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21ST ANNUAL SWEDISH ELVIS FESTIVAL
Vasteras, Sweden November 2003
The Swedish Elvis Festival is an annual event arranged by the official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Sweden. Some of Sweden’s top Elvis singers, musicians, and bands performed at this year’s Festival. One was Micke Muster, who is Sweden’s own Jerry Lee Lewis. Red Hot Max, a great rockabilly/rock and roll band from Sweden, was the house band for a good part of the event. Some of the artists who performed with Red Hot Max were: Göran Danielsson (from the internationally known band Rednex), the Elvis gospel singer, Kent Lundberg, Tone Norum, and Kvintetten Besk (”The Besk Quintet” in English). There was also a trivia quiz and many different vendors who were selling CD’s, LP’s, 45 rpm’s, books, t-shirts and other souvenirs. Other artists throughout the festival included the bands T-Cats, and Kyte, and singer Jan Rhode, from Norway, along with ETA’s Anders Karlstedt, Jorgen “Hubbas” Andersson, and Alexander Kling. One surprise entry was Franz von Bulow, dressed in the GI Blues uniform. He sang with a fantastic Elvis voice and I thought he was the best Elvis soundalike performing this year. Meikel Jungner, Sweden
(click here for a full feature report on the Swedish Elvis Festival...pics too.)

TIM E & THE YES MEN Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, London, Ontario. November 2003

Tim E and The Yes Men put on a great show in London's Hilton Ballroom. The room held about 600 people and it was jam-packed for this sold out event! Tim started the show with some fast songs from the movie years and within minutes the floor was jumping! It was really hard to sit still and just listen to all those great songs being re-created by Tim and his awesome sounding 10-piece band (the all-star band, together as “The Yes Men” since May 2003, includes long-time friends and musicians who are players in London’s top rock bands).The next set was done in the '68 Comeback leather outfit. After a while Tim grabbed his guitar and did a few songs while sitting on a chair much like Elvis had done during his TV Special. The last set was the icing on the cake! Tim emerged in his white Concho jumpsuit and really put on a great show. I don't think the dance floor was ever empty! Slow or fast songs, we all danced! Tim was very much at ease on stage, joked with his band members, and interacted well with all the women lining up for scarves. Overall, it was a fabulous show and a great night-- one I would definitely do again! Nigel Perreira, London, Ontario.

GINO MONOPOLI, Imperial Ballroom, Nobleton, Ontario. November 2003

Gino was AWESOME. He looks so much like Elvis and he was soooooo good!!!!!! He was singing from his heart and soul. His expressions were really and truly so much like Elvis that it made me shiver at times. Gino had three costume changes ...he wore the black pants and white jacket, looking so much like Elvis that it was breathtaking, then he changed into the black leather, and his final outfit was the black Ghi. He sang so many beautiful songs. Fever was very hot and the crowd went wild; he received a standing ovation. His rendition of Don't was excellent. Never Been to Spain brought the audience to their feet. Don't Cry Daddy was beautiful and he sang many more songs that were very touching and full of emotion. He received many standing ovations and the audience of close to 500 people responded with glee and enjoyment. They were so appreciative of his astounding tribute to Elvis. Gino’s rapport with the audience is just great ....overall he is, in my estimation, excellent, and his resemblance to Elvis is uncanny. Phyllis Deline, Ontario

WILLIAM STILES, Memories Theatre Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, November 2003
This nostalgic show is really 2 shows in one. Your evening begins with entertainment from various tribute artists that could include anyone from Buddy Holly to the Blues Brothers to Kenny Rogers and the Judds. These talented performers really know how to put on a show and are an awesome warm-up to the main event. Memories’ “Salute to Elvis” show has brought in some great ETAs including Eddie Miles and Lou Vuto – and the most recent Elvis to hit the stage is Memphis’ own Will Stiles. (This was my first time to see Will live, although I had heard a lot of his recordings on LadyLuck.) Will’s piercing blue eyes and genuine southern boy charm are enough to win anyone over but when this talented young man opens his mouth to sing, it is enough to send shivers down your spine. He favours an early 70s Elvis and he truly can captivate an audience with his ability to pull off some of the greatest Elvis songs ever recorded. An extra special treat is to hear Will sing with Charlie Hodge, who sang backup and played guitar in Elvis’ band for many years. This show is truly a treat for any Elvis fan and you can bet that this fan will be heading back to see it for many years to come! Tami Madore, Shawville, Quebec

