2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary Competition winners and placements

Non-Pro Early Years

1. Matt Dowsett
2. Brycen Katolinsky
3. Bruce Stewart
4. Norm R. Ackland
5. Billy Cruise

Non-Pro Concert Years

1. Kevin Bezaire
2. Ryan Roth
3. Dwayne Bezaire
4. Eric Evangelista
5. Sam Calleri

Professional

1. Tim Hendry
2. Jay Zanier
3. Jake Slater
4. John Cigan
5. GaryElvis Britt

Grand Champion

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest entry

2011 Performers

"ALOHA ELVIS" - Saturday, June 25, 7:30 pm

	James Gibb Tribute to the 1961 Hawaii USS Arizona Benefit Concert James Gibb, from Harrow, Ontario has been performing as an ETA for 5 years. From the famous sneer to the flashy clothes and wild dance moves, James recreates the magic of Elvis in the early years. James has won numerous awards including 1st place Brantford Elvis Fest 2007, King of Kitchener 2nd place 2007,1st place in Windsor, Collingwood, Rockton and Kitchener in 2008. He also won fan favourite awards 2 years in a row at the King of Kitchener and Windsor Elvis Festivals. In 2009 he won 2nd place Early Years Pro division in Windsor Elvis Festival. In 2010 he won 1st place King of Saginaw, 2nd place Toronto Elvis Festival, 3rd place Collingwood Elvis Fest Pro Division, 2nd place Lake George Elvis Fest Pro division. 5th place out of 12 at the first ever Elvis World Cup in Wales UK. In 2011 he took 2nd place Vegas Division at the King of Saginaw. He also has performed in Manistee Michigan Casino Shows for the past 2 years and is always a crowd favourite.
	Darrin Hagel Recreates the Aloha Concert Darrin Hagel, has been involved in performing arts since childhood. From a drama major to musical & community theatre to the world of Elvis Tribute Artists where Darrin has had great success. He is a favourite and well known champion of the Collingwood Elvis Festival as well as the Saginaw King Fest. Toronto Elvis Fest. and Windsor Elvis Fest. Darrin has captured first place in the non pro division and finished in the finals in both the pro and gospel divisions in Collingwood. He earned first place in the Pro division at The Toronto Elvis Fest and made the finals in both Windsor and Saginaw. His professional shows include all eras and he has recently headlined at Little River Casino in Manistee, Michigan and the Saginaw King Fest. Darrin's tributes to the King are always brilliantly performed and well received by his fans in the United States and Canada.
	EAS Band - Chicago, Illinois. EAS, rated the #1 Elvis tribute band in the world, tours and backs tribute artists all over the world performing over 400 Elvis songs in multiple arrangements. Each arrangement is performed note for note with the authentic sound of the era. As the band selected to accompany the finalists in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, TN for the past 5 years, we are proud to have them on our stage annually since Windsor's festival began in 2006. ETA's worldwide, members of Elvis' staff, Elvis band mates, and co-stars in Elvis' movies are some of the many who feel that EAS is as close to the real TCB band as they come. www.elvistributeband.com

