FanViews from Around the World

Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

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FanViews from around the world.
Fans report in on tribute performances
they've seen and liked.

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Elvis Tribute Artists Radio

Ladyluckmusic.com

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Anthony Von

Leo Days

Zachary - age 6

Nigel Perreira

Ryan Pelton

ANTHONY VON, Tivoli Theatre, Hamilton, Ontario. October 2003. Anthony gave one of his best performances ever during this show as he portrayed Elvis at different stages of his career from the early Elvis through to the concert years. He really was "HOT." One song he sang was “Angel” and he does an excellent rendition of this song. He had 8 costume changes including a new blue jacket like the one Elvis wore in Spinout.. He also had a new jumpsuit...the stringed one. His moves were just great! This was a fabulous show! Phyllis Deline, Ontario

(check out some photos of Anthony Von in action at the recent LadyLuckMusic Montreal Showcase)

LEO DAYS, Radisson Hotel Banquet Room, Mississauga, Ontario. October 2003. What I liked about Leo is how NATURALLY talented and handsome he is. Even his "Elvis" moves seem to be so easy for him. I loved him in the denim outfit because he is so young and it suited him. It certainly brought back nice memories of seeing Elvis in the movie "Loving You". When Leo came into the audience, I actually got the shivers because I was sitting on the end of the aisle about where Elvis' mother sat when she appeared in that movie. For a split second, I thought I was on a movie set with Elvis. Leo did an excellent tribute to Elvis, and I would go to see him again in a flash. Marlene Hall, Ontario

LEGENDS SHOW (producer Phyllis Deline),Oshawa Little Theatre, Ontario October 2003. Six artists were featured, with each of the “legends” being introduced by comedian, musician, and MC, Victor J Hanson. Gino Monopoli gave a chilling portrayal of Elvis in his younger years and was a big hit with the audience. Zachary (age 6), accompanied by Victor Hanson on guitar, endeared himself to the crowd as “a little Elvis.” Other “legends” portrayed were Reba McIntyre (Karen Grainger), Tom Jones (Lou Nelson), and Buddy Holly (Jeff Scott) who each gave stellar performances. These shows are held every October and March and always sell out. Pauline King, Ontario

ETA JAM, London Pub, Richmond Hill, Ontario. October 2003 This informal Sunday night jam session was held in a local pub/restaurant owned by ETA Kevin Mills (a previous winner of the Images of Elvis contest). Each ETA sang 3 songs and answered Elvis trivia questions. ETA’s making appearances included Kevin Mills, Anthony Von, Gino Monopoli, Marcus Wells, John Preston, Nigel Perreira, Bob James, Rick Duin, James Begley, Dave Robinson, Jeff Marsh, Robert Pooran, Doug MacKenzie, Brooke Cowitz, and “Little Steven” (age 6) . We were also treated to an incredible acapella version of Amazing Grace by Canadian Idol finalist, Faith. The restaurant was packed with fans and ETA’s who came from all over for this social get together. Carol Hunter, Ontario

RYAN PELTON, Legends in Concert, Myrtle Beach, SC, October 2003. Ryan’s performance was excellent. He began with the early Elvis years, singing Jailhouse Rock and other songs of that era. He had the looks, voice, moves, and personality of Elvis. It was as though Elvis’ spirit was in the room as Ryan tossed out teddy bears and interacted with the audience. When he did the later years, he came out in the karate style jumpsuit, and when I made my way to the stage he graciously presented a scarf to me. He did the later years so much the way Elvis did, and even went into the audience with a few more scarves. He closed his performance singing 'American Trilogy' to which everyone stood and applauded..Betsy Humphries, South Carolina

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THANE DUNN and the Cadillac Kings, Harrison Trimble Auditorium, Moncton, New Brunswick, November 2003.

This show was a great success! Initially planned to only last for 2 hours (8-10 pm) it didn’t end until after ll pm ...when Thane and his band received a 3-minute standing ovation from the crowd of more than 500 people who came out to see the show on a cold and windy evening. Starting with the standard CC Rider performance, other songs followed on the bill the likes of: American Trilogy, How Great Thou Art, Never Been to Spain and a classic even among other classics, Blue Suede Shoes. A 4-piece choir was also brought in to perform the gospel music in addition to the Cadillac Kings’ already hefty 8-piece band. Thane Dunn and the Cadillac Kings are already planning another show in the middle of December for the downtown Miramichi area of New Brunswick with other dates being announced as they become available. Michel Thibeau, New Brunswick

RONNIE MCDOWELL, The Elvis Story, Will RogersTheatre, Branson, Missouri. Hallowe'en Weekend, 2003.

