Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks: Niagara Falls

Great video by Jess Charro Wade of the second half of Gordon Hendricks’ June 1st, 2019 show at the ScotiaBank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. If you could not make it to the show, this video will give you a simulated experience of seeing Gordon’s fantastic show. Enjoy! And check the message just above the photo that follows the video :)

Sandra Gold posted this message on her Facebook page: “My next year’s dates for Gordon are May 29 and May 30th, 2020. See ya all there.” Great news for all Gordon Hendricks’ fans! C.M.

Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks, and Carolyn MacArthur, owner and editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine, May 31st, 2019. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur, for SB Mag.

Recap of Andrew Martin's '70s Revolution Show

George Sicker, singer with the Rev-Tones describes Andrew Martin as “one talented individual with an incredible voice” who is a “terrific person” and “humble kind of guy” (Introducing:  Andrew Martin, SIDEBURNS Magazine, October 18th, 2019). 

Andrew Martin, photographer John Rowland, and George Sicker. Photo Credit: A. Martin.

Those of us who were at Andrew’s ‘70s Revolution show on Sunday, June 2nd, 2018, would agree full-heartedly with George’s comments.  Andrew Martin has been blessed with a voice that has such a range that one wonders if there is anything he cannot sing to perfection.  A powerhouse on stage, after the show, Andrew showed his “terrific and humble” side, by spending time chatting with fans and friends, thanking them for coming to his show, signing autographs, and posing for many photos.  Asked by one fan to sing a gospel song acapella, Andrew sang “How Great Thou Art” so beautifully that more than one person wiped away a tear. 

Singer Andrew Martin. Photo Credit: Kimberley Clark.

Sunday’s show, as indicated by the title ‘70s Revolution, was filled with music from the 1970s.  The song choices in both sets brought back so many great memories.  Andrew covered songs from the best ‘70’s groups and solo acts, including the iconic Eagles, and the legendary Sir Elton John.  Asking the audience if anyone liked disco music, Andrew was surprised by the many cheers.  He laughingly commented, “Usually I receive one timid ‘I do’ from an audience.  It appears Niagara Falls is a disco city!”  And with that said, Andrew went on to perform KC and the Sunshine band tunes.  Andrew also performed a melange of theme songs from popular 1970’s sitcoms, including WKRP in Cincinnati, Happy Days, Welcome Back, Kotter, and The Jeffersons, which brought back warm memories for many. 

Back-up singers Anita Halfpenny and Susan Walsh enjoy a moment on stage with Andrew Martin. Photo Credit: Kimberley Clark.

Andrew was generous in his praise of his band members and singers:  Drummer and vocalist Tyler Stacey, bass player Sylvain Gagnon, guitarist and vocalist Derek Morris, pianist Sam McNichols, keyboard player and vocalist, Ben Vandergaast, and background vocalists, Susan Walsh and Anita Halfpenny.  In his introduction of the band, Andrew jokingly pointed out for the benefit of the ladies in the audience the marital status of band members, specifically noting that that Sylvain is “available”.  Adding that he, himself, could be available, Andrew quickly retracted his statement saying his wife, Janet, was in the audience.  It was all in good fun.  Talented singer and guitarist, Derek Morris, entertained the audience with two songs:  “No Matter What You Are” by Badfinger, and “Swingtown” by the Steve Miller Band.   Commenting on keyboard player and vocalist Ben Vandergaast’s stylish red shoes, Andrew introduced Ben’s Elton John solo, “Bennie and the Jets” which delighted the audience.  And when Tyler Stacey sang “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad, he had us out of our seats dancing.  When Andrew joined in at the end of the song for a final “pretty” note, Tyler bowed on hands and knees to the master vocalist.  The camaraderie that exists between Andrew, band members, and singers is evident on stage.  There was lots of good natured joking that provided a great sense of fun for all during the show.

