Fan Feature: An Evening with ETA Steve Michaels

Introduction

Ingrid Gockert with her daughter, Cassandra.

I wish to thank Elvis/ETA fan, and our friend, Ingrid Gockert, for sending her reflections on her evening at ETA Steve Michaels’ recent show in Brampton, ON, that she attended with her daughter, Cassandra.

Ingrid has been an Elvis fan since she was 15 and an ETA fan since she saw her first ETA Martin Fontaine in 2007. In 2010, she saw ETA Steve Michaels for the first time and has been an ardent fan of Steve’s ever since.

Today, June 22nd, is Ingrid’s birthday and we wish her all the best on her special day. Hope is the start of a wonderful year, Ingrid. Happy birthday from me and everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine. Cheers! C.M.

An Evening with ETA Steve Michaels

by Ingrid Gockert

Friday, June 17th, 2022

 A few months ago I saw on Facebook that Steve Michaels was doing an up close and personal show at Spot 1 Bar and Grill in Brampton, Ontario.  I asked my daughter, Cassandra, if she would like to go with me to her first ETA show.  I figured if she was going to see her first show it should be by one of the best.

The evening started off with a lovely bottle of white house wine which went down very smoothly. We sat at the first table in front of the stage.  I had requested this when I bought the tickets a few months ago. Cassandra ordered the veggie burger which came with sweet potato fries—a huge delicious burger that she could not finish.  I opted for vegetarian fettuccine in a carbonate sauce. It came with two slices of garlic bread and a huge Caesar salad. The fettuccine was delicious with broccoli on top and definitely not lacking carbonara sauce.  The service was excellent, and both the hostess and waitress were very nice.  

Ingrid with Spot 1 hostess. Seated behind Ingrid is her new friend Marian Reid.

I met a lovely woman named Marian Reid who has seen Steve about 20 times. She had her daughter, Deborah, with her and we have now become friends. The Elvis family is the best.

The show started at exactly 8:30, with lots of cheering and yelling throughout the show from Steve's adoring fans. Steve did three decades of Elvis and changed outfits twice.  This was my 8th time seeing Steve perform in 13 years.  The first time was at the Rialto theatre in Montreal Quebec.  He never disappoints his fans and definitely not me.  He was surprised by Elaine Wren with a birthday cake and we all sang “Happy Birthday” to him.  During “Suspicious Minds”, I went up to the stage to give him a birthday balloon I had bought and I received my 3rd scarf.  

When the show was over Cass said she definitely enjoyed it, but she couldn't believe how some women yell and scream like it’s really Elvis up there.  We decided to wait until most of most of the crowd had left before we hit the washroom before the one hour drive home.  On the way to the washroom we passed a door, that was ajar, marked Office.  I peeked and saw Steve and Elaine talking.  I excused myself and asked if he could please take a minute to sign my scarf he had given me two weeks ago at his Burlington show.  He said, “Of course,” and came out and sat at the closest table and took my scarf and signed it. We spoke a few minutes and I thanked him for singing my request, "Stranger in the Crowd”.  I told him it was Cass's first show and he asked her if she liked it to which she replied, Yes, very much.”  Cass then asked him if she could please take a picture of him with me and he said, “Of course.”  I was so happy that I looked at him and said, "I love you." LOL.  Of course, I meant as an entertainer.  Steve is doing another show on July 30th in Collingwood and guess who is going…me, of course!  I'll be sitting in the third row from stage.  It will be my ninth time seeing Steve perform and definitely not my last.

Notice from Steve Michaels as ELVIS Admin, June 18th, 2022:

The RETURN to COLLINGWOOD will be simply good for the soul! Tickets are on sale now and a few extra seats have been opened up!   The venue is the historical Gayety Theatre.  Ladies and gentlemen, you do NOT want to miss this event.  Indeed ‘Elvis’ is back in the building.

Photos used in this article provided by Ingrid Gockert.

Poster is credited to Steve Michaels Facebook Administration.

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine

Birthday Personality Horoscopes for ETA Steve Michaels and Ultimate ETA Shawn Klush

Geminis Back to Back ETAs: June 16 and June 17

Introduction

Shawn and Steve were born under the sign of Gemini, the Zodiac Twins, and therefore tend to have two sides to their personalities.  On the one hand, they are outgoing and friendly, which makes them terrific entertainers; but they also have an off-stage personality as well.

Sylvan Leduc (Taurus), Dean Z (Leo), Shawn Klush (Gemini), Ted Torres Martin (Scorpio), and Steve Michaels (Gemini).

“Gemini is a mutable air sign, which is just one reason Geminis tend to be adaptable at best and flighty at worst. They're able to shift and change from moment to moment, which can make them both easy-going and fickle.” *

The following birthday horoscopes are general observations.  It takes a lot more information to offer a more accurate reading, but certain traits ring true for each of the featured ETAs. If you are interested in seeing how accurate the descriptions given for each birthday horoscope are, may I suggest you read (or re-read) the answers both Steve and Shawn gave in their SIDEBURNS Magazine interviews. I included two answers from Shawn’s interview that  are an uncanny match to his birthday horoscope traits. Cheers! Carolyn MacArthur, Editor.

