Pacific Elvis (Johnny Angel) was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Firstly, I would like to thank all the people I have met past and present at Parkes and Forbes. 

I am a Kiwi and proud of my Samoan heritage. I love my family and friends and appreciate all the love and support I receive from Elvis’ fans. 

Johnny was introduced to Elvis at age 9 through watching movies and singing with his parents the love for Elvis started here. I was strongly influenced by Elvis’ life off stage where he loved his mother, family and people in general. 

I have a passion for both Art and singing. The turning point was when I had a decision to make in regards to my career as a graphic designer or continue the journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist. I said a little prayer to God to open the doors to which way I should go ?? A few days later i received a call from Paul Fenech asking if i would like to perform at the Parkes Elvis Festival alongside John Collins. I have been performing at Parkes since 2016. 

This will be my 7th time attending Parkes. 

I enjoy coming back to Parkes each year because the vibe is alive with Elvis fans, it honestly is so warm and welcoming , I get to perform for my Australian supporters and it’s a UETA qualifying festival which I’m proud to be part of once again this year. 

My first memory of Elvis as to be when my mum showed me a record cover of Elvis and then we watched the Blue Hawaii movie. I was really young then and have never looked back. Elvis will always be memorable to me for his giving heart, his love and kindness to others. 

I believe, it’s not all about me. We are all, together, Elvis fans. No matter what the show, what the gig i see it as my role to bring my best tribute for Elvis and look after the Elvis fans, to show my appreciation to them. 

I have performed at a number of festivals over the past five years across NZ and Australia, including:- 

Viva Surfers Paradise, Elvis Down Under NZ, Cooley Rocks on, Parkes Elvis festival NSW, Elvis in the Gardens NZ. Elvis in the park NZ and a variety of others. 

In 2018 I was the NZ Elvis Down Under Champion. 

In 2023 I have done a number of festivals, beach hops, private events, rest 

homes and retirement villages. A highlight for 2023 is the Tribute to the King P&O cruises and the blue suede cruise. Im very greatful to P&O Cruises and Big Als for these opportunities. 

2024 is a busy year, with the highlight being the Johnny-Angel USA tour in September. Both my team and I are looking forward to this. 

Its privilege to be attending Parkes again in 2024, entertaining on the Elvis Express train, in the UETA competition and in various shows across the week. 

I would like to do a big shout out to Paul Fenech and John Collins for introducing me to Parkes Elvis Festival. To all my ETA brothers, to Mrs G (accommodation at Parkes year after year), To Gwen for the beautiful scarves she continues to make to this day. 

To Kimberley, my executive assistant who works daily behind the scenes for Pacific Elvis Entertainment doing all the admin, finance, planning and forward planning 

To Del, My Manager for overseeing Pacific Elvis Entertainment.

 

Picture this… it’s 7am on a summer’s Friday morning, the band is jumpin’ in Forbes’ central business district and the joint begins to swing. Next thing you know ‘them knocked out jailbirds sing’ … 

By ‘jailbirds’, we really mean the funky talents of local lass Georgia Sideris, the bluesy Paul Sun Duo, the charming Shakin Rick and Ray of Elvis, who will croon, swing, swivel and breakout all the best of the legendary singer throughout the annual breakfast, from 7am until 12 noon on Friday 12 January. 

Sydney’s Swing Katz have broken back into Forbes for another amazing performance plus will be hosting a swing dance workshop! 

“This aint no jailhouse – treat yourself to a full buffet of breakfast delights – edible, audible and visible,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said. 

“Don’t forget to make the time to browse our gorgeous boutique stores before heading off to other scheduled Elvis festival events. 

“We are excited to welcome Elvis ‘inmates’ to our beautiful region for the 2024 Festival, you all bring so much colour, energy and support to our country areas, and we truly look forward to this time every year as we know how much fun everyone has,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said. 

“Council is so proud to support this event with this breakfast and as a major travel sponsor with bus transport between Forbes and Parkes for the duration of the event. 

Local clubs and pubs are also again throwing their support behind the festival, offering an extensive entertainment schedule at Club Forbes, Commercial Hotel, Forbes Inn, the Golfie and the Vandenberg Hotel.

While the focus is on Elvis and the magic he made with his music, there will be downtime. Mayor Miller urged visitors to take advantage of their jailhouse rock ‘parole’ to case out all that Forbes has to offer. 

“You will be truly ‘arrested’ by the area’s natural beauty, the people and all there is to see and do,” she said. 