For me, as the editor of an Elvis Tribute Artist magazine, Andrew’s medley of Elvis Presley songs that ended his second set was the topping on a fabulous afternoon of entertainment.  Earlier in the show, Andrew sang the crowd pleasing, interactive, “Sweet Caroline”, a Neil Diamond song recorded by Elvis for his On Stage album; and he teased with a few bars of an Elvis gospel song. Andrew also sang “Never Been to Spain” by Three Dog Night which was recorded by Elvis for his 1972 As Recorded at Madison Square Garden album.  With his award winning voice, Andrew paid great tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.  Leaving the stage to a standing ovation, Andrew was encouraged to reappear and sing one last song.  Breaking away from the ‘70s,  Andrew  chose Journey’s 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believing” to end the show.      

Photos of the ‘70s Revolution Show

Thank you, Kimberley Clark for some of your photos used in this album.

I had a chance to speak with some very nice people before and after the show.  Debi Czerewaty, SIDEBURNS Magazine winner of two tickets that were generously donated by Andrew Martin Music, was very excited to see the ‘70s Revolution Show and bring along her friend. Cambridge, Ontario couple, Dorine and Ozzie Bertin, planned their weekend getaway to the Falls so they could see Andrew’s show.  Hugh Jefferies and Kimberley Clark, who sat beside me and took many great photos and videos, plan on going to Andrew’s Crooners Christmas show in December.  One of my favourite photos from the day is of Hamiltonian Cathy Wood taken with Andrew.  Her smile says it all; she had a great time!  Cathy’s husband, Bob, who is a Beatles fan, said he really enjoyed the show.   Andrew Martin fans, Debbie Snow and Lorraine Eisan, from Brampton, Ontario, travel far and wide to see Andrew’s shows: Guelph, Peterborough, and on Sunday, Niagara Falls. Without hesitation, they both stated, “We love Andrew!” Also at Andrew’s show on Sunday were Laura Maryniak and Rose Sgambato who are followers of Andrew.  And seeing Andrew for the first time were Evelyn Perry, Gigi Collucci, Joyce Barnes, and Laura Shand who saw Andrew’s show listing on his Facebook page.  It was so nice seeing SB Mag’s followers, Marnie Butler, and her husband, Jeff, Lynn and Gord McNeil, and Pam Capp and her sister, Marsha.  Andrew’s cousin, Marjorie and her friend surprised Andrew by coming to his show (third photo right in the fourth row in the album below). A very nice man named Rick had the most incredible Elvis belt that he made from pull tabs which he decorated to resemble an Elvis belt.  And if you want to reach Graceland in a hurry, Rick can tell you the 1-800 number off the top of his head! 

If you did not have the good fortune of seeing Andrew Martin’s amazing show on Sunday, Andrew has a show in July and one in December.  Information can be found in the flyers that follow.  A 20% discount is being offered for a limited time for the Crooners Christmas show on December 6th, 2019, so act quickly to secure a good seat.  Any show you see with Andrew Martin will be an incredible experience!

Fan Photos

Upcoming Shows

ETA Matt Cage and singer/musician Derek Morris. Photo Credit: Anita Halfpenny.

Singer and musician, Derek Morris, also manages and performs with the Celtic group, Fiddleheads from Belleville, Ontario.  Derek is also the brother-in-law of one our favourite ETAs, Matt Cage.  Clips of Derek performing as Johnny Cash in Matt’s shows can be found on YouTube. Andrew’s background singers, Anita Halfpenny and Susan Walsh, have also performed with Andrew Martin in For Love Of A Song, a group originally from Belleville that puts on great shows organized by Susan Walsh.  According to the For the Love of a Song Facebook page, the ladies will be “joining Andrew Martin at a couple of his concerts” and they “will be back November 2019”. Anita Halfpenny also sang back-up for Matt Cage with her band DejaVu. Derek will be performing with Matt on June 12th, 2019, in Concert on the Bay:  Elvis and Johnny at Zwick’s Park, Belleville, Ontario from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  Admissions is free!

