Roxane Manley

Roxane is a true local to the Forbes and Parkes areas. Having been with the Phoenix for a number of years, she is passionate about her region and loves being involved with the local community.

How It All Started… Roel Ten Cate Remembers

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Roel Ten Cate wearing his journalist hat at the arrival of the Elvis Express in 2014. (Photo: Keith Turk)

You had a direct input into the start of the festival, but can you tell us how it all came about? The festival actually came about after a party my family held at Gracelands. We had a great time dancing and singing, and Elvis music was a big part of that. After the party, we were having a few drinks of red wine with Bob Steel, who owned Gracelands and was serving us all night. We thought having a party for Elvis would be quite a hit.

After the first festival, did you ever imagine it would grow this big? The first party did work well, but mainly with devoted Elvis fans – not many of them from here, and quite a few travelling from around. The following early years were rough in terms of numbers, and local interest, but it just kept on going. But never in a million years did anyone think for one moment it would get to 30 years with 25,000 visitors, five days of events totalling more than 200, and $15 million injection into the economy.

What are your fondest memories of the past 29 years? Fondest memories are hard to pinpoint because I have enjoyed every festival. Meeting visitors to our town and seeing them having such a great time – and then returning each year with even more in their party. Meeting some of the key men and women in Elvis’s life over the years including his manager and one of his closest friends, Joe Esposito, who organised the Elvis Comeback Special. I also met some of his leading ladies and last year, Elvis’s road manager.

What do you think the festival has meant for our community? The festival has had an enormous influence on Parkes. We were always known as the town with the big dish, but now world-wide, we are also known as the town that hosts Elvis. In recent years, there have been more than 300,000 news reports each year about the festival world-wide. That’s not bad publicity for our great little town. Not to mention the $15 million it generates for our economy each year – and the people who have actually moved here because of the festival.

Is there one memory that really stands out for you? Probably one of the fondest memories was only recently when I helped to judge the Elvis Tribute Artists competition – and Toki Toyokazu from Japan won it – unbelievable!

What do you look forward to at the festival every year? I just love every aspect of the festival but probably more than anything else, the obvious enjoyment everyone is having. You can see people dancing, singing, laughing…they’re just so happy enjoying themselves. Of course, the artists are a big attraction – I have seen every feature artist we have had – not to mention the street parade (and taking part in it as well!), a drinks crawl to every establishment listening to the in-house artists, the arrival of the Elvis Express, the tribute artists competition… the list just doesn’t end!

Anything else you would like to say? It is hard to imagine the reception locals gave the Elvis concept and festival all those 30 years ago. It was cringeworthy, they said, we’re leaving town, this is embarrassing, but now locals thoroughly endorse and support it so much that they are inviting people into their homes just to ensure they have a bed so they can come. The Blue Hawaii theme is the most popular of the lot – and it is the theme for this year so it should be a fantastic festival. I can’t wait.

Bob & Anne’s ‘Burning Love’ For Elvis

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Bob and Anne Steel in 2016. Anne’s favourite Elvis song is Love Me Tender. “I liked it right from the start when I first saw the movie. I was a really big fan from the moment I heard him and thought he was rather wonderful.” Bob likes the Hawaiin Wedding Song. “It is my favourite at the moment. I’ve started playing it on the ukulele.”

The 29th Parkes Elvis Festival is one Bob and Anne Steel would rather forget. Not because the festival’s traditional January time slot was moved to April, but they both had COVID and had to isolate in their home a mere stone’s throw from Cooke Park.

As the founders of the now world-renowned festival, the pandemic was not going to stop them working from home, but by Sunday their tests were negative, and they took their chairs to Cooke Park. “We sat by ourselves enjoying the last two hours of the main stage program,” said Anne, who has been an Elvis fan since she first heard him at 11 years old.

“From the very first Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993 when it went pretty well and people loved it, I wanted it to last this long. I am very happy we have reached the 30-year milestone.”

Bob feels the festival has created many new Elvis fans. “In the beginning many of the guys said they just came along with their wives, but they caught the vibe very quickly.”

Despite some fierce opposition from people in Parkes who did not think it was right to honour a ‘drug addict’ with a festival, an Elvis Revival Incorporated committee was formed after the first event to start organising the next one.

