Brantford 2005

Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

Ladyluckmusic.com

Joan Minnery

It started off with a band of 12 bag pipers marching along followed by the Elvis Fest committee linked in arms by several Elvis Tribute Artists which marched into a swelling outdoor crowd of 450 people who sprang to their feet in thunderous applause as we all walked linked, shoulders together and were led up to the stage by the handsome men in their kilts. A tear jerking rendition of Amazing Grace echoed through the countryside and across the Grand River. Elvis was everywhere and everywhere there was Elvis.

And the tone was set for the entire weekend. One of calmness, brotherhood, friendship, music, camaraderie and an undeniable spirituality that echoed throughout our fantabulous town....commonly referred to as Graceland North.

The 6th Annual Brantford Elvis Festival was the happiest celebration on earth...our 4 day Elvis Love In!!!

And to quote several ETAs and audience members; "This was the best one YET". We also received tons of comments that it was the best Elvis Fest...period!

Highlights from the festival weekend:

- The Limo Arrival and Red Carpet Gala which saw all of the ETAs arrive in Limos or Cadillac, being greeted by our very own Major Domo, and having their names led aloud and then be escorted out of the limo and onto the red carpet as tons of fans lined the street and the run-way with cameras and autograph books. It was exactly like a Hollywood Premiere...and that's what we wanted and we achieved it in grand style. In fact, the folks at the Brantford Civic Centre, which donated the red carpet for the weekend, asked "Did the KING walk on this carpet"? Yes....MANY!!

- Friday night's Legends showcase which included our very own Elvis Tribute Artists taking off their sideburns and saluting Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, ELVIS, Tom Jones and local favourites Starr Sensations & Andrea Godin the Brantford Idol. We finished the evening with an all star salute to the Beatles which had the fans dancing in the aisles to Twist & Shout. We have received numerous accolades for our show on Friday night and the overwhelming response has been to KEEP IT IN. The fans loved the variety showcase as did the ETAs.

- Jesse Aron. Brantford absolutely fell in love with Jesse Aron...so did a few ladies too! Our American ETAs from Wisconsin definitely lived up to his reputation! :)

- Anthony Von's over the top and absolutely amazing showcase which had everyone in rapture. It was as if the Teacher was in front of his class. We called him the Master of the Universe. His show was spectacular and one of the greatest ETA shows most of us have seen in years.

- The debut of 4 year old Riley Mahoney, who stole everyone's hearts and upstaged the entire cast with his A Cappella Tribute to the KING. "Hound Dog" & "Blue Suede Shoes" never sounded so fabulous. He was in high demand all weekend.

- Our very own Brantford boy Geph Mitchell who delighted crowds all weekend with his comedic antics and loveable Emceeing of the entire event. Geph was stellar all weekend and also took on the ardent task of being Stage Manager and Assistant Coordinator; both jobs that he did with ease, confidence and that infamous Presley Magic. Geph was sensational and the majority of the fan mail from both ETAs and Fans has included kudos for Geph and demands to have him back as the Emcee for next year.

- Memphis Motion's new showcase drew thunderous applause and cheers as we donned our brand new black evening gowns and treated the audience to a more elegant and sophisticated sound from Memphis Motion and one of class and dignity. Our 4 Diva Showcase was fabulous.

- Memphis Motion singing backup for the Casino showcase for 3 1/2 hours straight. No breaks, no chairs, standing and singing oohs and ahs and backup harmony for the entire showcase...non-stop. Then doing it all again on Friday for the show, and Sunday night for another 2 hours. The girls sounded MINT.

- Garyelvis Britt and his Duck Joke that went on for 22 minutes.

- Marcus Wells playing piano during Unchained Melody

- The surprise arrival of Paul Ross, who guest emceed part of Sunday afternoon and most of Sunday evening. Paul, as Paul with his blue jeans and RED short cropped hair really turned a few heads. "Is THAT Paul"?

- Chris Cooper winning the Spirit of Elvis Award, nobody has ever deserved it MORE. This fellow not only was our assistant stage manager, he designed our t-shirts, programme, logo and all of our Portraits...all for free.

- BJ Minnery falling asleep in the Balcony and his HAIR!!

- Geph Mitchell suffering from Diarrhoea, which was publicly announced, and missing his call that he had made the finals.

- EVERYONE loved our new judging panel and were ecstatic with our new judging system and format for the contest...right across the board this all received KUDOS.

- Probably the BEST highlight of the weekend has to be the fact that the fans loved every minute of our 6th Annual Festival.

We would be remiss if we did not thank the following people for their never ending help and support over the course of the weekend: Danielle & Geph Mitchell, Bill & Elsie Minnery, BJ Minnery, Roy Whitlow, Tena Malone, Bill & Liz Mahoney, Sue & Kirk Plewes, Larry & Laura Skoretz, Haley Skoretz, Robin & Dalton Mahoney, Tammy & Judy Braund, Anthony Lombardo, Nevin Grant & Heather Grant, John & Ann Booth, Dan Sherritt, , Rose Cronin, Alicia Skoretz, Adele Dewling, Chris Cooper, Paul Ross and the man behind the entire weekend: Elvis Aaron Presley.

It is always fabulous to hear rave reviews and forever encouraging to be showered with kind words and accolades, but this one was Magical. That's what we set out to do and we achieved our goals. It was A Magical Gathering....

And we wouldn't change ANY of it for all the Jumpsuits in Memphis

Elvisly Yours,

Joan Minnery www.memphismotion.com

The Best One YET!!!