Parkes Phoenix Editor

For the first time in Australia, and only at the Parkes Elvis Festival, you will be able to listen to stories from Charles Stone.

Charles joined forces with Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker in the 1970s and toured around America. He took care of business until Elvis’ death in 1977.

Charles has worked with many amazing talents throughout his career, and has years of memories and personal stories to share, but nothing compares to his time spent on tour and in Vegas with Elvis, the Colonel, and all the enthusiastic, supportive fans.

There is nothing he enjoys more than having the opportunity to relive his Elvis years as he shares his memories and experiences during frequent speaking engagements around the world.

How did you get connected with the Parkes Elvis Festival?

I have always wanted to visit Australia and my friend Alicia Dean at Graceland recommended me to the festival and we were able to work something out so I could come this year.

How do you feel about coming to the Parkes Elvis Festival?

I am so excited to be coming and just cannot wait to be there. It has been on my bucket list for a long time. Bruce Jackson was one of my best friends.

What have you heard about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

I really had not heard much about it until Mark Anthony told me about it. He said it was one of the best Elvis festivals anywhere. I look forward to meeting Elvis fans and sharing my stories with Elvis and the Colonel.

Are you surprised that a small country town in the middle of Australia has such a big Elvis Festival?

When I looked Parkes up on the map, I was totally amazed that such a large festival was in the middle of nowhere so to speak. I live in Texas and we have places in the middle of nowhere as well but not as big as Australia’s.

When you were touring with Elvis, did you ever think his legacy would live on for so many years and all over the world?

Touring with Elvis, none of us ever thought that his legacy would live on like it has all over the world. I don’t think he ever thought it would be what it is.

Why do you think Elvis has such an enduring legacy after all these years?

Elvis was one of a kind. He was not only the greatest singer in the world, he made rock and roll worldwide. And for the girls of course he was a very good-looking man.

What is your favourite memory of your time with Elvis?

My most memorable time with him was when he asked for my wife and daughter to come to the dressing room at a concert and take a photo with him.

Do you have a favourite Elvis song, or one that brings back good memories?

I don’t really have one favorite song but I do like ‘If I could Dream’ and ‘Laudy Miss Claudy’.

Jeff Lewis hosts the popular Elvis Week after parties in Memphis, has won the Last Chance Ultimate at the Hard Rock in Memphis and competed in the Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest himself. This is Jeff’s first time performing in Australia and he will emcee and perform at the Parkes Elvis Festival, and host the first ever after party of the festival.

How do you feel about coming to the Parkes Elvis Festival?

Going to Australia has always been a dream of mine. I first fell in love with Australia after seeing Crocodile Dundee in college. I am so excited about seeing the festival in person, but I am also excited about seeing so many friends in Australia I have met online through my Facebook Live Shows. It will be great to finally perform for them in person. Plus, any time I get the chance to sing with the band Tributes In Concert Band (TIC), I’ll take it. I think they are the best Elvis band in the world.

What have you heard about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

I have heard it is the biggest festival in the world. Also, that the fan base is incredible. I know this is going to be an experience I will never forget. But the most important thing, I heard the fans are HUGE Elvis fans, that is why we do this.

In your award-winning career as an ETA, and with your long history of performing with ETAs, do you hope to see some fresh talent in Parkes?

I respect anyone who picks up a microphone, puts on the sideburns, and pays tribute to the greatest entertainer in history, Elvis Presley. We all do this because of our love for Elvis. There are so many performers in Australia I have only seen online, I can’t wait to see them pay their tribute in person.

Why do you think Elvis has such an enduring legacy after all these years?

I get asked this question a lot. The simple answer is, he was great. He was one of the best singers that ever lived and definitely the most charismatic performer that has ever taken the stage. The more complex answer is how he was able to reinvent himself in so many ways.

Now here we are, 45 years after his death, and we are still celebrating Elvis with Festivals all over the world and soon, a movie that will create a whole new generation of fans.

What keeps you connected to Elvis?

There is never a time I don’t love hearing Elvis. I’ve always been a huge fan, but I never dreamed I’d be making a living due to my love for him. The more Elvis fans I meet, the more of the Elvis world I experience, the more I learn about Elvis. I also see pictures and hear songs I had never heard. The coolest thing about this experience are the experiences I’ve had meeting and becoming friends with people that worked with and knew Elvis. That has really given Elvis a third dimension for me.

Do you have a favourite Elvis song to listen to and a favourite one to perform?

I love to perform the more obscure songs from the 70s like ‘Heart of Rome’, ‘Padre’, and a lot of his gospel songs, my favourite being ‘He Touched Me’. ‘Separate Ways’ has always been one of my favourites to listen to, but as soon as I say that, I think of a few hundred more I love hearing.

Australian singer-songwriter, keyboardist, producer and record label founder, and staple of Australian entertainment for over 50 years, Brian Cadd is this year’s Elvis Wall of Fame honouree.

You’ve received many awards and honours in your career, how do you feel about being honoured on the Wall of Fame at the Parkes Elvis Festival?

All awards are special. Making it onto the Wall of Fame is a wonderful honour. I truly appreciate it and look forward to the ceremony and my time in Parkes. Being able to do a show as well is most exciting.

Do you listen to Elvis? Do you have a favourite Elvis song?

I think everyone listens to Elvis from time to time. He was a huge part of my musical upbringing when I first started to learn the piano. Blue Suede Shoes is still a tremendous song and recording. Very simple and perfectly written, performed and recorded.

What can fans expect to hear at your concert in Parkes?

All the hits and memories. Some stories and some laughs. The most fun I can have is onstage and the audience usually goes right along with it.

Why do you think Elvis has such an enduring legacy after all these years?

He was really the first truly unique rock artist we experienced. There were others before him but no one had anywhere near his originality. And now, sixty years on, there may still not have been anyone quite as unique

Do you think the Parkes Elvis Festival plays an important role in the music landscape in Australia?

To me the true test of a vibrant music scene is about the variety of musical experiences the audience can enjoy. We are blessed with lots of lovely festivals in Australia, celebrating a wide diversity of tastes. The Elvis Festival is a superb example of that. A most deserved place in our musical landscape.

Have you ever performed an Elvis song?

I’m 75 years old and have been playing in front of audiences since I was 13. I can’t imagine how many times I’ve played an Elvis song.

If you are a regular parkrun participant, then you should be at the Northparkes Oval on Saturday, 23rd April at 8am for the first ever Elvis-themed parkrun!

Put on your blue suede running shoes for this brand-new Elvis Festival event as the Northparkes Oval parkrun celebrated its first birthday only last month.

While the whole town will be filled with people dressed in Elvis jumpsuits and Speedway-themes costumes, there is no way parkrun participants should miss out on such a golden opportunity to rock ‘n roll an Elvis parkrun!

Dressing up for a parkrun is not something new, but only in Parkes will you get the opportunity to do an Elvis parkrun.

“The volunteers will join in too, and there will be Elvis music to cheer everyone on,” said parkrun organiser Ronel van Wyk.

With so many visitors to town during the Elvis Festival, the parkrun organisers are eager to get a good turnout for the weekly 5km event.

Elvis might not have done running as a sport, but he would probably have been proud of this effort as he was a big sports participant and fan. When he wasn’t on stage, in a studio or on the big screen, there’s a good chance you could find Elvis Presley playing football, or watching his favourite teams compete on TV. He played football on the grounds at Graceland.

So come along on Saturday, 23rd April and be part of this historic first Elvis parkrun. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world on a Saturday morning at 8am. It usually takes place in parks and open spaces over 5km. The event is open to everyone whether you are running, jogging or walking. There is no time limit and no one finishes last.