He’s still The King
Tim “E” belts out one of The King’s songs Sunday night at Stage West. The two-day festival wrapped when Pete Paquette was crowned Grand Champion.
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April 6, 2009 10:49 AM -A weekend of Elvis impersonators had concerts goers all shook up at Stage West.
Elvis Presley Enterprises held the GTA’s first Elvis Festival Saturday and Sunday at the dinner theatre with a goal of finding the man who could “capture the true essence of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and best represent the Elvis legacy.”
The 40 adults and seven youths vying for the title came from across Canada, the US, the UK and Australia in hopes of winning the grand prize, eligibility to compete in The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held in Memphis in August.
“We’re thrilled to have such an exciting show come to Mississauga,” said Laurie Wallace-Lynch, who handles publicity and marketing for Stage West. “It made for a wonderful weekend of entertainment.”
The Elvis-themed fun started with karaoke in the Haida Lounge on Friday night, where everyone was encouraged to polish off their blue suede shoes and channel their inner Elvis.
The judging began Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with the youth competition, before the adult Elvi took the stage at 11 a.m. Tickets to the public to the morning competition, which included a buffet lunch, went for $16.95.
A dinner and Legends Show followed on Saturday night with tributes to Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and, of course, the King.
After the free Sunday morning Gospel show, the ensuing semi-finals and finals brought the weekend to an end.
Competing in one of three categories, each Elvis took the stage flanked by two 15-foot guitars, a live band and a trio of back-up singers. As each act was based on talent, appearance, performance and stage presence, the tribute artists put their all into each shake, rattle and roll.
But there could only be one Big Hunk O’ Burnin’ Love and Vankleek Hill’s Pete Paquette, who competed in the Adult Early Years category, was crowned the King, placing first in his category and winning as best overall Elvis tribute artist.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” said Paquette. “It’s a real honour to perform with such talented competitors. Elvis was a role model to many people and I’m proud to have been able to touch on some of his qualities in my performance.”
Along with a ticket to Memphis and entry in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, Paquette also won $3,700 in cash, a trophy and Elvis memorabilia.
Second place in Adult Early Years was Anthony Von from Milton and third place went to James Gibb from Harrow, Ontario.
Filed under: Stories I've Covered | Tagged: Elvis
