Shawn Klush, winner of EPE's "Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist" contest and the BBC's "World's Greatest Elvis" tribute artist contest, has been in demand and “on the road” in many parts of the world--most recently during tours of the United Kingdom and Australia--in addition to sailing the seas on cruise ships, recording new songs in Spain, and working on exciting new projects. For Canadian fans who wondered if they would see Shawn again any time soon, the Maritime tour kicked off what is to be a banner year, with appearances at theatres and festivals from coast to coast.
The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna, Estelle, and Portia), of course, were Elvis' backup singers during the concert years from 1969-77, performing with Elvis on over 1200 live concert performances. Special guest, award-winning Pete Paquette from Van Kleek Hill, Ontario, is the current popular Collingwood Elvis Festival “Early Years” champion.
This was the group’s first trip to the Maritimes, and over a 7-day period they entertained fans in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Dalhousie Arts Centre); Saint John, New Brunswick (The Imperial Theatre); Glace Bay, Nova Scotia (The Savoy Theatre); Fredericton, New Brunswick (The Playhouse Theatre); Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (The Confederation Centre of the Arts); and Moncton, New Brunswick (The Capitol Theatre).
And now for the feedback and reviews!
Pete Paquette, who opened the show each night, recalls some of the highlights of the tour from his perspective as a performer (thanks, Pete!):
“The fans were great! They expected nothing but the best from all of the performers. When it came time to greet the fans after each show, they would often come up to us and compliment us on how much detail we both put into our show to look, sound, and perform as Elvis. The fans were definitely well "Elvisly" educated. They were very enthusiastic about Elvis and they were there to have fun.”
“I was asked to open the show as Elvis in the 50s. As an opening act, it can be a little stressful at times because you have to wake up the crowd, place the bar high, and give the audience a taste of the type of quality and showmanship they can expect from the
performers coming up next. I tried to deliver a lot of energy and authenticity and made sure that most of the songs I was singing were Elvis' hits in that period, so people could recognize the songs and sing along.”
“The beautiful and definitely 'sweet' Sweet Inspirations were nothing less than legendary. In each show, they came on after the intermission and gave the audience chills as they sang a capella. During their performances, the fans were always very silent, for they were in 'awe' of what they were witnessing. The Sweet Inspirations are not only great singers, but their cool down-to-earth personalities on and off-stage also made these gals worthwhile seeing and meeting.”
“As for Shawn Klush, he gave nothing but his best. Apart from having a strong resemblance to Elvis, it is Shawn’s powerful voice, his energy, his mannerisms, and the way he commands the stage that make you believe you are watching Elvis. These assets are what make him a pro in this industry. During each of his performances, Shawn sang "Amazing Grace" with the Sweet Inspirations, accompanied solely by a piano. This intimate segment was always an audience favourite.”
“At the end, the shows always closed with Shawn singing "American Trilogy", and as all three acts were introduced for a final bow, the crowds, in a standing ovation, never failed to show their appreciation.”
“The promoters, Stephen Spark and his wife Sharon ( Rhinestone Entertainment Productions Inc.) were absolutely wonderful to work with. They gave 100% effort to make sure everything went as scheduled and the performers were well taken care of.”
“The tour for me was definitely a great experience.”
Fan feedback was also extremely positive as can be seen from the following samples:
“Been a fan of Elvis over 50 years...fantastic..great show...loved everything about it”“
“Does Elvis actually jump in there with you (Shawn) sometimes and help out. Just amazed at how much of him you have mastered....went to the show not expecting to be impressed but when I got closer and you reached for my hand, I thought my legs would give away. Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Absolutely riveting performance. Thank you so much for keeping the memory and the spirit of Elvis alive through his and your music.”
“I LOVED your show, I've been a Elvis fan since I was 2 years old (seriously) and thanks to you I had the chance to see "him" on stage!!!!!!!!! You made my year!!! “
“Saw first concert in Saint John, New Brunswick, one and a half hours from where I live. Next night, I had to go see them again in Fredericton. I could have kept following them. I am a great fan of Elvis, and there are not enough words to say how good they are.”
And, finally, as we all know, the media often tend to be a little less than enthusiastic about “Elvis impersonators” but not in this case!
Derrick Blaquiere, reporter for a Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island newspaper, who also happens to be a knowledgeable Elvis fan, wrote an independent review titled “Reviewer Can’t Help Falling in Love With Elvis Impersonator, and stated: “Shawn Klush plays Elvis better than any impersonator I’ve ever seen.” “The show he put on in Charlottetown could only be outdone by the real Mr. Presley.” “Unbelievable.” “He really knows his stuff....a dream come true for the Elvis connoisseur.”
Blaquiere went on to praise Pete Paquette’s “commendable performance” and the “sweet angelic voices of the Sweet Inspirations,” concluding “if you didn’t get to see Klush’s Maritime tour, make sure you don’t miss out the next time.”
Kudos to all involved for a job well done!
Fans will have a chance to see this show again when it comes to Ontario in April for another 6-city tour.
