Recap of ETAs Anthony, Colin, and Aidan's Show

Preshow Photos

The Polish Hall on Fairview Street in Burlington, Ontario, is a splendid venue for an ETA show.  Tastefully decorated, the hall has a large stage that offers visitors sitting at the large round tables an excellent view of performers.  On Saturday night, June 2nd, 2018, ETAS Anthony Joseph, Colin Dexter, and Aidan Iannandrea, backed by Rudy and the Angels, used the stage to its full advantage and put on a well-organized, entertaining show that was enjoyed by all.  Some moments before the show were captured in the following photos.  

Slideshow of Performances

ETA Anthony Joseph

I saw ETA Anthony Joseph compete at Flaming Star last October, but Saturday was the first time I have seen him headline in a show as an Elvis tribute artist.  Dressed in a beautiful gold jacket decorated with rhinestone trim, Anthony came on stage ready to delight the audience.  Still in his twenties, his vocals, moves, and comfort on stage reflect the time Anthony has put into studying and practising in preparation for shows like last Saturday night since he first became interested in Elvis at 10 years old when his mom, Cathy, took him to Collingwood where he gained inspiration from ETA Anthony Von. 

With each costume change, Anthony stepped up his performance, and during one set, belted out the vocally challenging song, “Hurt”, hitting every note with ease.  In a touching moment, Anthony dedicated the song “It’s Now or Never” in memory of his dear grandmother who recently passed away.  “O Sole Mio” is such a beautiful song sung by Elvis in the English translation, but when Anthony sang some of the lyrics in Italian as a tribute to his grandmother, he touched many hearts. 

After asking audience members if they knew that his dad, Mike Carbone,  is a drummer, Anthony welcomed his dad on stage to take Rudy Salerno's place on the drums.  Mike did a great job backing his son as the temporary drummer with Rudy and the Angels.  Mike also did great job during the evening as tech director, looking after sound and lights.  

Entertainer Cathy Carbone, Anthony’s mom, who helped with hair and makeup (as seen in the preshow photo with Aidan Iannandrea) was also the photographer for the evening.  Anthony, wearing a splendid black, white, and red jumpsuit for his final set, gave credit to his mom for putting together the jumpsuit that took hours of reconstruction to turn it into a jumpsuit that received deserving “wows” and applause when  Anthony walked on stage. 

As reported in his bio that was posted on SIDEBURNS a few months ago, Anthony completed the Applied Music program at Mohawk College.  Anthony is currently pursuing his education in music at McMaster University.  We wish the multi-talented Anthony much success at McMaster and look forward to seeing him again in upcoming shows and competitions.

ETA Colin Dexter

Those of us who have only seen Colin Dexter on YouTube videos were looking forward to seeing the 19 year old ETA from Jackson, Michigan perform live.  In his first set, Colin, dressed in a smashing red velour shirt and black pants, entertained with Elvis songs from the Early Years.  Colin exhibited a great stage presence, and his vocals were spot on.  All our expectations were met with this talented, young performer.  A couple of ladies were so delighted with Colin’s performance that they rewarded him with some cash.  It was such a lot of fun, and Colin seemed pleased, and a little surprised, at the attention from his reputedly reserved Canadian fans.

In his second set, Colin wowed the audience when he appeared in black leather.  He sang songs from the ’68 Comeback, commanding the stage with his confident performance.   Colin made several costume changes during the evening—a black and white floral shirt, worn under a black suit decorated with silver grommets and red pleats, a red jumpsuit, and a white jumpsuit—costumes representing all the decades in Elvis’s career.  And with each set, Colin performed brilliantly, which accounts for his growing popularity on both sides of the border.

In his last set, standing solely at the band’s keyboard, Colin paid tribute to Elvis’s memorable performance in 1977, six months before his death, by singing “Unchained Melody”.  It was one of the highlights of an evening that had many wonderful surprises, including a special moment when Anthony, dressed in a white suit, joined Colin on stage to sing Elvis’s favourite song, “If I Can Dream”.

It is wonderful to see young, talented ETAs carry on the tradition of Elvis by paying a true tribute on stage.  It is, however, equally important that they pay tribute to Elvis off stage as well.  Elvis was humble, polite, kind and generous, and always appreciative of his fans.  When I had a chance to speak with Colin after his show, I found that he embodies many of Elvis’s fine qualities.  Colin was polite and remained engaged in our conversation as we spoke.  He was very kind to his grandparents as he explained that he would help them with the computer so they could see his bio we posted.  Colin was attentive to his girlfriend, Ariel, who travelled with Colin and his grandparents from Michigan.  He chatted with fans, posed for photos, and signed scarves.  With much talent and a pleasing personality, Colin certainly has a bright future as an ETA.    

