Canal Days: Featuring ETAs Matt Cage and Brent Freeman

An Afternoon to Remember

ETA Matt Cage during the sound check with The Casino Brothers band.

The Port Colborne website had the time listed as 11:00 am, but Brent was sure their show time was 12:00. Not wanting to miss a second of seeing two of my favourite ETAs, I arrived in plenty of time to park my car and make my way to the stage.  As I entered the park, I could hear the unmistakable voices of The Roulettes.  In the far distance I could see Matt and Brent on stage doing a sound check with The Casino Brothers band.  Matt and Brent sang only a few notes of familiar Elvis songs during the sound check, but from what I heard, I knew that they both were primed and ready to give the gathering crowd an afternoon to remember. 

ETA Brent Freeman minutes before he took the stage.

I have not been able to see Brent perform as much in the past as I would have liked: at Flamboro and Mohawk, Brent usually looked after the sound system for Matt; at Collingwood, where Brent was the emcee, I spent most of my time in the media room and missed many of the performances on stage; and at the RHLI and the Fort Erie Legion shows, Brent performed as Jerry Lee Lewis. The only time I saw Brent perform a full show as Elvis was one magical night at Flamboro Downs when Brent donned an Elvis jumpsuit, a borrowed wig, and sunglasses—for the first time in public, and performed the heck out of Elvis’s Concert Years songs in his last set.  Dot, Kimberly, and I were asked on stage by Brent as his backup singers and dancers. It was a riot! That night goes down in history as one of the best nights of entertainment that fans experienced at Flamboro Downs.  I have always hoped that Brent would do a repeat of that performance—with or without the jumpsuit, and it looked like today was going to be the day.  

I have seen Matt perform several times since since I first saw him at Flamboro Downs, but only once since CoVid when I was asked to a private party performance on July 26, 2020, held safely outside in a driveway in Stoney Creek. Today marks Matt’s second performance in Port Colborne (that I know of), having performed at Canal Days in 2016 on a stage near the canal. He and Brent are performing on the impressive H.H. Knoll Park stage that has been empty since 2019 and I can feel the excitement in the air!

Rather than spending time in the Green Room, ETA Matt Cage preferred spending his breaks hanging out with friend/fans in Perk’s Café.

Performing internationally and across Canada, in large venues and at private events and on stage in Million Dollar Quartet, Matt has a loyal following of friends and fans. With all his success, Matt remains one of the nicest ETAs of the many I have met.  (At the Silver Aces shows in Niagara, Matt used to spend his breaks chatting with concert goers in Perk’s Café).

Both Matt and Brent are a pleasure to talk to in person; and on stage, they delight audiences with their tribute to Elvis Presley, often spicing up their performances with humour. (Good friends off stage, in a recent post, Matt called Brent a ‘big pink flamingo”, referring to the suit he wears for his 50s tribute. LOL)

While waiting for the show to begin, I had a few minutes to talk with some of my favourite people.  Most of them I have met since starting SIDEBURNS Magazine.  I was so pleased to see Arlene, Nancy, and others that I met at the Silver Aces shows at Casino Niagara.  Canal Days regulars Doreen and Ron, and their “Elvis daughter”, Debbie, all of whom I saw in April at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival were also there.  I met some new friends from Hamilton and Hagersville who were with Cathy.  I first met Cathy when I asked if I could take a photo of her for my ETA fan magazine way back in 2017 at Gordon Henderick’s show in Niagara Falls.  Since that time, I have seen Cathy at many events.  I knew that Danusa from Hamilton planned on attending, and I was happy to have a moment to chat with her at the end of the show. It was so nice seeing Linda and Shawn, and  Lynn and Gordie, who provided so much joy during CoVid with their Monday night podcasts (tune in to Gordie’s FB for show #86 on Monday). Lynn introduced me to her mom, Betty, and her sister, Laurie, who was at Canal Days with her friend.  Kare, Matt’s girlfriend, who looked lovely in her 50’s inspired red and white check sundress, posed for some great photos.  I am sure I am forgetting some names, so please remind me if you were there.  For me, it was like coming home.  I knew that Arlene would have me up dancing—just like old times at Silver Aces.  And it felt fantastic to dance after almost three years!

