Memorable Monday
Frances and Bertha. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
A few weeks ago when Frances, our ETA friend and fan, mentioned that she had purchased tickets to see ETA Garry Wesley at East Plains United Church in Burlington, Ontario, I was dumbfounded. What were the odds that the same ETA, from the state of Wisconsin, whom ETA Donny Edwards mentions in his upcoming interview as giving him sound advice when they first met in 2003, would be appearing at a local church! Fantastic! I wanted very much to meet Garry in person and ask him a few questions about his career and his connection to Donny.
I checked the online church calendar, but could not find ticket information. I drove by the church on several occasions after my conversation with Frances, but there was no announcement of an upcoming Elvis show on the outdoor bulletin board, just notices of more current events.
Day before the show. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
On Sunday afternoon, May 26th, 2019—the day before the show, I was driving by the church and I saw the sign announcing Garry Wesley’s show. Jim McMaster, a member of the church, board member, and on that day, church groundskeeper, suggested a suitable time for me to drop by the night of the show. I wish to thank Jim for his help, and for taking the photo on the left that I posted on Facebook.
Promo photo of ETA Garry Wesley.
Prior to going to the show, I did some research on Garry Wesley’s ETA career and found some interesting facts. The Necedah, Wisconsin native is a multiple and international award-wining Elvis tribute artist, who was honored with the Heart of the King Lifetime Achievement Award in July, 2013, in Las Vegas. In addition to receiving the award, Garry was given the opportunity to perform on one of Elvis’s most noted stages, the Las Vegas Hilton (now known as the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino). In an edited* article written by Ashley Bray for the Star-Times on August 2nd, 2013, Garry describes the entire performance day as an amazing experience, made even more so, when he wound up using the same dressing room that Elvis used -- by accident:
“I went downstairs to look for a dressing room and there was one full of people, so I thought, ‘I’ll go find my own.’ So I went into another dressing room and dropped my clothes off and went back upstairs and did sound-check,” Wesley said.
After the sound-check was over, Wesley asked one of the employees which dressing room had belonged to Elvis. It turned out to be the one Wesley had chosen.
ETA Garry Wesley pauses for a photo before his show at East Plains United Church. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
“So that was really cool…I got to use Elvis’s dressing room,” Wesley said.
It’s only fitting that Wesley received the award for lifelong accomplishments; he has been an Elvis fan since he was a young boy, and he’s been paying homage to the King for 33 years.
“It started when I was 19 years old,” said Wesley, who at that time, was living in Milwaukee. A couple of his friends invited him to a costume party for Halloween at a club in the city and suggested he dress as Elvis, since he was such a big fan.
When they got to the door, the man working the entrance simply assumed they were a part of the live music that night, rather than party goers.
“He said, ‘Hey you’re late!’ He thought we were a part of the show, so we got free cover charge,” Wesley said. He actually ended up singing on stage later that night, and was immediately offered a gig by the owner of the club. Before he knew it, Wesley was impersonating Elvis every weekend.
“It really took on a life of its own,” he said. (*Edited by C. MacArthur.)
ETA Donny Edwards. Photo Credit: Donna Edwards.
In the same year, 2013, which marked his 25th annual tribute show, Garry was inducted into the Elvis Tribute Artist Hall of Fame in Memphis--a fitting tribute for an ETA with the longest-running Elvis tribute show in Memphis.
Over the years, Garry travelled to many parts of the world performing his tribute to Elvis and sang with some of the same people who shared a stage with Elvis. And now, thanks to the efforts of some very nice church ladies, I was going to meet the highly decorated and seasoned performer in person.
Garry was warm and welcoming, and very relaxed. He knew of Donny’s interview through a message from Donny’s wife and business partner, Donna. When I asked how an ETA from Wisconsin found his way to Burlington, Ontario, he said it was through the efforts of his Canadian booking agent, Nigel Husing. And while Garry went to dress for his show, I had a chance to ask Nigel how he first met Garry.
ETA Garry Wesley with Nigel Husing, his booking agent for his shows in Canada. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Before becoming a booking agent, Nigel Husing owned a record store in Burlington, Ontario, called “Music Village”. Nigel’s interest in music started early with his job at “Melody Lane” when he was 16. Fifteen years ago, Nigel was the booking agent for country singer, Terry Sumsion. After Terry’s passing, Nigel wanted to continue in the business, so one evening after enjoying Bernie Jessome’s Roy Orbison tribute show, Nigel approached the artist from Ottawa, Ontario, and asked if he had a booking agent. Bernie Jessome suggested to his new agent that he might consider bringing Elvis tribute artist, Garry Wesley, to Canada. Nigel wasn’t sure at the time that he wanted to book ETAs, but agreed to see Garry at the Hill Top Restaurant in Oshawa in 2006. Bernie said, “Just listen to him.” Nigel confided that once he heard Garry sing “Hurt”, he didn’t need to hear more. Nigel has been doing all Garry’s bookings in Canada for the past 12 years. A friendship has developed over the years, and Garry stays with Nigel and his wife, Bev, in Colborne, Ontario, when he is touring in Canada.
Songstress, Donna Brooks. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Travelling on Monday night with Garry, Nigel and Bev, was singer Donna Brooks, who was the opening act for both of Garry’s sets. In her first set, Donna delighted the audience by singing songs of popular female country singers, Patsy Cline, Lorretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, to name a few. In her second set, Donna added Anne Murray’s song, ”You Needed Me”, The Judd’s “Grandpa Tell Me About the Good Old Days”, and Olivia Newton’s “Let Me Be There”, which I am sure many at the show did not know was also recorded by Elvis Presley in 1974. It was, however, an original song that Donna’s 102 year old grandmother wrote in the 1960s that moved me the most. Not yet recorded, Donna sang “Tears are Not the Answer” acapella. The words of the song carry a beautiful, positive message, and Donna sang it beautifully.