It soon became clear there were many more Elvis fans than they had expected. “We had a story in the paper asking for any Elvis memorabilia and you would not believe what came out of the woodwork from people you would never believe would have any,” said Anne.

And that is how the festival started growing. “Every year people would bring their friends with them, and their friends would bring more friends,” said Bob. “It became known as a family orientated event for all ages with good and wholesome entertainment. You did not have to be an Elvis fan to have a good time.”

Thanks to the lamington drives, and endless raffle tickets sold, the committee started to cover their expenses. Anne clearly remembers the first time they received a $300 grant from Parkes Shire Council to help them with advertising.

Anne also felt very strongly they needed to get more locals on board and the idea of entertainment in the park was born. “We wanted to give something to people who could not afford to go away on holiday to be part of the festival. They could make their vegemite sandwich and bring a bottle of water to the park and have a good time.”

Looking back over 30 years, it is the fun and hard work of the early festivals that bring back lots of memories and smiles for Bob and Anne.

“The second year our theme was Clambake and we turned our staff car park at Gracelands into a beach,” remembers Anne, who was also responsible for the dinner that was part of the program.

“Our Roustabout year in 1999, we were still at Gracelands, and we set up a carnival in the staff car park. Bob built sideshows around the car park, we had a gypsy fortune teller, and the carnival people came with their cotton candy and with clowns.”

Bob remembers taking Wall of Fame honoree Judy Stone, who was big on TV at the time, on her first ever bike ride to Forbes where her grandmother grew up. “It was her birthday on the 1st of January and we gave her a cake. She cried and said she had never had a cake.”

After some years of winning hearts and minds, things really took off in 2007 with the first big stage in Cooke Park. Little did they know that the crowd of about 4,000 that year would multiply six-fold about ten years later, and the big stage would become a permanent stage with a five-day program featuring international tribute artists.

For Anne, who shares a special connection with Elvis as he died on her birthday, seeing how their initiative had exploded into attracting 24,000 plus people could not make them happier.

“It makes us feel extremely good, and we can’t wait for the 30th anniversary,” said the pair.

Bob and Anne Steel at the unveiling of the Elvis statue in Cooke Park by the Elvis Revival Incorporated Committee.

Bob and Anne Steel are still as enthusiastic about the Parkes Elvis Festival as they were 30 years ago.

Mark Andrew Celebrates Success Story

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Catch Mark Andrew at his shows (ticketed) upstairs at the Parkes Services Club backed by the Dave Hart Band on Friday, 6th January at 12:30 pm, and Sunday, 8th January at 4pm. He will also be performing his Legends Showcase in Cooke Park (free events).

Mark Andrew’s versatile talent has been on show at the Parkes Elvis Festival for many years as an Elvis Tribute Artist, but also with his signature show ‘Legends Showcase’ where he performs tributes to Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Austin Powers, Elvis and Buddy Holly.

You have become synonymous with the Parkes Elvis Festival returning year after year. What makes you come back every time? I hold the feature artists record for six times, and now I headline every year as I am respected amongst the fans and the festival.

Why do you think the festival has kept on growing for 30 years? Because Elvis fans love an Elvis festival and Parkes have created one of the best in the world!

What do you like the most about the festival and about performing here? I think if you are an Elvis specialist you have to be involved and it’s the place where everyone comes together from all parts of the Southern Hemisphere and even Japan.

Do you keep in contact with the fans you’ve met at the Parkes Elvis Festival? I have over 30k followers on social media and that’s a great way to keep in touch!

What do you look forward to at the 30th Parkes Elvis Festival? The celebration of the success story. At first the locals hated it but now it sets up the town economically for the whole year!

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I’m an authentic performer actor. I channel the character and go 110%. I’ve studied more than just Elvis and enjoy bringing to life these legends.

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? Too many to choose but American Trilogy has to be one of my faves.

Q&A With Charles Stone And Sam Thompson

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Festival fans will have the opportunity to talk with Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970’s and Sam Thompson, Elvis’ personal bodyguard and friend.

Parkes Elvis Festival is incredibly proud to present Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970’s and Sam Thompson, Elvis’ personal bodyguard and friend to talk with Festival fans.

