Introduction
The following article that was first published in 2017 is a prelude to what you may expect to see posted in the coming weeks. The three ETAs featured in this article have been posted many times on SIDEBURNS Magazine over the past three and a half years, but one of the three will be the focus of more than one article in the weeks to come. Every ETA I have met at shows and festivals, and most certainly those who have been posted in recaps, bios and interviews, holds a special place in my world of wonderful ETAs. As you read “Keeping His Memory Alive”, you will assuredly discover that one ETA in particular has an unrealized connection to SIDEBURNS Magazine. I hope you enjoy the article. Thank you for liking, following and sharing my ETA posts.
Keeping His Memory Alive
According to a CNN iReport, at the time of Elvis’s death on August 16th, 1977, there were only 170 Elvis Tribute Artists worldwide. In 2011, the number grew to 85,000. The experts quoted in the article predict that at that rate of growth, in 2040 a third of the world will be ETAs.
My interest in ETAs came quite suddenly and unexpectedly later in life. I was a quite young when Elvis was thrilling audiences with his music and moves in the 1950s. I don’t recall hearing a single Elvis song on my parents’ radio station, CHML, Hamilton ; nor do I remember seeing Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show. I liked Elvis movies in the early 1960s, but I only ever purchased one of his records, ‘Stuck on You’. By the mid ‘60s, the British Invasion reached North America and I was hooked. Beatles’ music was based in rock and roll, but had a beat that was fresh and exciting. In comparison to the Beatles with their slick suits, pointed toe boots, and mopped hair, Elvis, with his sideburns and anything but Mod clothes, seemed old to me. My love of the Beatles lasted until I discovered Soul Music in my late teens. And except for “Crying in the Chapel” in 1965, Elvis Presley’s music never did register with me—not even with his spectacular, once in a lifetime shows like the ‘68 Comeback Special and Aloha from Hawaii.
Poster in the Lobby at Fallsview Casino. Photo Credit: SIDEBURNS Magazine.
It wasn’t until my retirement years that I woke up to Elvis. On September 13th, 2015 an outstanding performance by an ETA made me an instant Elvis fan and inspired a newfound hobby—ETA concert hopping, which restored my passion for writing and eventually led to the creation of SIDEBURNS Magazine.
In this article, I share with you my experiences, observations, and induction into the world of Elvis Tribute Artists. If you are new to the world of ETAs, or if you know someone who believes that ETAs in jumpsuits are paying a mocked tribute to “a fat guy in a suit eating a peanut butter sandwich talking about doing a lot of opiates”[1] I think my article will educate, challenge, and hopefully change your perception.
It was by happenchance that I was offered two free tickets to the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls to see Return to Grace. At first I was moderately interested in seeing the show; but after I spotted a promo advertising the upcoming event on a big screen outside the theatre, my interest piqued. I asked my youngest daughter, an Elvis fan, to join me.
Return to Grace starred seasoned ETA Steve Michaels (aka Stephen Michael Kabakos) from Milton, Ontario. Both my daughter and I were amazed by his portrayal of Elvis. He flawlessly covered the decades of Elvis’s career from the 1950s to 1973’s Aloha from Hawaii. I was so blown away that I came back a second time the following week.
In June, 2016, Helen, Doris and Ruth saw “Return to Grace” in Toronto. Photo Credit: Doris Baldson.
From September 2015 to December 2015—in just three months, I saw Steve Michaels in concert seven times. I drove as far as Port Hope, a fair distance from my home, to see two concerts on one day. I began to notice many of the same people at each concert; so while waiting in line for a photo and autograph, I would talk to them about the concert. Fans were willing to share their experiences and information about their favourite ETAs.
Most had been going to concerts for years, and some even saw Elvis Presley perform live. I could add little to the conversation, because embarrassingly, I had not been to any Elvis festivals or competitions, not even the mega annual event in Collingwood, Ontario. And when I had an opportunity to see the real Elvis perform in Buffalo, NY in 1976, I declined (much to my regret now). But thanks to technology, I have been able to fill in the years by reading articles and watching performances on YouTube.
