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SIDEBURNS

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A Chat with Sharon Murray

May 20, 2019 Carolyn MacArthur
ETA Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

ETA Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Happy Birthday, Sylvain Leduc!

With love from all your SIDEBURNS fans and friends.

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Sharon, Theo, and Louis. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Sharon, Theo, and Louis. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

A Chat with Sharon Murray

SB:  It is indeed a pleasure chatting with you this morning, Sharon. 

SM: The pleasure is all mine, Carolyn!

SB:  It has been a very exciting couple of years for all of you.  Can you describe some of the highlights?

Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

SM: Every moment along this journey has been an adventure. The most recent highlight was Sylvain’s championship win at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival last month which qualifies him to compete at the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. We are very excited by the prospect of returning to Memphis! One of the most important highlights for us is our connection with the fans. We can’t thank them enough for the love and support they’ve shown Sylvain, and we welcome every opportunity to meet the fans at our shows and through the various festivals and events we attend. Our shows, and Elvis events in general, are successful because fans actively support the ETAs who pay tribute to The King and we thank them for choosing to spend their evenings with us. Through Elvis Tribute Artists and the millions of fans across the world, we keep Elvis’ memory and his music alive.

SB:  What was it like for you watching Sylvain compete on the Memphis stage last August?

Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Sylvain Leduc. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

SM: It was a tremendous source of pride. Knowing how hard Sylvain had worked to reach this point and to see him up there on stage in Memphis is still beyond words. It was at that moment that I truly understood the meaning of the word “surreal”.

SB:  Going into this year’s NFEF, what advice did you give to Sylvain before the competition?

SM: The best advice I ever received was through a conversation I had with Steve Binder (Director & Producer of “ELVIS”, aka The ’68 Comeback Special). He told me that my job is to instill confidence and let the artist know that I believe in his talent 200%. In retrospect, I came to understand that the best advice can be found in simplicity. This has been easy advice to follow as I have believed in Sylvain since the day I met him. At competitions, we have a ritual. Just before he goes backstage, I whisper “Go up there, sing with your heart and “be” Elvis.” I truly believe that’s all you need to do, nothing more, nothing less. If you study Elvis and respect the man and the image, the authenticity will naturally shine through.

SB:  What was the first thing you did when Sylvain was announced as the winner?

SM: I cried…

SB:  What is the plan going to this year’s Ultimate competition in Memphis? 

SM: For a competition of this magnitude, all contestants must be mentally and physically prepared. Song choices will need to be carefully considered. It is my role and the role of the team to provide a solid support system that will allow Sylvain to remain focused and relaxed so that he can enjoy this part of his journey to the fullest. Having competed last year, the experience we gained will be paramount in how we approach this year’s contest. We are simply thrilled to have the privilege of accompanying Sylvain to the UETAC for a 2nd time.

SB:  Between now and August, where will we be able to see Sylvain performing?

SM: Sylvain will be performing at the Chateauguay Regional High School Auditorium in Ormstown, Quebec on Friday, May 24th. At the end of the month, we’re off to New York where Sylvain will be competing at the Lake George Elvis Festival. Upon our return, Sylvain will be performing at the Tweed Royal Canadian Legion on Friday, June 7th and will be featured at the Tweed Music Festival’s Elvis and Friends Gala Night taking place on June 8th at the Tweed Agricultural Building. On June 15th, you’ll find us in Hogansburg, New York at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino where Sylvain will be performing with a live band at the ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA event.

For a full list of upcoming events, we invite fans to visit our website at www.sylvainleducelvis.com. Fans can also follow us on Instagram @sylvainleducelvis as well as on our Facebook Sylvain Leduc ELVIS Fan Site.

SB:   Since today is Sylvain’s birthday, do you have something special you would like to say to him?  If you had the power of magic, what gift would you give to Sylvain? 

Sylvain, Carolyn, Sharon, and Theo. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Sylvain, Carolyn, Sharon, and Theo. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

SM: Both Theo & I wish Sylvain the happiest of birthdays. May he be blessed with an abundance of health, happiness and continued success. We hope that today will be as special as he is to us. If I could give him one magical gift, I would give him the honor of being the 1st Canadian to be crowned Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Grand Champion. I can’t think of a better Elvis ambassador to bring the “Ultimate” home to Canada. Any Elvis fan will tell you that there is an Elvis song for every occasion or circumstance. In this context, I’m going with “If I Can Dream”…

SB:  Thank you very much, Sharon, for taking time from your busy schedule to chat. 

SM: Thank you, Carolyn – it’s always a pleasure speaking with you!


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PHOTO FEATURE: Niagara Falls Elvis Festival's Gospel Hour

May 19, 2019 Carolyn MacArthur
ETA Riley Jenkins dazzled the audience at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Gospel Hour.  Photo Credit:  Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

ETA Riley Jenkins dazzled the audience at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Gospel Hour. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Introduction

I wish to thank today's contributing writer, Lori-Anne Crewe, for her write-up and photos in the Gospel Photo Feature.  Besides her very visible role as SB photographer, Lori-Anne is also our behind the scenes technical adviser and artistic director.  Whenever there is a tech issue, I can count on Lori-Anne to make things right.  The eye-catching contest poster and the memorable Trivia Tuesday design are examples of Lori-Anne's computer wizardry.  She was also instrumental in helping me with the initial set-up of SB Magazine, and continues to teach and assist me with computer tasks as they arise.  As a professional photographer, Lori-Anne captures the emotion and story behind behind the images that are posted on SIDEBURNS.  