Charles Stone had the rare opportunity to be closely associated with both Elvis Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Charles flew with Elvis and his associates on Elvis’ personal plane, The Lisa Marie, from city to city each time Elvis went on tour. Being in the unique position of traveling with Elvis and managing the personal details of each tour, Charles experienced daily life in Elvis’ world and also developed a close working relationship and close friendship with Colonel Parker and the entire TCB gang. Charles was a special guest at the 2022 Festival, and has been invited back to share his stories to fans.

Sam Thompson was introduced to Elvis Presley in 1972 by his sister, Linda Thompson. An officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department at the time, Elvis and Sam became fast friends and in July 1973, Elvis purchased a home for Sam near Graceland. Sam provided security for Elvis and travelled with Elvis on the road tours from 1973 until 1976 as Elvis’ friend and companion. In June 1976, Sam went to work full time for Elvis, as his personal bodyguard and tour advance man, providing security for Elvis on all the road tours, including hotel and airport security. Altogether, Sam witnessed, from a very personal perspective, essentially all of the concert and recording performances by Elvis Presley during the last five years of Elvis’ life.

The Festival is fortunate to have Charles and Sam joining in person for a special Q&A where they will share their stories first-hand.

Facilitated by Mark Andrew this will be an event not to miss.

Q&A from 8am – 9am Friday at the Parkes Services Club. Tickets are $10 on parkeselvisfestival.com.au. Breakfast is available from 7.30am.

Plus, appearances at the Movies & Memorabilia Collection from 11am – 12pm Thursday and 11am – 12pm Sunday.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Movies & Memorabilia Collection To Feature Original Movie Props

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The very first street parade in 1993 with Tiffany Steel in front. At the back are Elvis Lennox, John Lovett and Fiona Lovett with Andrew behind the wheel of Bob Steel’s Model A Ford.

Parkes Elvis Festival is proud to launch the Movies & Memorabilia Collection which will have props from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, and elements from the Elvis – Direct from Graceland exhibition in Bendigo plus history of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Take a nostalgic stroll down the 30-year historical path of the Parkes Elvis Festival. See memorabilia from the early days, photographs, newspaper clippings and some items from the Parkes Elvis Festival archives that have never been on display.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Parkes is now home to an impressive recreation of the Graceland Mansion’s portico and giant ELVIS letters that were a part of the jumpsuit display.

You’ll also see the world’s largest hound dog and doghouse, mirrors from the Carnival scenes where Colonel Tom Parker pledged his commitment to supporting Elvis’ fledging career, a recreation of the Graceland ‘Jungle Room’, and posters and paraphernalia from the International Casino’s launch of Elvis’ residency from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film thanks to Warner Bros.

The Movies & Memorabilia collection is located at 375 Clarinda Street and is open 9am – 5pm daily throughout the Festival and free.

Proudly sponsored by Bogan Gate Pub. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Ride The Wave To Forbes For Elvis Festival

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sydney Swing Kats will be will be dancing the morning away at The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast.

Find your own patch of ‘Blue Hawaii’ in Forbes this January, as Forbes Shire Council partners up with Parkes as a sponsor of the well-renowned Elvis Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.

“We have some amazing entertainment lined up for a fun filled weekend of Blue Hawaii inspired events,” Mayor Miller said.

Forbes will host its own little slice of paradise as festival goers are invited to share in a tropical breakfast in Templar Street on Friday, 6 January and an evening Lakeside Luau on Saturday, 7 January.

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite community celebration for Elvis-goers staying in Forbes during the festival. Start your day the right way – with a good feed, funky entertainment and maybe even a bit of a jive! It all happens in Templar Street, right in the heart of the CBD from 7-10am. Come say Aloha!

Council thanks NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional Communities for grant funding towards the staging of the Amazing Forbes street breakfast.

It’s ‘Almost Always True’ – you ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ with the Lakeside Luau on Saturday night 6-10pm. An indulgent Hawaiian feast on the banks of Lake Forbes with live music that will make you want to shimmy! This year, Amazing Forbes is bringing all the Hawaiian vibes, where you’ll be transported to a tropical oasis and be thoroughly entertained.