In the ETA world, someone always seems to be connected to someone else we know.  I first saw Andrew Martin in 2015 when he was singing backup for ETA Steve Kabakos (aka Steve Michaels).  When Steve left the stage to change, Andrew, as part of a quartet, sang Elvis’s much loved gospel songs.  During Andrew’s solo, my daughter and I were awed by his voice.  Andrew, who was best man at Steve’s wedding, is the godfather of Steve’s children. With his best friend Steve’s encouragement, Andrew returned to performing in his own shows. 

Adding another link in the ETA chain…when Steve was not able to perform in American Icons due to another commitment, he called on Matt Cage, who has worked with many of the same people as Andrew, to play the role of Elvis. “But what about Andrew,” you might ask, “Would he ever consider filling in as and ETA for his friend, Steve Michaels?”  Andrew’s humorous answer to this reasonable question is, “You will never see me in a bedazzled ‘onesie’!”

Coming up are two shows you will definitely want to see:  Matt Cage and The Casino Brothers in the Elvis 68 to 77 Concert on Friday, July 12th, 2019, and Andrew Martin with his band in his Decades Show on Saturday, July 13th, 2019, both at the Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival, Zwick’s Park.  Also appearing on Friday night, just before Matt and the The Casino Brothers will be the talented singer Anita Halfpenny and her band DejaVu. Hope to see you at these fantastic shows!

Photo Album

Many of the photos in this album were previously posted in Andrew’s interview. Photo Credits: A. Martin, C. MacArthur.

Queen Street Area of Niagara Falls

Outside the Seneca Queen Theatrre waiting for the box office to open at 2. Photo Credit: C. M.

I would like to close by talking about the Seneca Queen Theatre and the interesting Queen Street area of Niagara Falls, Ontario.  When going to a theatre in a place you have not been before, it is nice to know where you can park and where you can have a bite to eat locally before arriving.

I have been to Niagara Falls on many, many occasions in my lifetime, but the day of Andrew’s show was only the second time I have been to the Queen Street area of Niagara Falls, ON.  A few years ago, by chance, I found my way to the area during a lively, and very crowded, community festival on Labour Day weekend.  I don’t recall even seeing the theatre on that particular day. On the Sunday afternoon of the June 2nd show, the Queen Street area, which is only a 10 minute drive from Casino Niagara, was not busy at all. It was very quiet, and the theatre was very easy to find.

The Seneca Theatre  was built in 1941 with a seating capacity for 911. It was originally owned by Famous Players. The theatre hosted many events over the years, including the Canadian premiere of Marilyn Monroe's film Niagara on January 28, 1953. In 1984, Cineplex Odeon took over the building, and the theatre was made into two cinemas. Cinema 1 had 569 seats, and Cinema 2 seated 211, providing a combined seating capacity for 780 patrons.

A large, illuminated marquee was part of the original façade, and the upper part of still exhibits art deco styling. The interior was decorated throughout with native Seneca motifs such as birch bark-cast plaster walls, ceremonial masks and belt designs. The theatre is hoping to restore the masks and marquee in the future.

The Seneca Queen Theatre, today, holds 308 comfortable seats, each with a perfect view of the stage. The Seneca Queen is fully licensed.  Parking on Sundays is free in a municipal lot behind the theatre. 

Floors in the Queen Bee Cafe are original to the building. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Open for business on the day of the show, were three notable establishments on Queen Street:  The Paris Crepes Café, the Queen Bee Café, and the Cigar Experience (definitely not promoting smoking, but the building is beautiful).  I remember the Paris Crepes Café from my previous visit, and it reputedly continues to offer great food.  I was told by locals that the Queen Bee Café was a good choice for tea; so on Monday morning, I dropped in for a light breakfast. For a reasonable price of $6.37, I enjoyed a bacon, cheese, and bacon bagel and a large Earl Grey tea.  I was told by management that the Queen Bee is getting a makeover this week. I hope they keep the integrity of this awesome building in tact.  The floors and ceilings are original to the building and are quite spectacular.

