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FanViews from around the world.
Fans report in on tribute performances
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Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

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Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

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KRAIG PARKER, SunCoast Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, February 2004

Well, I was sure surprised to see the picture of Kraig Parker kissing me on your “fanview” site!! I have to agree with Nancy Huett- I saw Elvis over 100 times over the years and Kraig is truly a remarkable entertainer in the same vein as Elvis. He is humble, handsome and has mega talent. He is in sync with his wonderful band and does a magnificent job on some Elvis songs that other ETA's shy away from. His "A Little Less Conversation" was dynamite!! Watch this rising star. Sandi Pichon, TCB Elvis Style Fan Club, Slidell, Louisiana, USA.

TRAVIS LEDOYT, Yesteryears Music Palace, Knoxville, Tennessee. Recent Show
“I've been traveling over mountains - even through the valleys too....I've been traveling night & day, I've been running all the way....tryin' to get to you..." This song that Elvis first sang in the 50's echoed through the rental van as a group of 9 of us traveled from Richmond Hill, ON (Canada) to Knoxville, TN to see an incredible performance by Travis LeDoyt. We left on Friday night, and traveled non-stop for 12 hours to arrive in Knoxville just a few hours before the first of two shows that Travis performed. Was it worth it? Absolutely! As tired as we were, Travis' energetic and inspiring performance had us 'All Shook Up'. The show was presented by Yesteryears Music Palace and was a benefit for The Steps House - a charity that houses homeless veterans. The entire performance had a very "patriotic" theme enriched by a full military guard and the beautiful American Flag hanging proudly as a backdrop to the stage. Travis entered the Civic Auditorium doing a tribute to Elvis' charismatic performance of the 50's, followed by a "Loving You" set, and finally ending the show in an Army Uniform and closing with 'America The Beautiful'. It was a very moving, memorable show - a weekend we will always remember. Yesterdays Music Palace is proud to present Travis again on August 21, 2004 if you had to miss this first show! Plan on going - you'll be glad you did! You can visit www.yesteryearsmusicpalace.com Ronda Marson, Love For Elvis Fan Club, Ontario, Canada

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David Muggeridge’s voice was so much like Elvis you would believe that Elvis was in the room with you. Nice work, David..keep it up! Glenn Aitchison's smile just lit up the hall. Glenn sang "It's Now or Never" and also sang ‘‘O Sole Mio” in Italian; he did a wonderful job. Everyone joined in singing with Glenn. The winners for Friday Feb. 27 were: 1st Pete Paquette, 2nd Tom Connelly & 3rd Mike Morrissette. On Saturday, Feb 28: 1st Mike Morrissette, 2nd Pete Paquette & 3rd Mike Bravener. All the ETA'S were fabulous in their own way--they are all winners in my book. I enjoyed talking to all of them. They all have a nice personality and a big heart to match. Keep up the good work. Thank you for your tribute to "Elvis". Love you all. Your number one fan..Anna Watkins, LaSalle, Quebec

ETA’s 3rd Annual People’s Choice International Contest, Montreal, Quebec, February 2004.

James Begley started the night coming out in the GI Blues outfit doing songs from Elvis's movies, and got everyone into the spirit of the evening. Will Thompson in the leather doing the 68 comeback, had the ladies going wild. Mike Morrissette had the crowd up on their feet with his powerful voice. Pete Paquette, the youngest of the ETA'S, had the audience asking for more as he did the early years of Elvis songs. Dan Champagne doing the jumpsuit era had everyone clapping with the music as he jumped all over the hall. Tom Connelly played the crowd and the ladies were screaming for more. Mike Bravener's performance of the earlier years of Elvis had everyone joining in with the spirit of the music.

