Shake, Rattle and Roll! The Blue Suede Music Festival is back paying tribute to Elvis at its landmark 10th anniversary.
This two-day Fountain of Love runs Aug. 25 and 26 at the Busby Sports Centre. It is expected to attract close to 3,000 of the King’s fans who enjoy spitballing Memories of Memphis’ favourite son.
Fifteen tribute artists, including St. Albert’s Vic de Sousa, will strike up that Tender Feeling borrowed from Elvis’ repertoire of more than 700 recordings.
“He left a legacy that lasts through the generations. You can be five to 95 to appreciate his songs. His music surpassed so many different generations. He’s an icon and his music will never die,” de Sousa said.
It’s Funny How Time Slips Away, but this is de Sousa’s ninth year at the festival performing Elvis’ Echoes of Love. And in that time, de Sousa has grown from A Jack to a King.
Due to the milestone year, founder Trudy Taphorn will also host Christopher Riordan, Elvis’ favourite dancer. A man of A Little Less Conversation, Riordan was “the only male on the list of people to be called whenever Elvis came to town for a film,” Taphorn said.
Through close to six decades working in film, TV, stage and nightclub, Riordan sought Fame and Fortune working with a vast of array of talent including Montgomery Clift, Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. Today he is a regular cast member of Superstore starring America Ferrera.
Taphorn is also showcasing the Cadillac Kings, her Steadfast, Loyal and True nine-piece band complete with a horn section and backup dancers.
As festival founder, Taphorn leads a hectic lifestyle and at times wishes there were more hours in the day to organize the festival. But heck, she's living The Impossible Dream.
Taphorn’s first festival gathering was in the backyard of her acreage and attracted roughly 100 Elvis fans.
Producing a music festival is a project where Fools Rush In, but so far it’s been A Good Luck Charm. Every year the festival grows, and when she sees The Love Comin’ Down, Taphorn knows she’s Got A Lot of Livin’ To Do.
So come for a weekend of music, karaoke, raffles, trivia contests, food and beer. And at the End of the Road just remember to Clean Up Your Own Back Yard. And If We Never Meet Again, the weekend was a Portrait of My Love.
A day pass is $25 per person and a weekend pass is $40. A food bank donation is also part of the mandatory admission. Donations will be divided between Barrhead Food Bank, Westlock Food Bank, Morinville Food Bank and Barrhead’s The Ripple Connection, a support group for individuals dealing with mental disorders.