In the months that followed the first two shows, I saw Steve Michaels perform a total of sixteen times in less than two years—including at the mega event at the Hershey Centre , billed as a ‘word for word, note for note, song for song’ re-staging of the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii satellite performance complete with Hawaiian dancers and full back-up. I would have seen more of Steve’s show if I could, but some concerts were out of province or out of country.
In 2016 while inquiring at the Lincoln Alexander Centre box office about a ticket for a rumoured Steve Michaels show, I found that Gordon Hendricks from Great Britain had an upcoming show booked at the “Linc”. I was fortunate in procuring one of the last two tickets for Gordon’s sold out show. In 2017, and still months before SIDEBURNS Magazine launched, I saw Gordon again, this time at the Casablanca in Grimsby, Ontario. In that same year, I met Matt Cage (aka Matt Dowsett) originally from Belleville, Ontario for the first time at Flamboro Downs (now Elements Casino). My list of favourite ETAs was starting to grow!
By the time I started writing “Keeping His Memory Alive”, I had seen six different artists perform live and watched dozens more ETAs on YouTube. I read with much interest the comments below each YouTube video. With thousands of wonderful professional ETAs worldwide to choose from, I wondered why—other than being a great performer, should an ETA earn such adoration from fans. It seemed that fans had to feel something on a deeper level than just the usual audience/performer connection to develop such a strong interest in their favourite ETA’s career. All three artists I mentioned earlier, Steve, Gordon, and Matt have very successful careers as professional ETAs, and each has a legion of dedicated fans. So, what does it take to reach their level of success in such a competitive field? Some answers I found through research, but most of what I needed to know came from my own experiences and observations, and it definitely helped talking to fans. As Steve once said, “It’s all in good fun.”[2]
If you are seeking a career as a professional ETA, entering a competition is a good place to start. It will require some work to take you from average guy to Elvis superstar, but it will be worth the effort. Having a tall, lean body is a definite asset. Elvis was 182 cm, close to 6 ft, and weighed around 75 kg/165 lb at the height of his career. Not to worry, though, there are very successful artists under 6 ft. If you need a little extra height to give you confidence, slip some lifts in your shoes. No one will know. And it might put you a head above your competition. Black leather pants with waist hugging jackets, and polyester jumpsuits, especially those in white or light blue, are unforgiving; so unless you are trying to make a “big” impression, best keep your weight in check.
A good head of hair, whatever the colour, is a plus because it can be dyed jet black and styled to suit each decade. Elvis’s personal hair stylist, Larry Geller, stated in Yahoo Beauty that he dyed Elvis’s hair every two to three weeks with L’Oreal. Some sites report that he also used Lapinol and Miss Clairol 51D Black Velvet over the years. To address Elvis’s concern about losing his hair from constant dying, Geller used Vitamin E and jojoba oil to condition his hair. He also changed brands of hairsprays routinely to avoid drying out Elvis’s hair. Eyelashes and brows need to be dyed to match your hair. In the early days, Elvis apparently used boot polish to darken his eyelashes. Fortunately there are safe products available for at home use. Shoppers Drug Mart sells a product made in Germany called Swiss O Par for under $20; or you can seek the help of a professional. For touch ups, mascara and eyebrow pencils work well. Larry Geller even used black mascara in a pinch to touch up Elvis’s hair. If you opt for a wig instead of dye, purchase one of high quality; otherwise your hair will look like a helmet, and no one will want to ‘run their fingers through your long black hair’. While a good head of hair is an asset, if you have so much chest hair that it looks like you are wearing a brown t-shirt under your jumpsuit, you may want to consider waxing or shaving. Steve Michaels pointed out during a chat with his audience that Elvis shaved almost all body hair for his movies. Unless you plan on wearing tight white shorts in your act, no need to go that far for authenticity. There are photos showing Elvis with a hairy chest; but since his natural hair was dirty blonde, he most likely shaved or waxed his chest rather than trying to dye it to match. Covering that much hair with dye would be a nightmare! Shaving or waxing is also a good way to eliminate grey hair and maintain a youthful appearance—or you simply could just keep your jumpsuit zipped up!
ETA Bruno Nesci’s Elvis jumpsuits were on display at the 2019 Flaming Star Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: SIDEBURNS Magazine.
A tanned complexion looks good with black hair, and makes your teeth look pearly white. If your teeth need work, no one will fault you for having veneers. It is all part of being a professional entertainer. Brown or green eyes will benefit from blue contacts. Some ETAs have surgery, treatments, or injections to enhance their appearance; but major surgery to make you an Elvis look-a-like isn’t really necessary. It is amazing what proper makeup application can accomplish in selling the illusion.
If you are a non-professional, or if your budget is limited, some articles of clothing can be borrowed from your dad or uncle if you are performing the Early Years. You can also shop at charity shops where you may find actual sport jackets from the 1950s. Make sure the look is authentic. Do your research. Is what you have laid out on your bed really reminiscent of what Elvis would have worn? In the Las Vegas: Images of the King contest outline, Rule # 2 Know Your Material, clearly states: Your costume should represent your song selection for each day. (Example: Do not sing “Suspicious Minds” in a sport jacket or leather). Rule #3, goes on to say: For the purpose of judging and choosing your material, the Early Years (Sport Jacket, Gold Lame, Speedway Jackets, Black Leather, etc) will be considered from 1954 to Dec. 31, 1968. The “Jumpsuit Years” will be considered as Jan. 1, 1969 through Aug. 16, 1977.
UK ETA Garry Foley shows how great an ETA can look when hair, makeup, and costume all come together in perfect harmony. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.
If you are performing the ‘70s, be prepared to spend well over three grand CDN to buy a professionally designed jumpsuit made specifically to your measurements. Off the rack costumes are less costly, but make sure the company that offers them is reputable. One such company is ProElvis Jumpsuits in Nanaimo BC whose owner, Elle von Boetticher, gained national recognition when she appeared on Dragon’s Den. There are some interesting videos on YouTube where Elle explains what goes into the jumpsuits she makes. Elle’s company is one of the top suppliers of Elvis costumes internationally because she provides garments to customers that are of the highest quality. She makes sure you won’t leave a trail of rhinestones, studs and nail heads on the stage.[3] And you definitely do not want the seams to tear. Elvis jokingly changed the words in the song “Suspicious Minds” in his 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert from “because I love you baby” to “I hope this suit don’t tear up baby” as he took a deep karate stance. But it is a real possibility. On March 21st, 1976 at a concert in Ohio, Elvis’s jumpsuit did tear, and Charlie Hodge came to the rescue by tucking a towel in Elvis’s belt. After the set, Elvis returned to the stage in a new outfit with the torn jumpsuit slung over his shoulder. Designer Bill Belew was horrified!
It may seem like a lot of preparation for a maximum of four minutes on stage, given that appearance only counts for about 20% of the judges’ marks in most competitions. But keep in mind that you are building a reputation that may lead to a win that may ultimately lead to a professional career.
Performance counts for 40% of your total score, as does vocals. Each competition likely has its own system of judging, but the Vegas competition application form is worth a look because it is precise in the breakdown of the marking system and provides helpful guidelines for potential competitors.