If you are in the downtown Queen area during the week, there is free 90 minute parking on the street.  If you do visit, take note of the street signs that arch over the streets, and the nice little park with a fountain by the NF City Hall.

I hope to see you all the next time Andrew Martin has a show at the Seneca Queen. You will enjoy an awesome show in an awesome theatre in an interesting area of Niagara Falls.  Until next time, cheers! C.M.

Recap of the Casablanca Winery Inn Show

Article

“Outstanding” is the word that best describe last night’s show at the Casablanca Winery Inn.  Sandra Gold, president of Stars on Stage Inc., has a reputation for booking the best tribute artists in the business, and last night was no exception. 

Sandra Gold, Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks, and Carolyn MacArthur. Photo Credit: L. MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks, has a number of fan clubs worldwide with a fan base that has grown exponentially since he first appeared years ago on the UK talent show, Stars in Their Eyes, a competition that he won by a landslide.  They say that winning the title of Ultimate in Memphis, Tennessee, allows an ETA to write their own ticket when it comes to how they wish to perform.  No longer fettered by the demands of competition, ETAs are free to explore other options in their tribute.  Gordon Hendricks has recorded updated classic Elvis songs on his two CDs, “Stripped Back” and “Unplugged”, and performs as himself in sold out performances, most recently, and for the first time in Canada, in Tweed, Ontario.   Those who attended his “Unplugged” show in Tweed rave about his performance.  Included at the end of this article is a brilliant video of “Unplugged” that was taped in the UK. Last night, however, at the Casablanca Winery Inn, it was classic Elvis all the way.

Ultimate ETA, Gordon Hendricks. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur

There was a vibe of excitement the moment we walked into the lobby of the Inn. Sandra, Rita, and Sue were on hand to greet people and assign seating. With everyone seated, dinner was served at 6:30 pm as scheduled.  This is my third time dining at the Casablanca Winery Inn, and each time the food and service have been impeccable.  With dinner over, and dishes cleared, the evening’s entertainment began with Marcus Well’s tribute to Sir Elton John.  Looking splendid in his red shirt, black pants and Elton jacket, Marcus obviously felt the same vibe as the audience.  I have enjoyed Marcus’s tribute many times, but last night there was something extra special in his performance. 

Marcus Wells as Sir Elton John. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur

Singing all the favourite Elton John songs, the most touching moment came with his comments just before singing “Candle in the Wind”.  Marcus introduced the song by reminding us that a woman who left us far too soon, would now have been the grandmother of four children.  Marcus, of course, was talking about Princess Diana and the recent arrival of little Prince Archie.  The song took on new meaning as we all reflected on Marcus’s singing of a song that will forever be associated with England’s Rose.  To end his set, Marcus picked up the tempo with “Crocodile Rock”.  It was a great set for Marcus, and it took me back two years ago when I first met him at the same venue, and in a show that also featured Gordon Hendricks.  I have been a fan of Marcus and his Elton John tribute ever since.

Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks poses with Wendy King. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

As with all ETA shows, the music that preceded Gordon’s appearance on stage last night created a buzz of anticipation from the very first note.  The excitement in the room was palpable.  With all eyes on the only entrance to the room, Gordon entered amidst rounds of cheers and clapping.  Dressed in his black leather suit, Gordon Hendricks looked every bit the award winning artist we have all come to know and love.  One of Gordon’s most endearing qualities, besides a voice that is a cloned version of the King’s, is his connection to his audience.  Success has not diminished his appreciation for each and every fan who attends his shows.  Some faces Gordon knows because they come to every one of his shows, and he made special comments and gestures to them last night; but he also circulated several times during his two sets to meet and greet with fans at tables around the large banquet room.  Gordon’s performance was an ETA fan’s wish come to true.  Singing familiar songs, and adding a few lesser know ones to keep his set fresh, Gordon wowed everyone.  The ballads, for many, were the best part of the evening because it was during these tender songs that the true remarkability of how much Gordon sounds like Elvis could be heard. I have always marvelled at the connection fans feel for certain ETAs, but last night I experienced a revelation as I watched true Elvis fans like Wendy King, Elaine Adie, Sandra Gold, and many others nod in agreement and understanding of Gordon’s comments on what Elvis has meant to him throughout his life.  It is an appreciation that goes much deeper than just enjoying the music of Elvis Presley.  Wendy King said in one of her blogs that when she was young, she felt Elvis was her “friend”. It is a beautiful sentiment that I could see on the faces of many last night. 