ETA Aidan Iannandrea

ETA Aidan Iannandrea is relatively new to the world of entertainment, and I understand from the comments of others who have been following his career thus far, that his performance and comfort on stage are growing leaps and bounds with each appearance.  Dressed in a smashing white jacket and tie, black pants and shirt, and black and white shoes, the tall sixteen year old from Welland, Ontario, made quite an impression when he stepped on stage.  Aidan received a great response from the warm and friendly audience for his solo performance.  In the last set of the evening, Aidan appeared on stage with Anthony and Colin for a final song that topped off a great evening of entertainment.    

Aidan’s dad, entertainer David Iannandrea, who goes by the stage name David Ian Andrea, was on hand, not only to support his son, but to act as emcee and sing a couple of songs.  David, who pays tribute to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and others, often brings Aidan along to his own shows to sing a few songs.  In his bio, Aidan, who performs as Ricky Nelson and other singers in addition to Elvis, said that he thinks performing is a lot of fun, and he has met a lot of nice people.  Aidan’s mom helped out on the door and recorded Aidan’s performance, making the evening an Iannandrea family affair.  It is always such a pleasure meeting the family, friends, and fans who support young ETAs as they make their way in the ETA world.  Best of luck, Aidan, with all your endeavours.         

Fans, Friends and Family Photos

I always look forward to seeing fans I know and those whom I am meeting for the first time.  I very much enjoy hearing stories about their past ETA experiences at shows, at home, and at competitions.  At Saturday’s show, I had the pleasure of meeting Annette and her husband, Fred.  Fred, who was celebrating his 84th birthday, told me he has his own Elvis jumpsuit, wig, and sunglasses and that he and Annette often dress up on Saturday nights just for fun.  He showed me several great photos of him in costume, with Annette wearing a striking purple wig.

Danette, joined her friend, Irene, to experience her first ever Elvis tribute show on Saturday night.  Danette’s comment at the end of the evening:  “I’m hooked!”  

Sandra and Sandy, ETA show regulars, always have great stories.  Sandy, who lingered after Sandra left Niagara Casino, said that ETA Gino Monopoli jumped the fence to give her a hug and a kiss when he spotted her after his Silver Aces show.  Both Sandra and Sandy have been big fans of ETA Gino Monopoli (and ETA Anthony Von) for years.*

ETA and HamiltonTiger-Cat fan, Marian, was very happy to receive purple and white scarves from ETAs Anthony Joseph and Colin Dexter.  As of Saturday, Marian has collected eight scarves from eight different ETAs.       

It was nice seeing Jeannine and Dan Buckingham (third to last photo in album below), who travelled for the second week in a row from the USA to attend an ETA show in Ontario, enjoying the company of Cathy Wood (first photo in album below) from Hamilton. 

Rudy and the Angels, a band of amazing musicians and backup singers, was the main reason why Irene Lobsinger came to the show on Saturday.  Irene knows drummer Rudy Salerno and the Angels from their many appearances backing Canadian icon Bobby Curtola.  Sadly, this past Monday, June 4th, 2018, marked the second anniversary of Bobby’s passing.  I had the pleasure of seeing Bobby Curtola in the 60s when he performed at a dance at Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek, Ontario.  Hearing Bobby's songs played on Zoomer Radio brings back fond memories of that wonderful night.  In memory of Bobby Curtola,  I wish to share the photo of lifelong fan, Irene Lobsinger, and Rudy Salerno, drummer with Rudy and the Angels, who worked so closely with Bobby in his shows these past few years.  Rest in peace, Bobby.  You are dearly missed.  

Until next time, best regards, Carolyn.

*It is always nice hearing about ETAs who demonstrate their appreciation to loyal fans in a meaningful way.   If you have a story you wish to share, please send it along, with photos, to sideburnsmagazine@gmail.com to be considered for posting. 

Credit for all photos posted:  Carolyn MacArthur.

