It was in April l994, that Elvis fans, Phyllis and George Deline first rented a local theatre and staged an “Elvis” show featuring the late Bob McVey, from Indiana, playing to tracks. Fans enjoyed it so much they clamored for more! It was successfully repeated that fall – and the eagerly awaited shows have continued twice yearly ever since!
Over the years, the original “Elvis” show has evolved to not only showcase award-winning ETA’s, but also to include world class professional tribute acts from Canada and the US, along with outstanding bands, comedic impressionists, and emcees. And these days, the shows are held Vegas-style with table seating at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43.
This year, as always, fans came from miles around for the sold out spring shows – and showed their appreciation with cheers and ovations!
Congratulations to Phyllis Deline and family (including son, Rodney, daughter-in-law Rhonda, and grandson Justin) for l5 very successful years!
As this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the fateful plane crash which took the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper, several fitting tributes were also paid to the threesome who contributed so much to the early days of rock and roll.
Over the years, the original “Elvis” show has evolved to not only showcase award-
This year, as always, fans came from miles around for the sold out spring shows – and showed their appreciation with cheers and ovations!
Congratulations to Phyllis Deline and family (including son, Rodney, daughter-
As this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the fateful plane crash which took the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper, several fitting tributes were also paid to the threesome who contributed so much to the early days of rock and roll.
The cast:
Sting Ray Anthony, now based in Branson, Missouri, has been touring with the official Winter Dance Party tribute show and playing to sell out crowds throughout North America during this 50th anniversary year. As always, Ray’s unparalleled portrayal of Ritchie Valens, which has been highly endorsed by the Valens family, had the fans cheering from the moment he stepped out on stage. Soon the fans were up on their feet dancing and swaying to the sounds of “La Bamba,” “Oh Donna,” and “We Belong Together.” With his charisma and energy, and phenomenal guitar playing, Ray never fails to “wow” his audiences. An accomplished musician and singer/songwriter, Ray also sang a rocking version of “Oh Boy” in tribute to Buddy Holly – again, with the audience cheering and wanting more. Later, he sang a beautiful original composition “Don’t Want To Say” which enraptured the audience. As an added treat, son Tyler, age l3, came up on stage to play guitar with the band during Ray’s set – a talented duo for sure!
Congratulations also to Ray Anthony for being presented with a special gold record this year by the Valens (Valenzuela) family for keeping the legacy of Ritchie Valens alive with his outstanding tribute.
Joe Passion, known for his stellar tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, has performed around the world – most recently with the renowned Stars in Concert in Germany. Joe who has also developed fine tributes to John Lennon and Barry Manilow, has recently branched out to include Dion DiMucci, Bobby Darin and Marty Robbins impressions and songs in his repertoire. This time, we were treated to Joe’s “Bobby Darin” with beautifully rendered versions of Darin hits including “Splish Splash,” “Dream Lover,” “Mack The Knife,” and “Beyond the Sea,” which were much appreciated by the audience – reminding them, once again, of Bobby’s talents and body of work.
In the second set, Joe came out as “Jerry Lee” and the audience went wild, watching his crazy man antics at the piano and singing along with well known and raucous songs such as “Rita May,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’” performed by The Killer himself! With a nod to the late Buddy Holly, “Jerry Lee” also sang his own entertaining version of “That’ll Be The Day” which had the audience smiling! Joe Passion is certainly a man of many talents!
Kathy Thompson, who has also graced stages around the world – including Stars in Concert in Germany and Legends in Concert – performed first as Peggy Lee, capturing her essence perfectly with facial expressions, manicured nails, finger snaps, and beautiful jazz-
Of course, Kathy is known for her A+ tribute to Bette Midler and, again, deftly capturing the unique persona of The Divine Miss M she delivered beautiful renditions of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and a medley of songs including “The Rose” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” – divine!
Lou Nelson as Tom Jones, never fails to thrill his audiences. With his uncanny look, energetic moves, mannerisms, slight “Welsh accent” and beautiful singing voice, he has fans almost believing they are listening to and watching the real Tom Jones of the early 70's. Lou has also performed throughout North America at theatres, casinos, and other venues. Delivering favourites such as “Delilah” and “It’s Not Unusual,” he soon had the audience singing along. Lou also dedicated a beautiful and heartfelt “With These Hands” to Phyllis.