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GREG WINSTON, Houston, Texas, January/February 2004 performances.
I was recently pointed to your web-site and I felt I had to share a few details about my personal favorite Elvis Tribute Artist. His name is Greg Winston, and he is in Houston, Texas. I first saw him perform at an Elvis Birthday event at Katy Mills Mall this past January. He was
spectacular! His renditions of One Night and Burning Love were fantastic. The competition that day, however, had the audience split and the result was that both Greg and another local ETA were declared the winners. I have since seen Greg perform in New Caney, and will be there on the front row for his next show! The songs he sings are not just the typical hits you hear all the time...but a lot of Elvis' lesser known recordings, as well..all of which pay true homage to The King and make Greg's performance unique from all others I've seen. He has a lot of fun with his audience and has the women swooning at his feet before long. The energy and passion for what he does is fully apparent and makes for a truly enjoyable performance. Greg would be considered quite a talented singer in any circle, though as an Elvis Tribute Artist there could not be a better match! He has a terrific Elvis-like voice, incredible enthusiasm, detailed costuming and great over-all presence. If you’re ever in Houston, you’ve got to check this guy out! Brenda Laird, Houston, Texas, USA

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BILLY WAYDE, Lake Theater, Lake Jackson, Texas, February 2004.
On Feb 28th I was reading the Houston Chronicle with my dad. He showed me an article about an Elvis show in Lake Jackson, Texas at the Lake Theater. As a young adult I really did not know too much about Elvis. My dad said we have to go. The night show was sold out so we went to the afternoon performance. There must have been about 400 people because it was packed. I can see now why so many people like Elvis. The first performer who came out was Donny Edwards and he was really good! After that, the next performer was named Billy Wayde. My dad said this guy looks just like Elvis, let’s see if he can sing. When he started singing, the place went wild. Everyone was asking if he usually plays in Las Vegas! He sounded so good that it made me an Elvis fan too. I will keep an eye out for your web page too see where else he sings at.
Jenna Oliver, Huntsville, Texas

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PAUL ROSS, MARCUS WELLS. Gryphon Theatre, Barrie, Ontario. March 2004.

What's better than one Elvis tribute artist....how about two? That's what fans got at Barrie's Gryphon Theatre on St. Patrick's Day night with Elvis: Double Trouble. It features the talents of Paul Ross and Marcus Wells who have teamed up to showcase all the eras of Elvis' career. I was impressed by several things--from the 4 piece band to the two female backup singers to the classy stage costumes to the powerhouse voices of the two tribute artists. It was great fun to hear some of the less frequently sung songs like 'Let Yourself Go,' 'Thinking About You,' 'Early Morning Rain,' 'Memories,' and a cute rendition of 'The Lady Loves Me' from Viva Las Vegas. They take fans through the early years, the movie years, the Comeback Special, the Vegas years and end with an emotional final concert. The finale featured both Paul and Marcus on stage together singing ' If I Can Dream' and was both touching and inspirational. If you get the chance...I can promise you will enjoy an entertaining show with two artists whose hearts are definitely in the right place with their tribute to Elvis. Wendy King, Love for Elvis Fan Club, Barrie, Ontario

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ETA’s & MEMPHIS MOTION. Brantford Elvis Fest KickOff., Brantford, Ontario. March 2004. Congratulations to Joan Minnery and her entire hard working, never ending, smiling crew who put on a tremendous sold out show on Saturday, March 27 for a great bunch of folks who were ready to Shake Rattle and Roll! All of us in attendance were treated to a non-stop show of Elvis music, comedy and old time favourites that had us in great spirits throughout the evening. We were in stitches with Rocking Ron Hanly, who was our host and had us all laughing about his dumb brother. The night featured wonderful performances from ETAs: Geph Mitchell, Jimmy Burgin, Kevin Murthick, Alex Aaron, Jeff Marsh, Doug McKenzie, Eric Kirkham, Robert Pooran, Clint Lucier, Perry Furlotte, Steven Pelleriti, Dave Robinson, Peter Schofield, Ken Heintzman and Wayne Curtis along with the energetic show from the ladies of Memphis Motion who looked great in their new red blouses! Those ladies just get better and better. It was a great evening with tons of wonderful music and friendly performances that all seemed to genuinely enjoy. Of course, the show was completely stolen by 6 year old Steven Pelleriti, who had the entire crowd on their feet as he sang and danced around the stage and put on a fabulous performance. He is definitely the People's Choice at all events! Also another notable mention to Peter ‘Crazy Legs’ Schofield who totally electrified the stage. He is one of our favourite ETAs. Again, our deepest thanks go out to Joan Minnery and the whole Elvis Fest crew; they always treat us like family and we are so blessed to have them within the Elvis world. We don't get out to many events but when we do, we always have a wonderful time. We can't wait until the festival hits. Tom & Judy Powell ,Welland, Ontario (photo credit: Allan Monette)

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Photographer Allan Monette with Steven Pelleriti

Memphis Motion

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JACKSON BEGLEY with JAMES BEGLEY, JOHN PRESTON, GERRI AND THE KOASTERS. Oshawa, Ontario. March 2004.