For upcoming schedules and websites, check:
www.shawnklush.net
www.sweetinspirations.org
www.myspace.com/pete_paquette
The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna, Estelle, and Portia), of course, were Elvis' backup singers during the concert years from 1969-
This was the group’s first trip to the Maritimes, and over a 7-
And now for the feedback and reviews!
Pete Paquette, who opened the show each night, recalls some of the highlights of the tour from his perspective as a performer (thanks, Pete!):
“The fans were great! They expected nothing but the best from all of the performers. When it came time to greet the fans after each show, they would often come up to us and compliment us on how much detail we both put into our show to look, sound, and perform as Elvis. The fans were definitely well "Elvisly" educated. They were very enthusiastic about Elvis and they were there to have fun.”
“I was asked to open the show as Elvis in the 50s. As an opening act, it can be a little stressful at times because you have to wake up the crowd, place the bar high, and give the audience a taste of the type of quality and showmanship they can expect from the
performers coming up next. I tried to deliver a lot of energy and authenticity and made sure that most of the songs I was singing were Elvis' hits in that period, so people could recognize the songs and sing along.”
“The beautiful and definitely 'sweet' Sweet Inspirations were nothing less than legendary. In each show, they came on after the intermission and gave the audience chills as they sang a capella. During their performances, the fans were always very silent, for they were in 'awe' of what they were witnessing. The Sweet Inspirations are not only great singers, but their cool down-
“As for
“At the end, the shows always closed with Shawn singing "American Trilogy", and as all three acts were introduced for a final bow, the crowds, in a standing ovation, never failed to show their appreciation.”
“The promoters, Stephen Spark and his wife Sharon ( Rhinestone Entertainment Productions Inc.) were absolutely wonderful to work with. They gave 100% effort to make sure everything went as scheduled and the performers were well taken care of.”
“The tour for me was definitely a great experience.”
Fan feedback was also extremely positive as can be seen from the following samples:
“Been a fan of Elvis over 50 years...fantastic..great show...loved everything about it”“
“Does Elvis actually jump in there with you (Shawn) sometimes and help out. Just amazed at how much of him you have mastered....went to the show not expecting to be impressed but when I got closer and you reached for my hand, I thought my legs would give away. Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Absolutely riveting performance. Thank you so much for keeping the memory and the spirit of Elvis alive through his and your music.”
“I LOVED your show, I've been a Elvis fan since I was 2 years old (seriously) and thanks to you I had the chance to see "him" on stage!!!!!!!!! You made my year!!! “
“Saw first concert in Saint John, New Brunswick, one and a half hours from where I live. Next night, I had to go see them again in Fredericton. I could have kept following them. I am a great fan of Elvis, and there are not enough words to say how good they are.”
And, finally, as we all know, the media often tend to be a little less than enthusiastic about “Elvis impersonators” but not in this case!
Derrick Blaquiere, reporter for a Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island newspaper, who also happens to be a knowledgeable Elvis fan, wrote an independent review titled “Reviewer Can’t Help Falling in Love With Elvis Impersonator, and stated: “Shawn Klush plays Elvis better than any impersonator I’ve ever seen.” “The show he put on in Charlottetown could only be outdone by the real Mr. Presley.” “Unbelievable.” “He really knows his stuff....a dream come true for the Elvis connoisseur.”
Blaquiere went on to praise Pete Paquette’s “commendable performance” and the “sweet angelic voices of the Sweet Inspirations,” concluding “if you didn’t get to see Klush’s Maritime tour, make sure you don’t miss out the next time.”
Kudos to all involved for a job well done!
Fans will have a chance to see this show again when it comes to Ontario in April for another 6-
For upcoming schedules and websites, check:
www.shawnklush.net
www.sweetinspirations.org
www.myspace.com/pete_paquette
“On the road” photos courtesy of Terri Mueller and Pete Paquette
“Elvis” recently made an appearance in Canada’s Maritime provinces in the form of tribute artists Shawn Klush and Pete Paquette, along with the Sweet Inspirations, members of the Fabulous Ambassadors show band, and promoter Stephen Spark, as they toured to 6 cities, in 3 provinces. From all accounts the tour was a great success and fun – with positive feedback from fans, performers, and the media alike. Read on!
Steve's Diner in Moncton attracted a lot of attention with this sign!
Having fun at a road stop...with the group still looking to see a real moose for the first time! Pictured here, (back) members of Fabulous Ambassadors band, Pete Paquette (partially hidden); (front) Stephen Spark, Sweet Inspirations, Terry Mueller.
The group enjoying a meal at Steve's Diner, foreground (left) Shawn Klush, Myrna Smith, (right) assistant Terri Mueller
Shawn Klush in concert received rave reviews from the fans.
Promoter Stephen Spark, with Shawn Klush
The Sweet Inspirations awed the crowd with their angelic voices
The Sweets enjoyed signing autographs. Pictured here after a show with Stephen Spark
A promo shot of Pete Paquette, who wowed the crowds as the '50's Elvis
Pete Paquette shown here in an informal pose with promoter Stephen Spark
The signs said "Moose" but alas none were to be seen