LOU VUTO, Reflections Theatre, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, November 2003.
I first saw Lou Vuto at Memories Theatre in the fall of 2002 and he won me over that very first night. So much so, that we cut our trip to Nashville short and returned to Pigeon Forge to catch a second performance. Recently, Lou spread his wings and opened his very own theatre where he now performs his Reflections of Elvis show. Lou has been an ETA for over 8 years now and you can honestly see how practice makes perfect. His rich voice captures the essence of Elvis to the core but Lou’s stage presence and moves are so accurate that it is almost haunting. On top of everything, you will not meet a sweeter individual and one who treats his fans with tremendous respect.
I could go on and on about these two great performers (Will and Lou), but don’t just take my word for it. Check them out for yourself...you won’t be disappointed. Tami Madore, Shawville, Quebec

MEMPHIS MOTION’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY, Danny’s Ho Ho Restaurant, Brantford, Ontario. November 2003.

This fun-filled evening was brimming with many great performances. During the celebration, ETA’s Clint Lucier, Nigel Perreira, Rick Duin, Paul Ross, Marcus Wells, Doug Mckenzie, Dan Granger and Eric Kirkham gave stellar performances. Each ETA sang songs of their choice and many even surprised us with songs by their favorite artists including Garth Brooks, Chris Deburg, and Willie Nelson! Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without excellent performances by the ladies of Memphis Motion who were all in fine form as usual. Awards were given out to commemorate their 5th anniversary including an award for rookie of the year (Clint Lucier) and good will ambassador (Doug Mckenzie). This was a fun, casual night which everyone agreed....was great. Marie Lucier, Brantford, Ontario

ARIK CHRISTOPHER & DAVID LEE, Douglasville, Georgia, November 2003

Arik Christopher & David Lee performed in Douglasville, Georgia to celebrate Arik's 29th birthday! What a FANTASTIC show it was! Arik Christopher was on top of his game for that show, and pulled out the tunes of Elvis in the 50s with top quality! From the moment he walked out of the door and onto the stage he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. His uncanny resemblance to Elvis is hard to miss! David Lee, too, put on a fantastic performance. He sang the tunes of Elvis in the 70s, along with the power tunes, in a stunning new jumpsuit! They both took the stage at the end to do some songs together. The crowd was into it the whole time. What a wonderful show! A great pair! Cortney Amador, Georgia, USA

JOHNNY THOMPSON, “Legends Live” Show, Montreal, Quebec, November 2003
He was billed as the “Las Vegas Elvis” and he didn't disappoint. When ETA Johnny Thompson came out to perform his portion of what was an exceptional Legends type show, you could almost hear the collective gasp of the crowd as this slick and polished ETA made his way through the room, the personification of Las Vegas itself. The reaction to his appeal to the audience almost drowned out the seasoned pro, reminiscent of the screaming fans of early Beatlemania. Johnny rose to the occasion and upped the ante, belting out the great 70's standards while executing moves from the stage to the tabletops, thrilling the female audience at this sold-out event. His connection with the audience was instant and lasting, and his performance was as electric as the signs in Las Vegas....and Johnny Thompson is Las Vegas! Anna Watkins, LaSalle Quebec

ELVIS CHRISTMAS PARTY. Army/Navy Club, Mississauga, Ontario. December 2003

This family-oriented party brought fans and ETA’s together for a social evening of non-stop Elvis entertainment. Donations of money, toys, and food were also collected for the Salvation Army to distribute to needy families at Christmas time. Particpating ETA’s were James Begley, Jackson Begley, Brooke Cowitz, Rick Duin,: Tim E., Dan Granger, Clint Lucier, Doug MacKenzie, Jeff Marsh, Kevin Mills, Steven Pelleriti, Nigel Perreira, Robert Pooran, John Preston, Paul Ross, and Marcus Wells. All the ETA’s showed their talent and entertained with great enthusiasm - singing a mix of Elvis’ Christmas songs and songs from the 50's through to the 70's. The audience was equally enthusiastic and appreciative. I enjoyed seeing and listening to a mix of performances by seasoned pros, contest winners, rising stars, newcomers, and talented young children,. Of course, Santa’s appearance merits mention also. Thanks to co-hosts Kevin Mills and Sandra Gold. Carol Hunter, Ontario

RICK ALIVITI, Niagara Active Hose Firehall, Niagara Falls, New York, recent show

The Firehall was crowded with people for this show. Rick Alviti was really awesome. He looks and sounds so much like Elvis you just can’t believe it. During the first part of the show, Rick was in a black bolero suit with a white satin shirt. He took me up on stage with him and the women went crazy! I had a ball! Later, he changed into a light blue jumpsuit (which matched his blue eyes). The crowd loved him. He sang for almost 3 hours–all great Elvis tunes. He is not only a great entertainer but also a great guy who really loves his fans. Watch his website (www.rickalviti.com) for a return visit. You won’t be sorry! Norma Van Hise, New York, USA