Make your first port of call the recently relocated Forbes Visitor Information Centre in Mary Street, alongside the Newell Highway. This beautifully restored building, once a large shearing shed on a local property, still has its original beams, and doors, and is nestled in gorgeous landscaping that aims to focus on recycling, the environment and children’s nature play. 

At the VIC your ‘Get free from jail’ card will be well and truly filled with sights and activities. 

Take the time to travel the Sculpture Trail, a journey alongside the mighty Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin punctuated by magnificent and meaningful sculptures. 

Admire the majestic buildings along our Digital Heritage Trail and the roles they played in our early history, take a step back in time at Forbes’ Historical Museum, visit the graves of one of our more well-known outlaws, Ben Hall, plus the sister of Ned Kelly (Kate Foster) and James Cook’s great-grand niece (Rebecca Shield). 

Call in to McFeeters’ Motor Museum, or maybe you just want to throw a line in Lake Forbes at one of two fishing pontoons or from the shores, or spend more time in our unique boutique shopping town centre. 

And of course, celebrate all that is Elvis in Forbes at our clubs and pubs, at any one of the many gigs by visiting Elvis aficionados. You may not want to leave!! 

For a full list of entertainment in Forbes over the festival week, as well as details about accommodation, things to see and do, and just how to jailbreak your way through to the hip-swivellin’ breakfast, head to the Amazing Forbes NSW website (www.amazingforbesnsw.com) or Facebook page, or Forbes Shire Council’s website (www.forbes.nsw.gov.au).

Amitie is a female vocal trio from Parkes, NSW who got together simply to enjoy each other’s company and do what they love… Sing. Amitie has been involved for many years with regional events and festivals and loves to support their community whenever they can. These ladies are sure to entertain with their amazing combination of tones and fabulous harmonies as they perform a great mix of the classic hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Shev, Christa and Christelook forward to bringing their music your way, so bring your dancing shoes or simply sit back and listen to the fabulous sounds of Amitie. 

Q What sets the Parkes Elvis Festival apart from other events AMITE have performed at? 

The Parkes Elvis Festival is such a fabulous event and one of our absolute favourite things to do each year. It’s so awesome that we get to be part of this amazing event right here in our home town. For us, we feel such a great sense of community at the festival. It’s a real community driven event. From the local volunteers who support the event to the council staff who do an amazing job keeping everything looking great and running smoothly. We see and appreciate all their hard work. The Elvis festival has such a friendly inclusive feel and that’s why it’s such a ‘must do’ for visitors and locals alike. Amitie tells everybody, everywhere that we go that they just have to come and experience our wonderful Parkes Elvis Festival. 

Q Describe the atmosphere that the crowds bring when you are performing on stage? 

Performing on stage in front of an enthusiastic audience is great fun. We feel so lucky and humbled that we get such an awesome reception all throughout the festival. Everyone is out to have a good time. To be able to have these experiences as 3 best friends is really special. We love performing together and have so much fun doing what we do. We never take ourselves too seriously and we think our audiences pick up on that and just join in all the fun with us. There is really nothing quite like a Parkes Elvis Festival crowd. 

Q If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be? 

The funny thing is that we actually very rarely sing an Elvis song at the festival. We leave that up to the ETA’s. Instead we like to bring back some of the other iconic music from the era. We cover rock n’ roll, Motown and incredible female solo and group hits from the 50’s and 60’s. It’s such wonderful music to sing and still fits in with the Elvis festival vibe. 

Q. What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable? 

A. Elvis has been a major influence on us musically regardless of being a “non Elvis act. 

”We grew up with parents who introduced Elvis to us at a young age. Elvis’s music was always played around the house, and you also could not miss pictures of Elvis around the house.. 

It is amazing how one man (Elvis) can navigate our personal lives and bring us together 

through his music alone. 

I watched the documentary “This is Elvis” that was when I really hooked, because I got to see his story told and his human side was shown to me for the first time. 

So I think I just love his story as well as the music. We was the whole package…and even now in 2024..the people around the world still can’t forget his great contribution to music and the cultural impact he had. 

Q. Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers? 

A. None of this could be possible without Parkes Shire Council, all the event organise, stage management, lighting and sound crews, vending operators, the local emergency services and the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us in a fun and safe environment. 

A big thank you to John “Elvis” Collins for embracing us and believing in what we do and espousing Blues Brothers Rebooted as part of the family and community. A big shout out to all our ETA brethren and entertainers we have had the pleasure of working and creating life-long friendships with, but most importantly thank you to the festival-goers who come back year after year whether this be your 1st experience or your 30th, it is you who have built this amazing festival dedicated to “Elvis Aaron Presley.” 

