FROM MEMPHIS TO BLACKPOOL!  Walk a Golden Mile in My Shoes  Contest & Convention January 2007 -- Story & pics by Carol Hunter - page produced by Jim Redmond and Joanna Johnson

In just  four short  years, the Walk a Golden Mile in My Shoes Contest, produced by ETA’s Martin Fox and Michael King, has firmly established its reputation and status –  as Europe’s largest Elvis contest and convention, offering the UK and Europe’s most coveted ETA crown.  Open to ETA’s world-wide, and  attracting an increasing roster of talented ETA’s, growing numbers of  fans, and extensive media coverage, the annual contest has become  “the place to be” and, by all accounts, this year’s sold-out event was a resounding success -- earning two thumbs up from guest performers, contestants, and fans alike.  Read on!

Although it hardly seemed that a year had passed, it was a pleasure to be back in Blackpool, England  again, along with Canadian ETA  Roy LeBlanc, one of this year’s guest performers. As Elvis fans ourselves, first and foremost, we appreciated being at a well-organized event where the personal touch remains,  where contest standards are higher every year,  and where Elvis and his music are rightfully celebrated and acknowledged with respect.

The host hotel was the beautiful Big Blue on Blackpool’s  Golden Mile, where we met up with co-producers Martin Fox and Michael King,   Butch & Kim Polston of B & K Enterprises, APEPTA’s EPDJ Paul Smith, guest performer ETA Paul Richie,  and his son Steve Rushton (talented 19-year-old bassist/lead vocalist with Britain’s fast rising Son of Dork Band – be sure to check  www.sonofdork.com/site.php).  Meanwhile, other ETA’s and fans were starting to arrive and, before long, the hotel was bustling with activity.

To house  growing numbers of contestants and fans, the entire event had moved this year to the larger Horseshoe Lounge, located in the world-famous Pleasure Beach complex, where last year’s finals had been held.  Walking distance from the Big Blue, the  Horseshoe, with its Vegas-style ambience, tiered table seating, and large stage complete with walkway, was a perfect “step up.”   By mid-day Friday, there was already a buzz of excitement as contestants registered, and ETA’s and friends met up again while browsing the B & K costume and jewellery displays, Marshall King’s ETA supplies, and the memorabilia tables.

Among those returning were  Images of the King 2005 winner, Mario Kombou; 2006 Grand Champ, Kjell Bjornestad;   UK ETA pioneer Big Jim White; along with contestants Paul Molloy, Babis Stefanopolous,  Willard Ford,  Rob Kingsley,  Lewis Hill, Patrick Byrne, Ray Siberini, Adam King, Marshall King, Derek Jones,  Paul Rouse, Oliver Steinhoff, Neil McLaughlin, John Fleming, Peter Sisman  – to name only a few.  It was also  good to see hard-working DJ Ste Smith, and emcee Jay
Ashton, other members of the Contest Team,  along with Bernadine and Marie (aka “the Rottweilers” for their diligence in manning the doors!).

There were  many new contestants this year, too, making for a vibrant and interesting mix of ETA’s and their fans of  all ages  – from England, Ireland, Scotland,  Wales, Spain, Gibraltar, Slovenia, Germany, Norway, the USA, Sweden, Canada and more – another tangible reminder of the lasting impact Elvis’ music has had around the world.   Newcomers (at least to me) included:  Radeck von Goldmann, Simon Patrick, Paul Larcombe,  Deke Rivers, Simon Henley, Peter O’Callaghan, Garry John, Steve Caprice, Shayne Prince, Ciaran Houlihan, Klaus Kohlpaintner (Dr. Kingsize), Shaky Everett, Jailhouse King (Mario), Mike Nova, Tim Bassett,  Danny Allan, Mark Dobbs,  G. Singh,  and Mark Summers.  

All together, there would be about 60 ETA’s vying for the title of Grand Champion 2007, with additional entrants  slated for novice and gospel contests.

There would also be Elvis discos, challenging Elvis trivia contests,  Elvis videos, and more. All Elvis, all the time!

