Rick Crowse, of Lowell Hays Jewelry Elvis Memorabilia, chats with ETA Brent Freeman during intermission. Photo Credit: C.M.
Fans Judy, Bobbi, and Betty wearing their "I Love Matt Cage" and "Cagette" buttons. Photo Credit: C.M.
It was another fabulous evening with ETA Matt Cage at Flamboro Downs. From his very first song, it was apparent that Matt was going to make sure fans, some who drove from as far away as Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, and Welland, were going to see their favourite ETA at his very best. If you read Wendy King’s blog that I just posted, you will understand what I mean when I say that a little encouragement goes a long way in ensuring a brilliant performance. With encouragement from Betty, Bobbi, and Judy who were wearing their “I Love Matt Cage” and “Cagette” buttons, and Lois and Rick who drove from Welland, along with new and returning fans, the energy from the stage was palpable. Matt’s sense of humour, natural rapport with fans, handsome looks, and talent for paying a great tribute to Elvis Presley make him a very popular ETA. ETA Brent Freeman, also a fan favourite, was Matt’s sound man for the night and in a very amusing moment provided the high female back-up voice for one of Matt’s songs.
ETA Matt Cage serenades Lois Crowse at his show at Flamboro Downs on Friday, February 23rd, 2018. Photo Credit: C.M.
They make such a great team. The professionalism that they both bring to their show is evident in how smoothly the evening proceeds. It takes a lot of talent and work to stay on schedule, have fun, be spontaneous, and make it all look so easy. And what do they do when something unexpected happens during a performance? Well, on Friday, when the battery in his mic was about to die, Matt engaged the audience in a countdown to see if Brent could change the batteries in 12 seconds or less. Handling a tricky situation with panache is part of being a professional...and Matt and Brent do it so well.
ETA Matt Cage poses with Carolyn MacArthur, Editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine after Matt's amazing concert.
Matt sang songs from all three decades, and added a couple of songs not often heard in shows: “Blueberry Hill” and “Your Cheating Heart”. He started his first set wearing a grey plaid 50’s sports jacket, followed by a red speedway jacket for the 60s. For his last set, songs of the 70s, Matt wore a crisp white jacket with black trim. For me, the evening seemed to fly by. Fortunately, we all get to see Matt at Casino Niagara on March 21st, at the Brantford Casino on March 23rd, in Fort Erie on March 24th just before he revives his role of Elvis in Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. If all goes as planned, you can look forward to seeing Matt’s interview posted in early March on SIDEBURNS Magazine. Best regards, Carolyn. Thanks for the great evening, Matt and Brent.
Matt's New Fans and 'Old' Fans
Top Row: Matt & Julianna Roger & Barb Matt & Priscilla
Bottom Row: Dot & Matt* Rick & Brent Matt & Carolyn
*At the end of a wonderful evening at Flamboro Downs, Friday, February 23rd, dedicated fan, Dot Farr, surprised her favourite ETA, Matt Cage, by presenting him with a limited edition Elvis Presley stamp.