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Norm Ackland Sr. Celebrates 50 Years as Canada's First ETA

Introduction

On behalf everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine, I wish to congratulate Norm Ackland Sr. on his 50th Anniversary as Canada’s first ETA.  A celebration to mark the event recently took place in London, Ontario.  Thank you to Darlene Martin for contacting her nephew, Norm Ackland, who sent along photos and the following bio of his father to post.  And thank you to Norm Sr. for the subsequent photos of the celebration.  Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.  

Bio

Norm Ackland, aka Midnight Elvis, lives in London Ont.  He is the first ETA in Canada, since 1968, and also has the distinction of being part of the only three generation family of ETAs in Canada.  His son, Norm Jr., since 1980, and grandson, Jax, since 2010, complete this highly talented trio.

The 50+ Club's Original Legends: ETAs Johnny Harra 1959, Pete Wilcox 1963, Wade Cummins 1964, and Norm Ackland 1968.

Norm Sr. has performed in over 700 shows with highlights including a performance at the Las Vegas Hilton and recording at Sun Records.  He has amassed over 90 Elvis rings, 50 necklaces, and over 30 outfits in order to give his audience the most authentic Elvis experience possible.  Norm was fortunate to have seen Elvis perform twice after winning tickets from CJBK and CKSL.  He is also known for being the co-creator of the Crib Wars board game.

As he celebrates his 50th anniversary as an ETA, Midnight Elvis would like to invite his family, friends, and fans to a special charity event.  On Saturday, May 19th, 2018, Midnight Elvis will be hosting two afternoon shows, and one in the evening, which will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion - Victory Branch 317 at 311 Oakland Ave.  Admission is free, but Midnight Elvis requests that you help him support the three charities that are close to his heart.  Non-perishable canned goods will be accepted on behalf of the London Food Bank.  Cash donations will be greatly appreciated in support of Autism Ontario- London Chapter and the Victory Branch Legion.

The photos in the carousel are from Norm Ackland Sr.'s  50th Anniversary celebration as an ETA.  

A Request from Norm Ackland Sr.

This year is my 50th anniversary as the first ETA in Canada.  Throughout the years I have performed at hundreds of charity events.  My goal is to make my 50th anniversary celebration a fun time while contributing as much as possible to the charities which are closest to my heart, so there will be my other tribute artists in the shows.

I’m asking the media to help me achieve my goal by publicising this event.  Any support you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

To book interviews, please contact Norm Ackland via

Phone: 519-615-3397                                   

e-mail: norman@cribwars.com

Website: midnightelvis.com

Slide Show and Photo

Photos in the following presentation were taken by Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine at the 2018 NFEF.

Videos

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Recap of Giving Back with the Legends Show

The Recap

What made the tribute show held at the RHLI (Royal Hamilton Light Infantry) on Sunday, May 27th, 2018 more remarkable than the large number of scheduled performers, was the fact that all the performers donated their time and talent to raise money to buy much needed new tables and chairs for the RHLI Veterans Hall.  Through ticket sales for the show, draw tickets, and a 50/50 draw, a considerable amount was raised to make the pending purchase a possibility. 

Entertainer Tyra Johnson.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Starting off the afternoon show in fine style was Tyra Johnson singing Martina McBride, Melissa Etheridge, and Donna Summers songs.  Tyra worked the room, encouraging some surprised men in the audience to “scold her” during the Donna Summers’ song, “Last Dance”.  At one point she dragged the chair of a reluctant female audience member onto the floor so she could dance around her seated dance partner.  It was all in good fun, as seen in the above photo. 

ETA Chris Cooper.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

The next entertainer, ETA Chris Cooper, dressed in an Elvis speedway jacket, in red, serenaded fan and friend, Irene Lobsinger, with the song “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, followed by “Hula Rock”.  In back to back songs, “Jailhouse Rock/Hound Dog”, Chris was joined on stage by surprise guest, ETA Richard Wolfe. 

For a change of pace from Elvis songs, ETA Doug McKenzine sang oldies but goldies from the 60s:  “Sugar Shack” and “Down in the Boondocks”.  The songs brought pleasant memories of those golden days when we listened to these classics on transistor radios.

Tribute Artist Bobby Allan.  Photo Credit:  C.M.  

Bobby Allan, looking every bit like Neil Diamond in his dazzling blue shirt, delighted the audience with Neil’s best loved songs, “Forever in Blue Jeans”, “Cherry Cherry”, and my personal favourite, “Sweet Caroline”.  Later in the show, Bobby entertained with a beautiful, and moving, rendition of Elvis's favourite song, "If I Can Dream".  The talented Bobby Allan, and his cousin ETA Douglas Roy, whom was featured in one of my early SIDEBURNS blogs, are scheduled to perform at the Stoney Creek Legion on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 for a free show from 2 to 5 pm. 

