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ROBIN KELLY. Ralph’s Texas Bar & Grill, Medicine Hat, Alberta, January 2004.
We had the pleasure of watching Robin Kelly perform his tribute to the KING of Rock 'n' Roll in Medicine Hat, Alberta on January 22, 2004. This was only our second live ETA show and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We have been Elvis fans since the early 60's and Robin helped to bring back some great memories. Keep up the great work, Robin! Bob and Marie Opsahl , Medicine Hat, Alberta

Spent two wonderful evenings with Robin Kelly rocking and a rolling in Southern Alberta. Both nights Robin had the crowd dancing in their seats and on the dance floor. With his awesome voice and hip shaking moves the crowds were cheering loudly. Then the second half the leather appeared and the girls went wild. As you can see by the smile on his face, he was enjoying the shows as much as the crowds were. Robin Kelly is one ETA not to miss. Keep up the wonderful work ,Robin, and hope to see you again soon. Bonnie Firman, Medicine Hat, Alberta

ROY PROPES. Scranton Liderkrantz, Scranton, Pennsylvania, January 2004

We just saw ETA Roy Propes live tonight (Jan. 31, 2004). He did 2 great shows and it was sold out. He did “Hurt” as close to Elvis that I’ve ever heard. The crowd was on their feet for both shows and he threw out 75 scarves to the crowd. The crowd loved the way he did the ‘77 version of “Unchained Melody.” We thought he had left, but he returned for more songs. He was on stage for an hour and a half. He has the moves, the look, and the voice. Everyone said if you closed your eyes you would have thought Elvis was there. The crowd loved him! What a guy. He is such a nice man. After the show he went to everyone in the building leaving no-one turned down. Thanks so much, Roy. Your number one fans...Mike and Dee Crea, Pennsylvania, USA

RYAN PELTON, MIKE MORRISSETTE, JOHNNY LOOS, Cornwall, Ontario, January 2004
I was lucky to see the show in Cornwall ,on Jan.21 with Ryan Pelton, Mike Morrissette, and Johnny Loos. The show was great with a live band. Johnny played the crowd and they loved it. Mike had everyone up on their feet asking for more of his powerful voice. Then there was Ryan –he did a little of every thing with a couple of songs that had his fans in tears including me.The performers were just wonderful and kind with every one after the show taking pictures and signing scarves for their fans. Can't wait to see them perform again. Great job guys! Maria Watkins, Quebec

ROBIN KELLY, Casino Edmonton, Alberta, January
Robin came out in black dress slacks with a flaming red dress jacket. During the evening he sang some of Elvis’ really “rockin’ and rollin’ songs, and then alternated those with some of Elvis’ sweet ballads. In the second set Robin came out in the Elvis army outfit (where do I sign up?). He also did a tear-away change into an Elvis Hawaiian outfit and sang several of Elvis’ Blue Hawaii songs, so beautifully. It was so special, not only because Robin has an incredible voice, but because of his respectful tribute to Elvis. I have seen quite a few Elvis tributes, however Robin lives what he feels, which is to only do a tribute that pays true respected to the entertainer Elvis Presley. Robin closed with another change into Elvis’ Speedway outfit. It was an evening of awesome musical talent and Elvis memories. Fran Lawson, Edmonton, Alberta

GINO MONOPOLI, WITH RUDY SALERNO AND THE ANGELS BAND. Cambridge, Ontario February 2004

