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The very best Elvis judges anywhere
Cavalcade of Champions . : a review : . by Wendy King Think back to the excitement of Elvis Presley on stage in Las Vegas! The excitement, the anticipation, the lights, the sound, the energy of the crowd! Now fast forward to Jan. 14th 2008…Stage West Dinner Theatre in Mississauga. All the same elements in place for the first ever "Cavalcade of Champions" celebrating the life of Elvis Presley! The ETA's were specifically chosen by members of the King's Court judging panel for having been champions in their divisions at various festivals throughout Ontario. The evening began with 6 troubadours meandering through the crowd as they enjoyed dinner. It was a wonderful way to partake in that fabulous buffet and also set the tone for the headliners who soon followed. Our thanks to our "strolling singers" who graciously accepted the invitation and sang Elvis songs from throughout his career, including the movie era,concert years, ballads and gospel. Performing were John Cigan, Billy Cruise, Rick Duin, Jeff Marsh, Tim "E" Hendry, and Paul Ross, who stepped in for an ailing Doug McKenzie. The chefs at Stage West created a unique and gigantic cake to mark Elvis' 73rd birthday. Of course, it was peanut butter and banana!!! It was my honor to cut the cake on behalf of the fans. Rosemarie O'Brien, of the Collingwood Elvis Festival, was on hand to make several draws, including tickets to all of the headline shows coming up at the July event. Thank you for this generous donation! Backed by Jon Driscoll and the Legends of Rock and Roll band, featuring Rudy and the Angels with the Heavenly Voices, first up was Pete Paquette as the young Elvis. Pete not only has the moves but he also has the voice to portray the early, wild, unbridled Elvis of the 50's. From Shake, Rattle and Roll to the inspiration sounds of I Believe, Pete had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Next came Leather Elvis in the form of Gino Monopoli. He oozed charm and charisma as he worked the room – not only the main floor but the balcony as well, posing for pictures as he went. Gino took us on a musical ride through the late 60's and early 70's with the '68 comeback special medley, A little Less Conversation, a beautiful duet (reminding us of the American Idol performance of Celine Dion with Elvis of last year)… this one featuring vocalist Kathy Martorino. During intermission came a special presentation by the ETA's to King's Court member Heather Grant for her hard work in planning and co-coordinating this event. She is now the proud owner of a Chris Cooper original painting that feature she and Elvis together! Then came the strains of 2001 … and the appearance of the 4th place finisher of the "Ultimate Elvis" competition in Memphis, Tennessee, Jay Zanier. Known as "the Voice", he ran through power song after power song, including Hurt, American Trilogy and How Great Thou Art. He could also be called the "gyrator" for those hip and shoulder moves in Polk Salad Annie, Burnin' Love, and Suspicious Minds. The entire event was beautifully woven together thanks to the professional and entertaining introductions of MC and King's Court vice-President Nevin Grant. He is now branching out and can be hired as a scarf (girl), water(boy) and cape attacher!!!! The show ended with an energetic, fun rendition of Viva Las Vegas, including all of the ETA's on stage. Special thanks to King Collectibles and the Love for Elvis Fan Club for displaying and selling memorabilia which added to the fun of the whole event! It was the first show of its kind at Stage West…..here's hoping it's not the last! By Wendy King
John Cigan
Billy Cruise
Rick Duin
Jeff Marsh
Paul Ross
Pete Paquette
Gino Monopoli
Jay Zanier
Rosemarie O’Brien, head of the Collingwood Festival That's Nevin behind her, mooning the audience
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