One may think of people contacting Houdini's spirit at Hallowe’en, but Ronnie McDowell contacted the soul of Elvis in this performance. He exploded with Baby, Let's Play House backed by Scotty Moore's ‘father of rockabilly’ guitar licks. The progression of "The Elvis Story" was explained with style and humorous patter by Ronnie, Scotty, and the Jordanaires. Heartbreak Hotel was flawless with the keyboard player and Scotty shining on the solos. Never have I heard the early years of the "King" so well represented. D.J’.s riff-rolls on Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog were great! D.J. and Ronnie's son provided stereo rockabilly beat on the two sets of drums. The Jordanaires are brilliant with their harmony and humor. My favorites are the backup on Peace In The Valley and Blue Christmas.

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Millie Kirkham, a soprano who sang on Elvis’ sessions and on Patsy Cline’s, gave Blue Christmas a unique sound. Ronnie sang to a lady who turned out to be a friend of Gladys Presley’s and had actually stayed at Graceland for a long period of time because Elvis wanted his mother to have company when he wasn't around. The song was Devil in Disguise which was powerful and also showed Ronnie's humor. It's the theme he sings on the TV show "Karen Sisco." In my opinion Ronnie can sing anything. The Wonder of You still runs through my head several days later. I stood in the autograph line for over an hour, but it was worth it to say hi to the people who changed many of our lives. I bought one of Ronnie's prints of "The World's Greatest Rock "N" Roll Band" and had it autographed. Thank you, Elvis! Thank you, Ronnie, Scotty and D. J. for the time travel and showing us that everything old can be new again. A show I could see again and again! Riverboat Banjo Bob Ayres, Nebraska, USA

EDDIE MILES, War Memorial Auditorium, Greensboro, North Carolina. September 2003

Eddie Miles performed in Greensboro with Ed Enoch/Golden Covenant and his Showband, along with the talented Diane Bailey, who sang backup for Eddie at his theater in Myrtle Beach, and singers, Cympl Touch, who did a great job. There were over 1,500 fans in the audience who had waited almost a year to see Eddie do this show and they welcomed him with thunderous applause. It was wonderful. From the moment he stepped onto the stage until he left it, I was in awe.

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Eddie sang How Great Thou Art with Golden Covenant and received a standing ovation. It was like seeing Elvis do it. I saw Elvis Presley 4 times. The first time I saw him was in Greensboro also. There were at least 4 other standing ovations throughout the show, including one for Hurt. When Eddie sang the line in One Night “just call my name” we all screamed out “Eddie”. After the show, Eddie came out and signed autographs and stayed until the very last fan had left. Eddie is a master at portraying Elvis’ music and look. Every aspect of his show is so professional. I always get caught up in Eddie’s concerts. It’s like going back to another time and place when I saw Elvis. This was a magical night I’ll always remember. Betty Wicks, North Carolina, USA

Thane Dunn

Eddie Miles

photo credit: James Roy

SCOT BRUCE Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, Portsmouth, Ohio. November 2003
This was the first time we had seen Scot Bruce perform. He did a great job impersonating the young Elvis.. He's such a handsome guy and moves constantly - very energetic and very entertaining. You just couldn’t help but feel the excitement with him! He did the "lip curl" a lot and made a joke of it -- the crowd loved that. He also laughed a lot about the fact that his leg "just wouldn't stop moving" even when he was talking. It was all very tasteful (even though he was making fun, in a sense), sort of like Elvis himself would do. His band was awesome. They were dressed exactly like the old pictures of The Blue Moon Boys. Scot sang
Blue Moon of Kentucky and Mystery Train with the guys up front with him....much like Elvis did and the illusion he created was unbelievable. It was Elvis, Scotty, D.J., Bill, and rockabilly at its best! We were able to talk with Scot. He was very gracious to us. We took pictures after the show, but were not allowed to take them during the show (even though I did sneak one in). If you ever have a chance to go see him, go. I know you'll enjoy his show. Terry Claxon, Ohio, USA