ETA Ed Butski.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

ETA Ed Butski, as well as performing great Elvis songs in his set, did a splendid job looking after the sound system for all of the other performers in lieu of Beverly Gribbon, and Jimmy Gribbon, (John Denver) who had to work.  Ed entertained with “Memories”, followed by “Only Fools Rush In”, and from the move Girls, Girls, Girls, “Return to Sender”.  Ed’s wife, Linda, helped out by selling tickets at the front door.  It takes a lot of volunteers to run an event, and Linda’s help, as pointed by Joanmarie, was very much appreciated.

Brian McKenzie brought country to the afternoon’s lineup.  Standing tall and wearing a straw hat, Brian looked very much like Toby Keith when he sang Toby’s hit songs, “How do You Like me Now”, “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action”, and “I Ain’t as Good as I Once Was.”

Tribute Artist Ron Provo and ETA Wayne Zess.  Photo Credit:  C.M. 

As a fan of Kenny Rogers, it was a treat hearing Ron Provo sing “Lucille”, “The Gambler”, and “Buy me a Rose”.  Ron is the other half of the dynamo duo of Joanmarie/Ron Provo who run the shows we all enjoy at the RHLI which.

Entertainer Country Rose.  Photo Credit:  C.M. 

For her RHLI performance, the always elegant and classy Country Rose sang “Here Comes my Baby”, “Take These Chains and Set me Free”, and “Yes, I Understand”.  It was such a pleasure seeing Country Rose again after meeting her for the first time at the Fort Erie Legion on March 24th, 2018, for a show that included ETAs Matt Cage, Brent Freeman (as Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis) and Gord McNeil.

ETA Wayne Zess.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

ETA Wayne Zess, whom I met for the first time yesterday, would have made Elvis proud with his polished appearance at yesterday’s show.  Wayne entertained by singing “Treat me Nice”, “Little Sister”, and “Puppet on a String”.  The story of how Wayne became an ETA is very interesting:  “He fell into his role easily enough having worked as a disc jockey in his spare time, but it was his wife, Shirley, who gave him the little push he needed to become a full-fledged ETA. In 2003 while the couple was attending the annual Elvis Festival in Collingwood, Shirley volunteered her husband as a substitute for one of the Elvis impersonators who failed to turn up at one of the local resorts. Dressed in shorts and a sports shirt, Zess took the mic and belted out some songs and from that point on, he was hooked.  Flamborough Review, April 2, 2009)

Tribute Artist Jeffrey Marsh.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

The next performer, Jeffrey Marsh, brought us back to the country by singing the energetic song “Sold” by John Michael Montgomery, followed by a request from Irene Lobsinger for the sentimental song, “Mom”, by Garth Brooks.  Jeffrey followed with the patriotic song, “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus, and then another Garth Brooks’ song, “The Dance”.  Stating that he wanted to shake things up, and wondering if he should attempt a departure from the country genre, Jeffrey asked if ETA Doug McKenzie would show him some of Elvis’s hip actions.  Doug jokingly said that it might be more of “broken hip” than “swivel hip” action, but in truth, Doug showed he still has the moves.  He said ETA Richard Wolfe, who was watching with amusement, could show how it should be done.  After a bit of encouragement, Richard joined Jeffrey and Doug for a performance of “Shake, Rattle, and Roll”.

ETA Nick Policelli and Tribute Artist Doug McKenzie.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

ETA Nick Policelli, whose bio was recently posted on SIDEBURNS Magazine, and has a nice tone to his voice, did an admirable job of singing “Teddy Bear”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, and “Only Fools Rush In”.  You can check out Nick’s interesting story on www.sideburnsmagazine.com

ETA Al Eagle.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Nick was followed by ETA Al Eagle, who, according to his Facebook page, has been paying tribute to Elvis for 38 years.  Decked out in an Elvis ladder jumpsuit, Al sang “I Can Help”, “Love me Tender”, and “What Now my Love”. 

Al and his wife, Debra, have volunteered their time in the past by providing music therapy to patients with Alzheimer's disease.  Al had this to say about his volunteer work as an ETA:  "When I sang Elvis songs, seniors would sing along with me...very emotional.  I look forward to singing to people with Alzheimer's disease in the Hamilton area very soon."  Al can be reached at ccelvismemories@yahoo.ca.  