Victor J. Hanson, comedic impressionist (and fine musician and singer, too) first stepped on stage with a fitting tribute to The Big Bopper, singing “Chantilly Lace.” Later, he had everyone in stitches with his “Seamus from Newfoundland,” impression, his parodies of well known songs (e.g. the Who on Helium, Johnny Cash singing Pinball Wizard), his on-the-spot improvisation with audience members, and more clever humour including his hilarious French song (for all those who completed Grade 7 French), and his “Things You Don’t Say to Your Wife.”
Gino Monopoli, an award-winning ETA and current “Images of the King” title holder, entertained the crowd as he portrayed different stages of Elvis’ career – from the GI years, to the ‘68 Comeback Special, through to the concert era – complete with costume changes . Gino sang a variety of songs ranging from the up tempo “That’s All Right Mama” to ballads such as “Love Me Tender” through to the powerful “My Way” and “What Now My Love” with audience favorites such as “Polk Salad Annie” and “A Little Less Conversation “ thrown in for good measure! As part of the ‘68 Comeback segment, Gino, and vocalist Kathy Martorino, sang a striking version of “If I Can Dream.”
Kudos to Rudy and the Angels band (under the direction of Rudy Salerno) who capably backed the performers all evening: Rudy Salerno, drums; Christina Mulligan, keyboard; Dave Bailey, guitar, Gene Falbo, bass guitar; and special mention to Kathy Martorino for her outstanding vocals throughout the show.
Be sure to check out the following websites and links for more details. And, don’t forget, the Deline’s next shows will be in October – with tickets already selling fast!
Ray Anthony
Joe Passion
Kathy Thompson
Victor J. Hanson
Gino Monopoli
The Deline’s Rock and Roll Shows
This year marks the l5th anniversary of the Deline family’s successful Rock and Roll Legends show produced each spring and fall in Oshawa, Ontario, just outside Toronto.
Article & photos by Carol Hunter
Phyllis Deline (l), holding a needlepoint "Elvis picture" made for her by fan Lori Birch (r)
Joe Passion as Bobby Darin sang beautiful renditions of Darin standards. (promo photo courtesy Joe Passion)
Congratulations to Ray Anthony who was recently presented with a special gold record by the Valens (Valenzuela) family for keeping the legacy of Ritchie Valens alive with his outstanding tribute. Ray is pictured here with Connie and Irma, Ritchie Valens' sisters
During soundcheck, Carol admiring an official "Winter Dance Party" t-shirt -- courtesy of Ray Anthony who has been touring with the renowned tribute show during the 50th anniversary of the plane crash which took the lives of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper.
Victor J. Hanson opened the show with a tribute to the Big Bopper..singing a crowd pleasing version of "Chantilly Lace."
Ray Anthony, as Ritchie Valens, had the crowd cheering as soon as he stepped on to the stage.
"Mr. Smooth"....Lou Nelson as Tom Jones
"The Killer" was in fine form and ready to rock and roll, thanks to Joe Passion!
Kathy Thompson captured the essence of Peggy Lee perfectly
Kathy Thompson captured the complete persona of "The Divine Miss M"
Victor J as "Seamus" cracked the audience up!
Gino Monopol, as photogenic as ever, schmoozing with the audience!
Master of ceremonies...Rodney Deline
Victor J.....looking like he's up to no good???
Lou Nelson, Victor J., Joe Passion
Having fun on stage...l. to r. Kathy Martorino, Gino Monopoli, Kathy Thompson, Lou Nelson, Victor J.
Kudos to Rudy and the Angels with vocalist Kathy Martorino
The Divine Miss M entertaining in fine form!
Ray Anthony and son Tyler during a rousing jam session!
Singing "Old Time Rock and Roll" and having fun during the finale (l. to r. Tyler Anthony, Ray Anthony, Lou Nelson, Phyllis Deline
Rhonda in the wings.....helping from the sidelines, Rhonda Deline
finale....l. to r. Gino Monopoli, Kathy Thompson, Ray Anthony
Lou Nelson as Tom Jones, singing a beautiful "With These Hands" for Phyllis Deline.
The army years ....Gino Monopoli
l. to r. After the show....Ray Anthony, Carol, Joe Passion
Picking up Tyler's great guitar playing....Ray and Tyler Anthony
Ray Anthony with fans after the show
Kathy Thompson (Peggy Lee) and Lou Nelson (Tom Jones) posing for pics back stage
Carol with Gino Monopoli during the break