ETA Spotlight on Robin Kelly
Elvis Tribute Artists Radio
Ladyluckmusic.com
LLM Copyright © 2006
Over the coming years, the occurrences of Darren walking past me, handing me the Mic and walking away became a thing with him! Occasionally, he even enticed me onto the stage and walked away, leaving me standing alone and no choice but to sing!
At that point in time, I stood rigidly still on stage with one hand in my pocket and the other on my ear!! Throughout this period, I had tremendous amounts of encouragement from my family to enter the ring of the entertainment f, ield to which I replied “There is no way in hell”.
In 1999, Legacy Entertainment (based in Vancouver, BC) was the production company who managed Darren. They produced and promoted the largest “Elvis” production that I had ever seen. It was a scene for scene re-creation of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special.
I was approached to “double for Darren” in many of the scenes (he couldn’t be everywhere at the same time) and being that we resemble each other, I was the perfect stand - in .
As the rehearsals progressed, so did my role in the production. I was volunteered to sing harmony on all the songs as well as acting in some of the scenes. At the beginning of the show I was required to stand on a 30 foot scaffold (doubling for Darren) - As the curtain rose, I was face to face with thousands of people in attendance and I couldn’t help but think of my first “On Stage Performance” where I fainted. I most definitely did not want to repeat that aspect so forged on. The show was an amazing success!!
I returned to Edmonton and my welding job, thinking that I had faced my fear and could now go on with my life.
However, not far down the road…”Darren’s life long dream” was realized and he moved to Las Vegas to perform with the American Superstars Production on the Las Vegas Strip.
I was then approached by Darren’s management team to take over Darren’s role in the company – I immediately said “No” I didn’t think I could handle the job!
The company’s harassment continued for months and months until one day an unlikely source of support came - from my Dad. This was the same man who had told Darren for years to “go get a Real Job” - This same man was now telling me to “ give it a try”. He didn’t want me to reach 40 years old someday - regretting I’d not given it a “Real Shot”. He suggested I take four months to just do it, then after four months if it didn’t work out, my day job would be waiting.
My FIRST SHOW was in Calgary on May 22nd, 2002. I was supposed to be doing the show with a Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline Tribute only. However….. Darren had to return to Canada to complete some legality on his Visa. Now he joined the cast on my First Show This was a frightening experience being on stage for real with the World’s Best!!
Since then, Darren has been my biggest supporter and my harshest critic.
I continued with Touring Shows until August in such places such as Ontario for the following four months……..
Surprise… I found I was enjoying myself most of the time and proceeded with making myself goals.
My main goal was to become the # 1 Elvis Tribute Artist in Canada within three years.
On July 2001, I entered the Collingwood Elvis Festival (The Largest Competition in the World) and in my First Year became the Grand Champion Finalist. With this amazing experience, I continued to work my butt off and improve.
In 2002, I headed back to Collingwood and in two years (instead of three) – I realized my goal!!
· I Became the CANADIAN GRAND CHAMPION * and The “# 1 ELVIS IN CANADA”
Since then, I have had the Opportunity to perform all over North America, ranging from the North Pole to Hawaii.
Some of the Main Highlights have been:
Headlining the Collingwood Elvis Festival >Twice
Performing at B.B. Kings in Memphis, Tennessee
Performing for Lady Luck Music at The Gibson Showcase Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee
Performing in Hawaii complete with Hula Dancers
Performing with DJ Fontana as my Drummer
Just to name a few
All of the above highlights have been shared and made a reality by the Many Friends and Fans I’ve made along the way.
I have recently been named “The 2006 Collingwood Elvis Festival Main Show Headliner”
Fans Voted Me as the “PEOPLE’S CHOICE” to which I Thank Each of You
As far as the future holds I am currently working on a show with my brother, which would take place in Las Vegas as well as putting a show together in Hawaii.
My thanks to Joanna and all the staff at Lady Luck Music
“Your Friendship means the World to me”
To my fans, supporters and friends
“Without each and every one of you, those of us who are Elvis Tribute Artists would not be able to keep Elvis’s Memory Alive”
Thank You
To Elvis Presley
“Thank You - For making My Dream a Reality”
I invite you to view my Web Site - Check out my Schedule as we hope to see you soon
www.robinkelly.net
Feel Free to Email my Offices for Bookings
robinkellyproductions@shaw.ca
At that point in time, I stood rigidly still on stage with one hand in my pocket and the other on my ear!! Throughout this period, I had tremendous amounts of encouragement from my family to enter the ring of the entertainment f, ield to which I replied “There is no way in hell”.
In 1999, Legacy Entertainment (based in Vancouver, BC) was the production company who managed Darren. They produced and promoted the largest “Elvis” production that I had ever seen. It was a scene for scene re-
I was approached to “double for Darren” in many of the scenes (he couldn’t be everywhere at the same time) and being that we resemble each other, I was the perfect stand -
As the rehearsals progressed, so did my role in the production. I was volunteered to sing harmony on all the songs as well as acting in some of the scenes. At the beginning of the show I was required to stand on a 30 foot scaffold (doubling for Darren) -
I returned to Edmonton and my welding job, thinking that I had faced my fear and could now go on with my life.
However, not far down the road…”Darren’s life long dream” was realized and he moved to Las Vegas to perform with the American Superstars Production on the Las Vegas Strip.
I was then approached by Darren’s management team to take over Darren’s role in the company – I immediately said “No” I didn’t think I could handle the job!
