Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

What brings you back to the Parkes Elvis Festival?

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sharlene and Ian Subbi from the South Coast: It is our 10th festival as we are big Elvis fans. We had his songs play at our wedding and we renewed our vows in 2019. The atmosphere is very enjoyable, and Sharlene will be celebrating her 70th birthday on Thursday!

Lyn and Peter Davis with Wagz from Tamworth: We are back for our 18th festival. We just love it. We’ve made friends over the years and we all meet up here. The atmosphere, our music, our generation and everyone here is enjoying themselves.

Doug and Norma Cornwall from Yarra Junction, Victoria: We are back for our second festival and we love all aspects of the festival, especially the courtesy bus, and having good meals every day. We are also meeting up with friends here that we’ve met on the road from all over.

Rare Racing Memorabilia On Display At Speedway Car Exhibition

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Holden Driving Team Special Vehicles owner Peter Champion with the VE-VC 30th anniversary Holden that will be on
show. “I am honoured to showcase my dreams of keeping the iconic HDT brand, that started in the 1980s with Peter
Brock, alive in the Retro Series at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the 30th Anniversary Blue Meanies and VL Group A,”
Peter said.

The once-in-a-lifetime Speedway Car Exhibition is sure to get all car lovers and enthusiasts heart rate racing.

“We are absolutely thrilled to share this collection of racing and prestigious cars along with racing memorabilia and virtual reality simulators in this free exhibition,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director, Tiffany Steel.

The free exhibition at 375 Clarinda Street, Parkes is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and if European cars get your engine going, the exhibition features a beautiful racing Porsche GT3RS, 500 hp that does 0-100 in 3.2 seconds.

There is also Peter O’Donnell’s BMW313i which has completed more laps of the famous Bathurst circuit than any other car and was last year’s Bathurst 6-hour winner.

As the name suggests, there will also be a collection of speedway cars including Sprint cars, modified sedans and even a 37 Ford Coupe Hot-rod Beach Racer. Parkes local John Pizzaro, Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame inductee, World and Australian Title winner will have three of his karts on display.

There will be a display of racing suits worn by racing legends including Peter Brock, Allan Jones, Jim Richards and Stephen Richards along with rare racing memorabilia.

Who can clock the fastest lap?

World class Seattime car racing simulators as used by racing drivers, especially during last year’s lockdowns, will also be a drawcard of the exhibition. Anyone over the age of 12 can book a timeslot via the Parkes Elvis Festival website where you can choose to challenge for the fastest lap of the Elvis Festival or test yourself on a wide range of other tracks available.

The Elvis shuttle bus service will have a stop in Mitchell Street right outside the entrance making getting to and from the exhibit very easy.

Be Seen @ The Parkes Elvis Festival

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Mary and Greg Mann from Sussex Inlet for their first festival.

Peter and Diane Berry from Townsville for their first festival.

Wendy and Ian Petersen with Joey and Max from Mary-borough, Qld for their 10th festival.

Cheryl and Rudi Riksman from Mandurah, WA for their third festival.

Loreen and Robert Bracken from Camden in Sydney for their third festival.

Lenore and Grahame Williamson from Swansea (first festival in 2007), NSW and Ann and Keith Lewis from Wollongong (first festival in 2013).

Charlie and Paula Rupe from Tynong North, Victoria for their first festival.

Jeff and Coral Pantlin from the Central Coast for their first festival.

Allan and Helen Politis from Wadonga for their first festival.

Our Gal – Shania Sarsfield Miss Priscilla 2020

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Where were you born? Wellington NSW.

Were you named after anyone? The name Shania came from my Mum being a Shania Twain fan, and the midwife who helped to deliver me was also named Shania.

What did you enjoy the most about being Miss Priscilla? It’s so hard to pick just one, but visiting the nursing homes warmed my heart. Overall, I enjoyed my role as the Elvis fans are very passionate and it’s amazing to see how it brings everyone together to celebrate!

What is your favourite Elvis song? I get asked that a lot, and I’m pretty sure the answer changes every time! There are so many great songs, and it just depends on what I’m feeling at the time. At the moment I’ve been jamming to “All Shook Up”.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m very proud of being crowned Miss Priscilla and so grateful for the experience, but another accomplishment is that I’m in my last year of studies to become a registered nurse and I cannot wait to go out into the world and start my career.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The fight for social equality and women’s rights. Women in NSW gained the right to vote in 1902. This moment has guided women closer to equality in all aspects of life. From a time when women weren’t even able to drink in a bar!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A hammock, a good book and a lychee mojito!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would probably send it to the flood effected families.

Note from the Editor

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sydney Central Station January 2020 with Maggi Barnard (right) snapping away! (Photo: The Guardian)

“Never wait for tomorrow, what if tomorrow never comes?” – Elvis Presley

It pretty much feels like the last Parkes Elvis Festival took place in another world. In many respects it was a very different world in January 2020. We were still battling the grip of the terrible drought when the bushfires broke our hearts causing unfathomable devastation. At the time we could not have imagined anything worse…

While there are still lots to keep us awake at night, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate some wins: our countryside is looking spectacular again, we’ve come through several lockdowns and we can travel and attend events again!