Doug McKenzie continued his walk down memory lane with “Cherry Hill Park”, and the Pat Boone classic, “Speedy Gonzales”, a song that Doug admitted, always make him laugh.”

Entertainer Ella Farida.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Ella Frida, classical and modern ballet dancer, professional singer, actress, York University performing arts alumni, and belly dancer, was the next performer.  The charming Ella, accompanied on the guitar by Peter Mathers, sang “Now or Never”, “Amore” from Blue Hawaii, and “Surrender”.   Congratulations, Ella, on your well deserved win of the 2018 People’s Choice Award for the Arts and Culture Category at the Waterfront Awards - Celebrating Outstanding Women.

Entertainer Gus Cino.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Entertainer and tribute artist, Gus Cino, waited patiently for his term to perform.  Handsomely dressed in a black tuxedo with a red pocket hanky, Gus took the stage holding a glass of wine as part of his performance.  Appropriately, Gus’s first song was Dean Martin’s much loved song, “Little Old Winemaker, Me” that delighted the audience.  His second Dean Martin song selection, “That’s Amore”, had everyone swaying in their seats.  As a special treat, Gus sang the Al Jolson classic“ Mammy”, and got down on one knee, with arms spread wide, just like Al himself.  Gus’s tribute was so well received, that the audience enthusiastically requested an encore.  With his singing of “Toot Toot Tootsie, Goodbye”, Gus brought the audience to its feet with his amazing rendition.  Gus shared with the audience that he used to perform at the Dumaurier Theatre, now Theatre Aquarius, with a seniors group.  Gus’s professionalism as an artist shone through in yesterday’s performance.

ETA Richard Wolfe.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Hamilton born Richard Wolfe demonstrated his talent as an award-winning ETA by performing “Love Letters”, “Runaway”, and “Hunk of Love”.  Richard shared with the audience that he is a regular at the RHLI because his grandparents, who are members of the club, run karaoke every Thursday night from 7:30 to 11:30.  Richard added that he often joins them when he is home, and not touring; but he does not sing Elvis on karaoke nights!  Richard, however, will be performing as Elvis on June 16th, 2018 at the RHLI, along with Brent Freeman as Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, and Marcus Wells as Sir Elton John.  Tickets information is available by calling Joanmarie at 905-870-1069.

Tribute Artists Brian and Doug McKenzie.  Photo Credit:  C.M.

Closing out a day of wonderful entertainment, Doug continued the trend paying a wonderful tribute to Roy Orbison, by singing “Pretty Woman”, “In Dreams”, and “Crying”.  Doug did fine performances throughout the day, but his tribute to Roy Orbison, or me, and others, was his finest.  Not only did Doug look the part with signature dark-lensed sunglasses and black suede jacket, his vocals were so convincing that one audience member commented that when she closed her eyes, she could hear Roy’s voice.  Doug was joined on stage by his son Brian during the last song—a great father/son duo.

We all missed Jimmy and Beverly Gribbon, Paul Truman, Cathy Carbone and Anthony Joseph, who were scheduled, but unable to attend; however, we can all look forward to seeing Anthony, along with ETAs Colin Dexter from Michigan, and Aidan Iannandrea from Welland at their show on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018, at the Polish Hall in Burlington, Ontario.

Jeannine and Dan Buckingham.  Photo Credit:  C.M. 

It was lovely seeing fans from as far away as Trenton, Brantford, the Niagara Falls region, and New York State.  Dan and Jeannine Buckingham learned of the show on Facebook, and travelled from the USA to see Joanmarie and Ron Provo’s show.  Dan and Jeannine are holding a competition on October 5th and 6th, 2018 at the Moose Lodge #118, Westfield, NY.  Further information can be found on their website:  www.reflectionsoftheking.webs.com

Fans, Friends, and Fun Photos

A Thank You Plus Photos

Great volunteers at the RHLI.  Photo Credit:  C.M. 

A special thank you to Ed Butski, Tyra Johnson, Doug McKenzie, Chris Cooper, Wayne Zess, Brian McKenzie, Ella Farida, Bobby Allan, Jeffery Marsh, Country Rose, Ron Provo, Gus Cino, Al Eagle, and Richard Wolfe for generously giving their time for a worthy cause, and to Joanmarie and Ron Provo for hosting the event with the help of their wonderful volunteers and contributors.   

Cheers, everyone!  Carolyn  

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