thing that happened was the horses from the property next door coming right up to us during our post-wedding photos!  It was such a perfect day!

Uploaded by Marie Zeligman on 2015-05-28.

SHP:  What were your “first dance” songs?

SZ:  Our first dance was to “Let it Be Me” by the Everly Brothers.  My dad and I danced to “Daddy Dance with Me.”  I sent my dad about 50 songs to choose from and we both ended up choosing the same one.  Dean and his mom started with a slow dance to “Tammy” (a song she sang to him as a child) and then busted out in a fun hip-hop number.  It was hilarious; and yes, it’s on YouTube!  Hahaha

DJK:  What lessons have you learned about your new adventure together?

SZ:  I’ve learned that being a wife is more of a gift than I ever thought it would be. I feel blessed and proud to be his wife.  The moment I said “I do” it’s like a switch flipped and I felt contentment in a way I had never experienced before.

DJK:  How has marriage changed you?

SZ:  Marriage has made me more selfless.  I still care about myself, but I care for my husband more. He’s my priority now and always.

Photo Credit: http://djbransonmo.com/dean-z-stephanie/

DJK:  What advice do you have for other married couples?

SZ:  My advice to other married couples is to never let your disagreements outweigh your love of one another. You and your spouse are a team, so remember the bigger picture.  Pick your battles, give grace, compromise and communicate.  If you want a marriage to last, you must choose love every day—even when your partner isn’t being lovable.  Always remember why you fell in love and why you got married.  Hold onto that no matter what.

DJK: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

SZ:  We take our life together year by year and reassess as we go.  If I had to say where I envision us in 10 years my answer would be:  Happy and even more in love, with a couple of little Zs keeping us on our toes!

DJK:  Any final words?

SZ:  Being married is AMAZING!  I love being Dean’s wife and I am looking forward to where the road leads us.

Photo Credit: http://djbransonmo.com/dean-z-stephanie/

All information and photos have been duly credited in the Q&A.  Edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine. For further information and photos, please check out:

http://www.blog.sherihollowayphotography.com

http://djbransonmo.com/dean-z-stephanie/

Dean’s Birthday Horoscope

Your August 7th birthday predicts that you are spiritually aware and imaginative and have a clear vision of what you want out of life. You are best suited to an environment that is inspiring.  You maintain an active and productive life.  You do not do anything that is not quality work; it’s your best, or nothing at all.  You will not do anything half-heartedly.

Spotlight ON: Dean Z…born to entertain. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

When you walk into a room, all heads turn.  You are creative when it comes to making dramatic entrances.  Funny, creative, outgoing and confident, you own the spotlight as you make your best arrival.  Your August 7th birthday also predicts that you are so passionate that people get attached to your affectionate and playful ways.

Your birthday suggests that you are very generous and loyal to your friends.  You will go out of your way to accommodate them.  You are a very reliable individual, more so than others.  This personality trait makes you a great person to have as a friend, loved one, or business associate.

You have a lot of get up and go, and must be busy doing this creative project or exploring that new territory.  You are likely to follow your feelings when you have to make a snap decision.  You are a leader who is ambitious and independent enough to venture out on your own.  It could be the key to your financial and personal success.

You are a Leo who is likely to roar and with a blazing attitude that is almost impossible to resist. People flock to you making other people green with envy.  In other words, you got it going on.*

Thank you, Dean, for a wonderful interview; and thank you, Stephi and Dean, for sharing your lives with all of us. May the love story continue. Best regards, Carolyn.

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*Horoscope is for entertainment purposes only. Information is a condensed version from https://www.sunsigns.org/ with edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine.