Thank You, Elvis!

On this Mother’s Day, May 8th, 2022, I wish to thank Elvis Presley for bringing so many wonderful women into my world through their love of the King of Rock and Roll. I met many of you standing in line waiting to speak to your favourite ETA after a show. I have danced with some of you at small venues and others at big festivals. You have shared your ETA stories and we have chatted in person and on FB message on more personal topics. And some of you I only know on Facebook. I always look forward to reading your comments. I welcome your opinions, value your support, and find so much joy in being your friend.

On this day for expressing love, I wish to thank all women who have nutured others in very special ways…mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, sisters, friends, fans, aunts, wives, coworkers, and those dearly departed. You bring light into this world and have made a difference in someone’s life. You certainly have in mine. Thank you all so very much. Happy Mother’s Day! C.M.

Photo Album

〰️Arlene, Doris, Susan, Danusa, Helen, Mira, Jackie, Doreen, Bobbi, Linda, Janet, Rosemarie, Cathie, Lisa, Wendy, Tina, Eliane, Caroline, Irene, Maria, Dianna, Lori-Anne, Heather, Sue, Pam, Karen, Mary, Kim. Eva, Christine, Jeanette, Kay, Charlene, Hope, Ashley, Chloe, Rhonda,

〰️Arlene, Doris, Susan, Danusa, Helen, Mira, Jackie, Doreen, Bobbi, Linda, Janet, Rosemarie, Cathie, Lisa, Wendy, Tina, Eliane, Caroline, Irene, Maria, Dianna, Lori-Anne, Heather, Sue, Pam, Karen, Mary, Kim. Eva, Christine, Jeanette, Kay, Charlene, Hope, Ashley, Chloe, Rhonda,

〰️Dot, Rosie, Brenda, Lynn, Ruth, Doris, Joanmarie, Ruthan, Georgia, Judy, Cynthia, Rebecca, Jennifer, Jill, Roberta, Anna, Gladys, Nicky, Lorre

〰️Dot, Rosie, Brenda, Lynn, Ruth, Doris, Joanmarie, Ruthan, Georgia, Judy, Cynthia, Rebecca, Jennifer, Jill, Roberta, Anna, Gladys, Nicky, Lorre

〰️Isabel, Emma, Marnie, Kathleen, Ingrid, Lauren, Laura, Betty, Karmina, Jacqueline, Monica, Debra, Eileen, Sydney, Mirella, Sherry, Tanya, Aprils, Candy, Natasha, Jill, Gillian, Carla, Susanne, Suzanne, Tammy, Vicki, Victoria, Nancy, Faye, Marilyn, Heidi, Carol, Brenda, Marika

〰️Isabel, Emma, Marnie, Kathleen, Ingrid, Lauren, Laura, Betty, Karmina, Jacqueline, Monica, Debra, Eileen, Sydney, Mirella, Sherry, Tanya, Aprils, Candy, Natasha, Jill, Gillian, Carla, Susanne, Suzanne, Tammy, Vicki, Victoria, Nancy, Faye, Marilyn, Heidi, Carol, Brenda, Marika

〰️Dorine, Serena, Elaine, Alanna, Marcia, Sandra, Sandy, Sharen, Rita, Amberly, Katharina, Theresa, Hazel, Louisa, Kimberly, Pamela, Suzy

〰️Dorine, Serena, Elaine, Alanna, Marcia, Sandra, Sandy, Sharen, Rita, Amberly, Katharina, Theresa, Hazel, Louisa, Kimberly, Pamela, Suzy

〰️Audrey, Jeanninne, Tish, Claudia, Eloise, Adelaide, Chloe, Valerie, Roberta, Sharon, Brandy, Hillary, Julia, Yvonne, Ruby, Samantha, Angel, Priscilla, Melanie, Deanna, Brittany, Teresa, Patsy, Nina, Beatrix, Beatrice

〰️Audrey, Jeanninne, Tish, Claudia, Eloise, Adelaide, Chloe, Valerie, Roberta, Sharon, Brandy, Hillary, Julia, Yvonne, Ruby, Samantha, Angel, Priscilla, Melanie, Deanna, Brittany, Teresa, Patsy, Nina, Beatrix, Beatrice

2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Featured ETA: Cody Ray Slaughter

May 5th, 2022 Update

I am grateful to the Cody Ray Slaughter fan who sent me this message that Cody posted on Facebook:

Cody Slaughter 

Sunday May 1st, 2022 at 12:16 pm

To my dearest fans in the UK,

I am so so sorry to have to tell you this, but as you may know, in the recent past, I had broken out with two severe cases of shingles in my eyes, where I had to cancel shows. Within a day or two after returning from the Niagara Falls Elvis Fest, I started feeling some strain and pain. I feared it was coming. Unfortunately, I broke out and my eyes became infected. The eye specialist concluded that it was indeed shingles again and had to be treated immediately. He informed me that I have to avoid contact with light and would not be allowed to fly or work for the next 2 weeks until this cleared up as it is also contagious at this stage.

I really wanted to thank all of you for your support and love. I am sorry I won't be seeing you this time but my heart will be with you and missing y'all. In the meantime, you know that Shawn and Dean will rock the show and my good friend and fellow Ultimate from London, Ben Thompson will take my place. "Thanks Ben. I love you man". Whatever you do, don't miss the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. Get out there and have a blast with these amazing guys and the music of Elvis. You deserve it!

God bless and hope to see you one day soon!

Love ya’ll,

Cody

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Introduction

I had hoped to set up an interview with Cody Ray Slaughter at the 2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival for a later date; and while I had a chance to speak with Cody in the meet and greet room, the time he spent with each person was mere moments. He showed interest in an interview (thanks to Cody’s friend/fan, April from Mississippi, who gave him a heads up in a text message), but the idea of writing answers to questions (a preferred method for most ETAs because it fits their busy schedule best) did not seem to appeal to him. I sensed he would rather be interviewed via phone or in person, and I am certainly always up for either.

I found Cody to be polite, attentive and reserved, much different than how he appeared on stage in the evening where he was animated and talkative in a dynamic performance. The best connection we made was rather unusual as it came about when I asked if he could remove his sunglasses so I could take a better photo. Cody said his eyes are light sensitive since having shingles in his eyes twice. I said I fully understood having almost lost eyesight in my left eye from shingles a few years ago.

“I didn’t even have time to check into my hotel or take off my coat before meeting Cody Ray Slaughter for the first time. Cody was the only one of the six headliners that I have not interviewed. Hoping that will change soon.” Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Cody did not hang around after his headliner show, “Elvis: Early Years/68 Comeback”, Thursday evening, so I assumed at the time that he had to head to another engagement. However, I saw Cody at 3 am at Fallsview Casino. (Don’t even ask! LOL). He was wearing the same sunglasses in the lowly lit casino, and the same hat he wore in the afternoon, so I immediately recognized him. Perhaps he thought he would be swamped by fans; but given the ‘disguise’ and the time, day, and location, I might have been the only person who recognized him.

Cody was on his phone, so I just gave a wave. I had no thought of approaching him because I wanted to respect his privacy. ETAs give so much time to their fans and careers, they must sometimes want, and need, downtime out of the limelight. Also, something might have been going on in his personal life. And maybe he didn’t remember me from the afternoon—he must meet so many people at every show, but one of his companions who took the photos above of Cody and me was very aware. As Cody and the other woman, whom I believe is an EPE representative, walked away, his handler/friend, almost apologetically, told me that Cody was very tired. I said that I understood, and I really did…after all it was after 3 am.

Cody is a fabulous performer with tons of fans. His look, movements, and voice create an awesome and accurate tribute to Elvis. The bio that follows was taken from Cody’s webpage and it provides a great explanation about the ‘business’ side of Cody’s life. I think an indepth interview with Cody would be something everyone would want to read and re-read because his answers would let you, the fans, know the person behind the Million Dollar entertainer. Answers to questions are always optional, but most ETAs welcome a chance to tell their story. I am hoping Cody feels the same—fingers crossed.

Thank you for following, liking, and sharing what I write. Cheers! Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SB Mag.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cody Ray Slaughter: Actor, Singer, Songwriter and Award Winning Elvis Tribute Artist

Cody Ray Slaughter is hailed as one of the most talented, young actors, singers and Elvis Tribute Artist in the country. Born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas, gateway to the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Cody Slaughter began entertaining at the young age of 13.  A true Southern boy, Cody’s true passion for Elvis’s music and memory has directed his career path.