Thank you for allowing us to return year after year and this festival will be no different… 

JAKE & ELWOOD will be rocking your soul once again giving you our all. 

Q. Describe the atmosphere that the crowds bring when you are performing on stage? 

A. I must say it is exhilarating sharing what we love to do with people who are primarily there to see their favourite ETA’s and still accept and support the Blues Brothers Rebooted in all our performances. 

It’s electric. For a show or especially an act like the Blues brothers, the energy of the crowd at Parkes it’s so much fun and responsive we find an extra energy and we are more or less including the concert goers as a part of our act so we are performing together..It is soooo good… 

I feel we capture a high-energy performance and allocate all your favourite songs from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers which resonates with a lot of people. When we witness the energy bestowed to us by the crowds singing and dancing in every performance. The Blues Brothers were iconic in their own right and it is amazing that this separate entity is still embraced and relevant to many. 

We have two Dinner Shows at the Parkes Golf Club

FRIDAY 12th January 

THE BLUES BROTHERS SPECTACULAR DINNER SHOW SOLD OUT 

Though there are SHOW ONLY tickets available 

SATURDAY 13th January 

THE BLUES, SOUL and ROCK N’ ROLL Dinner Show 

And performances on the Memphis Stage and Cooke Park Main Stage and more !! 

Q. If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be? 

A. There are too many to choose from, it is hard not to witness the masses feel the energy that is Burning Love to the finale of American Trilogy but I must say Suspicious minds -that song has so many different elements to it…fast parts …slower parts..it’s the perfect song….as well as a great sing along.

 

We are all shook up with excitement to be bringing fans two of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists to Parkes Elvis Festival. All the way from the USA, the 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Cote Deonath and the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner, Taylor Rodrigues will headline the Feature Concert Series.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday night with “The Ultimate Elvis Jukebox Request Show”.

Starring Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez, along with two of Australia’s best ETA’s, Jack Gatto and Mark Andrew, this jukebox-style concert spans the entirety of Elvis’s career, from the early rockabilly days to the iconic Vegas years.

On Thursday night, Taylor Rodriguez takes the stage in “Elvis #1s – All the Number #1 Hits from all around the World.” This will be an evening that transcends borders and generations, featuring Elvis’s global chart-topping hits that made him a legend. Friday afternoon brings a new feature concert as Cote Deonath pays tribute to Elvis’s famous 1972 Madison Square Concert. Backed by the TIC Band.

After the sun sets on Friday, immerse yourself in romance with Cote Deonath. “Love Letters by Elvis Presley” will take the audience on a soul-stirring journey through Elvis’s greatest love songs.

Saturday brings a double header with two chances to see “Jumpsuit MANIA!” Witness an Elvis extravaganza like never before as Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez take the stage. Featuring the most jumpsuits ever seen on one stage at Parkes Elvis Festival, this dazzling performance is an absolute must for Elvis fans. Concluding the festival on Sunday is “Elvis Deep Cuts” a ticketed concert featuring John Collins, Damian Mullin, Dean Vegas, Greg Page, Jack Gatto, and Toki Toyokazu. This unique tribute goes beyond the classics, showcasing the hid-den gems and lesser-known songs that contributed to making Elvis a true legend.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to be hosting many activities, market and food stalls and some very special entertainment that will be held on the main stage. 

The Forbes Pre School will kick of the entertainment at 5.15pm, followed by the Forbes Guitar Academy at 5.30pm, Kristens Dance Studio at 6.30pm, Bedgerabong Public School at 7pm and Forbes Town Band at 7.30pm. Throughout the evening their will be Why Leave Town draws and announcements letting visitors know what is on where. 

“There are many food options so please browse before you make your choice. You will be able to discover what is available for Christmas in the businesses and market stalls” said Aaron Acheson, President of the Forbes Business Chamber. Located throughout the carnival site is Trang Hue Vietnamese Food, Ridgey’s Delights, Romanian Delights, Dipping Dots Ice cream, Paulette’s Mr Whippy Van, Saltbush Lamb, Mumma Bear Food, Coffee and Catering, Cook Wook Wong Chinese Food, Forbes Men’s Shed BBQ, Wattle Café’ Gelato and Take Away, Noodle Box on Rankin, Forbes Pizza, Isabels Place food and drinks,Central Butchery BBQ and Good Folk Food located next to the Club Forbes bar and  drinks. 

