Fourteen tribute artists from across Canada will soon take the stage for the 16th annual Blue Suede Music Festival, a one-of-a-kind regional event honouring the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. The three-day rock and roll party takes place at Westlock Agricultural Grounds from July 25-27.
At this non-competitive festival, performers showcase their voices, strut their dance moves, flaunt their costumes and deliver an Elvis-like presence that at times seems eerie. But the performances are a shared celebration with a goal to assist food banks.
One of the Elvis tribute artists is Vic de Sousa, a full-time musician who is the lead vocalist for Stereo Villain, a hard rock band. The St. Albert singer-songwriter started singing as a teen and has performed in various local bands and internationally at Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles. One of his most high-profile gigs is as a regular cast member of The Louisiana Hayride, touring Western Canada.
At the tribute concert, de Sousa plans to sing several sets from the 1950s and '70s.
“In the '50s, the music made you want to move. When I watched his biopics, the energy he created in people was what I love. And the innuendos they had in the lyrics — not everyone caught them. And by the '70s, his musicianship was amazing, the musical points, what he sang about and his musical range. He was so versatile, and he showed his true vocal range.”
His set list includes favourites such as Stuck on You, Money Honey, I Got Lucky, Anyway You Want Me, I Will Remember You and Bridge Over Troubled Water.
The Blue Suede Music Festival has survived 16 years in large because of nostalgia and audience appetite to keep the spirit of Elvis Presley alive. Like many tribute artists, de Sousa began his journey with a personal connection sparked by family influences.
“I got my first guitar when I was nine," he said. "I started listening to his records because my mother was always playing them around the house. I wasn’t even a teen when I started listening to his music. When the specials came on TV, I thought he was cool, and I thought it was a fun job to do.”
In high school, he joined a band, hoping to play guitar.
“They already had two guitars and no singer. Because I was the only one who owned a microphone, they made me a singer.”
With each passing year, music morphed into a larger part of his life where he formed several bands including Sweet Alibi. But after a revolving door of musicians, the band called it quits, until de Sousa saw an advertisement in the now defunct Bargain Finder.
“The Elvis Forever Fan Club was looking for a tribute artist. They wanted to commemorate his life on the anniversary of his death. I auditioned and they liked my voice. I had no costume, but they quickly found me a pink shirt and a black blazer. I only had two songs, but I learned another eight. And suddenly, I started getting calls.”
For almost a full year, de Sousa has gigged as a full-time musician working private shows, festivals, concerts, charity events and singing videograms.
“I also have a passion for writing my own music. I need it. It feeds my soul. I need to express myself through songs. The Elvis gig has been good to me. And for me, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But I’m not Elvis. I just like to bring him back for the folks who were there and to keep his legacy alive for those who weren’t.”
Blue Suede’s Friday night is a casual meet-and-greet the performers whereas Saturday highlights performances starting at 10 a.m. At 8 p.m., the night swings into a full concert blowout with The Flashback Band, a nine-piece classic rock band. And Sunday, the tribute shows close with Elvis’ gospel songs.
Presley was an extremely generous individual who found joy in helping those in need, and since the festival’s inception, founder Trudy Taphorn has made “giving back” a priority. In addition to an admission fee, a donation of non-perishable food or cash is mandatory for all concertgoers. The festival supports Westlock Food Bank, Morinville Food Band and The Ripple Connection in Barrhead.
Tickets range from $10 to $120 online at bluesuedemusicfestival.com.