Cody has performed all across the country as "Elvis" in the traveling production of the Tony Award-winning sensation, "Million Dollar Quartet", and was nominated as best featured actor for his role.  Slaughter has performed in many theaters in Branson, MO, such as Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, Legends In Concert, 50s At The Hop and The Liverpool Legends as well as in Pigeon Forge, TN where Cody was the featured entertainer at The Tennessee Shindig for over a year at the young age of 17. Cody also appeared on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” and "Late Night with David Letterman".  Slaughter has performed at special events, corporate functions, and entertainment venues throughout the United States, Canada and the UK.  His uncanny portrayal of Elvis Presley exhibits his amazing love for whom he calls “the greatest entertainer of all time”.

Among some of Cody’s most exciting accolades were winning The People’s Choice Award during Elvis Week, 2008. In July of 2011, at the Las Vegas Elvis Fest, Cody received The New Horizon Award for best new Elvis Tribute Artist. The award was given on the same stage where Elvis made history at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Representing Tupelo, Mississippi (Elvis’s Birthplace). Elvis Presley Enterprises named Cody the 2011 ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" in Memphis TN in 2011.

Cody Slaughter  has the raw talent and passion that Elvis himself exhibited when he first started. Apart form his tribute to Elvis, Slaughter has a budding career as a country music singer and songwriter. But in spite of his repertoire and building a reputation with his own music. Slaughter still says, "My greatest joy is when I'm paying tribute to Elvis, his music, and keeping his spirit alive with his fans."

Edits to original bio provided by Carolyn MacArthur. All photos used are credited to SB Mag.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Up close and personal, Cody Ray Slaughter gave an amusing talk on girlfriends (or “cousins” as he playfully referred to them at one point in his talk). Wiping his eyes, Cody asked the audience if his mascara was running. “So much for waterproof mascara,” he quipped. Giving a shout out to ETA Steve Michaels, from Milton, ON, Cody said how much he liked working with Steve, whom he referred to as his (ETA) ‘brother”, and that when they met, he thought it was like looking in a mirror. LOL Cody also pointed out that they were both born under the astrological sign of Gemini. I knew that about Steve, but knowing that Cody has an interest in astrology was for me personally satisfying as I often look up an ETAs birthday horoscope since it sometimes explains their modus operandi on and off stage.

Update

Added May 4, 2022

Further to yesterday's post about Cody Ray Slaughter: Come to think of it, Shawn Klush is also a Gemini, along with Cody and Steve Michaels. I was wondering why a life in the limelight is so appealing to certain signs. Definitely Leo loves being on stage (Dean Z and Connor Russo), but it seems Geminis do too…

Gemini men tend to be very outgoing. They're very enthusiastic, which makes them fun to be around, but they also want to be the center of attention, so hanging out with them at parties can get old. If you really want to get to know them, you should spend time with them one on one. A Gemini male's characteristics are that they are very amusing. They can say the funniest thing in very bland situations, making the mood extremely light and vibrant. They are very gentle but due to their dual nature, this cannot last for long. They can be charming and extremely rude at any moment of the day.

Leo men are warm, generous, and very loving. They are usually happy and upbeat and like to make others happy, as well. They tend to gravitate toward people with positive attitudes and the ones who share their inherent enthusiasm. They have a huge dose of self-confidence.

2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival: Album Two

The Competitors and the Competition

Twelve talented ETAs started the competition hoping to make it to the next round: Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, Joey Cundari, Eric Evangelista, James Gibb, Dave Weaver, Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Zach Peddie, Justin Francois, Roy Leblanc, and John Cigan.

I mentioned in an previous post, “2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival: Album One”, that Steve Michaels filled in for Bill Cherry as a headliner. Well, there was a last minute change in the line-up of competitors. Replacing Richard Wolfe, from Hamilton, ON, was seasoned performer, ETA John Cigan.

