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As we are all acutely aware, there is only one - and will only ever be one- Elvis Presley. Nobody will ever look, sound and move exactly like the King – but there are those who will come close. I had the privilege of seeing two of the world’s best Tribute Artists this past week, on their visit to Melbourne as part of their Australian tour. EPE Ultimate Tribute Artist contest winners Shawn Klush and Donny Edwards (both from the United States) were in town to show fans Down Under just why they are considered to be among the best of the best when it comes to imitating the King. Their visit began with a 50’s/60’s music cruise departing Sydney, included a brilliant show at Melbourne’s Crown Casino and continues with a string of shows throughout Australia in the coming weeks.
(Crown Casino photos above by T.Ziino - with thanks)
I had seen both Shawn and Donny several times in and around Memphis, however had never actually had the chance to see them perform. And I have to say, I was pretty much blown away with their performances at Melbourne's Crown Casino last week. The Palms is a great venue and with its tiered booths, has a real Vegas showroom feel about. With an enthusiastic crowd of around 600 (majority being 40-65 year olds) there was a buzz in the atmosphere as the crowd eagerly awaited the commencement of the show. Donny Edwards (above left) played the first half and nailed his performance as a 1950’s Elvis – amazing energy, some slick moves and a truly magnificent voice – particularly during his rendition of 'Unchained Melody'. I must admit, when anyone ever attempts that song, I of course wait in anticipation to see if they are going to hit those high notes! Donny did, with complete conviction. It was obvious the audience was enjoying every part of his performance, particularly the fast paced "Too Much" and "Mean Woman Blues". With ringing anticipation in the air Shawn Klush made his entrance to the stage. He looked very much the part of 70's Elvis (in a new Concho jumpsuit- above right-) and his stage presence was quite endearing . The six piece band was tight - and sounded fabulous accompanied by a brass section and 4 male and 3 female back up singers. Local drummer Jason Russo (who is always in demand for any Elvis shows in Australia) was fantastic. Shawn Klush is of course, renowned for his likeness to Elvis not only in appearance but also with an amazing voice. It was nice to see him introduce gospel into his set, with breath taking renditions of How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace - with the backing prowess of the Sweet Inspirations. Softly As I Leave You was also an unusual but welcome addition to the show.
Elvis fans in Melbourne showed their support with approximately 400 people attending the fundraiser at the “Trak” nightclub in Toorak last Tuesday. What an amazing night, a great venue, some fabulous entertainment and some great live Elvis music. Several local Elvis ETA's performed including Mark Anthony, Damian Mullen, Elias Jamour & Mark Andrew, who after many years as Australia's most well-known ETA, had a huge following in attendance on the night. Clips of Elvis played all night on 3 huge screens as Elvis fans mingled and eagerly enjoyed the performances from the Aussie ETAs as well as Shawn Klush (shown above) & Donny Edwards and a couple of comedians. As Klush and Edwards were a last minute addition to the schedule of events, they only performed briefly, 2-3 songs each, and in casual attire.
Shawn Klush once again had the backing of the Sweet Inspirations and his band, and did a spine-tingling rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water - the very song that won him the EPE Best Tribute Artist award. There was no rivalry amongst the local and international ETA's (didn't Elvis always say there is room for everyone in the music world?) - however it was evident that Shawn & Donny ( above) are not only universally known, but masters of their craft.
A beautiful Ed Bonja photograph of Elvis bought in $2,200. A pajama top belonging to Elvis (donated from the amazing collection of Greg Page) - really got the bidding wars started - and finally sold for $3000. A pair of Elvis' rust coloured trousers from the late 60's (from Mark Andrew's collection) also sold for over $2200.
Those items along with tickets to the Elvis cruise in 2012 and an autographed Chuck Berry guitar helped to raise around $15,000 - which will be proudly handed over to Joe Esposito on behalf of his friends and Elvis fans here in Australia. For those who were unable to attend on the night but would like to donate to help Joe & Martha, you can do so by visiting www.tcbjoe.com
Information for both Shawn Klush and Donny Edwards can be found at www.shawnklush.com and click here to www.donnyedwardslive.com .
Click to comment on this article Article by Sanja Meegin.
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Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
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