ETA Steve Michaels, a June 16th Gemini*

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography.

JUNE 16 birthday horoscope predicts that you are a dreamer with a fertile imagination.  You may be someone who has a prophetic quality as your instincts are usually on point.  You have a strong sense of premonition.  Also, you are youthful and possess a persuasive personality.

Usually, Gemini is motivated, focused and creative but you can become easily frustrated and find faults because you are not the most patient person.

Gemini, according to your June 16th horoscope profile, you are a visual communicator equipped with many interesting topics.  You are likely versatile and receptive. Those born on this day are caring emphatic individuals. 

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith Photography.

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 cover-up for a social and friendly personality. You love mixing with people and making new friends.

According to astrology analysis, a June 16th Gemini is usually found in a relationship that is committed.  You love the togetherness of a long-term partnership.  You seek stimulation and are typically emotionally open as your instincts guide you.  You are sensitive when you need to be, and you know when you should pull back from a situation. Romance comes easy to you, the dreamer. The June 16 birthday characteristics predict that you appreciate a partner who understands your need for freedom.

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur

Being born on June 16 suggests that you are a determined and motivated person. Usually, 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.  Favorable professions allow you to express yourself, as you love to talk. You are intelligent, and you would make a persuasive salesperson.  The June 16 astrology birthday shows that you are a convincing, charming and positive individual. You have excellent intuitive skills that make you an exceptional business manager.

Your health is generally good.  It is a rare occasion that you become ill as you take care of yourself.  You like looking your best.  Those born on this day enjoy cooking up delicious and beautiful looking dishes.

Ultimate ETA Shawn Klush, a June 17th Gemini*

A June 17th  birthday horoscope shows you are a Gemini who is shrewd, intelligent, outgoing and loves learning new things.  As you mature, you usually start to enjoy life by relaxing and mingling more.  You can be a loner at times but usually are highly thought of. You have this dry wit about you that keeps people laughing. People love being in your company

You may be cautious due to your sense of responsibility.  You believe that life should be full of surprises and goodness.

Although you like to share information, gossiping is not something you indulge in. Unlike the other twins, as a June 17 birthday personality trait, you have a non-judgmental attitude and mind your business.  However, you are not likely to have reached your full emotional potential.  It is sometimes hard for you to trust anyone, but you can be kind and compassionate. You may be in need of a soul mate who stimulates your mind, body, and soul.  For this, you will commit. Although cautious in your choice, you have a desire to find a partner who is similar to you.   You know that trust is important in a relationship and can give your heart to someone whom you could confide in. If your partner can calm the restless nature of a Gemini, then you will likely feel complete. 

You have a positive creative side that is full of ideas. However, your wishes can be over the top, and ultimately, the goal is not reachable. Your original quality makes you a creative entrepreneur. You want to travel and explore life’s treasures and luxuries.

If June 17 is your birthday, career options are numerous as you are skilled in many professions and have many talents. You would especially like to work in an atmosphere that offers some involvement in science. You are good with numbers, and a job in finance would be beneficial. Also, you have the aptitude to work in the medical field or law enforcement.  When it comes to your own money, you like saving it rather than spending it. You want to have a nice sum of money when you retire, so you are likely to play it safe.

Your health conditions are generally good, but you can be guilty of not taking proper care of yourself.  Eating with others improves your chances of eating better.  If you could find an exercise program to your liking, you would benefit from its cardio and toning properties. This also helps to relieve tensions and stress.

As a Gemini with a birthday on June 17, you are a perceptive, bright, and sociable person. Highly thought of, you have a good sense of responsibility.  You can be comical as well as romantic and imaginative.

From Shawn’s interview:

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager. 

A.  I enjoyed science and history in school.  I loved all sports.  I played basketball, and my favorite was football.  I started a band in my teenage years.  I was a bit of a loner, so sometimes it was a struggle making friends.  One of my best friends was deaf and mute.  I actually learned sign language so we could better understand each other.

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

A.  I always wanted to be a police officer.  I have a great respect for law enforcement.

Featured ETA: Michael Paul Callahan

It always a pleasure posting an ETA who is giving back to their community by representing Elvis in a meaningful way. I wish to thank ETA Michael Paul Callahan for sending the photos and a message about the American Red Cross blood drive that ties in with the opening of the new “Elvis” movie in Syracuse, NY, at the Regal Cinemas on June 24th 6pm - 8pm. The evening will feature Michael as a special Elvis Tribute Artist guest, and will have a raffle, prizes, giveaways, and more! It sounds like a great event!

That's the largest mall in NY state, and the best cineplex theaters. I approached them months ago with the concept. ETA Michael Paul Callahan

In His Own Words:

A Message from ETA Michael Paul Callahan

The four photos are from today’s Syracuse NY Red Cross blood drive and a few my wife Connie took on our phone. The national Red Cross headquarters are so happy with what we did today they are going national with the story and photos.

How very exciting, Michael! Congratulations! Thank you for using your talent for such a worthy cause. I look forward to posting more photos from the national drive when they become available. C.M.

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur. To access yesterday’s post, please click here.

https://www.redcross.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/canadianredcross https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Red_Cross