I wish I could have been present to see all the competitors perform, but I was unable to attend on Saturday. Fortunately, I have seen many of them compete at other competitions; and I met Justin Francois from Ontario and the UK’s Emilio Santoro for the first time on Friday night at the NFEF after show party. The only ETA whom I was not able to connect with was Roy Leblanc. I remember Roy from his emcee work at Collingwood, and I have watched him perform in YouTube videos in preparation for his upcoming interview; but it would have been nice to see him perform live.

And then there were Eight…

〰️Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Justin Francois, James Gibb, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, John Cigan, Roy LeBlanc

〰️Emilio Santoro, Anthony Joseph, Justin Francois, James Gibb, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, John Cigan, Roy LeBlanc

I arrived in time on Sunday for the gospel show, the headliner show, and the final competition between the top five. And what a competition it was!

〰️Congratulations to the Top Five: Anthony Joseph, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, James Gibb, Emilio Santoro!

〰️Congratulations to the Top Five: Anthony Joseph, Lee Alexander, Bruno Nesci, James Gibb, Emilio Santoro!

Guest judge, Robbie Lane, from Zoomer Radio, at Collingwood, 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Each competitor performed three consecutive Elvis songs in front of a panel of judges that included Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O’Brien, and special guest judge, Zoomer radio’s on-air personality, Robbie Lane.

Unlike other competitions that I have been to, the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival does not divide competitors into groups. There are no pro, non-pro, or youth categories; everyone competes equally, vying for first, second, and third place honours. A fourth award, the People’s Choice, is presented to the ETA whom audience members declare their favourite ETA in the competition by casting votes via ballots.

〰️Thank you to our judges: Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien

〰️Thank you to our judges: Bonnie Jussila, Wendy King, Marcus Wells, Tony Sciara, Rosemarie Garrity O'Brien

Fans wait to see how their favourite ETA placed in the finale of the two day competition. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Once the five ETAs completed their final round of songs, the judges’ marks were taken by runners to Sue Harris who tabulated the marks. Competitors had to wait until after the headliner show to learn their fate in the competition. Each performer brought their best to the stage, so it was going to be a very close decision. I would not want to be a judge, as I felt each of the five deserved to win one of the top spots. Five competitors, three prizes—sadly, two fantastic ETAs were not going to place in the top three.

After the headliner show featuring Dean Z, the five competitors were called to the stage. Emcee Victor J Hanson announced the third place winner as Lee Alexander, leaving James Gibb, Emilio Santoro, Bruno Nesci, and Anthony Joseph wondering their fate in the competition. There was much at stake since the winner of the EPE sanctioned Niagara Falls Elvis Festival represents the festival at the Ultimate in Memphis. If the winner has already won a golden ticket in another competition, the second place winner has the privilege of going to Tennessee.

UK ETA Emilio Santoro accepts his People’s Choice award from Ultimate ETA Dean Z at the 2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine..

It was apparent that ETA Bruno Nesci was in pain as he accepted his golden ticket to Memphis, TN.

A genuinely happy Emilio Santoro was announced as the People’s Choice winner and minutes later, the second place winner. (Interestingly, the audience always seems to vote for one of the top three for the People’s Choice award). The excitement was palpable as Anthony, James, and Bruno waited for first place to be announced. Finally, if you haven’t already heard, Bruno won first place. In a strange twist of fate, and after singing “Hurt” as one of his three songs, Bruno hobbled onto the stage obviously hurt. One source said that he had tripped over a cement step on the way into the building and twisted his knee. He looked like he was in a lot of pain; but ever the pro, Bruno accepted his trophy from Dean and flowers from Deb, and refused to do his victory song seated on the stool that was provided. Afterwards, while getting a photo taken with Emilio, Bruno joked that Emilio pushed him backstage. LOL

All in good fun, First Place winner, Bruno Nesci, points a finger at Second Pace winner, Emilio Santoro, for causing his injury at the 2022 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine.

All five competitors stayed after the competition to mingle with friends and families. It was nice to see Dean Z, Ted Torres Martin, and Steve Michaels hanging out with fans, chatting, and posing numerous times for photos. It created a beautiful atmosphere for the ending of the four day Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. See you next year! C.M.

A Few “Friendly” Photos from the 2022 NFEF

Photo Credit for judge Bonnie Jussila: Louis Young. “Friendly” photos credited to Carolyn MacArthur.