Hi Folks! Bob and Marilyn Hajas here.

 We've been attending Elvis Festivals for the last 8 years in both Canada and the United States . I (Bob) have been a contestant for 7 of those years. We'd like to take the time to provide a review of the wonderful Friday Night Variety Show put on by the organizers of the King of Kitchener Elvis Festival, Jeff and Sheila Marsh.

 Firstly just a few background thoughts.

 Most of the Elvis Festivals do not feature a variety night. To some extent we tend to get a little bogged down over the weekend festivities with the same music over and over again. This is not to take away our love for Elvis's music but it can get tiring without some variety. It is really amazing to see the multitalents of the various Elvis Tribute Artists (E.T.A.'s) come together in such a showcase!

Also, it is a time for the E.T.A.'s to relax from the tension of performing in the contest itself. How tense does it get? Well I can tell you that a lovely lady handed me a picture of myself at this Kitchener show of myself on stage during the Collingwood contest and I was WEARING SUNGLASSES! Every E.T.A. knows that's a NO NO and I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it in the picture itself. Obviously my brain wasn't in the right gear or it had passed overdrive! Anyway these guys (and Gals) really let their hair down at the Kitchener Variety show and had a ball. It was a great treat for the audience and I'd now like to give you some HIGHLIGHTS of the evening’s festivities.

 The band, Rudy and the Angels, provided backup music and female background vocals that were absolutely spot on and great! They really make the difference and played a monster variety of music with professionalism as good as could be asked for. A real treasure of a band!

Anthony Von, who was the main M.C. for the weekend, opened the show with a medley of Pretty Woman and (Can't Get No) Satisfaction. He later appeared in white jacket and hat as Chicago 's, Tony Spadina , a gangster/ singer. What a great entertainer Anthony is! Such a treat to see him on the stage and we never got tired of watching him. Good on you, Anthony!

 Bruce Heron came on next performing as an E.T.A. and had the girls happy and cheering for him with his signature Elvis tune "Girl Happy".

 Young Brycen Katolinsky did Richie Valens proud with his LaBamba and Let’s Go. Great stage presence and a nostalgic look back.

 Doug McKenzie has just gotten better and better, performing his tribute to Roy Orbison and it's a thrill to hear him hit the high notes with ease. Keep it up Doug !

 "Crazy Legs" Peter Schofield did a real leg moving rendition of Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" and Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire". We thought Peter's underwear was on fire because that boy sure was moving! Maybe it's because of the hot keyboard player Tara . It's just so wonderful to see her up there enjoying herself and giving fantastic rock and roll support to Peter. What a pair!

 Very young, (all of 9 years old) Steven Pelleriti gave it his all as an E.T.A.. He had all the right moves and the audience really loved him.

 Ok, now it's time for one of the judge’s, Nevin Grant's turn. We hear about the backgrounds of these judges but rarely ever get to see them perform. Nevin got up and blasted us with his keyboard and vocal renditions of Wilbert Harrison ’s “ Kansas City " and Fats Domino's "Whole Lot a Loving". Needless to say, we were very impressed and he certainly deserves his judging credos!

 Jeff Marsh, in his projected confident manner, took on Garth Brooks and roared around the room looking for his "Friends in Low Places”. We think he found a few. How de heck he can remember all of the words to " Ain't Goin Down Till the Sun Comes Up" is a mystery to us and how does he spit them out? Great showmanship and fun!

 Elise Lewis gave a rousing portrayal of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" and "I'm Outta Here". Not only is she tall and gorgeous, that lady can SING !!

 What can you say about Pete Paquette that can possibly cover his talent? His early years rock and roll portrayal of Elvis is chock full of Elvis' energy and moves. If Elvis were only here to see and cheer Pete on! He'd be proud as could be of Pete's act!

 Lenny Feldman gave a great vocal and keyboard rendition of "Unchain My Heart "

 James Gibb is another energetic E.T.A. that can really move to Elvis’ early year tunes and also is very popular with the crowd. We too really enjoy seeing him at the Festivals!

 Now Rick Duin's Johnny Cash is something you gotta see and hear. He sinks his voice so low at times it rumbles your seat! Just great vocal renditions of Johnny's "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Get Rhythm”.

 Anthony Carbone is a youngster with a deep rich Elvis sounding voice and did a really nice job on "Way Down" and the medley "Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel ".

 Dawn Peddie was a surprise guest who really blew us away with a wonderful vocal rendition of Wynona Judd's " No One Can Hurt Me Like You Do" and especially spectacular on " I Wanna Know What Love Is? " . That song still rings in our ears when we think of it.

 We happen to be Neil Diamond fans and it was great to see and hear Will Chalmers perform as Neil. His voice very closely matches Neil and he does a great job of getting the songs across. His duet with one of Rudy's Angels on " You Don't Bring Me Flowers" was especially touching.

 Well, they saved the best until the last and low and behold the “BLUES BROTHERS " were in town. Jeff Marsh carried the vocals spot on, and Doug McKenzie freaked us out with his Blues Brothers’ moves to " Soul Man” and “Sweet Home Chicago”. These guys were hilarious and were a fantastic finale to a great evening.

 Thanks to all and see you next year at the King of Kitchener 3 .