ETA Steve Michaels, Port Hope, Ontario. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
It is somewhat surprising that performance and vocals count equally in the overall score. Elvis’s movements were so distinctive that you could see his shadow and know it was him; but unless you have “the voice”, few will buy your CDs that you will want to sell at your concerts. If you sell DVDs as well as CDs, you accurately need to learn the moves that match each song. Keep in mind that your audience can access the same Elvis movies and concerts that you watch, so don’t improvise, especially in competition. If I see an ETA making a move I don’t recognize, which often happens because I am a relatively new fan, I check my computer to see if I can find a reference for the move. I also check costuming. Did Elvis wear that red and black scarf with a black suit? When did Elvis tug at his army shirt? Perhaps other fans aren’t so obsessed with authenticity, but I am because I am interested in why certain artist’s careers have longevity. I think it is down to how much attention is paid to details in keeping The King’s memory alive. Steve Michaels once said of his performances: “If Elvis didn’t do it on stage, I won’t do it on stage.” Steve’s integrity has led to worldwide recognition and a fan base that reached a million.[4] However, to keep the interest of your fans, and to make your concerts enjoyable to perform, you will likely want to add personal touches that make your tribute unique. Keep in mind you are honouring an icon. Ask yourself, “Is what I am doing something Elvis would have done on stage?”
Waiting in line to talk to Steve after his show in his hometown of Milton, Ontario.
Audience interaction and reaction only counts for 5% during competition, but is crucial to achieving a successful ETA career. At the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, there was no after concert interaction with the performers. And because photos and recordings are not allowed in the theatre, I had to satisfy my need for a souvenir (balcony seats were too far away to have any chance of getting a scarf) by taking a photo of Steve Michaels’ photo that was mounted in the hall of performers. It wasn’t until a concert in Guelph that I learned that after most concerts, ETAs do a meet-and-greet with their fans to allow time for a chat, a photo, and an autograph. It is during this interaction that bonds are formed. Sure, I know they really aren’t Elvis; but for the duration of the concert, reality is suspended; and if the ETA is good at his craft, he completes the illusion. It really is quite thrilling. ETAs have a big advantage over the real Elvis in that they are living beings who are quite willing to shake a hand, kiss a cheek, or give a hug. If it were the real Elvis, how close do you think the average fan would get to him? And it is not just women my age that form a connection with their favourite ETA. I have seen children, teens, women and men of all ages patiently waiting in line. But it is women who are old enough to remember when Elvis was alive that appreciate the experience the most. I am sure each fan has a touching story about their favourite ETA. For me it was a magical night in Fergus, Ontario that holds a special memory for me.
The photo of Gordon Hendricks and me predates the launch of SIDEBURNS Magazine. Taken at the Lincoln Alexander Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, 2016.
The concert venue was a beautiful church in Fergus. As I parked my car, I could almost feel the stained glass windows shake from the vibration of the band and the power of Steve’s voice during rehearsal. It was a cold November evening, and since it was too early to take a seat, I went for a cup of tea. By the time I returned, the doors had opened and concert goers were quickly filling up the first come first served seats. For some reason, the two ladies who entered before me took the second pew. I had the front pew all to myself. I knew from other concerts, that scarves are normally handed out during “Suspicious Minds”. As much as I wanted a scarf, I couldn’t get up the nerve to approach the stage; but when the lady behind me enthusiastically ran to the stage, I followed her. When Steve placed a scarf around my neck and said, “It’s nice to see you again,” it was paramount to Prince Charles saying to me, “I hope you haven’t come too far,” when he shook my hand after his Dundurn Castle tour. I haven’t shared my experience with anyone until now for fear of sounding foolish. I have since learned that other women my age have their own sentimental story to share. At an ETA concert, a 71 year old lady told me that she gave Gordon Hendricks a glass a wine at his concert in Grimsby while he was on stage. It was the same concert I attended, and I remember the moment very well. She proudly told me that she has a photo of him giving her a hug. I understood how she felt about the experience as I had fond memories of my interactions with Gordon. At the Hamilton concert, I asked Gordon if I could interview him…not even sure why I felt compelled to ask, since I had not even a germ of an idea that I would one day own an ETA magazine. I was surprised and pleased when he said yes. On our second meeting after the Grimsby concert, I mentioned that my table was so far from the stage that he wasn’t able to make it to my seat during the audience walkabout part of his show. Gordon, without hesitation, reached in a box and pulled out one of his CDs which he handed to me and later signed. Buying a glass of wine, receiving a CD…bonding :)
After Gordon’s Casablanca Show in Grimsby, Ontario.