I traveled down to Oshawa, Ontario on the weekend of March 26 to visit a friend, and at the same time took in a great Elvis Tribute Artist Show at the Oshawa Pavilion starring James Begley and John Preston backed up by the Koasters, a fifties and sixties band. But, when I saw James' son, Jackson, perform on stage, I just had to go up to the front of the stage and take a few photos. Personally, I think I took too many photos, but, I just could not help myself. I spoke to Jackson's mother and asked her if I could take Jackson home with me (joking of course), and you had to see the proud look on her face.

Later on, I said to James, “I am going to kidnap your son,” to which he replied, "OH NO you’re not!" off stage, I was watching Jackson while his father was performing, and he could not take his eyes off him a minute, trying to copy all his father's moves. What a Cutie Putuny. Good job Jackson, keep up the good work! You will be a wonderful Elvis Tribute Artist one day. Patsy Parker, Lasalle, Quebec

STEVE WEST, Orpheum Theater, Wichita, Kansas..Recent Show.
THIS IS .. STEVE WEST. Steve has been doing his Elvis show for 27 years, and Steve was the first Elvis artist to perform with DJ Fontana! Steve is one of the best kept secrets in the Elvis artist world until you see his show, and see him with DJ. I saw Steve in Wichita, Kansas at the Orpheum Theater, with DJ Fontana. As DJ and Steve performed together, you would not believe the magic they had together, AS DJ told the audience, he has been doing shows with Steve for 25 years now. He said, “Funny, I've been with Steve longer than I was with Elvis.” Steve has just moved back to his home town Dallas Texas, and is booking all over the area, and will be on MEV with another Elvis artist that Steve started, 10 years ago. Steve has the stage presence, and voice, and looks...in all , he has the whole package, as the best Elvis artist I have seen....pure magic!! And, as Elvis, Steve has his Special Elvis Angels. He does a lot of things for special kids. As Steve tells it, “God has sent these special angels from Heaven. We have a lot to learn from these special kids, and one of the things is “unconditional love.” If you hear Steve is performing anywhere, you must check him out. You won’t be disappointed. A big Elvis fan, and a big Steve West fan!!!
Charlotte Klondike (one of Steve’s Elvis Angels).

JAMES BEGLEY, JOHN PRESTON, JACKSON BEGLEY, GERIE & THE KOASTERS. Oshawa, Ontario. March 2004.
I thoroughly enjoyed the “Little More Action Please” show at the Jubilee Pavillion in Oshawa...all three performers and the talented band: Gerie and the Koasters. Jackson Begley stole the show by just being so cute and clearly enjoying his time on the stage. James Begley did a good job of the younger Elvis. He’s got the moves and he sang songs that you don’t hear all the time such as
“Bossa Nova.” John Preston was HOT! I was pleasantly surprised at how good his voice is. His rendition of “Hurt” and “American Trilogy” had us all standing up! This was a really good show and we all enjoyed it. Marlene Hall, Whitby, Ontario.

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ANDREW HOWARD, Lakewood, New Jersey. Recent show.
Andrew is my personal favorite Elvis tribute artist. I first met Andrew at a convention, where they put on a show with 17 different Elvis tribute artists. When he got up to sing, he just took my breath away, especially when he jumped off the stage to give that scarf. Andrew’s performance is terrific. He'll make you feel like you are with Elvis again. Andrew doesn’t just do it because he likes it, he does it for the fans and charity too. If you need a good Elvis tribute artist.... Andrew Howard! He's the nicest ETA that I ever met.
Barbara Sebzda, New Jersey.

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ZACHARY PEDDIE,..Oshawa Little Theatre, Oshawa, Ontario. March 2004.