In the line-up at the door you could feel the excitement and anticipation of the musical event we were about to experience. Most of the audience was female but there were a few “brave" husbands and boyfriends who were there! The band got into place, tuned up and the lights dimmed. Gino Monopoli was about to arrive. As the music got louder, the dressing room door opened--it was Gino Monopoli, Canadian Grand Champion, who recently added a 1st place win in the Elvis Extravaganza in Las Vegas, Nevada! The first "Elvis era" was portrayed in a black and white costume and involved powerful favourites like Teddy Bear, and Shake Rattle and Roll all sung with incredible talent, heart and intensity. You could feel the "spirit" of the Elvis songs, blended with a touch of Gino Monopoli's "Italian attitude". In fact one song drifted into a wonderful surprise of Italian lyrics. "It's Now or Never" was finished off with "O Solo Mio" much to the delight of the packed house. .All too soon the first set was over. The evening's purpose, as well as being a Valentine’s event/dance, was to support the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank and by the look of the full room - the evening would be considered a wonderful success! When the lights dimmed again we were entertained by Gino dressed in the black leather ‘68 Comeback Special outfit. This set was different because many in the audience crept up closer to the stage instead of sitting so far away from the energy of Rudy Salerno on the drums and his talented band. It had the casual intimacy of the original "68" setting with loyal fans clapping and swaying to the songs and humour offered by Mr. Monopoli. I, for one, felt more a part of this evening by swaying side to side, slow dancing or just standing close to where the "action" was. It was a good vantage point also for those with cameras. At one point when Gino was catching his breath from a particularly lively tune, he remarked how it can be difficult to promote a show featuring "an Elvis tribute artist" because some people think "oh no - not another one". One thing is for certain--Gino Monopoli is not "another one". Yes, he does do a tribute show of Elvis songs - but spiced up with a big helping of Gino and his own personality. Trust me on this one - yes, I love Elvis music - we even had Elvis music in the church during our wedding on August 16 almost 24 years ago - but when you see a show advertised as a "GINO MONOPOLI - TRIBUTE TO ELVIS" be prepared to be totally entertained by Gino Monopoli ,the man himself, who sings Elvis songs with a special flair, amuses you with his " boyish" humour, and treats the people in his audiences as the special people we are and not just fans who buy tickets and sit in the seats. I am a #1 Gino Monopoli fan and you will be too. WATCH FOR HIM - HE HASN'T LEFT THE BUILDING!!! Shari L. Weaver , Cambridge, Ontario.

BILLY WAYDE, Elvis Contests, Houston, Texas, January 2004

Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, celebrated Elvis Presley's birthday on Saturday, January 10th with an Elvis look-alike contest and a $1000 first prize. The winner, Billy Wayde, of Surfside, Texas was the overwhelming crowd favourite, winning this contest for the second year in a row. The previous day, Billy Wayde won the Elvis contest at the Hard Rock Café in Houston. At the Race Park contest, there were about 5,000 people in attendance (it was packed). Billy wore a white jumpsuit and sang American Trilogy. There were 20 contestants. The audience loved him and he received a standing ovation. At the Hard Rock Café contest the day before, there were about 500 people in the audience, and it was packed too. There were 22 competitors and Billy sang Suspicious Minds, again wearing a white jumpsuit. The crowd was screaming and hollering. His picture was in the Houston Chronicle the next day. Everyone who sees Billy says he looks so much like Elvis, and he has the vocals to back it up. Keep an eye on the #1 Houston Elvis impersonator, Billy Wayde! Steve Fountain Kingwood, TX

WALK A MILE IN MY GOLDEN SHOES CONVENTION & CONTEST, Blackpool, England, Jan30-Feb1

Congratulations to Martin Fox and Dave Sumpter for their hard work in putting together this convention. When I arrived Friday, I saw an army of Elvis tribute artists getting their photos taken. There were also were plenty of fans out in force all weekend long which made for a special and electric atmosphere. I watched the contest heats on Friday evening and witnessed some incredible performances by some top ETA’s. Some were vocally better than others, while some had beautiful jumpsuits and the moves to go with them. ETA’s who really stood out for me were Matt King and Jay Ashton. Incidentally Matt went on to win the contest in the end. I also caught up with Eddie Vee, the Yorkshire Elvis, who was doing a 12 hour singing marathon on Saturday, with profits going to charity. It would also be an attempt at a world record. As Friday night drew to a close, the results of the amateur and professional contest were announced. There were a few surprises, and I felt gutted for a few of the contestants who wouldn’t be in the semi finals. Saturday morning saw the continuation of the contests, at the semi final stage. Eddie Vee was also in action, having started his day’s work at 10am. I also looked over the memorabilia stall and purchased a few items. I was drafted in as a judge for the contest. The two real standout performers for me were Matt King and Vladimir Lichnovsky. Adam Hankinson really impressed me in the amateur contest, and his quality was shown throughout the entire event as he walked away at the end of the weekend as winner.

Marking each contestant was a very difficult task and gave me a real headache having to spot differences in quality between them all. Next, it was back to go support Eddie Vee....he still had a good few hours to go until 10 pm! The Black Elvis head to head contest between the USA’s Bibby Simmons and the UK’s Colbert Hamilton was, in the end, declared a draw. I spoke with both Bibby and Colbert on Saturday night and we all agreed a draw should be the right outcome. Four-year-old Jack Williams was the winner of the under 16 category. He really had the audience spellbound. The contest finals took place in the evening, and were followed by Michael King and his live band. The room was fully packed with people wanting to watch the finals, and of course, Michael King. I went to cheer on Eddie Vee in his final hour. At 10 pm he ended his magnificent performance, having sung 242 songs in the 12 hours, which also included 26 songs in 1 hour, and somehow still miraculously had his voice intact! Michael King and his band were spectacular and impressed many people. Sunday morning, there was a wedding vow renewal service and Martin Fox gave a great heart-felt performance. Bibby Simmons also gave us two wonderful songs, and Eddie Vee wrapped it up with his rendition of Can’t Help Falling In Love. All in all it was an enjoyable and interesting weekend. Congratulations to all contest winners and thanks to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to during the event. John Ashton, England