2011 CONTESTANTS - PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

	GaryElvis Britt - Plant City, Florida. GaryElvis began paying tribute to Elvis and his music in 1998. He has performed to a sold out audience at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, has been a competitor in over 240 tribute artist contests, winning 15 and placing as a finalist in over 175. GaryElvis was Grand Champion in the Kansas City, Missouri "Tribute to the King" contest in 2005-06, and in the Louisiana Elvis Fest in 2010. He is well-known to Windsor Elvis fans as the charming weekend host from 2006-2009, and the host of the Gospel Show from 2006 to 2010.
	John Cigan - Pickering, ON. John has been performing as an ETA for over 7 years and has been at Windsor for all of them. Among his many awards are Champion Non-Pro Vegas Years in Windsor 2007 and 2008 in Collingwood and Rockton. With awesome Elvis like voice and slight shyness so reminiscent of Elvis...he wows his audience with all his heart, soul and love of Elvis in each of his performances. His audiences walk away amazed at what they have seen. John enjoys keeping the spirit of Elvis alive.
	Frank Cross - LaSalle ON. Frank has been a life long Elvis fan. In 2008, he decided to follow his dream and become an ETA. He pays a great tribute to the King by recreating Elvis' charisma and high energy in every performance. He now performs all over the USA and Canada. He has placed in the top five in many competitions, including 4th place inthe 2010 Saginaw King Fest and 2nd place in the Brantford Rock of Ages contest. Frank is looking forward to reconnecting with all the Elvis fans & wishes all his fellow ETAs good luck.
	Will Ganzon - Cambridge, ON. Will is an award winning and well respected ETA of all eras, but more importantly a devoted fan. In 2006 he captured the 'Reflections of the King' Championship and the 'Spirit of Elvis' Award and was chosen the 'People's Choice' Champion in the 2005 Ladyluckmusic Carasauga USA Pavillion. He was a finalist in the 2006 and 2007 Collingwood Elvis Fest, as well as the 2007 Images of the King contest in Memphis, TN. His Elvis tribute shows are always full of excitement, passion and commitment and he looks forward to participating in this years WEF with fellow ETAs in helping to keep the Spirit alive.
	Tim Hendry - London, ON. Tim "E" is the 2010 Collingwood Elvis Fest Grand Champion, the 2010 Portage Indiana Elvis Fantasy Fest Grand Champion and was a top 10 finalist for the 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest™ in Memphis. Tim considers it an absolute honour & privilege to be able to pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time - Elvis Presley.
	Roy Leblanc - In 1999 Roy won the Collingwood championship never looked back. Shortly after that big win he started working with one of the best tribute bands available and has since been performing at fairs, festivals, theatres, dance halls and casinos across the world wowing crowds with not only his voice but his stunning resemblance to Elvis himself. Other accomplishments include a Collingwood Championship again in 2001, headlining in Memphis during Elvis week, and performing with DJ Fontana, Joe Espisito and the Jordinaires. In 2003 Roy Leblanc was named "The World's Finest Elvis Impersonator" at the annual Elvis Extravaganza in Las Vegas.
	Jake Slater - Bellaire, MI. Jake has been performing his tribute to the King of Rock and Roll for 3 years. He is an award winning ETA having won Saginaw King Fest in 2011 and placing 2nd in Branson Missouri. Jake is attending Northwestern Michigan College, pursuing a degree in Communications. Jake first competed in Windsor in 2009 where he placed 3rd in the Senior Youth Division.
	Jay Zanier - Guelph, ON. Jay was deeply influenced by Elvis at a young age. From his TV room as a little boy, to spectacular performances on magnificent stages to thousands of adoring fans who represented to him the reason he was there....because they each love Elvis as much as he does. Jay has been on the Memphis stage as a finalist in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest™ three times - as Grand Champion of Collingwood Elvis Fest in 2007, Windsor Elvis Fest in 2008, and Penticton, BC Elvis Fest in 2010. Being blessed with the ability to share everlasting memories with Elvis fans worldwide is one of the greatest ways to pay homage to the greatest entertainer of all time. "I am humbled to be a part of this event and share the stage with other ETAs."

2011 CONTESTANTS - NON-PROFESSIONAL EARLY YEARS DIVISION

	Norm R Ackland - Windsor ON. Norm is a second generation ETA, following in the footsteps of his father Norm Ackland Sr.   As a painting contractor by day and a DJ/ETA by night, Norm gives a whole new meaning to "Shake, Rattle n Roll!"  Norm has received great reviews from fans and judges alike over his 3 yrs as an ETA, including winning the People's Choice award, a 2nd place finish at the 2009 Windsor Elvis Fest, and a top 10 placement at Collingwood in 2010. Norm also performs Franke Valle and Dean Martin tributes. www.normackland.com
	Sam Calleri - Markham, ON. Sam has been an ETA for 5 years. He loves the sounds of Elvis music and was encouraged by his wife to become an ETA and sing Elvis' songs. A finalist in Collingwood Elvis Fest, Windsor Elvis Fest and Rockton, Sam enjoys entertaining the fans and says he has a great time doing it!
	Billy Cruise - Brampton, ON. Billy started singing at the age of 4 & his first song was Blue Suede Shoes (where he used a butter knife for a microphone.) He has placed 2nd at the Collingwood Elvis Fest, has placed in the top 3 at the Windsor Elvis Fest for 4 consecutive years, and 2nd in the Orillia Non-Pro Vegas Years. Billy is sincerely looking forward to seeing all the Windsor Elvis fans again this year. (We know that Billy loves our Centres volunteer's home-made chocolate chip cookies.)
	Matt Dowsett - Belleville, ON. Matt specializes in recreating the Presley magic of the 1950s and 60s. Somewhat of a newcomer to the ETA world, Matt is establishing himself as someone to see, having appeared both in Canada and the US. He was a Collingwood semi-finalist during the summer of 2010 and started 2011 by winning 1st place at Saginaw King Fest. He works very hard to perfect his act and we'd like to think this is only the beginning! Born in Toronto, now living in Belleville, Matt brings the play-ful nature of Elvis to the stage. Audiences are always delighted by his energy. Matt would like to thank all of his friends, family and fans for their wonderful support.
	Brycen Katolinsky - St. Catherines, ON. Brycen, age 17, has been performing for 7 years as an ETA and has won over 21 championship titles. At just 15, Brycen won in the adult division in Kitchener, taking the Non-Pro Grand Championship, as well as overall Champion. Brycen was the 2010 Non-Pro Champion in Lake George Elvis Fest.
	Bruce Stewart - Newcastle, ON. Bruce is an award winning Elvis Tribute Artist who has admired the music and voice of Elvis Presley ever since he can recall. He placed 1st in the 2008 Niagara Falls Non-Pro Early Years Days of Elvis Contest, and was Grand Champion in 2010 Niagara Falls Crown a King contest. Bruce placed 2nd and 3rd in Collingwood Elvis Fest Non-Pro Early Years divisions in 2010 & 2009. Bruce is excited to be part of the Windsor Elvis Festival and always enjoys seeing fans and fellow Tribute Artists! Bruce is also a singer-songwriter at heart and has recorded an original song in the style of Elvis on his latest CD. Please visit www.RocKingwithElvis.com to take a closer look at Bruce.

