Elvis tribute artists had hundreds of fans rockin' 'n' rollin' at the 2008 Collingwood Elvis Festival this weekend. Among the 133 Elvis impersonators from around the world were: James Gibb of Harrow; Chris Marshall of Milton; Bruce Herron of Guelph and John Cigar of Pickering. (Tracy Mclaughlin/Sun Media)
July 28, 2008
By TRACY MCLAUGHLIN, SUN MEDIA
COLLINGWOOD - There was a whole lotta shakin' and hip-swivelling going on this weekend as tens of thousands of Elvis fans descended on this village in search of the King.
Of course the King himself, they did not find, but in his glittering tracks were 133 tribute artists who gave their best shot at impersonating the music legend at the 2008 Collingwood Elvis Festival.
Tribute artists were only a fraction of Elvis look-a-likes here as hundreds of fans did their cheesy best to suit up and look the part. There were handsome Elvi with slicked black hair dressed in tight leathers-- and not-so-handsome ones with gaudy black sideburns, flashy jewellery and glittering suits that stretched tightly over largish bellies and sagged at the butt. There were tall ones, skinny ones, fat ones, short ones, white ones, black ones, old ones and baby Elvises clinging to their mother's hands.
Tribute artists from all over the world sang their hearts out throughout the weekend to win the title of being the best Elvis faker of all.
"I love it," said finalist Chris Marshall, of Milton, still sweaty after doing his moves on stage where he performed Suspicious Minds in a glittering white suit with a silk scarf around his neck.
"I was a closet Elvis fan back in the seventies when people my age were listening to the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd," Marshall said.
Sitting in the audience and swooning at him like giggling teenaged girls were four sisters who actually saw the King himself, live, on stage when he was a hot new star.
"I had a front row seat at Maple Leaf Gardens and he performed Hound Dog right at my feet," said one sister, Kate Hall of Toronto. "I could see the sweat glistening on his forehead. I tell you, he was so handsome. No picture does him justice. I've been in love with him ever since."
Yesterday's festivities began with a sunrise worship gospel service where faithful, good-natured fans chanted "Thank you, thank you very much" instead of "Amen" and ended last night with the final competition that will send the best tribute artist to the final championships in Memphis.
Article Source: http://torontosun.com/News/Canada/2008/07/28/6284106-sun.html