BRUCE HERRON "Memories of Elvis" Show, Guelph, Ontario December 2003

This was the first time that I had seen Bruce perform and he was AWESOME!!! When he walked out on that stage wearing the Gold & Silver lame jacket I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Not only could he sing and dance, he was gorgeous. Returning to the stage for his second set, Bruce wowed the crowd when he came out in the G.I. outfit and sang movie songs - I actually had goose bumps watching him!!!. The crowd was enthusiastic and it was great to see the dance floor full of so many Elvis fans. I had a fantastic night ,and listening to Bruce perform songs from the 50's, 60's and 70's brought back so many wonderful memories for me. I would have to say my most memorable moment of the night was when Bruce came out for his final set dressed in a black jumpsuit with a red scarf around his neck. Needless to say, the scarf wasn't around his neck for long, I got the scarf and a great kiss to go with it!!! Some friends and I had the opportunity to talk with Bruce after his show - he was such a warm, friendly and geniune person, we'll definitely be back to see him. Diane Brecton, Stoney Creek, Ontario

GINO MONOPOLI/ PETE PAQUETTE "The Gino Monopoli Show,” Khanawake, Quebec. December 2003
Being as fortunate as I am living in Montreal, LLM’s home base, I have seen more than my share of excellent performers, but I always have to go and see Gino. Every time I see him he gets better and better, and tonight he didn’t disappoint! He did the 50's, 60's and 70's in a thoroughly entertaining tribute. He was Collingwood’s winner this year and he showed us why. An unannounced surprise guest was 50's R&R sensation, Pete Paquette, and he rocked the room with his incredible Elvis voice and all the moves to match. The boys got up together at the end of the night and sang Blue Christmas together. It was a great show. Peggy Dowarte, Lasalle, Quebec

EDDIE MILES, Sumter Co. Cultural Center, Sumter, South Carolina. December 2003

I just got home from Eddie’s Sumter concert and my husband and I thought it was awesome. We are a military family and have traveled the world and have seen many Elvis type concerts and I have to say none compare to Eddie. We purchased a CD and a DVD at the concert and Eddie signed them. This was a very special purchase because it was for my husband, Monty, who will be taking it overseas. We were so impressed with Eddie's patriotic tribute and comments about the military. I noticed that the majority of the crowd was older than us but my husband and I are diehard Elvis fans and are glad the music and tradition can live on. We enjoyed seeing the smiles of the little kids that were there too. But the best part of all was when he mentioned the military. That may sound selfish but being an active duty military spouse, I know what it means to our military members when someone as special as Eddie Miles takes time to mention them. This was our first Eddie Miles concert but it surely won’t be the last. Please let him know that his music will be making a trip overseas this winter. It won’t be to the warm Caribbean, but it will make an impact on a lot of service members who will get to share in his concert. God Bless Eddie Miles. Judi Roby Alonso, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, South Carolina, USA

JAMES DEVERAUX, The Elvis Express Charity Event. The Hanover Bar, Brighton, England. December 2003.
What can I say! A FANtastic time was had by all on December 11. The tribute artist for the evening was a very young (19), and very talented young man named James Deveraux, who agreed to perform free, so more money could be put into the charity supported by The Elvis Express in England for terminally ill children (called the Chestnut Tree House). James performed several Christmas songs and, of course, the usual favourites of the fans. His age didn't sway you from the illusion at all, and many fans wanted signed photos after his performance! The evening raised £500! James' costumes were The American Eagle and The Blue Phoenix suit. Both looked great as he re-created the whole Elvis look. With his own hair, and no sunglasses, this was a welcomed break from other tribute artists who hide behind their 'disguise'! His voice was unmistakable and you would never guess his age from his voice. It was amazing. It really was a great night! Michelle Coldwell-Simons, Brighton, England.

JESSE ARON Capital Credit Union Christmas Party, Appleton, Wisconsin. December 2003.

Just saw Jesse Aron at the Capitol Credit Union Christmas party this afternoon. He was JUST FABULOUS. I was the only one in attendance that ever saw Elvis in person (in fact the same year that he died). Jesse Aron is the most impressive impressionist I have ever seen (I've seen some locals and seen the ones in Vegas). His voice is the closest to sounding like Elvis ever and I found myself watching his face and thinking he could almost be Elvis’ son! Please thank him for the most wonderful afternoon of entertaining and reminiscing about Elvis. I especially would like cheer him on in Milwaukee at the upcoming Elvis contests. GOOD LUCK to him in all his endeavors!! Julie, Wisconsin, USA