“I am looking forward to the activities, rides and fun that the carnival will bring to the community of Forbes, surrounding villages and wider district,” said Aaron Acheson. 

In addition to a great variety of market stalls there is a rock-climbing wall, street art, tea cups merry go round, bottle art, jumping castles, bungee trampoline and a giant slide. 

“Don’t forget to click on the QR Code to have a chance in the draws. Thank you to the sponsors of the Find It In Forbes Promotion and to the volunteers who help organise, set up and clean up the carnival,” said Aaron Acheson.

Indyreads Summer Book Club 

Over summer read “Funny Ethnics” by Age Book of the Year shortlisted author, Shirley Le, along with readers throughout NSW on the Indyreads app. If you need assistance downloading the app or getting started, come and see us at the Library. 

An evening of tales Come to the Parkes Library for a delightful evening of tales, food, wine and friends showcasing our community’s writing talent. Book a place by calling 6861 2309. 

Christmas Flicks 

Join us in December for a special Christmas edition of Friday Flicks with a romantic comedy with a Christmas theme. Wear your favourite holiday outfit to celebrate! 

Friday 15 December at 6pm. Book now! 

Marramarra Makerspace Fun 

Gift Wrapping, Tags and Fandangles Workshop: Pimp up your Christmas wrapping in this fun workshop. BYO gifts to wrap and brown paper bags to decorate. Wed 6th December 10am-Noon. 

Cost $20. Book online through Humanitix. Call 68612309 for details. 

Christmas Craft in the Makerspace. Throughout December during Makerspace opening hours (Mon, Wed, Thur 3-5:30pm) come and make: Paper stars & Christmas trees + Personalised baubles + Gift tags + Laser cut decorations. 

Who Is Parkes? Photography Exhibition 

To mark 150 years of the naming of Parkes, the Who Is Parkes? exhibition is a glorious collaboration of our community and those who made it. It is an exhibition that shows us where we have come 

from, who we have become today, and a celebration of belonging to Parkes and the Parkes Shire. Don’t miss our final exhibition for 2023 in the Coventry Room from 1-22 December. Official opening & morning tea 2nd December at 10am – all welcome! 

The Trees are out. Each participating business will have a wonderful timberChristmas Tree out the front of their business or close to their front door. 

Aaron Acheson said “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year. It has been a tough year so the Forbes Business Chamber is delighted to have kept the draws to encourage local shopping”. 

The draws began on November 13th.“All you need to do is scan the QR Code in store and fill in the details. If you don’t have a phone each store will have a manual sheet. We want to make sure that everyone has a fair turn,” said Aaron Acheson. $500 draws will be held on Thursday afternoons on the 16, 23 and 30th November, 7, 14 and 21 December. 5 x $500 draws will take place at the AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival on the 8 December. The remaining draws for the 23 December are 6 x $500, 1 x $1500, 2 x $2500 and 1 x $5000 giving a total funding pool of $20000. 

Participating businesses offering support for the Find It In AMAZING Forbes This Christmas. The businesses Acheson’s Mitre 10, AgriWest, Allure On Main, Bernardis, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organic Beauty, Bowns Sports Power, Cahills Footwear Forbes, Chapter Two Boutique, C&D Floorcovering, Euphoria Road, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes Automotive Services and ARB, Forbes Business Chamber Inc., Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Small Engines, Graces Hair Studio, Gunns Menswear and Embroidery, HozPots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Café, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extras Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, News On Rankin, MD Steel, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, Steel Technology, Terry Bros Carpet Court, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One, Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie and WA Knights Cranes, Walkers AgNVet.

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held to provide important safety information about child car seats. 

The workshops will be held via MS Teams, Wednesday 22 November at 10am and again at 7pm. 

The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital in ensuring children’s safety when travelling in vehicles. 

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjustment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for secondhand car seats and much more”. 

“It will be a great refresher for grandparents, as child car seats and the rules have changed a lot since they had their children, but also for parents and carers as they are navigating their way through their child or children’s growth”. 

“The results of our local checking day events show that around 80% of the child car seats that were checked were incorrectly installed. Transport for NSW research shows that children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life- threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. It is so important to ensure your precious cargo is safe” Ms Suitor said. 

These online workshops were the first of their kind when they were trialed in May 2023. 

“There were almost 20 families that took part in the May workshops. Participants rated the workshop 4.75 out of 5, said they would be very likely to recommend it to a friend or family member and were glad they had attended” Ms Suitor said. 

To book your place use this link: https:// bit.ly/NovemberWorkshops2023 or call on (02) 6861 2364.