Fans and Friends Photos

The long shot views of the Canal Days event will give you an idea how vast this park is.  The concerts are free, but you are encouraged to donate what you can. Not far from the stage were portable facilities, food trucks, and beverage booths. During Canal Days, there are plenty other events taking place throughout the town; and there are shops and restaurants on the main street. But I was here for one purpose…to see Matt and Brent.

Kudos to those who were responsible for the sound system—you could hear Matt, Brent and the band in every bit of the park.  For those who chose to sit under the shade trees a ways back from the stage, two screens were provided on either side of the stage so they could see and enjoy Matt and Brent’s performances.   One older fellow (sorry, no name; he is in the striped shirt and cowboy boots in the photos above), stood by the stage for the entire show.  Matt chatted with him from the stage and asked with concern, “Where is your hat?  I hope you have lots of sun screen on.”  LOL 

Rita, who is wearing a cap signed by ETA Tim ‘E’ Hendry hopes that next year that both Tim and Matt will perform at Canal Days.

A lady I met at the MOVE 105-7 Radio booth said that she came to the August 1st show specifically to see ETA Tim ‘E’ Hendry.  Rita pulled a white cap from her bag that Tim had signed at his last Canal Days show. She had brought her cap to remind Tim that she is a fan, and although she really liked Matt and Brent, she was disappointed that Tim was not performing.  Some others might have been expecting to see Tim ‘E’ Hendry, whom I saw in 2017 and 2019 at Canal Days, since the programs were printed before name and time changes could be made.  In a classy moment on stage, Matt acknowledged Tim, “I think a lot of you came expecting to see Tim ‘E’ Hendry who could not make it this year; so let’s give a round of applause for our buddy.” 

Matt and Brent covered all three decades of Elvis’s career.  (I captured some of their performances in the videos that follow). First on stage was Brent in his 50’s sport jacket.  Matt performed next wearing a gold jacket.  Brent covered the Movie Years wearing a two piece pink suit.  And also in the 60s decade, Matt dazzled on stage in the 68 Comeback Special black leather suit looking so cool on a very hot summer day.  After a short intermission, Matt was back wearing a white jumpsuit with a black scarf that he gave to one lucky young lady that was patiently waiting by the stage.  After a song set from the Concert Years, Matt brought Brent back on stage for a great close to a spectacular show.

Slide Show

Matt and Brent took time after their show to chat with fans/friends and pose for photos.

Thank you, Matt Cage, Brent Freeman, The Casino Brothers, The Roulettes, Canal Days organizers, friends, fans and SB Mag followers.

If I had one wish this August, it would be to repeat August 1st all over again. Cheers! C.M.

Photo and Video Credits: Carolyn MacArthur.

Spotlight ON: Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson

Introduction

Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson with his lovely wife, Rianne, June 15, 2022. Photo Credit: B.T. Facebook.

by SIDEBURNS Magazine Editor, Carolyn MacArthur

“But what is he like off stage?”  

Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson gave wonderful, insightful answers in his interview; but since I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ben in person, I was not able answer the fan’s question from personal experience.  Fortunately, Ben’s Facebook posts provided enough information for me to conclude certain things about the 2018 Ultimate title winner…

 Ben is loving, lovable, and romantic:

To Rianne on your Birthday: There is nobody in this world like you.  You give 200% to everything, and you have achieved so much.  If that wasn’t enough, you’re loved by not just me, but most people who meet you.  You’re funny, kind, lovable, loyal and beautiful—inside and out, and will always be my best friend xx . I hope you have a wonderful birthday and you get spoilt rotten xx . Lots of love, Ben xx

“Some guy who hosts after parties or something.  Yeah, working his way up there.” Photo by Jeff Lewis.

 Ben has a great sense of humour:

April 26, 2022 (Video from road trip with Ben wearing a bandana…)  “No, I am not a pirate!  I love my bandana.  I have them in different colours.”  (Rhyming off a list of people he will see at Summer Fest, including Jeff Lewis…)  “Some guy who hosts after parties or something.  Yeah, working his way up there.”  LOL  

April 26, 2022 It’s taken me 4 years to notice that Cote is holding my belt . So funny.

