Friday Night Entertainment at Elements Casino

I have seen Jim Yorfido a few times over the past year.  The first couple of times were at Flamboro Downs (now, Elements Casino), then in Maryhill, ON, and most recently at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in April, 2018 where Jim reprised his role as Johnny Cash for the second annual Elvis Festival Gospel Hour.  Jim entertained everyone Sunday morning with his splendid singing and guitar and fiddle playing.  Jim did a rousing rendition of "Orange Blossom Special", as well as singing and playing Johnny Cash's much loved songs, "He Turned the Water into Wine" and "Why Me, Lord".   

I was able to speak with Pam and Jim after the show, and it was then that I learned that  Anthony Yorfido is Jim's brother's son.  Interestingly, I had met Anthony at the NFEF Family Day, and with his mother's permission took photos of Anthony dancing on the stage with ETA Richard Wolfe.

I had originally planned on including Anthony in a blog about the younger ETAs and guests at the NFEF; however, the opportunity to tell Anthony's story coincides nicely with his uncle's show tomorrow night.  Anthony's story may be familiar to some, but it may well be new to SIDEBURNS readers outside Canada.  Besides, a good story is always worthy of retelling--and this is a good story.  

It wasn't until Anthony's companion suggested a "family photo" of Jim and Pam with Anthony that I became aware of  the connection between Anthony and Jim Yorfido.  I also learned from Anthony's companion that Anthony not only has a connection with Jim, he has a connection with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith.  In a strange series of events, which are outlined in the articles linked below, Anthony was asked on stage to perform with Steven Tyler at Fallsview Casino's Avalon Theatre.  The story of Anthony Yorifido and Steven Tyler was also covered in a Reynolds Report video.  Videos of the momentous occasion on the Fallsview stage, a video of a second performance, and the Reynolds Report are posted below under "Videos".  I also included three videos of Jim, since I hope when you watch his amazing performances as Johnny Cash, you will be encouraged to drop by Elements Casino tomorrow night for Jim's live show.  Cheers!  Carolyn.  

Photos

A delighted Anthony, dressed in his Elvis jumpsuit, poses with ETA Dean Z, who also performed in the NFEF Gospel Hour with Jim, Connor Russo, Sandy Vine, and surprise guest, ETA Justin Shandor, who was filling in for an ailing ETA Tim E Hendry.  Pam Yorfido joined her husband, Jim Yorfido (aka Johnny Cash), for a photo after the show.  Pam also posed with Anthony, who added a red scarf, black wig, and sunglasses to complete his Elvis look. 

Videos

Articles

http://nationalpost.com/entertainment/celebrity/steven-tyler-is-that-you-rock-legend-provides-best-ever-surprise-for-young-ontario-aerosmith-fan

https://www.thespec.com/whatson-story/6438553--it-was-a-miracle-a-chance-meeting-with-steven-tyler-in-niagara-falls/

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Happy Mother's Day from SIDEBBURNS Magazine

“You hear a lot of talk these days about family values.  Well, we’re sure that Elvis would have had an interesting perspective on the controversy.  He believed deeply and strongly in the sacredness of the nuclear family.  His love and respect for Gladys and Vernon was boundless.  His generosity towards them was legendary.  He often said, “Whatever I own, they own.”  Part of his drive to succeed was undoubtedly the desire to make them proud of him as he was of them.  In military terms, mission accomplished.”  Excerpt from collection card #325 from The Elvis Collection.   

I hope you enjoy this video by Katie's Unidentified Projects:  Elvis and his mother Gladys-This Lady That Gave Me Life.  The first song, "Mama", written by Dudley Brooks with lyrics by Charles O'Curran, was recorded by Elvis on March 28th, 1962, and the second song, "A Mother's Song", is by T. Carter Music.  

Recap of the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa Show

Two Sirs and a King

Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc. put together a fabulous line-up of talent for the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa show, Saturday, May 5th, 2018.  We were entertained by three of the top tribute artists in the business paying tribute to music icons, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Rod Stewart, and the King of Rock N Roll, Elvis Presley.