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CHRIS PURTEE Porky’s Last Stand, Marco Island, Florida. October 2003
This venue is a popular restaurant at Marco Island. Every fall, people from England, Germany, and many northern states return to Marco to see Chris’s show called “Tribute to the King.” Chris starts his show as the young Elvis and covers all three phases of Elvis’ career. It’s unbelievable how much he looks, moves and sounds like Elvis. He captures the heart of every age group with his vocal ability and amazing resemblance to Elvis. Chris is a dedicated and authentic performer. He also interacts well with his fans (even jumping on chairs or tables so that the fans can see him clearly and get a good photo of him). The Fort Myers Elvis Meetup group went to Chris’s show - it was the first time many of the women had seen him and I loved watching their faces when Chris went up to sing to them! Chris has no idea how many people he makes so happy with his shows. Cathy Hall, Fort Myers, Florida

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JAY ZANIER, ANTHONY VON Black Forest Inn, Conestoga, Ontario.
November 2003
Jay and Anthony were very entertaining. Anthony came on first, then Jay, and then they alternated their singing, with each singing a few songs at a time. Anthony portrayed the young Elvis and Jay did the later Elvis songs. One song I really enjoyed was Hurt. Jay did a fantastic job of this song. His voice is deep and very mellow. It was just an all around awesome show. It is well worth seeing again. Liz Mahoney, Ontario

I really enjoyed the show put on by two previous champions from Collingwood (Anthony) and Orillia (Jay). Each has a unique style and they really complement each other. There was never a boring moment. Their costume changes by era were great and they sang each song well. They were backed by Jerry and the Coasters, an accomplished band in their own right, and exceptional back up for Elvis music. Jay and Anthony really enjoy what they do, and give it their all. Meeting with them after, you are received with such undivided attention. They had lots of compliments after the show. A wonderful evening.
Marie White, Ontario.

Jay Zanier & Anthony Von

Scot Bruce

Chris Purtee

TRAVIS LEDOYT, Harrah’s Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, November 2003

Harrah's Casino is proud to present Travis LeDoyt every Friday and Saturday night until December 20 -- and proud they should be! Travis absolutely wowed the near-capacity crowd during his opening weekend on November 7/8 (I flew all the way from Ontario for this opening weekend and it was definitely worth it!). His performances were entirely energetic and charismatic, mixed with southern charm and playfulness. His interaction with the audience is so natural and during his rendition of Love Me Tender on Saturday night there was an eerie silence. His voice is so pure and “Elvis-like” that it brought tears to my eyes! If you’re in Tunica, this is a show you won’t want to miss! Ronda Marson, Ontario

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Travis LeDoyt

PETE IRWIN , SHON CARROLL & guests Plainsman Restaurant, Dundas, Ontario. November 2003.
There was an Elvis for everyone at this show! Shon Carroll aka “The Canadian Flash,” provided an energetic, electric performance with the “moves” he is known for. And can he work a room--singing both the young Elvis fast songs and the beautiful early ballads! Pete Irwin delivered a sultry, charismatic, Elvis-like portrayal that had the audience listening in rapt silence one moment, and screaming in adulation the next. Pete earned four standing ovations for his beautiful and powerful renditions of My Way, Mountain, How Great and If I Can Dream. Coupled with this was an appearance by Canadian Idol finalist, Faith MacMillan, showing why she was a finalist and thrilling the audience with her strong but sweet voice. Faith also combined with Brooke Cowitz to perform a surprisingly good version of Fever. A crowd favourite, tiny Steven Pelleriti, sang from a tabletop so he could be seen by everyone, while his big sister, Julia, did a hula backup. Of course, the food and service were excellent, which, combined with the show, provided a night to remember. Len Brittain, Ontario
(Click here for more pics of Shon Carroll at the LadyLuck Performers’ Showcase in Montreal)

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ShonCarroll and Pete Irwin

Pete Irwin at autograph table.

RICK ALVITI, Keyport Town and Country, New Jersey (recent show).

The fans love Rick. He is very caring and interactive with his fans and his demeanor is like Elvis’. He greets all the fans before the show and you can get pictures with him. He gets the crowd going with great songs and moves around the room, getting a few fans to come up during certain songs to dance. He does do a jumpsuit change from a white tassel suit to his blue and there’s his black leather that the girls go wild over! I like all his songs but one that really got me was last year’s big hit Little Less Conversation. Rick sounded just like the new mixed version! The band was great and Rick tells a few stories (for example, his uncle used to be landscaper at Graceland for Elvis). With his personality and charisma he charms the ladies and he thanks the gents for coming as well. Whether you are an Elvis fan or not, Rick gives you a great show. He has a wide variety of songs and closes with a hit song for an encore. Young kids and older people go to his shows and they all have fun. I hope to see many more shows. Ben Anderson, Pennsylvania

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Rick Alviti