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.

For nearly two decades, Dean Z has performed thousands of shows for millions of people around the globe, being named by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) as their Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2013.

Dean was officially awarded EPE’s “Ultimate” title and starred in their international touring production Elvis Lives (with over 500,000 tickets sold). 

Dean Z has thrilled Elvis fans across Europe with his portrayal of the King performing to sold out audiences in some of the UK’s most historic venues including the London Apollo, Manchester Arena and The Echo arena in Liverpool on the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. He is the only Elvis tribute artist to host SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio channel and currently serves as an ambassador and contributor to Graceland and the Elvis Presley estate.

It is the fourth time you will be performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival. What makes you come back every time? I love the audiences in Australia, especially in Parkes! They are always electric and ready to have a great time celebrating Elvis’s incredible music.

What do you think sets the Parkes Elvis Festival apart from other Elvis festivals? The Parkes Elvis Festival is such a great event because everybody gets involved. It’s not just the shows, there are so many incredible events throughout the week that people participate in. I love that the entire town is incorporated into the festival.

What do you think of the fans at the Parkes Elvis Festival? The fans are truly dedicated to Elvis and his memory. I love watching them enjoy the music. There is so much love for Elvis at the event.

When did you first hear an Elvis song? I’ve first heard Elvis when I was three years old. There was a television documentary called ‘This is Elvis’ that just happened to be on TV when I was a little kid. I instantly cleared off our living room coffee table and started dancing, trying to mimic what I was seeing. I was enamored by him and his presence, even at that early age. I can tell that he was so special.

Why does his music appeal so much to you to make a living from it? It’s not really about making a living from it, it’s just living my childhood dream and lifelong passion. Elvis has provided for so many including myself, and I am forever grateful for that. I always say that this career chose me instead of me choosing it. I am honestly living my childhood dream every show.

Why does Elvis stand the test of time? Elvis stands the test of time because his music is timeless. People, young and old gravitate to him, because of the quality of his voice, his appearance, his charisma and charm. Elvis is forever in style.

What did you think of this year’s Elvis the movie? I absolutely loved the new movie! I believe that Austin Butler deserves an Oscar for his performance as Elvis. He captured something very special, the man behind the music. I want to shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated the way he brought my hero to life on the big screen.

What do you look forward to at the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival? We have some incredible shows planed for Parkes this year! Myself and fellow headliner Vic Trevino are going to present Elvis in some very cool ways!

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I don’t want to give too much away, however, my show “The Rocker” is going to absolutely ROCK this year!

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? My favorite Elvis song is “If I Can Dream,” because it tells a beautiful story of hope. No matter how I’m feeling I always pour my heart and soul into singing that song.

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the ‘60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra-glamorous take on fashion. 

Hailed as the Queen of rock ‘n roll, with The King by her side, Priscilla’s signature looks throughout the ‘60s were instantly recognisable. Priscilla was emblematic of the era’s decadent ‘Rock ‘n roll meets Hollywood’ lifestyle that has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner. 

Attending a Miss Priscilla Dinner then it is highly recommended by all those that have previously attended. Enjoy a two-course dinner and a night of entertainment that includes performances, dancing and a whole lotta fun. Watch an extravagant floorshow by one of Australia’s premiere swing dancing performance troupes, the Sydney Swing Katz. Local favourites Amitie will mesmerise you with their harmonies, then dance the night away to NZ Elvis tribute artist Brendon Chase. 

The evening promises to be a fun night where guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme and watch the bevy of beauties and their stylists as they compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival. There are fabulous prizes on offer including balcony cabins on P&O’s Tribute to The King Cruise for Miss Priscilla and her stylists. 

There are two other competition categories in the Festival’s Blue Hawaii theme; 

Miss Blue Hawaii – will have the best interpretation of Blue Hawaii, inspired by the 1961 classic movie with the hairstyle, makeup, and dress in theme. This is a fun competition where you can use your imagination! 

Blue Hawaii Theme – best dressed audience members in the Blue Hawaii theme. 

Tickets and competition information can be found on parkeselvisfestival.com.au. The Miss Priscilla Dinner is proudly sponsored by Goodsell Machinery. 

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.

The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.

There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.

Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.

• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVITdonation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au

• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help orto donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact

• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe inParkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a dropoff point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.

• Big W is bringing back the Giving Treeinitiative at all its branches to supportfamilies in need and help spread joythis Christmas. Customers are invitedto donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placedunder the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.

• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joiningbranches across the country to help raisethe equivalent of 7 million meals for thosein need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar whilein store, or by adding a 50 cent token toyour basket until 25th December.

By Maggi Barnard

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the 60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra glamorous take on fashion. 

Hailed the Queen of Rock & Roll with The King by her side, Priscillas signature looks throughout the 60s were instantly recognisable. Priscillas emblematic Rock & Roll meets Hollywood lifestyle has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme to see a bevy of beauties compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival. 

Enjoy a two-course dinner with entertainment that includes an extravagant floorshow by premiere swing dancing troupe, the Sydney Swing Katz, local favorites Amitie with mesmerizing harmonies, then dance the night away to Elvis tribute artist, Brendan Chase.