We have several talented youngsters in Ontario who are performing as “ETA’s” and wowing the crowds (see previous““fan views” for pics/comments on delightful youngsters Jackson Begley and Steven Pelleriti) ..another 6-yr. old who has impressed me each time I’’ve seen him is Zachary Peddie from St. Thomas, Ontario. I first saw Zachary at the Collingwood Elvis Fest where I was taken with his talent, and have seen him several times since then...most recently at a “legends” production at the Oshawa Little Theatre, in Oshawa, Ontario. Zachary has been singing in public since he was 5 years old and he is a real Elvis fan..already collecting memorabilia and listening to Elvis’ music as much as his parents will let him! Zachary has greatly impressed seasoned performers who have been a part of the shows he’s performed in. He has a beautiful singing voice, sings on pitch, and takes his singing very seriously. And what I like best, is that Zachary has that pure and sweet young innocence of a 6-year old as he sings..nothing hokey or contrived at all! He’s going to grow up to be a fine singer!! At the recent show where I saw Zachary, he had 3 costume changes and was as cute as a button in each...wearing first a white jacket, then a red & white “Loving You” outfit, and finally a pale blue jumpsuit, as he sang songs such as “Teddy Bear,” and ““Loving You. His costumes are all made beautifully by his mother Dawn. Keep an eye out for singer Zachary Peddie! Carol Hunter, London, Ontario

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BILL CHRASTIL - Quebecor Printing Corporate Event, LOVELAND, COLORADO.
What a performer! My wife and I have been following the Bill
Chrastil Show every chance we get for the last 3 years. Bill's show has brought music and memories back into our life. We are now bigger fans of Elvis than when was still alive. Bill not only has the Elvis sound, but also all the moves. The voice range of this man is unbelievable! We often wonder
if Elvis actually did as well. Bill’s interaction with the crowd is superb. He goes out into the audience while singing and places scarves around the ladies necks, followed by a kiss on the cheek. We have seen tears in the eyes of those he sings too. He shakes the hand of the guys. He never fails to recognize the military veterans in the crowd and then sings an Elvis patriotic song. All and all, the crowd loves Bill - the young and old have a great and fun time. Elvis would be proud of this man's tribute to him.
Stan and Miriam Mohr, Loveland, Colorado

BILL KELLY/ETA CONTEST, 2004 Elvis Fest of the Bluegrass, Lexington, KY. April 2004

On April 2 & 3, 2004 the city of Lexington, KY was invaded with Elvii from all across the country. Sixteen of the country's top ETA's competed for $1,250 cash prize plus a berth in the Images of The King Contest held in Memphis, TN in August. Each artist sang their heart out and sang their way into the hearts of the hundreds of Elvis Fans that were there. Paul Halverstadt from Cincinnati, OH took home the Grand Prize; Freddy B. from Clarksville, TN came in a close 2nd Place and Kavan from Columbus, Ohio came in 3rd Place. David Pasco from Salem, Ohio and Daniel Ray from Odenville, Alabama both took home the "Fan Favorite" award. In addition to the contestants, the fans were treated to AWESOME performances by Kentucky's premiere ETA , Bill Kelly, and the sensational Quentin Flagg. They rocked the Continental Inn there in Lexington; and left the fans wanting MORE! Plans are already underway for next years ELVIS-Fest of the Bluegrass. You can find out more about it in months to come by visiting Bill Kelly's personal website at www.BKshow.com Joe Clark, Morehead, Kentucky

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BILL KELLY, The Cue - Paris, KY, April 2004
Thursday Night, April 15, 2004, Kentucky's Premiere Elvis Tribute Artist, Bill Kelly, took the stage at The Cue in Paris, KY. It was a special night. Bill was celebrating his 2nd Anniversary at The Cue. So he had a special treat for his fans; instead of singing with tracks as he does most of the time, he brought his entire Tribute Band! And what a talented band they were.... just spectacular! Bill started the evening in black slacks, black shirt, and a white jacket and performed the songs of the 50's and 60's. Then after a brief intermission, he came back in the Light Blue Flower Suit and rocked the place with some of the songs from the 70's. Let me be the first to say that his performance of "An American Trilogy" was just phenomenal! Then after another intermission, he came back in The Rainfall suit and continued to deliver even more songs from the 70's. Just when we think we have seen Bill at his best, he out does himself...and that is what he did last night! There was also a special appearance by Brandi Carson, who joined Bill in the performance of "Bossa Nova" and then he paid tribute to the late Patsy Cline by singing "Crazy". What a powerful voice she has!
Joe Clark (photo courtesy of Bob De Mattina)

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