The Parkes Elvis Festival has always been known for its uplifting vibe and friendliness, and this year more than ever we all need an infinite dose of that special feel-good vibe to fill up our souls with hope, enjoyment, fun and kindness that will put that zest for life back in our step.

We hope your time here will inspire you to make the most of every day and that you will go back to your respective communities feeling inspired to spread some kindness and good will. May the 29th festival be an unforgettable one, not just because of its change of date, but also for the experience.

A huge thank you to our sales managers Roxane Manley and Jordana Freney for all their hard work to make this Elvis issue the biggest one yet!

Let’s rock ‘n roll!

Maggi Barnard

Precious Collection Of Festival’s First ETA At Henry Parkes Museum

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

One of the photos of Eddie Youngblood that was donated to the museum; The drum skin and sticks signed by DJ Fontana, who was a drummer for Elvis, on display at the Henry Parkes Museum; Michelle Youngblood with the first eagle suit that was made for an Australian by Gene Doucette of B & K Enterprises Costume Co.

The Henry Parkes Museum received a very special donation recently that will be its feature display this Parkes Elvis Festival in memory of the first tribute artist to perform at the inaugural Parkes Elvis Festival.

Eddie Youngblood, who suddenly passed away on 1st March 2021, returned for two more festivals and his dying wish was that his Elvis costume collection and items be donated to Parkes.

Last month Eddie’s partner of 34 years, singer and dancer Michelle Youngblood, arrived in Parkes with a car load of precious items. The collection includes the famous eagle suit. “Eddie was the very first Australian to have the eagle suit made for him by Gene Doucette of B & K Enterprises Costume Co,” said Michelle. She also donated his blue owl suit, which was specifically made for Eddie.

Another very precious item is a drum skin and drum sticks signed by DJ Fontana, who played the drums for Elvis for 14 years. DJ toured with Eddie for six weeks in Australia.

The donation also includes his ’68 Comeback Special leather outfit, two jackets, a 50s microphone, three LP records, his MO Awards, photos and some of his sheet music.

Eddie was born in the Victorian coastal town of Apollo Bay in 1956. After his family moved around Victoria for several years, they went to Townsville in Queensland. He got his first taste of showbiz when he entered a high school talent quest and won the audience prize of $10.

He served his apprenticeship in talent quests and went on to create a tribute show around the music of his idol, Elvis Presley. ‘The Golden Years of Elvis’ and ‘Idolz in Concert’ became massive hits in clubs and casinos around the country. Eddie was revered by his peers as one of the first and most successful tribute acts, long before the phenomena it became decades later.

Eddie was awarded ‘Best Variety Production Show’ for two consecutive years in the 1984 and 1985 MO Awards.

In 1983/4 he starred in the original Australian production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ in the role of Pharaoh with Angela Ayers and Daryl Cotton.

He became a regular performer on most Australian variety entertainment television show in the 80s and 90s. In 1991 he starred in the pre-game entertainment at the NRL Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium with a television audience of 45,000.

In 2003 Eddie took on the role of marketing and entertainment manager at Club Forster where he worked until his death. The auditorium at the club was renamed in honour of Eddie last year.

When asked about the secret of being a successful ETA, Eddie said: “I’ve always said it’s the passion, dedication, hard work and understanding that you are yourself not anyone else. It’s your heart, soul and respect of the music and the man that makes you sincere and genuine in the eyes of your audience.”

Find Yourself… In Amazing Forbes This Elvis™ Season!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Start your engines, put on your blue suede shoes and come party with us in Amazing Forbes! Forbes is proud to partner with the Parkes Elvis Festival to expand the offering of events over the course of the week. Amazing Forbes loves a party and this is no exception!

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite for Elvis-goers and local Elvis fans alike to attend during the festival. Come and start your day the right way and get your boogie on – with a good feed, funky entertainment and maybe even a bit of a jive!

It all happens in Templar Street, right in the heart of the CBD from 7-10am Friday, 22nd April; with plenty of yummy brekky options to choose from – and of course, good coffee to get you in the groove for the rest of the day! Cafés are located in Templar, Lachlan and Rankin Streets. Entry is free – just buy your own brekky. Spot the red Mustang and stop for a selfie – just like Elvis!

And why not also have a browse at our gorgeous boutique stores before you head off to more Elvis-infused activities and events? Buses leave from Club Forbes to Parkes up the other end of Templar Street at 9.10am, 11.10am and 1.10pm.

Other exciting events that are happening in Amazing Forbes over the course of the Festival include:

The Presley Gala at Club Forbes: Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-11pm featuring Nigel Stanley, Ricky Ford, Rick Charles, Terry Leonard, Gabe Phoenix and Mark Caligiuri.