By 4 pm Friday,  the seats were full, the stage was ready – visually impressive with Graceland music gates and “smoke”  through which performers could make their entrance – and it was time for emcee Jay Ashton to introduce  Paul Richie and The Rockettes who  kicked off the weekend’s entertainment, setting an upbeat tone with good old  rock ‘n’ roll songs by Elvis, Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochrane, Jerry Lee, and more.  Throughout the three days  there were more entertaining 60-minute showcases by other guest performers, including ETA tributes from Richard Atkins, Roy LeBlanc, Mario Kombou, Big Jim White, Martin Fox, Michael King & the Presley Showband,  and Kjell Bjornestad.  Rock ‘n’ roller Colin Paul sang a great selection of Elvis songs in his own style, followed by a few well-delivered songs from  Billy Dean, who came up on stage.  For further details on each guest performer, check:  http://www.ladyluckmusic.com/radio/features/blackpool-07/

The main contest heats (preliminaries) started on Friday night, and continued throughout the afternoon and evening on Saturday.  Each of the three  heats featured approximately 20 contestants, and each heat was an entertaining showcase in itself, thoroughly enjoyed by the audiences.    Before long it was evident that the contest was going to be tighter than ever and the judges were going to have a genuinely tough job scoring just  l5 for the Sunday night finals, based on vocals, delivery, presence, and authenticity.

The heats  featured an array of contestants - ranging from established ETA’s to  talented young newcomers.   Compared to some contests, there  were fewer  ETA’s at the “lower end of the scale,” so to speak, making for a  higher level of competition
throughout.

The  ETA’s  brought  “Elvis” to their performances through a combination of vocals, appearance,  stage presence, persona, soul, subtle humour, and showmanship.

There was also a good mix of eras being portrayed – 50's, Army, Movie, ‘68 Comeback, and Concert years -- which made the heats all the more interesting and entertaining.  The quality and variety of costumes for all the eras (especially the dazzling array of jumpsuits worn by the “concert years” ETA’s) was about the best I’ve  seen at any contest, and the majority of the contestants were impeccably dressed, taking their appearance seriously.  

Each and every ETA made every effort to give a respectful, authentic performance that didn’t let Elvis, themselves, or the audience down.

But what impressed me the most overall were the vocals – it was a  pleasure to listen to Elvis’ songs  sung  well by many knowledgeable ETA’s who knew Elvis’ music and who could sing.   As it should be.

I also noticed discerning fans in the audience acknowledging the occasional  so-so vocals or lacklustre performance  with polite applause, while good vocals and accurate, entertaining performances earned their cheers of approval.  As it also should be.

Having said that the audience was a discerning one, it must also be said that everyone present – fans, non-competing ETA’s, organizers, producers, guest performers, and volunteers -- comprised one  of the most enthusiastic and supportive audiences ever,  encouraging  the newcomers and making each ETA feel welcome and appreciated.

The camaraderie amongst the ETA contestants themselves was also remarkable, with the newcomers, and those who were experiencing nerves backstage, again being encouraged, with  no “rank” being pulled or cliquishness and arrogance being displayed.  It was evident that the  ETA’s genuinely enjoyed being at this event, interacting, networking,  and being supportive of each other.  That there were so many new faces this year, with  many interesting, and enthusiastic people from all over the world, made for a genuinely friendly atmosphere.

Each night, after the contest heats and guest entertainment had finished, the parties moved back to the Big Blue, and the Queen’s Hotel also, where fans and ETA’s mingled for more camaraderie, sing-songs, laughter and fun – lasting until the early morning hours.

By Sunday, contestants were awaiting the posting of names to see which l5 had moved on to the finals, and cheers could be heard from the audience when it was announced that  there had been a tie resulting in l9 finalists.   As one ETA had said earlier, “How on earth can the judges pick only l5 out of this lineup of contestants” – and he was right!