The Hawaiian themed feast, catered for by Eat Your Greens, will be held on its own ‘Island of Love’, the lovely foreshores of Lake Forbes and will star entertainment from Georgia Sideris, Dance Like a Diva, Johnny Angel as Pacific Elvis coming over especially from New Zealand for the ‘Lu- Wow’ and the epic Australian Beach Boys Show. Tickets are $90 and are essential, available to purchase through 123Tix.com.au.

“Forbes Shire Council is proud to once again be a travel partner for the Parkes Elvis Festival, providing daily bus services between Forbes and Parkes,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said. Explore the Festival and surrounds by bus with daily service between Parkes and Forbes. Bus tickets are also available via 123Tix and are $10 each or $35 unlimited.

Happy 30th Anniversary Parkes Elvis Festival!

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

FUN, FUN, FUN… Fans at Parkes Elvis Festival from 2013 to 2020. (Photos: Frances Thornton and Keith Turk)

The small seed of celebrating The King’s music was planted 30 years ago in the most unlikely of places and has turned Parkes into a model for how rural regions can re-invent themselves.

On paper it sounds more like torture that people would be willing to wear uncomfortable polyester jumpsuits in serious summer heat of over 40 degrees at times to celebrate an artist who has never visited Australia, let alone Parkes, and who died 45 years ago.

The Parkes Elvis Festival has a uniquely Australian flavour with the focus on fun with Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith taking the lead usually sporting a sky-blue jumpsuit, aviator sunglasses and pompadour wig. It is the sense of playfulness that makes people come back for more every year.

The fun element has even spilled over to the sporting field where a regular fixture, a rugby game featuring teams of Elvis look-alikes all wearing copies of his trademark white jumpsuit, draw a huge crowd every year.

For some the annual event has been life changing as one of the town’s most ardent fans formerly known as Steven Lennox, legally changed his name to Elvis. He had also built up a collection of thousands of pieces of Elvis memorabilia.

After 30 years there are not only tonnes of stories about the feel good festival, but it has also invigorated Parkes as loyal, repeat visitors help to bring a community together for a well-organised, slightly weird but very friendly event to kick-start the year in a fun way.

Marramarra Makerspace Youth Summer Sessions

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Looking for fun holiday activities? Parkes Shire Council has been successful in receiving a $12,600 grant for school holiday activities for youth aged 12-24 in the Parkes Shire under the NSW Government Holiday Break Program. The Holiday Break Program provides young people aged 12 – 24 years with opportunities to connect, socialise, and have fun during the school holidays by delivering a range of free and subsidised activities across regional NSW. The program is funded by the Office for Regional Youth.

Parkes Shire Council has put together a program of workshops and events hosted by the Marramarra Makerspace Studio at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre between 9 and 24 of January 2023. Youth will have the opportunity to:

Develop new creative skills in Resin Pouring and Bali Batik ink techniques in Flag Making

Learn about stand-up comedy and develop their own routine with Aussie comedian Anthony Lamond; and

Team up together to complete a photo scavenger hunt around the Parkes CBD.

Creative Learning Programs Coordinator and Summer Sessions Project Manager, Roxanne Gallacher said “Diversity in our offerings for youth is so important.”

“Being able to access grant funding to deliver these sessions to the youth of Parkes is a privilege, and we are extremely grateful to the Office of Regional Youth for the opportunity to bring something different this year,” added Roxanne.

Parkes Shire Councillor Jacob Cass said “I applaud our Parkes Shire Library team for putting together these programs for our youth. Holiday programs provide an opportunity for skill building outside the classroom and allow youth to build networks outside their usual social groups.”

Victor, One Of Best In the World, Here For First Time

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Victor Trevino Jr is 27 and grew up in Texas. He is rated as one of the top Elvis Tribute Artists in the world, and will be performing every day of the festival.

Victor Trevino Jr. is the current International Champion for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition awarded by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) in August 2022. For the first time in its history the Parkes Elvis Festival will have two feature artists: Victor Trevino Jr and Dean Z, both from the US.

Have you ever performed in Australia? I’ve worked and performed for audiences all over Australia for many years in a show called “American Trilogy”. I’m no longer part of that production but I always enjoyed the love of the Australian fan base.

