Article on ETA Nathan Pittorf
“This year I met up with this wonderful lady during Elvis Week, that helped get my Elvis Tribute started. During past Elvis Weeks, she ran Elvis arts & crafts (still have some of my stuff) & the most important for me, kids open mic hour⚡2014! She has since retired after many many years! Thank you!” Nathan Pittorf
In 2014, when Nathan Pittorf was 8 years old, he had his first taste of singing an Elvis Presley song in public while visiting Graceland with his family during Elvis Week in Memphis, TN. Nathan and his sister, Tracy, were at a kids’ activities tent and one of the events offered was Elvis karaoke. Tracy wanted her brother to sing; and although he was nervous, he agreed. Nathan didn’t know how he was going to be as a performer; but after he sang his first song, he knew it was something he wanted to keep doing. Nathan continued his ETA journey performing at family gatherings, local events, and competitions.
He performed his first professional performance on New Year’s Eve in 2016 with Elvis tribute artist Andy Svrcek. Andy, who has since passed away, invited Nathan to perform with him at his show in the Philadelphia area.
The now thirteen year old Elvis tribute artist has dedicated the last five years of his life to his craft. Nathan takes guitar and vocal lessons weekly, and practices daily. He has performed in gigs around Western New York and beyond. Recently, Nathan, who is from South Buffalo, performed at the West Seneca Lions Club in an Elvis and Friends tribute show that closed out the summer concert series. Since he first started performing, Nathan’s show has grown and he now includes more artists, such as Buddy Holly. He adds historical background information about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, fun facts, and sometimes, trivia questions during his shows.
Nathan’s dad, Michael Pittorf, said of his son’s show, “It’s a fun event. It’s not only a show; it’s more than that.” Nathan grew up around Elvis’s music. His parents, who are Elvis fans, have been going to Elvis week in Tennessee since 1997. Nathan reported that he “loves Elvis and his music because of the upbeat pace and rhythm”. He added that “music today incorporates music in a studio rather than real bands”. “You just press a button and it’s background music. You sing along to it,” Nathan stated. “Back then, it was that you go into a studio, you have a band that the studio gives you and you get in there, do your business and then see if they like it or not.” In the future, Nathan hope to get bigger and better with his performances because, in his words, “There’s always room to get better.” Nathan’s goal is to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Graceland. “You never now; but I just hope it all goes how I plan when I get older.”
Editor’s Note: Nathan and his dad, Michael, visited the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in April; but this October will be Nathan’s first competition in Canada. We are all looking forward to meeting Nathan and Michael Pittorf and welcoming them back to Canada. Good luck at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival, Nathan! We wish you much success as you take another step towards your “ultimate” goal. Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Video
In memory of ETA Andy Svrcek, October 21, 1970 - December 5, 2018, I have included the following video. Such a great performer, so sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Andy. You are loved and remembered by your ETA family.
Credits: The information contained in this article is credited to WNY Sun Staff Reporter, Lian Bunny and her article, Elvis Act Started for Pittorf When He was 8. Rewrites and edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine. Photos are credited to Michael Pittorf.