The finalists (in order of performance determined by picking numbers out of a drum) were:  Paul Larcombe, Paul Molloy, Paul Rouse, Patrick Byrne, Oliver Steinhoff, Radeck von Goldmann, Marshall King, Danny Allen, Simon Patrick, Babis Stefanopolous, Adam King, Rob Kingsley, Klaus Kohlpaintner (Dr. Kingsize), Steve Caprice, Shayne Prince, Lewis Hill, Simon Henley, Ciaran Houlihan, and Mike Nova (representing England, Germany, Slovenia, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland).

Sunday also featured a novice contest and a beautiful singing performance from young Caitlin Dobbs (daughter of ETA Mark Dobbs) who sang “Don’t Cry Daddy,” bringing tears to the eyes of many.   There were delightful performances from l4-year-old Cordel Roper, 10-year-old Alfie Sayers, and a good “debut performance” from approximately l0  novice adult contestants.  Cheers erupted  when emcee Mike Rossi announced the novice winner as Graham Phillips. Congratulations to Graham, who blew the room away with his voice.  There were also cheers when  young Cordel spoke into the microphone saying that he admired Elvis because he was “The Man.”  Well said, Cordel! (on another note, I don’t think Cordel knows this but I was also impressed when I saw him putting  his arm around 10-year Alfie, wishing him good luck before the contest started).

On Sunday, the European press were rounding up ETA’s for photo shoots and interviews outside (thanks by the way to Kjell Bjornestad and Rob Kingsley for kindly stopping to pose for a quick pic while they were being chased down the street by a melee of photographers and fans!).

....while, inside, co-organizer Martin Fox took to the stage  for his  enjoyable  showcase of gospel songs, which was a perfect lead-in to a brand-new-this-year gospel contest.  

The afternoon gospel contest was well attended and much appreciated.   Each of the contestants delivered heartfelt, inspirational performances and we heard some strong vocal talent, once again earning cheers of approval – but it wouldn’t be until the end of the evening that the winner would be announced.

This year, the finalists also ranged from seasoned, established ETA’s  to up-and-coming bright  young talent.  Some had made the finals the previous year, while, for others it was their first time as a finalist or even competing  in a major competition.   Again, each one contributed to a thoroughly entertaining contestant showcase.  

Choosing either backing tracks or to perform with the awesome  Presley Showband and Sweet Sensations backup singers, each ETA sang two songs  –  and again was judged on vocals, delivery, presence, and overall authenticity, starting from “scratch” with none of the scores from the previous heats carrying over.  The audience, which had been supportive throughout the weekend, outdid itself with applause and cheers  after each good  performance.

After the competition and while the  contestants were assembling backstage, with preparations being made for the awards to be given out, the 2006 Champion, Norway’s Kjell Bjornestad,  entertained  the crowd for the last showcase of the weekend.

Then, with all the finalists  on stage, along with Martin Fox, Michael King and emcees Jay Ashton and Mike Rossi,  the winners were announced – with deafening cheers  from the audience after each name was called.   Winning the contest and the title of 2007 Grand Champion, was Oliver Steinhoff from Germany.  In second place, was Simon Patrick from England and, in third place, Rob Kingsley, from Scotland.  The winner of the gospel contest was Shayne Prince.  Congratulations to all!

Stepping into the winner’s spotlight, Oliver Steinhoff, with characteristic grace and sincerity,  acknowledged  Elvis Presley, his fellow ETA’s, and the hard-working sound man whom he brought front and centre for a big hug and round of applause.  Then, amid a flash of cameras, with fans crowding the stage, and Oliver leading the ETA’s in one last song, the 2007 contest officially came to a close.

Congratulations to all the finalists for a job well done, and to all the contestants for an exciting contest and a weekend’s worth of thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.

Soon it was time for the after-hours get-togethers to also come to a close, with a final “farewell” party at the Big Blue, where  ETA’s and friends celebrated, mixed and mingled, saying their goodbyes with a touch of sadness -- but already looking forward with great enthusiasm to next year!

