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JUNE 27, 2008 – "THE DAY THE RAINS CAME"

"The Day The Rains Came" was a major hit for Jane Morgan in early 1959. People may refer to the June 27-29 2008 weekend as the day the rains came to the 3rd Annual Windsor Elvis Festival. But, you know what? The Festival carried on in Dieppe Park as if it was all sunshine and roses. Rain bursts bordering on the "monsoon" terminology buffeted the outdoor tents and stage, but perseverance by the Tribute Artists, the Festival supervisors and volunteers, the judges and the fans saw every category properly auditioned and evaluated. Kudos to Ellen Hope and Richard Rosenthal for their hard work and determination.

Nevin, Hether
Mary, Burt and Wendy

Wendy King has written a superb piece for the King's Court on the weekend competitions and results, so I'll concentrate on some of the side interests. The highlight of Elvisfest 08 had to be the outstanding "Tribute To The Comeback Special" on Saturday evening starring Headliner Steven Kabakos. Looking striking in his leathers, Steven breathed a new life into the significant television special that once again catapulted Elvis Presley to the top of the charts. Steven was a full participant in the Festival, joining in on the "Open Mike" session in the lounge of the Hilton Hotel and taking part in Sunday morning's Gospel Show in Dieppe Park.

The Gospel Show provided some real excitement. Richard Rosenthal and GaryElvis Britt established a 15-voice "ELVIS CHOIR" made up of the leading ETAs. Imagine seeing Steven Kabakos, Jay Zanier and Kevin Bezaire along with 12 other ETAs providing backup vocals as each ETA would take a turn soloing on some of Elvis's favourite gospel numbers. Watch for this concept to spread to other festivals. It worked so well that the boys provided an encore performance featuring some of Elvis's biggest hits.

We cannot overlook the great job GaryElvis Britt did as the Festivals Master Of Ceremonies, Consultant and Performer. GaryElvis was resplendent in his stage presence . His new "slenderella" look was well received and he easily ladled out the humour whenever a lull hit in the proceedings, which wasn't often. The ExSpence Account Showband showed why they are the World's top-ranking Elvis backup group and sometimes joined in the humour too as when they were pleading for sales of their Compact Discs to help "Quackers" their pet duck get a prosthetic leg and foot! Must have been the duck that GaryElvis had nailed to the hardware store wall in his marathon duck joke the past two Festivals.

A salute to the winners and to all the ETAs (there were NO losers) and thanks to the many fans of The King Of Rock N' Roll who participated in Windsor Elvis Festival 2008. Onwards to next year!

Nevin Grant
The King's Court

Heather and Jay

WENDY KING LOOKS AT THE WINDSOR 2008 ELVIS FESTIVAL COMPETITION

The junior youth division winner was Brenen Katolinsky. He has obviously been watching his big brother and is now a seasoned performer in his own right.
(2nd place Tyler Desmorneaux and 3rd Boe Sequin)

Brycen Katolinsky is the senior youth champion. From his perfect "early years" outfits to those sharp, accurate moves...he keeps getting better with age.
(2nd Anthony Carbone and 3rd Bruno Nesci)

In the final round, non pro early Eta James Gibb took us to the "king creole" club with a dynamic performance of the title song to the movie and a heartfelt ballad " As Long As I Have You".
(2nd Billy Cruise 3rd Joey Cundari)

In the non pro Vegas years--a newcomer to the ETA world - Patrick McGuire from Essex - wowed the crowd with his amazing voice and took the crown!
(2nd Kevin Bezaire 3rd Rick Duin)

Michigan's Chris Ayotte proved himself the consumate entertainer delivering the "1968 medley "and a powerful performance of "If I Can Dream" in the leather suit. He took first place in the pro Early years Category.
(2nd Lance Dobinson/3rd Danny Granger)

Jay and Wendy

Then came time to choose the ETA to represent Elvis in his Vegas glory days. You could feel the electricity and tension in the air of the Chrysler Theatre. Jay Zanier came out and left it all on the stage with his energetic "Suspicious Minds" and the inspirational "Impossible Dream". All the moves, the gestures, the little nuances done to perfection.
Jay will also represent Windsor at the Ultimate Elvis Festival in Memphis this August.
(2nd Paul Ross/ 3rd John Cigan)

The People's Choice awards seemed to echo the judge's choices: James Gibb, Patrick McGuire, Lance Dobinson and Jay Zanier.

Thank you to all of the ETA's for representing Elvis with such class, dignity and good humour. You made our job exceedingly difficult and we loved every minute!

Wendy King