Elvis Entertainment at the “Golfie” (Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel): Performances from Bernie Peri on Friday night 7.30-10.30pm, Locked and Loaded (Rockabilly) on Saturday night 7-11pm, and Barockers on Sunday afternoon 1-5pm.

Contact the venues directly for more information on these fun events!

Buses will operate between Forbes and Parkes during the festival, and bus stop locations are at Big 4 Forbes Holiday Park (Flint Street), Forbes Showground (Show Street), Club Forbes (Templar Street/Newell Highway) and Sam Street/Newell Highway (opposite the Forbes Golf Club). Bus timetables are available at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.

Time To Rev Up Your Engines And Let Down Your Hair!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

READY, SET, GO… There’s no other way but the ‘Speedway’ at the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival this year with a fantastic line-up of all the old favourites and a host of new and unique events. Making it all happen are Parkes Shire Council’s Cathy Treasure, Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist and Tiffany Steel, Parkes Elvis Festival Director.

After two years of slow living and ‘tracky dacs dress ups’ at home, the green flag is up and it is time to speed up the fun, friendly feel-good vibe that draws thousands to the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The King is back and from today Parkes will transform into a red, white and blue melting pot of go-go dancing girls, racing overalls and suits, spectacular racing cars, and of course the ubiquitous Elvis jumpsuit for this year’s Speedway theme.

The next five days are jam-packed with more than 400 Elvis and speedway inspired events. Apart from all the much-loved festival favourites like the Street Parade, Renewal of Vows, Gospel Service, Miss Priscilla Dinner, and free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment, a host of new and unique events will make the comeback festival an unforgettable one.

There is the Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars and virtual reality simulators, a Pin-Up Pageant for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers, a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Mark Anthony’s one-off special Speedway Show, a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Taylor Rodriguez, the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, will make his Australian debut at the Feature Concert Series, and the list goes on and on for a festival where you can forget about the troubles and hardships of the past two years to rock ‘n roll to your heart’s content.

By Maggi Barnard

Mayoral Notes

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Despite another two short weeks, it is still go, go, go at Forbes Shire Council.

Our Elvis festivities begin this week with the ever-popular Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast on Friday morning. There is no better way to start the day with an excellent choice of breakfast options, plenty of music and a bit of a jive to get you into the mood for a fabulous day in the Central West.

Forbes cafés and businesses will be open and ready to serve up a fabulous Friday morning feast or a spot of shopping before you head off for a day of Elvis fun.

Also part of the Parkes Elvis festival celebrations is the Swingin’ on the Speedway event that we are hosting at McFeeter’s Motor Museum on Saturday night. There is a tribute artist and plenty of entertainment.

There will also be the Presley Gala evening at Club Forbes and Elvis entertainment at the Golfie.

Forbes is very proud to be an event partner for the Parkes Elvis Festival – there will be buses operating between Forbes and Parkes so we can again welcome visitors to our region to Forbes as well.

As for the rest of the town, the outdoor team is working hard to put all the finishing touches on the playing fields in time for the start of the winter sports season.

All the playing fields are looking fantastic with fencing and irrigation updates, lines are being marked, everything has been top dressed and is lush and ready for a season of sport – everyone in Forbes loves our sport.

All our school holiday activities continue and have been very well supported by the community. This week there is more craft and activities so check our web page or What’s On on our Facebook page to register.

Mayor Phyllis Miller
Forbes Shire Council

Sons Of Sun – ‘A Show That Sent Shivers Through Me’

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Frontman of Sons of Sun, John Kennedy.

The famous Sun Record label was founded by producer Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in February 1952. Sun was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Sydney musician John Kennedy answered questions about the show:

Is the show a musical or cabaret?

Sons of Sun is neither a traditional musical or a cabaret. Told through the character of Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Sam recorded, the show features a three-piece live band and three actors performing a scripted play. The focus constantly shifts from the story to the songs and back.

Whose music is featured in the show?

Fronted by Sydney musician John Kennedy, the Sons of Sun band performs excerpts of 35 songs from the artists who were discovered by Sam Philips ranging from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. But it also shows how Sam had originally set up his recording service to champion the music of black rhythm and blues musicians in the Memphis area. Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas and many more artists recording at Sam’s studio before the discovery of Elvis.

Will Elvis fans get to hear some of their favourite songs?

Fans will hear a lot of Elvis and a whole lot more. The show outlines Sam Phillips’ musical influences from his early life and his struggle in setting up Sun Records until his discovery of Elvis. Elvis’ Sun Record recordings are featured along with some of his early RCA hits.

Who performs in the show?

The tenacious Sam Phillips is played by Sydney actor, Matt Charleston, with co-stars Victoria Beck and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker to Howlin’ Wolf. Alongside John Kennedy in the Sons of Sun band are original Red Wiggle, Murray Cook on lead guitar and Phil Hall on bass.

Sons of Sun is on at The Little Theatre at 1pm today, 20th April and 1pm on Thursday, 21st April.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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