Jeremy Wright

Tribute Artist Jeremy Wright as Sir Paul McCartney.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Tribute artist, Jeremy Wright, whom I saw for the first time last night, bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Paul McCartney.  With his Beatles inspired mop top hair style, arched eyebrows, British accent, superb vocal range, and excellent guitar and key boarding skills, Jeremy transported the audience back to the 60s with some of the best loved Beatles songs from that decade.  Jeremy encouraged audience participation during many of his song selections, including a crowd pleasing rendition of “Ob la di Ob la da” that capped off a wonderful performance.  Jeremy’s portrayal as Sir Paul McCartney was so convincing that I expected him to speak with a British accent off stage.  When I met Jeremy post show, I learned that the talented young artist from Hamilton, ON, and father of two baby girls, speaks with a Canadian accent when not portraying Sir Paul.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing Jeremy perform his tribute to Sir Paul McCartney, I have provided the following YouTube video for your enjoyment:

Doug Varty

Tribute Artist Doug Varty as Sir Rod Stewart.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Dressed in a striking red suit, black shirt, and polka-dotted tie, entertainer, Doug Varty, hit the stage prepared to pay a fabulous tribute to Sir Rod Stewart.  Animated throughout his performance, Doug dazzled the audience with his fluid moves and raspy soulful vocals.  With energy to spare, Doug mingled with fans and ‘strutted his stuff’ just like the legendary Sir Rod.  Singing chart topping songs, such as “Maggie May”, “Hot Legs”, and “Do You Think I’m Sexy”, Doug left it all on the stage, the floor, and at one point, a chair. 

The following video of Doug Varty as Rod Stewart, recorded in Richmond Hill, shows the high calibre performance we all enjoyed at the Casablanca Winery Inn & Spa.  A versatile performer, Doug also pays tribute to Bryan Adams, and Bad Company in CADCO – the Canadian Bad Company tribute:

Tim E Hendry

ETA Tim E Hendry wearing black leather in his first set.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.  

I was looking forward to see ETA Tim E Hendry.  It was only my second time seeing Tim in person since I first saw him at Port Colbourne Canal Days in August, 2017.  In his first set, Tim looked splendid in black leather.  His voice was as powerful as I had remembered from the August show, and he looked hot—literally and metaphorically.  I offered  to wipe his brow with a cloth napkin, and while doing so, I casually reminded to him that I was his interviewer.  After I dabbed his face and neck, I asked, “Is that better?”  Tim answered that he was sweaty in other places too, to which I quipped, “You will have to take care of that yourself!”  Tim laughed.

In the concert years set, Tim wore the ever popular “Peacock” jumpsuit.  The songs from the 70s require a lot of movement, and Tim delivered the moves with panache.  In the song “Hurt”, where the last note is the one fans wait for, Tim E, accepting the challenge, took a drink of water, and with humorous comments proceeded to hit the note on a second try that earned cheers from the audience.  As a seasoned professional, Tim E demonstrated how to handle a momentary glitch in an otherwise great performance.  Tim is the ‘ultimate’ ETA.                    

ETA Tim E Hendry during his second set.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

With assistance from Rita Petrone Caruso, who also handed Tim his guitar at the beginning of the second set, Tim gave out scarves which he later signed during a meet and greet.  With encouragement from Sandra and the audience, Tim E returned to stage for an encore, and was joined  by Jeremy Wright for one last song.  Unfortunately, Doug Varty had an emergency and was not able to join them in singing “Viva Las Vegas”--a great song to end an evening of exciting entertainment, delicious food, and loads of fun!

I wish Tim E Hendry great success at the Tupelo Elvis Festival, Thursday, June 7th to Sunday, June 10th, 2018, and I look forward to seeing him perform at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, Friday, July 27th to Sunday, July 29th, 2018.  For your enjoyment, here is a video of Tim E Hendry singing "Hurt", and hitting the big ending note with ease:     

The Evening in Photos

During the intermission, I met some very nice people.  Isabel and Bill Prout, from Smithville were celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary.  Isabel and her friend, Julie Notarianni, were reunited with a friend they met five years ago.  Connie Bennett is pictured in the photo below with Isabel and Julie.  I also had the pleasure of meeting another Julie, and Ella, David, and Mike, who gave me permission to snap and post their photo that appears below.  I was so happy to finally meet Sandra Gold's best friend, Karen, (in the striped dress) whom Sandra spoke of so fondly in her interview.  I shared a table with some very nice people:  ETA fan and friend, Dot Farr, Sue Harris, co-organizer of the Flaming Star Festival, Sandra's right-hand, Rita Petrone Caruso, Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., photographer Lori-Anne Crewe of LA Crewe Photography, the two ladies in the 'peace sign' photo, and Tammy and her mom (not pictured).  James, who looked after sound and lights, is pictured at the control panel.  Brandy, Tim E Hendry's girlfriend, is pictured with Clarence "Buck" O'Dell who you may have seen at ETA events taking photos.  I look forward to seeing fans and friends at the next big ETA event.  Best regards, Carolyn.    

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