Article

As lead photographer for SIDEBURNS Magazine, I’m privileged to have access to some of the biggest and brightest talents in the ETA world. One of my favourite events to photograph is the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival (NFEF), held annually at the Greg Frewin Theatre in the heart of Niagara Falls, Canada. Only in its third year, the festival, sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. | Graceland is host to the official preliminary round for the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held in Memphis, where Elvis tribute artists from around the world compete for the title of Grand Champion. If you are an Elvis fan, or even just a fan of live entertainment, the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival is not to be missed.

In addition to the contest, festival attendees are treated to several performances by award-winning artists and musicians throughout the 3-day event. From a photographer’s point of view, these performances are a joy to capture. There is no denying the excitement in the air as world-class performers such as Dean Z, Diogo Light or Jay Dupuis take the stage. I often find myself enjoying the performances so much that I forget to take the photos!

From the rockabilly of the ‘50s to the soulful funk of the ‘70s, Elvis’s music has always captivated me; however, the genre that I enjoy the most is his gospel. When he sings these classics there is something in Elvis’s voice that resonates with me. It is no surprise that, for me, the highlight of the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival was Gospel Hour, hosted by talented artists, Riley Jenkins, Diogo Light and Cote Deonath. Their heartfelt performances of “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” were soul lifting. As a special treat for the audience, the Niagara Men’s Chorus joined the performers on stage for a few gospels and then a solo performance during half-time. I am pleased to provide you with a few photos from the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival Gospel Hour. Enjoy!

Lori-Anne Crewe, Lead Photographer

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Editor’s Notes

The opening photo of Riley Jenkins is one my favourites that Lori-Anne took during the divine Sunday morning at the NFEF.  Having seen Diogo Light and Cote Deonath for two consecutive years at the NFEF, and knowing their talent for powerful vocals, I anticipated a wonderful gospel hour. I saw Riley at last year’s NFEF, and I know that a year in the life of a teen can mean big changes. Looking very mature in his "If I Can Dream" white suit, and with his hair blackened, the sixteen year old ETA sang with a passion that far exceeded his years. I was at the very back of the theatre taking notes, and I had to put down my pen and watch and listen to his spellbinding solos.  His voice was so unexpectedly powerful, it was difficult without looking at the stage to distinguish which of the three brilliantly talented ETAs was singing. It was a serenely beautiful way to spend Sunday morning, listening to the magnificent voices of Diogo, Cote, and Riley singing Elvis’s much loved gospel songs.

Thank you for your wonderful photos in today’s post, Lori-Anne. We all look forward to seeing more of your photos from the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in upcoming posts. C.M.

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A Chat with Sandra Gold

May 14, 2019 Carolyn MacArthur
Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks, presents a scarf to a lucky lady. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks, presents a scarf to a lucky lady. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.

I had an opportunity to catch up with Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., and ask her a few questions about her upcoming shows:

SB:  Thank you for taking a moment to chat, Sandra.  What can you tell us about your upcoming shows on Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st?

Marcus Wells and Gordon Hendricks will reprise their tributes to Sir Elton John and Elvis Presley at the Grimsby show. Also appearing at the Casablanca will be Tiffany Deriveau as Tina Turner. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Marcus Wells and Gordon Hendricks will reprise their tributes to Sir Elton John and Elvis Presley at the Grimsby show. Also appearing at the Casablanca will be Tiffany Deriveau as Tina Turner. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

SG:  On May 31st, at the Casablanca Winery Inn, Grimsby, Ontario, featured performers, Marcus Wells as Elton John, Tiffany Deriveau--as my new and great, Tina Turner, and of course, the super talented Gordon Hendricks as Elvis will entertain at a dinner/show.  The event is almost sold out, and only a few tickets remain available.  Then on the next night, June 1st, at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, the Casino Brothers band will back the fantastic Gordon Hendricks.

SB:  What are you most looking forward to at your shows?

SG:  Everything! I look forward to so many things.  Of course the night of the show!  I enjoy producing the show, and then seeing it come to life on the stage.  I enjoy seeing friends and fans smiling, singing, and dancing.  Seeing them happy brings me the most joy.  I love being with my close friends—all the laughs—and making memories I will keep forever.   And I look forward to seeing Gordon. He always makes me laugh!

Some days before the show I feel stress, but it all goes ways on the night of the show.  It’s like having a baby:  First some pain, then there is so much joy afterwards, you forget the pain.  One of the best parts of putting on a show is when someone says they are going through a hard time and just for a few hours they forgot all their worries and enjoyed themselves.  Then it’s all worth it!  All the stress goes away.  It is all about making people happy.

SB:   How can we find out more about your shows, and purchase tickets?

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SB:  Thank you, Sandra.  We are all looking forward to two nights of fabulous entertainment.

SG:  You are welcome.

Editor’s Note:  Sandra puts a lot of caring into the shows she produces.  Her years in the business ensure that the upcoming shows will provide evenings of excellent entertainment and a lot of fun. Until next time…Cheers!  C.M.


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