BILLY WAYDE, “The Sands” Houston, Texas, February 2004

This was a Valentine’s legends show featuring Dean Scott and guests performing as Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Righteous Brothers, etc. The last set was saved for ETA Billy Wayde and his “Mirrored Images” performance. The crowd was over capacity..and ”The Sands” seats about 450. When Billy was introduced and walked out on stage, the audience reaction was pure astonishment at how much Billy resembles Elvis! Billy started off singing “Burning Love” and sang other songs such as “Hurt,” “American Trilogy, “ ”How Great Thou Art,” etc. He definitely won over the crowd and they enjoyed his costume changes too, from the black leather to the Aloha jumpsuit. When Billy was finished, he was presented on stage (by Goodson Honda) 2 round trip tickets to Augusta, Georgia for the CSRA Elvis impersonator contest. The audience was happy to know that he would be competing and representing Houston, Texas. Steve Fountain, Kingwood, TX
( Email:elvisbillywayde@yahoo.com Phone:979-233-6714)

BILLY REBEL - CKRK 103.7 FM RADIO STATION, Recent Performance
I had the great pleasure of being present during a rare appearance by Billy Rebel. His Tribute song to Elvis plays on the radio and that was all I knew of him until I had the privilege of watching him perform live. It was a pleasant Sunday in a park-like setting along the St. Lawrence River. The event was sponsored by K103 FM Radio with proceeds to the Montreal Children’s Hospital and transmitted live on radio and internet. We had heard that Billy Rebel would be on the show and drove about 50 miles to see him. For those who haven't been to one of his shows the rest of what I will tell will leave you in amazement. To me, Billy Rebel WAS Elvis on that stage! Of course I knew that couldn't be possible and also because Billy Rebel seems to be about 35 years of age and is roughly average height. But could he somehow be related to The King? One had to wonder. After a grandiose introduction he politely walked to the microphone, welcomed everyone to the event, spoke with reverence about the Legend of Elvis Presley, and then tore into Kiss Me Quick with the exuberance and passion of Elvis himself! His voice and delivery are truly reminiscent of Elvis although he portrays a quality all his own. It's quite difficult to explain. I had rarely been, or seen an audience, quite as mesmerized by an entertainer as on that Sunday afternoon! His charm and mannerisms had us all quite literally "in the palm of his hands." His renditions of Home Is Where The Heart Is, From A Jack To A King, Peace In The Valley, A Fool Such As I, Kentucky Rain, Wild In The Country, Fame And Fortune, and his own I Remember His First Love Song left you with a feeling that you had just witnessed Elvis all over again! A truly fine performer who brings back memories of Elvis, but with a simple charm and style all his own.Viva Billy Rebel! Jean-Pierre Dagenais, Montreal, QC

ROBIN KELLY, Frank Sisson’s Casino, Calgary, Alberta, Recent show

WOW!!! Just have to tell you, I recently attended a Robin Kelly show for the first time and I can assure you it won't be my last. His show might be called "One Night With You" but, for me it will be "Every Night"-- just tell me where and I'll be there. From the time Robin stepped onto the stage I was spellbound. His energy, his moves, his voice, his looks, he has it all. As a new fan I am amazed at the amount of time he spends after the show talking with us posing for pictures, and signing autographs. Robin, you'll be seeing me again and again and again..... Your newest fan, Rita Fehr, Calgary, Alberta

RICK DUIN Slow Pitch City Hall, Dorchester Ontario, February 2004
On February 14, our family held a fund-raising dance and silent auction with proceeds to benefit the Joscelyne Wright Kidney Fund. We had the pleasure of Rick Duin for the entertainment that evening. What an awesome performance he gave. Not only did he perform for a crowd of approximately 600 people, he also sang a special song to Joscelyne as well as presenting her with an autographed picture. We had a very packed "Standing Room" only hall and like a true performer Rick went out into the crowd and made one heck of an impression. I have personally heard a lot of feed back from some of those in attendance that evening--some not even Elvis fans-- and they have been converted. They want to know when and where they can see Rick in his next performance. If you haven't had the pleasure and you hear that this man is performing in your area I strongly advise you take in his show. Rick Duin makes you feel "Elvis Has Not Left The Building." Thanks Rick, we look forward to another great show soon. Kim and Steve Keatings, Ontario.