Tiffany Deriveau as Tina Turner. Photo Credit: Lisa MacArthur

After a brief intermission, the next performer to take the stage was Tiffany Deriveau with her tribute to Tina Turner.  It was my first time seeing Tiffany, and I was blown away by her performance!  Energy to spare, not only did Tiffany pay great tribute to Tina Turner with her look, but her moves and voice were superb!  My daughter, Lisa, with a tear in her eye, summed up the performance by saying, “She gave every ounce of her being in that performance.”   Buck O’Dell in appreciation asked Sandra, “Where did you find her!”  The entire audience, who agreed en masse that it was an unbelievable performance, gave Tiffany a standing ovation.  I hope to see Tiffany again in future shows. 

Gordon raises a glass of wine presented to him by fan Dot Farr. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Gordon’s second set began with music heard around the world in the televised “Aloha from Hawaii”.   The “scarf set”, as I like to call it, is my favourite part of the show because I really enjoy seeing the happy faces of those who receive scarves.  Last night, Gordon, with the help of Rita Caruso, made the rounds handing out scarves to lucky fans.  Two of our favourite followers of SIDEBURNS Magazine, Cathy Wood and Dot Farr, had their wishes fulfilled when Gordon presented them each with a scarf and a kiss on the cheek.  Anyone who has received a scarf from a favourite ETA understands how special that moment feels for a fan.  I remember at the first Casablanca show that Dot, whom I did not know at the time, gave Gordon a glass a wine while he was performing on stage.  Last night, Dot repeated the gesture, and warming her heart, Gordon remembered her doing the same thing two years ago.  It was one beautiful moment in an evening that contained many more. 

Tammy, far right, enjoyed the evening with her sister and brother-in-law. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Celebrating her 40th birthday, Amy was asked on stage to dance with Gordon.  Tammy, whose birthday is in July, was treated to last night’s show as an early birthday gift from her sister and brother-in-law, so she could see her “boyfriend” while he was in Canada.  Tammy was invited to dance on stage with Gordon to her favourite song, “Burning Love”.  Gordon also announced that Fred Coulas, whom he had chatted with in the lobby, was also celebrating his birthday.  Asking Fred to stand, Gordon sang a few chords of “Happy Birthday”.

During his last set, Gordon talked about his early childhood and how he used to watch Elvis movies with his Nan.  He recalled how his eleven sisters would ask their “little Elvis” to entertain them as they got ready for their dates.  Laughing, Gordon added, “Now they pay to see me perform.”  Remembering how it felt winning the Ultimate title, Gordon shared that he felt like a five year old kid again jumping on his bed with joy, having just realized his childhood dream.

Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks poses with Will Austin and his sisters. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

With great generosity in sharing his stellar vocals and moves, his time, his stories, and his stage, Gordon, closed with “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”. It was all, and more, that any fan could ask of an ETA.  Sandra, knowing the crowd would relish one last song, called all three performers to the stage for a rousing rendition of “Viva Las Vegas”.  After the show, Gordon greeted fans in the lobby, rounding out an unforgettable evening. 

Editor’s Note: Ultimate ETA Gordon Hendricks will be appearing at the ScotiaBank Convention Centre on Saturday, June 1st, 2019. In November, 2019, Sandra will host another great Casablanca show. More details TBA.

Photo Album

A Special Photo for Gordon

Gordon has requested a copy of the photo below taken by Lisa MacArthur. I believe it is the artsy look of the photo that Gordon particularly likes. It resembles paintings favoured by rock artists for their album covers.

Videos