Ready, Set...Show!

Now the stage is bare and I'm standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won't come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain down…

I was standing there, the stage was bare, and emptiness was all around…just like the lines from "Are You Lonesome Tonight”. But no need to bring the curtain down yet, because at the 2024 Niagara Falls Elvis Fest “they” came back, and in a big way!

Kudos to the stage sound and light crew for the fabulous backdrops that created a Vegas feel to ETA headliner performances. The photos in this post were taken from Level 4 and Level 2 and are not too bad considering they were taken with my iPhone. The bright overhead and side stage lights, and the fog, can create problems if you want clear, crisp photos (just compare the empty stage photo to the performance photos to see what I mean). To keep the integrity of the photos, I have kept the size small. If you want to zoom in, just click on the photo. Descriptions are included in hover mode. Cheers! C.M.

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Headliner Bill Cherry acknowledges the audience’s enthusiastic welcome when he came on stage before his jaw-dropping performance.

Headliner Cote Deonath gave a stellar performance at the 2024 NFEF.

Headliner Ted Torres Martin gave a fantastic performance at the 2024 NFEF. To the delight of fans, Ted graciously allowed lots of time for photo opts.

Fan favourite on and off the stage, Matt Cage, gave an awesome performance at the Sunday evening show.

Headliner Cote Deonath’s brilliant performance and the Las Vegas style backdrop heightened the excitement.

During his thank you speech to the audience, organizer Tony Busseri revealed that the weekend headliners said they would be back next year, and every year, as long as the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival is running. This is music to the ears of all ETA fans.

It would not be a proper post if I did not include Headliner Dean Z. I have several photos of Dean at the 2024 NFEF, but none of him on stage this year, so I am including two from his 2022 appearance. Perpetual fan favourite, Mr. Nice Guy to everyone, and the ultimate performer, Dean has performed several times in NF shows and other events in Canada.

Photo Album of The 2024 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival

The NFEF Competition and Beyond

I wish to thank Kelly Elder for the wonderful photos you see in this album. Kelly works at the Greg Frewin Theatre and graciously offered to share her photos. It always amazes me how people can capture the same subject, but in very different ways. In a split second, facial expressions, body movements, and lighting can change. And capturing 17 competitors, plus one emcee, can be a huge challenge. Well done, Kelly!

I was unable to attend the competition on Saturday, and arrived after the final round on Sunday, but I hear it was a great competition. The following page from the festival program may help readers to identify the competitors in Kelly’s photo above.

Well done, everyone; and congratulations award winners: First Place—Sylvain Leduc, Quebec, Canada, Second Place—Toki Toyakazu, Aomori, Japan, and Third Place—Anthony Joseph, Ontario, Canada, and The People’s Choice Award—Matt Shank, Quebec, Canada.

Gospel Show

ETAs Bruno Nesci, Emilio Santoro, Cote Deonath, and Matt Cage performed at the Gospel Show. Photo Credit: Kelly Elder.

Blue Suede and Rhinestones

Introduction

Sunday evening at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, the audience was treated a wonderful performance by Daphne Moens as Dolly Parton and Bruno Nesci as Elvis. Dolly explained that Elvis wanted to record her song “I Will Always Love You”, but Col. Parker wanted her to give up a portion of the publishing rights to the song, and that was something Dolly was unwilling to do; so the Elvis version never happened. Then our Dolly on stage wondered what it would be like if she and Elvis sang the song together. Enter Bruno as Elvis.

Daphne Moens as Dolly. Photo credit: SB Mag.

Daphne and Bruno’s performance as Dolly and Elvis left me wanting more. Fortunately, there is a 120 minutes performance coming up. Please continue to read the following promo taken from the Lighthouse theatre page. For tickets, click here.

Blue Suede and Rhinestones

“Blue Suede and Rhinestones” is a remarkable musical journey celebrating the timeless sounds of Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. Starring award-winning Elvis tribute artist Bruno Nesci and the captivating Daphne Moens, this electrifying show brings together the best of country and rock ‘n’ roll.

Promo Poster. Photo Credit: https://lighthousetheatre.com/event/blue-suede-and-rhinestones/

Bruno Nesci, a multi-award-winning Elvis tribute artist, has consistently secured a top spot in the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, for four consecutive years—achieving a feat no other Canadian has. With unparalleled dedication, Bruno captures Elvis’s essence, showcasing the voice, look, and charisma that defined the King.

Daphne Moens and Bruno Nesci as Dolly and Elvis. Photo Credit: SB Mag.

Joining Bruno is Daphne Moens, a powerhouse vocalist with a wealth of experience, having performed globally, in musicals such as Rock of Ages, Footloose, Freaky Friday, and Legally Blonde, as well as a featured performer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Daphne doesn’t just perform Dolly Parton’s songs—she becomes Dolly. With charm and glamour, Daphne takes audiences on a journey through Dolly’s greatest hits, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the magic of country music.

Backed by a live band, “Blue Suede and Rhinestones” authentically recreates the legendary performances of Elvis and Dolly. Meticulously crafted costumes, infectious energy, and the undeniable chemistry between Bruno and Daphne create an unforgettable experience for all.

Whether you’re a devoted fan or seeking a night of entertainment, “Blue Suede and Rhinestones” promises an immersive celebration of musical icons. Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic of Elvis and Dolly come alive on stage. “Blue Suede and Rhinestones” promises an immersive celebration of two icons that changed the world of music forever!

Edits and introduction by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.