The more I talk to fans about their experiences, the more convinced I am that my newly discovered hobby plays an important role in the lives of women that society generally passes over. ETAs see the warmth and humour that women in their retirement years have to offer. Some of the relationships between ETAs and their fans span more than twenty years. Fans have watched their favourite ETA’s careers closely and they know more about them than just what they do on stage. Some ETAs share stories about their families with the audience during their performances, but the intimacy with their followers goes beyond the amusing stories. I have overheard fans tell the artists about their recent surgeries, or what their children have been up to lately. Fans will ask about the artist’s wife or girlfriend, and often present gifts for an ETA’s birthday or new baby. It may be just good business to listen to the stories of people who buy tickets to your concert, but I think they really do feel a connection to their fans. The ETAs I have met seem very caring and sincere. They all have the amazing knack for making you feel like you are the only person in the room when they are conversing with you. You have to really like people if you chose a career as an ETA. When I first spoke to Steve, Gordon, and Matt, I was struck by how down to earth they really are. On stage, each puts on a killer performance as Elvis; but off stage, to put it blandly, they are ‘nice guys’. Perhaps it is because they worked so hard on their careers, or maybe it stems from their upbringing, but all three ETAs are very approachable. If an artist does develop an attitude, I think they risk losing fans. But what really goes on in the mind of my favourite artists? I am extremely grateful to the ETAs whom I interviewed for allowing me to ask questions that let fans get to know them on a deeper level.
I mentioned earlier that I would definitely see Matt Cage again. And I did! Several times in fact—at local venues and three times in a play, with the first play being a memory building event.
On August 25th, 2017 I drove at breakneck speed to Drayton, Ontario to see Matt in The Million Dollar Quartet. I saw the same play the year before at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview. It was good; but the cast at Drayton was outstanding. For me, it was all about seeing Matt perform. What Matt brought to the role as an award winning ETA was spectacular. If anyone can accurately interpret the role of young Elvis, it stands to reason that it would be someone who lives and breathes the role on a weekly basis.
I had the perfect seat at the theatre: Orchestra Centre, Row A Seat 14. I reasoned from the promo video that this would be the best seat to see Matt perform. I was correct. Strangely, in a packed theatre, the front two rows were mostly vacant, so I moved over to seat 15, leaving empty seats on either side, which you will see proved to be advantageous.
ETA Matt Cage poses with Carolyn MacArthur after his MDQ performance at the Drayton Opera House.
Matt’s first appearance on stage happened a few minutes into the first scene. Surprisingly, to me at least, Elvis is not the main character, but one of four musical giants that gathered at Sun Records on Tuesday, December 4th, 1956. Perhaps the best lines in the play were written for the Jerry Lee Lewis role, and Gerrad Everard was outstanding in his role, but my eyes were on Matt—whether saying his lines or just standing there in character. Unlike an ETA concert where audience members shout things out and the performer openly converses with the audience, a play requires decorum. I didn’t want to make eye contact with Matt or a gesture in any way that might throw off his timing.
I don’t want to give away too much about the play, since I hope at sometime you will see this great play, but in the last scene of the 95 minute play, each of the four actors perform a song made famous by their character. It was at this point that the audience got a glimpse of why Matt Cage is an award winning ETA. Matt was amazing! It was at this point the evening took an interesting twist.
Elvis/Matt scanned the front row, and centred on me by saying, “I don’t like seeing a lady sitting alone.” Then, in what remains a blur, he asked me to approach the stage. I wasn’t sure if I heard correctly, so I made a motion indicating, “You want me to come there?” Matt got down on one knee and leaned in for a kiss and a hug. It may sound corny to outsiders, but ETA fans who have had similar experiences at concerts will understand what I was feeling. For this to happen at a play took me by surprise. I think I uttered something, such as, “Matt, you’re the best.” Gawd, I hope I didn’t sound too lame. Even if I did, in hindsight, I don’t really mind, because this special moment inspired me to start writing again. Thank you, Matt.
After MDQ in Hamilton, Ontario.