April 28, 2022 Thought I’d dress as an elf today for some unknown reason

Can I be a Peaky Blinder?

“April 26, 2022 It’s taken me 4 years to notice that Cote is holding my belt .” Ben Thompson

 Ben is into fitness: 

May 27, 2022 At the gym.  5km in 24 mins 39 second

June 11, 2022 Let’s go running.  We did it sub 27 min. (With Ultimate ETA Pat Dunn)

 Ben is both philosophical and optimistic (edited copy):

January 1, 2022

As much as 2021 was a tough year, I can honestly say it was a year that helped define me.  I realised that when things get tough you can be tougher. From Rianne opening a flourishing business and me learning a completely new skill set, from buying our first home and getting married, we managed to do everything we set out to do in a difficult year and I’m proud of us.

Now onto 2022 and this year promises even more. The last piece of the puzzle is getting back on stage full time coming back fitter and more defined, and more passionate than ever.  So many people I haven’t seen for so long and I can wait to soak up every second with you all. See you soon. Lots of love, Ben xx

Ben to likes to travel, enjoys movies, plays, and date nights with his wife, Rianne. 

Ben loves what he does on stage and has made many friends in the ETA world and the friendships go beyond what we see on stage. In April, 2022, Ben filled in for Ultimate ETA Cody Ray Slaughter who was unable to tour the UK due to illness.

Re: Elvis Tribute World Tour April 29th, 2022: It is with enormous regret that we must announce that due to a serious medical condition, Cody Ray Slaughter is unable to appear on the Spring UK leg of The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. Thankfully, we have managed to once again secure the UK's very own Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner - the Fantastic Ben Thompson - who will once again join the tour at short notice appearing alongside Shawn Klush, Dean Z and the rest of the cast on all UK dates.

Thank you, Ben, for providing interview answers that will allow fans worldwide to know you more personally on and off the stage. Thank you, Rianne, for your help via emails and for providing wonderful photos. Wising you both a lifetime of happy memories. Best regards, Carolyn.

The Interview

Q.  Where were you born, and where do you reside now?

A.  I was born in Carshallton Surrey, UK and I still live here now.

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

A.  I wanted to be a drama teacher.  I am a third dan martial artist.  I had the fastest time in the 1500 metres running at school.  Steve Irwin was my hero as a child.  I absolutely love paleontology.

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager. 

A.  I was quite reserved. I was always trying to find who I was and I certainly didn’t mind standing out from the crowd.  I was always active, loved sports and any after school clubs.  As I got into the later years of my teens, I came out of my shell and started dabbling in the world of Elvis where I discovered my love of entertaining people especially through his music as he had always been an idol of mine.  At school, teachers and some of my friends were critical of my career choice, but that didn’t stop me as I knew this was the life meant for me.

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

A.  I went straight out to work with gigs in local venues and started trying to build a respectable tribute portfolio.

Q.  Did your parents encourage your ETA career? 

A. Yes, they did.

Q.  At their suggestion, what was your “backup plan”?

A.  I didn’t have a backup plan, so I knew that I needed to and wanted to make this work, so I gave it my all.

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

A.  I did drama and was in a gospel choir for four years.

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

A.  Most often it was Country/Elvis/Rock n Roll.

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

A.  The love of Elvis and the love of his music.  I knew I wanted to make people happy through performing and help keeping this great man’s legacy alive.

Q.  How old were you when you first stepped on stage as Elvis?  Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance.

A.  I was 15.  I got the opportunity to perform at a local festival.  Before hand, I was so nervous, but also so excited.  As soon as the music started pure enjoyment took over and I knew I would never look back.

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

A.  At my first comp, I was very excited and optimistic.  To be honest everyone was a little standoffish as I was a new face and they didn’t know me, so I felt really nervous; but as soon as I performed during the first round people seemed to accept me and became very complimentary.  I didn’t make the final; however, the reaction I got from the crowd spurred me on to continue with future prospects.

Q.  How do you prepare for a big competition like the Ultimate?

A.  I fully believe in “look smart, think smart”.  Fitness, good diet, and making sure you study Elvis and rehearse.  I take a lot of pride in having high energy on stage.  Staying fit and healthy is crucial to keeping energy up all the way through the show.

