By Zena Sultana
LAS VEGAS, Nevada - The world-famous Fremont Street Experience in this city was the venue of “The Spirit of Elvis” tribute and the documentary filming of “The Heart of the King,” sponsored by John Stuart, the legendary creator of the famed “Legends in Concert.”
The dual event showcased the talents of Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) from all parts of the country and different parts of the world. At the two-day event (September 9 & 10, 2005), around 30 performers convened and performed in Las Vegas to the delight of hundreds of people who poured into Fremont Street to watch the free concert.
The first place winner, who was awarded a cash prize of $1,000, was Justin Shandor, a young Elvis performer from Elvis-A-Rama. The second place was another Elvis-A-Rama performer, Donnie Edwards, who was given a $500 cash prize. The third place winner was another young ETA, also named Justin.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get the names of the performers because I didn’t know I will be writing about it until two weeks after the event when I was asked through E-mail and phone call by my new friend for life, Joanna Johnson of LadyLuckMusic.com.
Of the 30 ETA’s who performed, three came from other countries: Joel Ewens of London, England; Patrick Tunney from Dublin, Ireland; and Gino Monopoli from Canada. It was probably very hard for the judges to select the winner, since almost everyone performed so well you would swear Elvis, the real Elvis, was alive. Two of the judges were: Kay Wheeler, president of the very first Elvis fan club; and Cynthia Pepper, the leading lady of Elvis in the film “Kissing Cousins.”
Johnny Thompson, the president of PEIA (Professional Elvis Impersonators Association) was the coordinator for the event. Johnny is currently performing in Cancun, Mexico together with the second place winner, Donnie Edwards. Both ETAs are being managed by Kristy Lee Royle of New York.
On Sunday, September 11, a live show dubbed “Evening with the Las Vegas Stars” was held at the Celebrity Nightclub & Showroom next to the Lady Luck Casino. The live benefit show, which netted $2,500 was for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The show starred a variety of Las Vegas’ top celebrity impersonators, singers, comedians and magicians. The executive producer was John Stuart Productions; show producer and director, Johnny Thompson; sponsors, Entertainment Network, Celebrity Nighclub and ladyluckmusic.com. Talent was provided by Kristy Royle of Royal Talent, and hosted by David Russo, comedy star of Wayne Newton’s “The Entertainer.”
