The Niagara Falls Elvis Festival will attract 25 "tribute artists" from next Thursday through Sunday (Aug. 19-22).
With an outdoor venue having the Falls as the dramatic backdrop and indoor events, the festival is put on by Niagara-area native William Maurice, an Elvis tribute artist and his company, Universal Media Group International.
Being presented in "the world's most spectacular place," the festival pays tribute to the anniversary of Elvis' birth, he said. Expected to attract 4,000 to 6,000 people, it occurs 33 years after Elvis' death.
What's important is "the Elvis factor" -- that is the "fans that travel extensively throughout the world to relive the life and times of the King of Rock 'n' Roll," Maurice said.
As one of the artists in the lineup, Maurice has performed for Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Morocco, "doing the thing I love - giving tribute to Elvis Presley." (www.williammaurice.com) As well, he has assisted with the creation of the Collingwood, Blackpool, England and Porthcawl, South Wales Elvis festivals.
There will be performances at Oakes Garden Theatre overlooking the American and Horseshoe falls along with the Niagara Centre for the Arts. As well, events are planned at Boston Pizza Plaza on Clifton Hill and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Performing at the arts centre is Ronnie McDowell and his band on Friday (Aug. 20) and the original Elvis TCB (Taking Care of Business) band for two shows on Saturday (Aug. 21).
"This will be the very first time performing at an Elvis festival for both Ronnie McDowell and the TCB band with Terry Mike Jeffery," Maurice said.
After Presley's death in 1977, McDowell "came out of nowhere to dazzle the world with his heartfelt and self-penned tribute, The King Is Gone," he added.
Jeffery was musical director and starred in Elvis -- An American Musical, a New York-produced, multi-media show organized by the producers of Grease and Beatlemania.
The TCB Band worked with Elvis from 1969 through August 1977 for all of his tours.
The festival will have Rudy and the Angels as the backing band for the various Oakes Garden Theatre showcase performances while the rock-and-roll dance party will feature Geri and the Koasters.
Events include a street dance on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m.; a tribute artist classic car drive-by from 9 a.m., Saturday; renewal of wedding vows on Sunday at 11 a.m.; and an inspirational Elvis gospel event, Sunday at 1 p.m.
Family events will include performances by Fluffy the Clown with balloon animals while the Dance Heads "allows all of us to complete the fantasy of being a rock or country singing sensation."
The festival is supporting the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada.
Rock of Ages Festival
The third annual Rock of Ages Festival and Tribute Artist Contest takes place Aug. 27 to 29 in Brantford.
Joan Minnery of Memphis Motion and an Elvis tribute artist, said there will be a "whole lotta fun for everyone."
The fest honours "rock icons, country legends and pop idols," including Elvis, Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Martina McBride, Patsy Cline, Tom Jones, John Denver and Buddy Holly.
It's held at the Best Western Hotel, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; $50 for a weekend pass. www.memphismotion.com; (519) 752-1694.
The Fab Four remembered
In Orillia, the city where the downtown has 50 "super-sized (seven-foot-tall) guitar sculptures painted by local artists this summer, the fourth Beatles Celebration takes place on Sept. 17 and 18.
The theme is "The Magical Mystery Tour" with the McCartney Years at the Orillia Opera House along with street dances both nights. The event includes buskers, tribute bands, karaoke, Beatles memorabilia and non-stop music.
About 17,000 people are expected to attend. www.orilliabeatlescelebration.com
To learn more about the Guitars on Parade: orilliastreetsalive.ca
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If you go
Niagara Falls Elvis Festival
Details: www.niagarafallselvisfestival.com; 1-866-473-9751; E-mail: admin@niagarafallselvisfestival.com; Daily passes are $45 ($5, ages six to 12; younger, free); weekend passes, $90 ($15, six to 12; younger, free).
Tickets for the Ronnie McDowell show are $30 to $45 and for the TCB Band performance, $35 to $50.
Hotel packages are available at the Days Inn and Suites, and the Olympia Hotel (access through the web page).
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com.
MINI vs Porsche, take 3Jazzed over summer music fests
