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Coldwater 2007

Review

Report on the Coldwater Legion First Floor activities by Nevin Grant (Oldies 1150 CKOC and The King’s Court)

Little did Darlene McKay or Doug McKenzie realize the tradition they were creating when they launched Coldwater Ontario’s First Annual Tribute Artist Weekend a couple of years ago. Doug Mckenzie is a tribute artist from Shakespeare, Ontario who does Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and is half of the Blues Brothers (Jeff Marsh is the other half). Doug contacted several other leading tribute artists who donated their time and talent to make the Tribute Weekend become a reality and raise badly-needed dollars for the Coldwater Legion. May 23rd and 24th 2008 saw the unveiling of Coldwater Tribute Artist Weekend Three and it outstripped the first two. Friday evening was an "open mike” session, showcasing several of the entertainers as they rocked into the wee hours. Saturday’s action followed the traditional noon-hour parade of entertainers. Once again the Orillia Legion Pipe & Drum band led the way and then visited the Legion where they provided a stirring concert to a most appreciative audience. Saturday afternoon and evening the Coldwater Legion had TWO floors hopping with non-stop tribute entertainment. Starting at 4:30 PM you could enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a steak, Caesar salad and baked potato for ten dollars. Try to top that at any restaurant! Among the featured tribute artists were Dawn Peddie, Jeff Marsh, Rick Duin, Brycen Katolinsky, John Cigan, Terry James, Amber May Hoffman, Doug McKenzie, Cathy Carbone, Robert Pooran, Mason Cigan, Joey Cundari, Herb Neher, Zachary Peddie, James Gibb, Tanner Hoffman, Anthony Carbone, Brenan Katolinsky and Jamie Hoffman. I hope I haven’t missed anybody. We all did miss the fantastic tribute to Marty Robbins traditionally provided by Garry Reader who was unable to make the festivities due to ill health. We wish Garry well.

All of the artists were amazing but a few highlights will be noted. Kudos to Dawn Peddie whose Patsy Cline and Wynonna Judd tributes were downright electrifying. A special mention also to Cathy Carbone. Many of us had never seen Cathy do Barbra Streisand before, but her soaring vocals had everyone convinced of her unique talent. Brycen Katolinsky has added Dion (of Dion & the Belmonts) to his tribute archive while younger brother Brenan is now doing Buddy Holly. Rick Duin’s Johnny Cash, Doug McKenzie’s Roy Orbison and Jeff Marsh’s Garth Brooks were delivered with vivid reality. John Cigan has been a hot property on the tribute circuit the past few years and delivered a convincing set of “Concert Elvis” classics. Joey Cundari and James Gibb and Robert Pooran are true specialists when it comes to Early and Movie Elvis, while Herb Neher, a well-known Kitchener ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist) showcased his talents as Las Vegas Elvis in his Coldwater debut. No Coldwater Tribute Weekend would be complete without the good humour and singing served up by Terry James as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Will there be a COLDWATER FOUR in 2009? You betcha …. And make sure you do yourself the biggest of all favours by visiting this charming town during the 2009 Tribute Weekend.

Oh, by the way, I almost forgot. How much is the admission to the Legion Tribute concerts?

It’s FREE! Beat that!

Nevin Grant

Wendy King covered the upstairs shows

This was my first introduction to both Coldwater and the special tribute weekend held every May. I loved it! Doug Mckenzie told me Ii would not believe the hospitality from this little town and boy, was he right. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Darlene did a superb job of organizing everything and having it run smoothly. At last report it’s believed the weekend brought in 15 thousand dollars (and that's with offering the entire weekend of entertainment for free)

Nevin has already commented on the fun of the parade and what was happening downstairs at the legion, but I was upstairs where it was non stop entertainment from noon til 10 p.m. when the karaoke continued downstairs.

A few of the highlights (and there were many) included Doug McKenzie and Dawn Peddie's duet of the Roy Orbison classic "cryin'". It gave me shivers. The same can be said of Dawn Peddie sharing the mic with Rick Duin as Johnny Cash and singing " Jackson "....just amazing sound! Cathy Carbone was Barbra Steisand and I was blown away with her vocals. I'd never heard Cathy sing before and I guess we know now where Anthony Carbone gets his talent (not to leave out drummer Dad Michael). Jeff Marsh came out in a great black and red shirt with lightning bolts as he launched into some Garth brooks hits. (How does he remember all the words to ain't goin' down til the sun comes up?).

As for the various Elvis tribute artists, it was great to see how all these entertainers have grown and honed their talents. James Gibb had the upstairs rocking nonstop with his early Elvis tribute. The guy moves so fast he left scuff marks on the floor! His version of "I believe" was fantastic. Joey Cundari also rocked the house showing he can not only do 50s and 60s movies, but 70s Elvis. Great job with suspicious minds. Rick Duin managed to switch gears from Johnny Cash to Elvis and does them both so very well. John Cigan provided a fantastic 70s Elvis set with his smooth tones. Jamie Hoffman did a great version of "Its A Wonderful Life", and Herb Neher donned his black jumpsuit for some 70s ballads.

Our upstairs emcees were Robert Pooran whose renditions of Elvis' ballads and movie songs are always so smooth and lovely, and Terry James and his oversize martini glass as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis junior.

Let's not forget the kids who just keep getting better and better. Brycen and Brenan Katolinsky, Zachary Peddie and Mason Cigan. We feel like we've watched them all grow up!

Speaking as a fan, I had a great time and enjoyed every single performance. Can't wait for next year to spend more time with our new Coldwater family!

Wendy King