Printed from the Review
King of Rock and Roll tribute to hit Queen Street
Celebrate Old Downtown is preparing for its September event, The Days of Elvis
By KRISTY WALLACE
Review Staff Writer
Forget Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.
Elvis Presley is still an icon for some pre-teens and teenagers, especially 10 year-old Brenen Katolinsky and his brother, 14 year-old Brycen.
The brothers will be two of many Elvis tribute artists at the Days of Elvis, an event hosted by Celebrate Old Downtown on Sept. 5, 6, and 7.
“They think it’s pretty cool,” said Brycen, referring to what his classmates think of him as an Elvis tribute artist. “There’s a couple fans in the class.”
The event’s organizer, Pat Curtis, had dreams of becoming an Elvis tribute artist since he was six years old.
That was about 35 years ago.
Curtis, who’s also known as Elvis Little, has since been the winner of three grand championship titles. He approached Celebrate Old Downtown organizer Shane Sargant about the Elvis tribute artist festival, which he started in 2006.
“Let me tell you, it’s an amazing event,” he said. “The Elvis fans are the most amazing fans you’ll ever meet.”
He said that Elvis fans are willing to stand in the rain, and sold-out concerts, just to hear the King of Rock and Roll’s famous hits.
And he expects no less from those in Niagara Falls.
“If I know Elvis fans, I’m expecting 5,000 people. Maybe even more,” said Curtis.
Dedicated fans of Elvis in Niagara Falls can also expect to see tribute artists from all ages.
Brycen, who’s just starting grade nine this September at Denis Morris high school, will be performing “Trouble”, which is his favourite Elvis song and the one he likes to sing the most.
His brother Brenen, who’s going into grade five at St. Theresa elementary, is looking forward to performing his favourite Elvis song, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”
“(His classmates) call him Elvis,” said his mother Terry, after she finished styling Brenen’s hair to match the legendary singer’s.
The boys have been performing for four years, since they sang for fun at an Elvis tribute artist competition in Collingwood, Ontario.
“I didn’t think it would go much further,” she said.
Douglas Roy, another Elvis tribute artist, has had sold-out shows in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and across Canada.
He’ll also be performing at the Queen Street festival in early September.
Although he’s had a history in music for as long as he can remember, his most unforgettable moment in the business happened to him in 1976.
At an Elvis concert in Lake Tahoe, Roy was pulled on stage by Presley himself, and performed “Hound Dog” with the famous singer.
“It was amazing,” he said. “The highlight of my musical career.”
The event will cost $20 per day, or $40 for a full weekend pass.
For more information on the event and how to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.daysofelvis.com/index.html.
Curtis said the festival on Queen Street will be different than any other that a fan would find somewhere else.
“We have the best Elvis tribute artists right here in Canada,” he said.
kwallace@nfreview.com
Article ID# 1153740
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