Parting ways with the Elvis Express Train after being crowned Miss Priscilla in 2023.

Nickyra Burley, was the Parkes Elvis Festival 2023 Miss Priscilla. Nickyra is a 19 year old Apprentice Hairdresser at Mica Hair Traralgon. Born in Sale and raised in Stratford Victoria. Nickyra is also a Rock n Roll Dancer at Lakeside Rockers, who has a huge passion for anything vintage pinup or retro style in hair and clothing. I have always been a big fan of Elvis and Priscilla Presley 

Q. What and who were your influences growing up? 

My first influencers were my parents who I used to watch as they danced at rock n roll dances. It was there I discovered my love for Elvis’ music and was inspired to learn rock n roll dancing, trained by Andrew Camp at Lakeside Rockers. 

Q. When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival? 

My first visit to Parkes Elvis Festival was Speedway 2022 and I was amazed by the huge crowds. I entered the dance competition with Andrew Camp and we ended up winning the dance category. I also participated in the street Parade dressed in a chequered jumpsuit, with white gogo boots. Whilst seated on the back of a trike bike waving a chequered flag with friends. 

Q. What was the path you took (in career/life) that led you to the Parkes Elvis Festival? 

My passion for rock n roll dancing, dressing up and hairdressing led me here to Parkes. I first met my stylist Vicky Sheild at cooly rocks 2019. She held A Vintage Pinup Hairstyle Workshop that I attended in 2022. From that moment on we were convinced that I would be a good candidate for the Miss Priscilla Competition. 

Q. How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back? 

This will be my 3 rd year in a row returning to Parkes Elvis Festival. I keep returning because of the overwhelming energy that vibrates from within the crowds and the friendships that we all create. 

It’s a fantastic environment for my family and I to start The New Year. It’s amazing to be around so many people who also share the love of Elvis. 

Q. What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable? 

My first memory of Elvis was at a Lakeside Rockers Elvis Dance, where I had my first dance with my beautiful loving Dad. Who now watches me from heaven continuing with my love for Rock n Roll and endeavouring in my passions and dreams. 

Q. Describe the atmosphere that the crowds bring when you are performing on stage? 

I have been told I have a natural stage presence and look very similar to the young Priscilla. The crowds become more engaged when I’m up on stage with Elvis Tribute Artists. I hear the audience singing with passion and all I see is an ocean of bright lights and cameras capturing the moment. 

Q. If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be? 

After experiencing the Parkes Elvis Festival After Party, I can now say that Viva Las Vegas is the song to get the crowd up on their feet dancing and singing loud and proud. 

Q. Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers? 

I would like to thank my beautiful and amazingly talented stylist Vicky Sheild. The totally cool Tony Fisher for being my Escort at Parkes. Shout out to Anne, Bob and Tiffany Steel for all there dedicated hard work and passion for making this spectacular Elvis event. My biggest thank you goes to my Mum, Family and Friends for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes. 

This experience has been an amazing honor and a wonderful journey. It has allowed me to be a guest speaker at The Kids Foundation Charity Fundraising Event, Followed by a Charity Fundraiser Limo cruise around Melbourne. I joined the Elvis Tribute Artists On Stage whilst I was on the P&O cruise that I won. I personally received a recognition letter from Tim Bull Member for Gippsland East. I attended a live radio interview with ABC News. I was interviewed by The Gippsland Times and local Stratford Town Crier who published a story about my Miss Priscilla win. I also participated in the Maffra Mardi Gras Parade and the Sale Christmas Parade promoting Parkes Elvis Festival. I recently attended the preview screening of the new ‘Priscilla’ movie at the Astor theatre at St Kilda Melbourne. 

The advice I give to future Miss Priscillas is the quote the king himself once said “You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may Lead…” 

Dance Like A Diva performed at the Lakeside Luau in Forbes for the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival L-R Turquoise, Sharyne Jewell, Miss Lulu PHOTO by Rachael Lenehan Photography.

Sharyne Jewell is a performer, choreographer and dance educator (as well as an award-winning artist). Sheryne runs Dance Like A Diva classes and workshops. Her performance career spans over 40 years and has taken her to the UK, Europe and the US where she has performed with iconic entertainers like Sylvester, Divine and Prince and at venues like the Casino De Paris. Over the decades, Sharyne has performed under many names and embodied many characters and many dance genres. 

Sharyne said “I am passionate about using dance, in particular burlesque, to empower people to feel beautiful, sexy, strong and valid regardless of their shape, size, race, gender, age and experience.” 

“I believe as Marilyn Monroe famously said “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” 

Q: Where were you born and raised? 

I was born and raised in Melbourne. 

Q: What and who were your influences growing up? 

Growing up, I was heavily influenced by Marilyn Monroe. As a younger performer, I was often asked to “do Marilyn” in shows in Europe and America. Initially, I didn’t think much of Marilyn as I accepted the blonde bimbo media persona. The more I read and learnt of her over the years the more I grew to love and respect her as the iconic, game-changing woman she was. I went on to direct and produce the world’s first Marilyn Monroe Festival. 