The evening didn’t end here, however. After the play, Matt and Gerrad stood at the doorway of the theatre to shake hands and chat with audience members as they left. I don’t remember any other plays I have seen in my lifetime where such an event occurs. It is such a treat for audience goers. Not only did I get to talk to Matt and Gerrad, but they posed for photos. Again, a post-play event--a first for me, one that was much appreciated since photos were not allowed in the theatre. Matt was as kind and sweet as I remembered him from our first meeting. How are some actors/performers able to make the transition from stage to real life seamlessly, while others buy into the hype and let success change them? Perhaps the answers are written in the stars.
Searching for Answers in the Stars
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a follower of astrology. It doesn’t rule my life, but it is a topic that I enjoy. Much like my interest in ETAs, astrology is a hobby. Today, my two hobbies have collided. I wanted to find some answers to my question about why some ETAs can kill it on stage, but remain so down to earth in real life. I was also was searching for words to describe what I see in Matt Cage, so I looked up his birthday horoscope. It may be surprising to nonbelievers, but not to me, that much of what I observed and felt about Matt was written in the stars. If I knew his time and place of birth, it would have been even more accurate. New to this post are the horoscopes for Gordon Hendricks and Steve Michaels. And it seems fitting that I include the birthday horoscope of the man who is responsible for the entire ETA world, Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley
If Elvis had worn a Zodiac sign jumpsuit, it would have had a goat somewhere in the design since Elvis was born under the sign of Capricorn. Here is what my astrology research revealed about someone born on January 8th:
If your birthday is January 8th, you are gifted! You spoil your friends and family with extravagant spending. You are one hard working individual. According to your birthday personality, your connections with your family are powerful. It is where you feel emotionally safe, but sometimes they are inclined to have more influence than they should when it comes to important decisions in your life. When it comes to lasting friendships, you have few outside family members. This is mostly due to trust issues. You love to eat. You do not spend much time on evaluating the health benefits, or lack thereof, of the foods you consume. There could be an underlying cause for you need to eat certain foods.
You have a sense of purpose that most people do not receive until later in life. In that aspect, you are fortunate. With this ability, you can see both sides of a situation. You are sensitive to others. You are emotional, and your mood swings can be frustrating. Your temper tends to alter the reputation you work so hard to develop. Prepare for dramatic changes, as you will have to make adjustments according to those changes that occur. Some unexpected turn of events takes your life out of order making it difficult for things to turn out as you planned.
Matt Cage
Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.
Your mind is sharp and you love to talk. You may grow into this quality, beginning life as a quiet child. Over the years you discover your voice. An interesting conversationalist, you are appreciated for both your sense of humor and sense of fun. Your creativity is strong. You believe in your dreams, and you are more than willing to put effort into materializing them. You have a mercurial, kinetic charm that brings you great affection. Your graceful bearing combines with a light touch of sophistication. You are a guileless, nice individual. Everyone wants to be friends with you. Your friendly, energetic manner is so likable it's difficult to resist you. Thoughtful and kind, you have a hands-on approach to friendship. You make people feel special about themselves…this is your gift. You are graceful and honest…maybe too honest, but still well-liked by people. Your friends and family usually say you are a very attractive person. You have a charm and wit that is magnetic.
Gordon Hendricks
Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.
Your July 7th birthday horoscope predicts that you are likely to be sharp minded and expressive. You enjoy the value of life lessons. The world of pranic healing and meditation attracts you and you are anxious to explore your spirituality. Those born on this day are sensitive and often creative adventurers. You can be competitive and put a lot of work into getting the things you want out of life. You can be philosophical in your thinking and inspirational to others who want you to succeed. You are not afraid to dream the impossible. As a Cancer in love, you will do anything for your partner. You are thoughtful and sensitive, and spoiling them is not the word for what you do. Your soul mate should not be anything less than romantic, understanding, and affectionate. You give of yourself and expect nothing less from others. You have a need to be loved and appreciated.