How do you feel about performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival? I’m excited to come and perform. Many of my colleagues have many wonderful things to say about the experience. From the band, the venues, the administration, the festivities, the weather, area and the fans. I heard there is no other Elvis Festival like it.

What can fans expect from your shows? The fans can expect me to give my all in every single performance. Some performances will be the 100% Elvis Tribute. Full hair and costume, dance moves, voice, which is a lot of fun. Obviously I love it….that’s how I make my living. Other shows will be myself performing Elvis songs as me, not as ‘Elvis’, which is a lot of fun too and audiences really appreciate the authenticity and honesty in those types of shows.

I will also be premiering a new show called ‘Elvis reimagined’ performing some of my favourite Elvis songs in my own way. Some have a vintage feel and others have a modern feel. But all of them will be different from Elvis’s arrangements. Very excited to show a different way of sharing the music of Elvis to this audience.

When did you get interested in Elvis’s music? When was the first time you heard it? I always loved older music. Music of rock ‘n roll, blues, rhythm and blues jazz of all arrows. I went through a phase where I loved 80s music and then I got into 70s music and then I got into 60s music in the 50s and that’s when I really got more into Elvis in the mail and dollar quartet. Of course, I really have a huge love for the music that influenced Elvis. Late 40s and early 50s rhythm and blues. Rock ‘n roll before it was rock ‘n roll.

The first time I ever heard Elvis was when I was a kid as my dad played all kinds of music. I grew up in a very musical family. Many of my uncles were mariachis on my father’s side and my grandfather played bass for the legendary BB King many times touring around Texas. I really enjoyed Elvis but it wasn’t until later when I really got into it and discovered what an influence he was. What he did for music and how he crossed the boundaries and brought ‘white’ and ‘black’ music together has really changed the world.

I thought his style was cool, I thought he had a cool swag about him. Great hair, stylish wardrobe, and what a voice! At first, I didn’t know too much about him, but I knew he was different and what he did was important. I only became an Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) into my 20s. I was already a musician and an actor and I kind of stumbled upon being an ETA. I really began to do more and more research and met fellow fans and colleagues of Elvis himself. It really opened up a new and interesting world.

Do you think the younger generations will keep on listening to him? I do hope so. I feel the Elvis movie is going to help that. I think it’s interesting how in the movie they mix modern music with Elvis‘s music. It is called sampling and it has been happening for many years in hip-hop and rap music. It was done in a way that was very well executed. Times, entertainment and music will always change and evolve, whether we like it or not. So I think it was very smart to mix modern pop sounds with Elvis music in the movie.

Any more thoughts on the Elvis movie? I thought it was great. Was it historically accurate? Absolutely not. But it did have a lot of good information and it was very entertaining. It was shot in the iconic Baz Luhrmann style which made it even more interesting. It has brought a whole new audience and love to Elvis from a younger generation. I’ve heard many people in the Elvis tribute community say that an ETA should’ve played the role. I highly disagree. I think Austin Butler did a great job and it was best that an idol and heartthrob, who already has a big fan base, play the role. Not only to boost ticket sales, also to boost interest in Elvis. Graceland is now doing wonderful and is having more and more visitors thanks to the movie. Baz Luhrmann has always been one of my favourite directors ever since I saw his first film Strictly Ballroom. I love every single one of his movies. When I heard that Baz Luhrmann was reading an Elvis movie.… I knew it was gonna be magic.

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? I cannot pick just one. If I had to pick just one it would probably change every day because I love so many of them. That is what makes his music so unreal and so amazing because everyone in the world can relate to it, no matter where you’re from no matter who you are.

Looking back over 30 years

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

(Photos: Frances Thornton)

Elvis Lennox with Eddie Youngblood who was the first ETA of the festival.

Elvis Lennox won the Elvis look alike competition for the first two years. Here he is with the trophy at the very first festival in 1993.

It did not take long for the kids to start dressing up. Here is three-year-old Steven Lennox and a friend at the 1994 festival.

Bob Steel in 1994.

The Wall of Fame was one of the first initiatives of the festival committee. In 1997 Little Patty (middle) was inducted. She is with Bob and Anne Steel (left).