Q.  Looking back at the Ultimate in 2018, what did you feel your chances of winning were going into the competition?  Was it a different feeling than the other years you had entered?

A.  Absolutely zero, because until I got to Memphis I wasn’t qualified; so my main focus was just getting through the last chance competition.  However, after I won last chance I relaxed a little in my head because I didn’t have long to prepare for the ultimate and over analyse everything.

Q.  What were you thinking in the seconds just before it was announced, “Your 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist is…Ben Thompson!”  What were your thoughts and feelings when you realized you had won?

A.  The wait felt like forever.  I was looking around thinking anyone of us could walk away with this; but when they called my name, sheer relief washed over me. It was unbelievable!  In my head, everything went silent.  I took it in and then I came back to focus where everyone was cheering.

Ben Thompson as Elvis Presley in Blade Runner 2049.

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

A.  Never give up.  My drama teacher at school always encouraged me and said, “You go and do it!”  Always turn a negative into a positive.

Q.  Describe the highlights of your ETA career.

A. Definitely winning the Ultimate.  Starring in Blade Runner 2049.   Touring with the Sweet inspirations.  Winning the Heart of the King award in Vegas.  And of course travelling and touring the world and the meeting the people I have.

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

A.  The best part of being an ETA is performing on stage and representing my idol and being an ambassador for his music and, of course, all the amazing friends I have made, the people Elvis has worked with, and the fans that help keep Elvis’s music alive.  That’s all wonderful.

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

A.  My wife.  She is a rock and manages to help me on the good days and bad days and I can always depend on her to be there for me.

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

A.  When I’m on stage I’m trying to envision what Elvis would do and what he would say; but when I’m off stage, I’m just a regular Elvis fan like everyone else.

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

A. Yes, I would love to.  The challenges would be making sure that your knowledge is 100% reliable enough and you’re in the position to be judgmental of those who put themselves forward and always thinking about if they’re being true to Elvis.

Q.  How have the past two years under the shadow of COVID changed your view on life?  How has your career been affected?

A.  Yes, of course, like everyone my career had a break; however, I’m coming back stronger than ever.  I have always been appreciative of my career, but now I know just how much it really does mean to me.

Q.  In what international cities have you performed?  How are audiences different in different countries?

A.  I’m fortunate enough to have performed all over the world, including Europe, America, and Australia.  Each audience reacts differently, but the love for Elvis is always there and they all have different Elvis songs which are their favourites.

Q.  Is there a country where you really want to perform as an ETA?

A. Japan. Would love to visit and perform there, also Canada.

Q.  What are your strengths as a performer?

A.  High energy—I like to be authentic to Elvis.   I know I’m not him, but I want to just recreate a tiny slither of what he used to do; and if I can make people happy when they come to my show, I always set out to do so.

Q.  Describe your typical non-performance day.

A.  Wake up, breakfast, do some work, hit the gym, play some golf, do some jobs, dinner with Ri.

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A.  Ri.  Silly humour.

Q.  How do you cope with disappointments in life?

A.  Pick myself back up, dust myself off, and go again.

Q.  If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis?  What would you say to him?

A. Thank you. Thank you for everything you have given us.  Also can I borrow a jumpsuit?

Photo Credit: Louis Young, with much appreciation.

Q.  What do you treasure?

A.  Memories and keepsakes from where we have travelled and our experiences.

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

A. The size of the ETA world. I couldn’t imagine how big it is and how close everyone is.

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

A.  I gave a sweet girl my yellow jacket when I came second in the 2016 Ultimate contest.  It made her day and that’s all I wanted to do.

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

A.  We’ve missed many social and personal events especially when travelling. It’s a job that is seven days a week and you don’t leave it at the office; it comes home with you.

Q.  What Elvis costume is your favourite?  Why?

2018 Ultimate ETA Ben Thompson. Photo Credit: Champion Productions LTD.

A. I LOVE the fringe.  It’s amazing how it moves and how simple designs can be effective.  Also the fact it was based on a martial arts gee is amazing.