The birthday astrology analysis for July 7th predicts that those born on this day are funny people. Most of all, this Cancerian is quite guilty of having a few unexpected pleasures in the most unusual of places. You are likely to be found taking pictures of something unusual. You visualize your life as being fit for royalty. Typically, you are the person to set projects and ideas into motion. You do not mind working for a comfortable lifestyle. You like to work alone. People respect you, so you have an image to uphold. It is likely you are a person who saves for rainy days, as you know money plays a significant role.
If July 7th is your birthday, you daydream a lot and are expressive. You are good at some professions, but perhaps a hobby could prove to be a lucrative and ideal job. Those born under the zodiac sign of Cancer are highly sexual creatures and enjoy good health, but need to get enough rest to be able to deal with stress.
Steve Michaels
Photo Credit: SIDEBURNS Magazine.
If June 16th is your birthday, your horoscope predicts that you are a dreamer with a fertile imagination. As a Gemini, you may be someone who has a prophetic quality, as your instincts and premonitions are usually on point. You are youthful and possess a persuasive personality. You can be impatient, and may need to take breaks to ease your mind of any negative forces. You are focused, creative, versatile, receptive, and a visual communicator. Those born on this day tend to be caring, empathetic individuals. Your concern for others is accompanied with a sense of logic and an appreciation of life. Usually, you are inquisitive and have to evaluate everything. Your cool exterior is just a cove-up for a social and friendly personality. You love mixing with people and making new friends.
Gemini is usually found in a relationship that is committed. Romance comes easy to you. You love the togetherness of a long-term partnership. You are sensitive when you need to be, and you know when you should pull back from a situation. You like to relax your mind and body, but you can be playful and are inclined to pamper your partner.
You seek stimulation and are typically emotionally open as your instincts guide you. As a determined and motivated person, you shoot for personal happiness with a positive attitude. You tend to look for a job that gives you satisfaction rather than one that offers an office with a view. A favourable profession would be one that allows you to express yourself, as you love to talk. You are a convincing, charming and positive individual. You have excellent intuitive skills that make you an exceptional business manager.
Notes
The birth date for Gordon Hendricks was provided by a good friend of his; and I remember Steve telling me his birthday is June 16th.
Every day I find something new and interesting when I research ETAs. Today I found this delightful interview that Steve Michaels did in 2008 while on tour India. Steve’s nine city show was sponsored by Black Dog Scotch Whiskey which was celebrating its 125th Anniversary. At minute 2:40 you will hear Steve say, “I like to think I do a good job in keeping his memory alive,” which just so happens to be the name of my article that I wrote in 2017. What an amazing coincidence! The video is not great quality, but the sound is okay.
References
[1]USA’s ETA Shaun Klush’s response to Amy Argetsinger’s question: What do most people get wrong about Elvis impersonators? Washington Post, November 13, 2014
[2] Steve Michaels repeats, “It’s all in good fun,” four times after a woman jumps on stage at the Ypsilanti, Michigan Elvisfest to hug him - with interesting consequences. Ref: YouTube post by Dawn Gall
[3] Check out Matt Cage’s 2014 Belleville concert DVD to see how to handle a costume incident.
[4] Information was obtained from a flyer advertising upcoming concerts. The number was 750,000 in 2015.
Comments from Facebook
Patricia Tish Hennig-Nese loved it Carolyn. Great research. ❤
Doreen Mikolasek Really enjoyed this Carolyn and look Steve’s Birthday is 2 days away. Very timely too for him and Gordon in 3 weeks
Audrey Manasterski Wow Carolyn, that was a fabulous article. Of course my 2 favourites, Matt Cage (Dowsett) & Steven Michaels (Kabakos) were mentioned. Thank you. ❤
Eliane Champagne Wow! Very interesting as usual and funny anecdotes too 😎 You work so hard! Lots of research and references. I love reading your articles. Good job dear Carolyn ❤
Agnes Wright Hay You never cease to amaze me with your detailed, keep your readers hanging on to every word articles. Love the videos you attached!!
