Toronto 2010
Review

Review of Toronto’s 2 nd Annual Elvis Festival at StageWest Hotel & Dinner Theatre

by Wendy King

In just its 2nd year, the Toronto Elvis Festival has become the “must attend” weekend of the year. Speaking strictly as a fan, I look forward to it as the first good reason to get everyone together after a long break from festivals. There are lots of little extras, from the Memphis Style dinner served on the Friday evening, to the after hours singalongs in the Haida lounge to the special draws for Chris Cooper original paintings.

New this year was the Sunday morning gospel brunch. I have to admit this was my favorite event of the entire weekend. Having it in the main showroom gave it an extra touch of class. I love seeing the various ETA’s all dressed up in their Sunday finest belting out the powerful and inspirational gospel classics of Elvis Presley. Doug McKenzie served as “Elvis choir” director and showcased many performers in solo, duets or in trios as with the acapella version of “Amazing Grace” featuring Doug, James Gibb and Marcus Wells which was so memorable.

The Legends Showcase also gives the fans a chance to see their favorite performers show new sides of themselves as their various alter egos. From Dusty Springfield (Cathy Carbone), Patsy Cline (Dawn Peddie) and Dion (Shon Carroll) to the debut of John Denver (Jimmy Gribbon).

Added to all that was the actual competition itself. Two days of performances in the Youth, Early and Vegas Elvis divisions and then the finals with the guys backed by Rudy and the Angels.

It's just top notch entertainment, and all in one place, without the hassle of finding parking.

Thanks to Heather and Nevin Grant and their team of faithful volunteers for thinking of everything to make things run smoothly. Shall we do it again next April?