Having made their mark on Australian audiences during the last two years, the Gold Coast band has built a huge following! 

Incorporating some of the finest talent in the Australian entertainment industry, the band is led by singer, Vince Gelonese, Italian born, who had a #1 hit on the USA Billboard charts in 2013, head-lined in Las Vegas in 2006 and in 2019 received a Lifetime in Music Award in LA! 

The band oozes cheeky charisma, as they entertain the crowd with world-class show appeal and energy, their repertoire inspired by the iconic southern sounds of Nashville & Memphis, with a showy, Vegas edge! 

Renowned for it’s diverse repertoire, the Memphis Cowboys are most famous for it’s rock, rockabilly, swing and rock n roll genres, playing covers from all the greats including; Stray Cats, Shakin’ Stevens, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and many more! 

VINCE GELONESE 

Having joined his first band at 16 as a guitarist, Vince pursued 6 years of classical and opera vocal tuition. He then made the transition into a career as a solo-pop/rock artist and a covers tribute artist, before transitioning as an original artist in country and country rock. 

Italian born, Vince spent time in Las Vegas but grew up in Canberra, before moving to the Gold Coast in 2016. 

Whilst in the USA, he was asked to tour with many headline acts including Tom Petty. He was also offered his own Las Vegas show room at the Flamingo and the Monte Carlo Casino. 

In 2013, Vince’s original song, “Every Dream” actually hit number 1 on the USA Billboard charts! 

In 2019 he received an award for outstanding song writing in the Hollywood music and fashion awards. 

Vince is more recently known for his charismatic performances, and exceptional vocals with his country/rock band “The Memphis Cowboys.” 

Vince and the Memphis Cowboys are certainly a favourite feature of the Parkes Elvis festival, where they entertain the crowd during 2-3 performances per day at the Cambridge hotel. 

Vince will follow on after Parkes with a number of gigs with the band at Tamworth country music festival. 

Vince is releasing 2 new original songs with a debut at Parkes, and also a CD 1 of many to follow each year, called Parkes anthems, choosing to highlight some of the songs that the crowd loved the most at Parkes 

Answers by Vince: 

Q. When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival 

A. 2008 

Q. How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back? 

I’ve been at the Parkes festival every year since 2008. Each year our following grows substantially. Many book the band throughout the year for their events after seeing us perform at Parkes. 

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

A. My mother enjoyed listening to Elvis, she still has the original copy of the album”Flaming Star” I was drawn to Elvis because he sang songs of the heart land and he was a kind and giving human being. 

The excitement of the festival becomes more inspirational more me year after year. The staff at the Cambridge hotel are an amazing team! And we are so appreciative of our regular followers who continue to support us!

Priscilla Presley is known for her distinctive winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and being a style icon of the ‘60s. Standing by her King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Priscilla’s signature look left an indelible mark on women worldwide. 

The Miss Priscilla competition will be a little different this year. There will still be a bevy of beauties and their stylists vying for the prestigious title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival. The exciting change is that now everyone will be able to watch it on the Cooke Park Main Stage. 

“We are eager to share the excitement of the Miss Priscilla Competition with everyone,” said Festival Founder an organiser of the Miss Priscilla competition, Anne Steel. “The sashing will take place on the Cooke Park Main Stage at 2:40 pm on Friday, 12th January. So, we would love to see fans come and cheer on the competition entrants and see the announcement that is normally only privy to a few hundred people that attended the dinner.” 

Everything else will remain the same. You’ll see the winner of Miss Priscilla at various events throughout the Festival accompanied by Tony Fisher, who looks after her every need,” Anne added. 

The winner of the Miss Priscilla competition will not only revel in the glory of being crowned the Face of the Festival but will also undertake official duties throughout the weekend. From riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, participating in the Official Opening Ceremony, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, and appearing on the Cooke Park Main Stage, to name a few. Miss Priscilla has a busy schedule from Friday to Sunday and is chaperoned by dedicated volunteerTony Fisher. Tony took on the role when his niece first won the title in 2013 and another niece in 2014. He loved the role so much he continues to be Miss Priscilla’s chaperone every year. 

After a busy few days being a celebrity at the Festival, there is a reward for both Miss Priscilla and her stylist. They both get a cabin on P&O’s Tribute To The King Cruise. 2023 Miss Priscilla Winner, Nickyra Burley, said that the cruise was both luxurious and so much fun. “I took my mum and brother with me. My stylist also got a cabin, so we all went together. I had such a great time. I loved every minute of it! 

MISS PRISCILLA COMPETITION 

Judging: 12:30 pm on Friday, 12 January, at the Parkes Shire Council, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. 

Competition announcement: 2:40 pm on Friday, 12 January, on the Cooke Park Main Stage. 

Competition entry is free. T&C’s and entry form at parkeselvisfestival.com.au 

 

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.