2011 CONTESTANTS - NON-PROFESSIONAL CONCERT YEARS DIVISION

	Norm W Ackland - London, ON. Norm has performed as an ETA in 283 shows in the past 5 years, and is off to compete in Collingwood, at the Las Vegas Hilton, and in Memphis in August. (He wishes his son was going with him!) He has seen Elvis perform live twice. Norm has the biggest Elvis jewellery collection next to Elvis with over 20 necklaces, and 62 rings!
	Dwayne Bezaire - LaSalle ON. Dwayne, known as "LA Elvis", is one of the formidable ETAs in our neck of the woods. His awards include 3rd place in Non-Pro Concert Years, and People's Choice winner at the 2009 Windsor Elvis Fest, as well as 3rd place Non-Pro at the 2010 Collingwood Elvis Fest. He has performed at numerous charity events and is known for his Elvis spirit illuminated from his golden voice. Dwayne also pays tribute to Waylon Jennings. He refers to himself as the "younger" brother of Windsor Elvis. Is that true Kevin?
	Kevin Bezaire - LaSalle ON. Kevin has been paying tribute to Elvis for 7 years and is known locally as "Windsor Elvis." Kevin has participated in Windsor Elvis Fest since the beginning, both in the media events and contests.  A repeat finalist in Windsor and Collingwood, Kevin placed 2nd in 2007 Collingwood Elvis Fest, and 2nd in both 2008 & 2009 Windsor festivals.  Kevin has the distinction of winning the first King of Saginaw contest in 2009.  He placed 2nd in Collingwood in 2010. More recently, Kevin has begun applying his vocal talent to performing tributes to Garth Brooks.
	Wayne Curtis - Tully, NY.  Wayne has been performing on stage for many years and is in the New York Country Music Hall of Fame.  Performing as an ETA for 10 years, he has been in Windsor every year since the beginning,  has been a finalist in Collingwood and Windsor, and has won several people's choice awards.  Wayne feels lucky to have seen Elvis live on stage twice.
	Eric Evangelista - Brampton ON. An Elvis fan his entire life, it was not until late 2009 that he decided to start paying tribute to a man he has adored and idolized. Within 7 months, Eric took 1st place in Rockton (2010) and 4th place on his first visit to Collingwood Elvis Fest. "I want to thank my family, friends and all Elvis and ETA fans. You are the greatest fans in the world!"
	Keith Lewis - Foxborough, MA. A classically trained vocalist, Keith has performed in barbershop quartets, madrigal choirs and theatre, but was raised on rock and was always an Elvis fan while growing up in Burlington, Massachusetts. Five years ago he started performing as an ETA in his home state, and numbers among his favourite ETA memories performing in the Windsor Festival Gospel Show with other ETAs.
	Gary MacDonald - Windsor ON. Although relatively new to the competitive Tribute Artist scene, Gary has been an Elvis fan since he was young enough to learn the guitar and the King's songs and is a perennial favourite at Windsor Elvis Fest. Gary enjoys performing Elvis' Movie Years and Concert Years songs. When Gary isn't paying tribute to Elvis, he is crooning the songs of Michael Buble.
	Ryan Roth - Englewood, OH. Ryan has appeared on TNN: The Nashville Network's Show "Be a Star", recorded with Country Music Band, Little Texas and performed with Lou Rawls, Don McLean and Brenda Lee. He placed 2nd in the Council Bluff, Iowa - Bluffs Run Elvis Fest and 4th in the Blue Suede Memories Elvis Fest. Ryan also pays tribute to Dean Martin.
	David Scratch - Kingsville, ON. David is excited to return to Windsor under the stage name "Davey Kratz." Davey's roots are in the Windsor-Essex County area. Kingsville is Davey's birthplace, while Tecumseh, LaSalle, Amherstburg and Windsor have also been home. Like Elvis, Davey has his roots in Gospel as a former member of the Gospel Road, Music Express, and Fanshaw Chorus London. Davey is thrilled to be living the dream honouring the life and music of Elvis Presley.
	Paul Thain - Ocoee, FL. Paul, also known as "Captain Elvis" has been performing as Elvis for 3 years now and has competed at Collingwood and Lake George. Paul was born the day "That's all Right Momma" was first released in Memphis in July 54 and has been a fan ever since! Paul makes all his proceeds from Elvis performances to Children's charities - taking care of business Elvis Style.