TIM E & THE YES MEN, Western Fair Raceway Slots, Carousel Room, London, Ontario, February 2004
All I can say is, WOW, WOW, WOW!! What a fantastic show put on by Tim E and his wonderful band, the Yes Men. From the moment we arrived at the showroom ( a huge line up to get in) you could feel the excitement of the crowd. The show was sold out (over 500 people) and once the show started we could see why. The band started up after 2001 Space Odyssey and when Tim E entered, WOW! He looked just like Elvis did in the early 70's in his white Concho Jumpsuit (one of my favourite suits ) and as soon as he started to belt out That's All Right Mama, we knew we were going to be in for a great show. His voice was so much like Elvis' and the way he interacted with the crowd and his band mates, you'd swear you were seeing the real Elvis. It brought back so many memories for me and my husband. The energy that Tim E displayed was astonishing and a bit haunting at times. He is definitely one of the best we have ever seen and the couple that was seated at our table concurred, along with many others. The songs that stood out for me were My Way, Polk Salad Annie and an amazing rendition of An American Trilogy, although the whole show was just one fantastic song after another. After the show, Tim E hung around to take pictures and sign autographs with the fans. He was so polite and nice to talk to after singing his guts out for 2 hours. Tim E and the Yes Men are definitely going to be on our "shows not to be missed" list. Good luck to you Tim E.. you are definitely a super talent. Krista Fowler, London, Ontario.

RYAN PELTON--- Bloomsburg Fair, Pennsylvania. Recent show

In a word, SPECTACTULAR.... there really are not many things that I can say to describe the absolute euphoria that I feel whenever I see Ryan Pelton in concert., Thhough I have never seen the real Elvis in concert, I can only imagine that if he were alive today, he would think he was looking at a twin. Ryan Pelton is without a doubt one of the greatest Elvis performers that ever was. His talent surpasses that of many, as he easily takes on the persona of Elvis in all of his performances. I have had the privilege of seeing him perform many times, and one of the most amazing shows was the one he did in Pennyslvania this past year. His stamina is incredible, as he did two shows per day for eight days straight during the Fair. I have to also mention the fact that, back stage, he is nothing short of a gentleman. Even though he was under the weather part of the time, you would never know it, based on his genuine appreciation for his fans. I took many photos as usual, especially admiring his Blue Suede Shoes!! Ryan Pelton is a performer not to be missed, and those of you who have had the opportunity to see him in concert know exactly what I mean. Patsy Parker Lasalle, Quebec.

KRAIG PARKER, SunCoast Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. February 2004
I was lucky enough to see Elvis live in concert 5 times and not since his death have I seen a performer with the magnitude and dynamics of Kraig Parker. Last week at a sold out show at the SunCoast Casino, in Las Vegas, Kraig and his 12 piece band brought all of the magic and magnificence of Elvis back to life during his performance, with his rendition of Love Me Tender, One Night with You and Jailhouse Rock , just to name a few. Kraig has a magic way of working the audience, much the same way Elvis did. I don’t think Kraig is aware of the magic spell he weaves on stage. If you look out across the audience you will see a wave of dazed faces, young and old, male and female..all of them in awe of such a rare and phenomenal talent. This world was lucky enough to see such talent once in the form of Elvis but to be graced with this talent twice in our lifetime, WOW! Women rush the stage for a kiss and a scarf and with all the charm one man can have, Kraig fulfills their wish. They leave with their dream fulfilled. It isn’t Elvis, but for a moment, everyone thinks, maybe it really is! Long live the King of Rock and Roll and Long Live Kraig Parker. Nancy Huett, Texas, USA

JUSTIN SHANDOR, Las Vegas and Tulsa, Oklahoma ..recent performances

I just found your web-site. Let me tell what I know about Justin !!! We have seen him perform 3 times in Las Vegas and 3 times in Tulsa, OK. He is the BEST Elvis impersonator I have ever seen and trust me, I have seen a lot of them. I am a huge Elvis fan, I have a nice collection of memorabilia and even have an "Elvis room" upstairs. I have 2 grown children, a daughter 34 and a son 30. They have gone to the last 2 Elvis shows in Tulsa and both have seen Justin. My daughter was blown away by Justin. In fact when he was here in December, 10 of us went to see his show. I took my camcorder and filmed bits & pieces of the show. I have since made DVD's for all of us and everyone that views the DVD cannot believe Justin's talent. I can't wait to see him in September -- I'll be there and on the front row. Thanks , Jodie Varnell, Oklahoma, USA