The company’s harassment continued for months and months until one day an unlikely source of support came -
My FIRST SHOW was in Calgary on May 22nd, 2002. I was supposed to be doing the show with a Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline Tribute only. However….. Darren had to return to Canada to complete some legality on his Visa. Now he joined the cast on my First Show This was a frightening experience being on stage for real with the World’s Best!!
Since then, Darren has been my biggest supporter and my harshest critic.
I continued with Touring Shows until August in such places such as Ontario for the following four months……..
Surprise… I found I was enjoying myself most of the time and proceeded with making myself goals.
My main goal was to become the # 1 Elvis Tribute Artist in Canada within three years.
On July 2001, I entered the Collingwood Elvis Festival (The Largest Competition in the World) and in my First Year became the Grand Champion Finalist. With this amazing experience, I continued to work my butt off and improve.
In 2002, I headed back to Collingwood and in two years (instead of three) – I realized my goal!!
· I Became the CANADIAN GRAND CHAMPION * and The “# 1 ELVIS IN CANADA”
Since then, I have had the Opportunity to perform all over North America, ranging from the North Pole to Hawaii.
Some of the Main Highlights have been:
Headlining the Collingwood Elvis Festival >Twice
Performing at B.B. Kings in Memphis, Tennessee
Performing for Lady Luck Music at The Gibson Showcase Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee
Performing in Hawaii complete with Hula Dancers
Performing with DJ Fontana as my Drummer
Just to name a few
All of the above highlights have been shared and made a reality by the Many Friends and Fans I’ve made along the way.
I have recently been named “The 2006 Collingwood Elvis Festival Main Show Headliner”
Fans Voted Me as the “PEOPLE’S CHOICE” to which I Thank Each of You
As far as the future holds I am currently working on a show with my brother, which would take place in Las Vegas as well as putting a show together in Hawaii.
My thanks to Joanna and all the staff at Lady Luck Music
“Your Friendship means the World to me”
To my fans, supporters and friends
“Without each and every one of you, those of us who are Elvis Tribute Artists would not be able to keep Elvis’s Memory Alive”
Thank You
To Elvis Presley
“Thank You -
I invite you to view my Web Site -
www.robinkelly.net
Feel Free to Email my Offices for Bookings
robinkellyproductions@shaw.ca
This month's ETA Spotlight is by Robin Kelly from Alberta, Canada, who in 2002 was crowned "Grand Champion" of the worlds largest "Elvis" competition -Collingwood. Robin's 2002 win earned him the title of #1 ETA in Canada. Soon after, his career sky-rocketed, taking him not only across Canada, but through the USA as well. We thank Robin Kelly for sharing some of the highlights of his career and interesting events he experienced along the way! And a special note to Robin's fans - he will be one of the headliners this summer at the Collingwood Festival! Read on friends........
Welcome to My World…
My world started as a child in a home where music was an important aspect to my daily routine. Elvis Presley was introduced to me as his music was being played on a daily basis and you know what they say, “If you hear something enough you begin to relate to it as a basic for life”.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (The City of Champions) and am proud to say that it still is my home base and where our offices are located.
St. Justin’s Elementary Catholic School had a remarkable program that was started by a nun (Sister Claire). She was a Special Lady who made a large impression on so many of our lives.
She formed a choir that was totally unlike anything we’d ever heard - Guitars were the instruments vs. Organs - and the music had a “Toe Tapping Beat”.
The older kids even cut a record album and her interest in each of us, helped in forming who we grew up to be.
Unfortunately, I soon realized that I possessed something strange .. “Stage Fright”! Once when the Choir was performing at the Westin Hotel, I became so frightened that I passed out and ended up falling from a step podium. That feeling of fright lasted for many years and actually after this happened, I basically stopped singing in public and took my creative energy toward the Arts – I began drawing everything from Hot Cars to Rock Stars! I still sang, but only if I was by myself.
When I was a young teenager, I was Caught Singing “Elvis” by my Mom and Brother, Darren. By this time, my Brother was performing with a touring Elvis Elvis Elvis Show.
Not long after that when I attended one of the Shows - He walked into the audience and as he past me, he threw me the Microphone and walked away. I sang the song “horribly” with my heart pumping so hard and so fast… I felt it would pop out my chest. When the song was finally finished, I went to the bathroom as I felt I was going to be sick, and then went into his dressing room. It was there that he told me “I’d done a great job”. I was so upset that I told him if he ever did something like that again, I’d kill him. (Not really meaning that phrase) To this he just laughed!
My world started as a child in a home where music was an important aspect to my daily routine. Elvis Presley was introduced to me as his music was being played on a daily basis and you know what they say, “If you hear something enough you begin to relate to it as a basic for life”.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (The City of Champions) and am proud to say that it still is my home base and where our offices are located.
St. Justin’s Elementary Catholic School had a remarkable program that was started by a nun (Sister Claire). She was a Special Lady who made a large impression on so many of our lives.
She formed a choir that was totally unlike anything we’d ever heard -
The older kids even cut a record album and her interest in each of us, helped in forming who we grew up to be.
Unfortunately, I soon realized that I possessed something strange .. “Stage Fright”! Once when the Choir was performing at the Westin Hotel, I became so frightened that I passed out and ended up falling from a step podium. That feeling of fright lasted for many years and actually after this happened, I basically stopped singing in public and took my creative energy toward the Arts – I began drawing everything from Hot Cars to Rock Stars! I still sang, but only if I was by myself.
When I was a young teenager, I was Caught Singing “Elvis” by my Mom and Brother, Darren. By this time, my Brother was performing with a touring Elvis Elvis Elvis Show.
Not long after that when I attended one of the Shows -