Judges will look at overall appearance, including make-up, hair, and dress to resemble the pre-1969 look of Priscilla Presley. The prize includes a cruise on P&Os Tribute to The King Cruise for the winner and her stylist. 

The Miss Priscilla winner becomes the face of the Festival performing official duties including riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, taking part in the official opening ceremony and appearing at festival favorite events including the renewal of vows ceremony and appearances on the Cooke Park main stage.

Festival founder, Anne Steel said, “Miss Priscilla becomes a celebrity throughout the Festival. Fans snap a photo with her at every opportunity. She plays such an important role and becomes a part of our history.”

Miss Priscilla becomes Parkes Elvis Festivals ‘glambassador’ for the next 12 months until she hands the title to the winner the following year.

Entries for the competition and tickets for the dinner are available at parkeselvisfestival.com.au

There is nothing like music to put you in the right mood, and tomorrow summer will officially kick off in Parkes with some vibey Brazilian rhythms at the Cooke Park pavilion.

Latin Sounds at the Pavilion, presented by Parkes Shire Council, is the first of a series of musical performances this summer with something for everyone. Funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program, Sounds at the Pavilion will also run in Parkes and Tullamore in February next year. 

“As musical curator of this event, I am proud to be presenting such an extraordinary selection of musicians here in Parkes,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Community Events Officer Carmen Nieves.

“Born in South-America, I am passionate about connecting regional audiences with the very best of the Australian performing arts scene. I am confident that showcasing Latin Sounds at the Pavilion will impress and bring the community together in a celebration of this rhythmic genre, rarely performed in regional areas.”

The community is encouraged to sit back and be transported to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow, Saturday, 3rd December from 5pm, with the Carioca Project featuring Brazilian percussionist and vocalist Gustavo Cantor, saxophonist Gai Bryant, pianist/vibes Ed Goyer and bassist Harry Birch. 

In between sets, DJ Frank Madrid will entertain with a mix of the most popular Latin beats from around the world. The main dish is the nine-piece band and solo dancer, Caribé; a melding of musicians from Sydney’s Cuban, jazz and Latin communities, integrating traditional Cuban dance and music with a modern jazz aesthetic in an immersive performance experience.

This is a free community event for the whole family with food vendors onsite for the evening. Dancers of all abilities are encouraged to attend this interactive performance. 

Visit www.visitparkes.com.au for more information.

FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LIBRARY

As the festive season commences a reminder that Tuesday, 6th Dec will be our final Storytime for the year and final Rhyme Time on Thursday, 8th December. This year’s Summer Reading Club for children and youth will be Reading to the End of the Rainbow. Come in and collect your entry form from 15th December at the library.

BIODIVERSITY IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

The Parkes Library is currently exhibiting 36 of the entries into the Biodiversity in Focus Competition featuring images of native plants, animals & fungi, including the winners:Infants Division: Bluey the Blue Tongue by Flynn Davis; Primary Division: Hang in There by Peggy Swift; High School Division: A Curious Owl by Cooper Holloway

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 16th December at 6pm we are screening a star-studded Christmas rom-com released in 2019. A Christmas romance story set in London. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

New Makerspace hours for Summer start on Monday, 5th December: Monday 3-7pm, Wednesday 3-5:30pm, Thursday 3- 5:30pm.

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): POSTPONED until 2023

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Choice of Succulent Christmas tree or wreath, everything supplied. $50 deposit to secure your spot, remainder on the day. Book via Renelle’s facebook page – Pop-Up Succulent Shop. 

TRUNDLE: Friday, 2nd December 11am @ the Library

PARKES: Friday, 2nd December 6:30pm; Saturday, 3rd December 10am.

Indyreads Summer Book Club: Join in a state-wide indyreads book club through our online library page. 

The trees aren’t out yet, but Find It In AMAMZING Forbes begins on 14th November. Each participating business will have a timber Christmas tree at the front of their front door when the flood water recedes. 

Aaron Acheson of the Forbes Business Chamber said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year.”

The draws will begin on Thursday, 17th November with the first $500 being electronically drawn. All you need to do is scan the QR Code and fill in the details. There are 7 x $500 prizes until Christmas Eve and then 10 X $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5000 will be drawn on 24th December. 

Major sponsors and participants: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber; Gold Sponsor – Bernardis, Silver Sponsors – Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix; Bronze Sponsors – Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights. 

“All the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business. For those who don’t have a phone there will be a sign-on-sheet.”

Participating businesses: All of the above plus Acheson’s Mitre 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organics, Bowns Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.

Supporting businesses have again come forward and continue to promote and support the Find It In Forbes Promotion and Christmas Carnival. “A huge thanks to Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, MBC, Michael Robinson & Co., Central West Diesel and Woolerina.

with many events cancelled and excess water everywhere causing huge stress to businesses and the community. We hope that the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion and Christmas Carnival will bring some fun and happiness to all,” said Aaron Acheson.

The Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 9th December from 5 – 9pm.

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au. 

YOUTH VOICES

Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX

Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov

from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh

Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com