ETA Garry Wesley making sure all is ready for his show. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Following a short intermission, Garry, dressed smartly in a blue jacket, black pants, and cream silk shirt, started his first set with “Blue Suede Shoes”, followed by the 1956 classic ballad, “I Want You, I Need You, I Love”. Singing like a multi-award winning artist, Garry’s performance was well received by the audience who was mostly made up of church members, and not the ETA fans we are used to seeing at Elvis tribute shows. Many were seeing their very first ETA show, and some admitted that they weren’t Elvis fans and came for other reasons. Joan Harris confided, “I am not an Elvis fan. I like Patsy Cline.” But when specifically asked about Garry’s performance, Joan added, “I like it.” Bob Hinchcliffe, when asked about the show, responded with, “I am enjoying it!” And Barbara Taylor was positive in her comments, “It is my first time seeing an ETA. I am not familiar with all the songs, but I am loving the Gospel! I also like Donna Brooks." Garry was gaining fans with each song.
Morgan Perigo, his friend, and Janet and Ian Farwell. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
ETA devotees know that certain songs belong with certain costumes in an ETA performance, which also dictates the set list for the recorded music; but some members of Monday night’s audience called out requests for songs that belong in the “jumpsuit” decade. The affable and professional Garry, dressed in ‘50s/’60s attire, answered the request to sing the “In the Ghetto”, which was released on April 14th, 1969. Garry told an interesting story about the song and the song writer, Mac Davis. “In the Ghetto” was first offered to Sammy Davis Jr. who said, “Give it to Elvis.” Elvis cried when he first heard the words, and originally he sang it with a very quick tempo so he wouldn’t break down and cry while singing. “In the Ghetto” went on to be one of Elvis’s biggest hits. Sammy Davis Jr. later recorded the song for his album, Something for Everyone, which was released in 1970. Mac Davis, who had long been retired, made an appearance on the 2019 Elvis All-Star Tribute Show, starring Blake Shelton, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Groban, Adam Lambert, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, along with other pop stars; and now Mac Davis is all set to go back on tour.
Bob Hinchcliffe and Joan Harris. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
After the beautifully sung, and very solemn song, Garry performed a medley of “Heartbreak Hotel/Hound Dog/All Shook Up” which received exuberant applause from the audience. Garry, who performs in a lot of churches and legions in North America, told the audience that he is never sure how certain songs will be received. He said he finds that in Canada, church audiences enjoy rock and roll songs as much as ballads and gospel. He then went on to give a rousing performance of “Jail House Rock”. After singing “Power of My Love” recorded in 1969 for the From Elvis in Memphis album, Garry quizzed the audience as to how many knew that song. I think maybe only Frances, Bertha, and I raised our hands…lol.
L to R: June, Heather, Blanche, Barry, Alice, Rob, Barb, Doreen (sitting down), and Shelley enjoyed a great evening at ETA Garry Wesley’s show. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Garry closed the set with “If I Can Dream” from the ’68 Comeback Special. During intermission, I had an opportunity to chat with some audience members about their feelings about the first set. Ian Farwell, who was with his wife, Janet, declared, “I love it!” Morgan Perigo said, “It is very enjoyable.” Blanche Keating, a big Elvis fan, who was at the show with her daughter, Heather Court, and other family members, was resolute in her feelings about Garry’s first set, “Beautiful and fantastic! It is my first time seeing Garry, and in some songs when I closed my eyes, I heard Elvis.” Heather, in good fun, added, “I caught Mom trying to get a look at Garry’s hips!”
Heather Court jokes with her mother, Blanche Keating. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Following Donna Brooks’ much anticipated second set, the familiar “2001 Space Odyssey” announced Garry’s return to the stage for his second set. Dressed in his black jumpsuit and looking like the ‘ultimate’ ETA performer he is, Garry sang many songs from the Aloha from Hawaii concert. There were several times during the evening that gave me chills, but none so much as Garry’s singing of “Amazing Grace” which took me from chills to tears. Garry closed the evening with “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” The audience responded to an unforgettable evening of entertainment with a standing ovation.
Group photo. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Garry stayed for a meet and greet, and I was able to take a lot of photos of Garry with fans. Petra Masirevic, pleased with her light blue scarf that Garry had given her, was adamant that Garry should book a show at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Garry does have more Ontario bookings, so if you missed Monday night, please keeping checking for upcoming shows.* Nigel will be letting us all know (one of them includes a boat ride around the Thousand Islands!). Garry’s wife, Elaine, who is a Patsy Cline tribute artist, and who was a cast member of the TV show Hee Haw, will join Garry later in June.
Garry told so many interesting stories last night, but because I am going to do an interview with Garry, they will be saved for a later post. Garry’s career started in 1980, so with close to 40 years as an ETA, Garry has some amazing tales to tell. Here is example: In 1977, when Garry was in his 17th year, he was not able to see Elvis in concert because he had to work. With “All Shook Up” playing on his car radio, Garry spotted Elvis in the car beside him at a stoplight. Rolling down the window, Elvis said to Garry, “How ya doing, son? You be careful!” It was an incredible chance meeting that is indelibly etched in Garry’s memory. I cannot wait for ETA Garry Wesley’s interview!
Thank you to Rev. Barbara Fullerton and everyone at East Plains United Church for making us all feel so welcome. It was a splendid evening. Thank you, also, to Julian Warme, from Port Hope, Ontario for his work on sound and lighting. Julian, who is also a musician, has conducted the Port Hope Pops Orchestra. See you at the next show! Best regards, Carolyn.
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