Q.  What annoys you?

A.  Ignorance and people judging your choice of lifestyle.

Q.  What do you fear?

A. ET freaks me out.

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

A.  A long happy successful touring show, a happy and healthy personal life, a great marriage and kids, and then maybe owning an animal sanctuary.

Q.  Looking well into the future, how will you know when it is time to retire from being an ETA?

A. When I stop being able to give everything I’ve got and it starts becoming a job rather than a passion.

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

A.  Family and friends and every single person who has ever come to a show.

Q.  What question would you ask a fellow ETA?

A.  If you could do your career all over again, apart from Elvis, who would you choose to do a tribute to, or would you try to be yourself?

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

A.  I’m quite sensitive.  I can also name a LOT of dinosaurs lol

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

A. I Will Always Love You.  It would have been amazing.

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

A.   What defining moment changed who you are and how you think?

Q.  How would you answer your own question?

A.  When Covid happened I saw how fragile life really is and how much you have to put in to get what you want out of it.

Beautiful photo of 2018 Ultimate Ben Thompson taken by Louis Young.

A Canadian Story to Celebrate!

Rock Star Randy Bachman Reunited with Beloved Stolen Guitar

TOKYO — Canadian rock legend Randy Bachman’s long search came to an end Friday when he was reunited in Tokyo with a cherished guitar 45 years after it was stolen from a Toronto hotel.

“My girlfriend is right there,” said Bachman, 78, a former member of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, as the Gretsch guitar on which he wrote “American Woman” and other hits was handed to him by a Japanese musician who had bought it at a Tokyo store in 2014 without knowing its history.

He said all guitars are special, but the orange 1957 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins he bought as a teenager was exceptional. He worked at multiple jobs to save money to buy the $400 guitar, his first purchase of an expensive instrument, he said.

“It made my whole life. It was my hammer and a tool to write songs, make music and make money,” Bachman told The Associated Press before the handover at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo.

When it was stolen from the Toronto hotel in 1977, “I cried for three days. It was part of me,” he said. “It was very, very upsetting.” He ended up buying about 300 guitars in unsuccessful attempts to replace it, he said.

Bachman talked frequently about the missing guitar in interviews and on radio shows, and more recently on YouTube programs on which he performed with his son, Tal.

In 2020, a Canadian fan who heard the story of the guitar launched an internet search and successfully located it in Tokyo within two weeks.

The fan, William Long, used a small spot in the guitar’s wood grain visible in old images as a “digital fingerprint” and tracked the instrument down to a vintage guitar shop site in Tokyo. A further search led him to a YouTube video showing the instrument being played by a Japanese musician, TAKESHI, in December 2019.

After receiving the news from Long, Bachman contacted TAKESHI immediately, and recognized the guitar in a video chat they had.

“I was crying,” Bachman said. “The guitar almost spoke to me over the video, like, ’Hey, I’m coming home.’”

TAKESHI agreed to give it to Bachman in exchange for one that was very similar. So Bachman searched and found the guitar’s “sister” — made during the same week, with a close serial number, no modifications and no repairs.

“To find my guitar again was a miracle, to find its twin sister was another miracle,” Bachman said.

TAKESHI said he decided to return the guitar because as a guitar player he could imagine how much Bachman missed it.

“I owned it and played it for only eight years and I’m extremely sad to return it now. But he has been feeling sad for 46 years, and it’s time for someone else to be sad,” TAKESHI said. “I felt sorry for this legend.”

He said he felt good after returning the guitar to its rightful owner, but it may take time for him to love his new Gretsch as much as that one.

“It’s a guitar, and it has a soul. So even if it has the same shape, I cannot say for sure if I can love a replacement the same way I loved this one,” he said. “There is no doubt Randy thought of me and searched hard (for the replacement), so I will gradually develop an affection for it, but it may take time.”

Bachman said he and TAKESHI are now like brothers who own guitars that are “twin sisters.” They are participating in a documentary about the guitar on which they plan to perform a song, “Lost and Found” together.

They also performed several songs at Friday’s handover, including “American Woman.”

Bachman said he will lock the guitar up in his home so he will never lose it again. “I am never ever going to take it out of my house again,” he said.

Article and photo by By Mari Yamaguchi | AP

July 1, 2022 at 12:27 p.m. EDT