Kudos to producers Martin Fox & Michael King,  Paul Smith,  Steve Smith, Jay Ashton, Mike Rossi, Simone and Sioned,  Bernadine and Marie and to all those who worked behind the scenes, for a job extremely well done!


Details & Updates:
For  details regarding the annual Walk a Golden Mile In My Shoes Contest and brand new  Ultimate Elvis contest preliminary, check:
www.elviscontest.co.uk
www.elvis.com/ultimatecontest/
Photo credits
Special thanks to:   ETAs Peter O’Callaghan, Paul Richie & son Steve Rushton,  Rob Kingsley;  Paul Larcombe; photographer, Daniela Vagt; and fans Judith, Les & Lil, Tom & Joan, Helen, Debbie, Barbara and Carole.

Carol@ladyluckmusic.com

Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

Ladyluckmusic.com

3rd place winner, Rob Kingsley, from Scotland.. pictured here on the left  with Kjell Bjornestad

Winner and Grand Champion 2007, Oliver Steinhoff  from Germany (photo credit Daniela Vagt)

Winner and Grand Champion 2007, Oliver Steinhoff  from Germany

Paul Richie and The Rockettes kicked off the weekend with good old rock and roll music

Richard Atkins, star of Rockin' On Heaven's Door, was a guest performer

Finalist Paul Larcombe's first major competition

Ray Siberini as young Elvis!

Hard-working emcee and ETA Jay Ashton

Co-producer Martin Fox - well done Martin!

Images of the King 2005 winner, Mario

Germany's Dr. Kingsize (Klaus Kohlpaintner)

Winner of gospel contest...Shayne Prince

2nd place winner Simon Patrick from UK

Paul Larcombe and fan (photo courtesy Paul Larcombe)

waiting for the results to be announced - photo courtesy Helen Arnold

ETA Paul Richie with son Steve Rushton (member of Britain's fast rising Son of Dork band and a big Elvis fan too!).  Photo courtesy Paul& Steve

Kjell Bjornestad - guest performer and 2006 Champ

B &K Enterprises jewellery

Posing for the press and having some fun!  

Shayne Prince's enthusiastic supporters

Blackpool's Pleasure Beach complex

finalist Adam King

co-producer Michael King performed with the Power of Presley Showband and Sweet Sensations singers. Thanks for all your hard work Michael!

Mario, aka "Jailhouse King" from Germany

EPDJ, APEPTA'S hard-working Paul Smith,pictured here with wife Carol

Peter Sisman

18-year old Danny Allen from Scotland

Guest performer, Big Jim White, one of the UK's pioneer   

Carol with up-and-coming Elvis fans and ETA's!

the beautiful host hotel - the Big Blue

Awards being presented..here Oliver Steinhoff takes the winner's spotlight

l4-year old Cordel Roper...an ETA and a big Elvis fan

Butch and Kim of B & K Enterprises   

Mark Summers

Novice contestant

Cordel Roper and Alfie Sayers competed in the novice contest..well done!

Caitlin Dobbs, daughter of ETA Mark Dobbs, sang a beautiful "Don't Cry Daddy".

finalist Patrick Byrne - photo credit Peter O'Callaghan

2nd place winner Simon Patrick with fan (photo courtesy Peter O'Callaghan)

Slovenia's Radeck Von Goldmann

Marshall King was a finalist

Oliver Steinhoff and Klaus Kohlpaintner (Dr. Kingsize) from Germany are  both about 6'5" ...towering over Roy LeBlanc (kneeling in the middle)

Finalist Mike Nova

18-year old Danny Allen from Scotland

Carol with Rob Kingsley..photo courtesy Rob Kingsley

Canada’s Roy LeBlanc was a guest performer (photo credit Daniela Vagt)

guess whose leg this is

Rob Kingsley with life-long Elvis fan, Lily...photo courtesy Lily's husband, Leslie

All Elvis, all the time! - photo courtesy Peter O'Callaghan   

Special thanks to ETA Peter O'Callaghan  (The Elvis Xperience) from Ireland for sharing his pics

The “Rockin’ Reverend Steve Caprice’