Q: What was the path you took (in career/life) that lead you to the Parkes Elvis Festival and what brings you back? 

I initially attended the Parkes Elvis Festival in 2017 with friends who share my passion for vintage and for 50s style. I have loved Elvis’ music since I was a teen and often used it in performances so it seemed like an excellent idea. I had a wonderful time that first year but I noticed that there weren’t many activities for those people who love Elvis but may not want to watch Elvis Tribute artists. 

After my initial visit, I spoke with then director Kathy about the possibility of bringing the kind of workshops and shows that had been successful at my Marilyn Monroe Festival to Parkes. Kathy welcomed the idea of vintage showgirl, burlesque and Marilyn workshops. 

As a dancer nearing 60 years of age, I have had to continuously reinvent myself to keep performing. Dance is notoriously a youthful pursuit. In recent years, I have turned to drag as a vehicle for my creativity and love of performing. This paid off when my character, Elle Virus, was selected to be one of the hosts of WorldPride 2023. And for the first time in Parkes Elvis Festival history Elle Virus will be hosting Drag King Trivia!!! You can celebrate “The King” with a drag king! 

Last year we started Stretch To Elvis classes using many of the beautiful ballads of Elvis to relax and unwind. These were a hit at the last festival and are happening again this year. People party hard and these classes are a great way to rejuvenate for the next day of revelling in Elvis! 

What brings me back each year is the sense of fun and celebration of the festival. It attracts all ages, social groups and cultures and often some rather kooky Elvis fans and I love that. Mostly, I return for the festival regulars who attend my workshops and shows every year. I am enormously thankful for their enduring support. 

Q. Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers? 

I have three big shout outs for the beautiful people of Parkes. 

Firstly, all my events this year are happening at the Parkes Services Club. I want to give a huge shout out to Chloe and the Services Club team. Chloe has demonstrated a strong commitment to embracing inclusivity and diversity. I appreciate her allyship and support greatly. 

My second shout out is to Krista Wakefield and the Federation Motel. Krista and her team take care of us every year and make the stay in Parkes perfect. 

Lastly, and most importantly, huge thanks to local business Colouby Creations. Kristy Berry has supported me from the start. I cannot imagine a Parkes Elvis festival without her. She really is the life force of Parkes. 

Q. If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be? 

I find the cabaret and burlesque audiences respond best to the sexier Elvis songs like Steamroller Blues, Reconsider Baby and of course my personal anthem Trouble. My private favourites are inspirational songs like Walk A Mile In My Shoes and If I Can Dream 

Elle Virus PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL street parade 2020. This was an action shot of Elle Virus with Dance Like a Diva in the street parade. Photo Credit to Maggi Barnard.

Lonnie’s new show is receiving great reviews because the change allows him to freely relax, sing, chat and give back to his many fans, the love and support he feels they have given him over these years.

Lonnie’s new show is receiving great reviews because the change allows him to freely relax, sing, chat and give back to his many fans, the love and support he feels they have given him over these years 

In 1956 at the very start of Rock’n’Roll, a young country boy stood on stage alone with his guitar, introducing Rockabilly to Australian audiences. Now 66 years later, as the last superstar from his era, his iconic career has come full circle. As we draw to a close on this rather difficult time, it has been one of reflection for our team to look at a new and exciting direction for this iconic legend. He and his team have decided to disband his band The Leemen to concentrate on his new personal ‘up close ‘ shows. 

I was born and named David Laurence Rix but in 1959 adopted the stage name Lonnie Lee. 

Q: Where were you born and raised? 

Born in a private hospital on September 18th 1940 in Chatswood from a sheep station just outside the tiny North West NSW hamlet of Rowena. 

Q: What and who were your influences growing up? 

Anything to do with living on a sheep property but in the early 1950’s music became my primary influence. Church and School Choirs and popular music pre Rock’n’Roll. 

Q: What was the path you took (in career/life) that lead you to the Parkes Elvis Festival? 

Over the years, I have taken many shows to Parkes since 1960 including a Line Dance Show when it was popular in the early 1990s. I have performed twice before at the Elvis Festival and have been inducted into the Wall of Fame. 

Q: When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival? 

I guess it would be at one of the very first festivals, 2002 to be exact. 

Q: How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back? 

I have performed at two. One at the Services Club in 2002 and one in a massive tent in 2013. 

Q: What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable? 

My first audio memory was hearing him in early 1956 on my home made Crystal. At that time Johnnie Ray was my favourite artist and it was in a way the similarities between the two that attracted me. The way they sang with emotion unlike any others and the way they both moved on stage. As I also liked the new Rock’n’Roll of Bill Haley and His Comets from 1954, as well as some American Country music, Elvis with a guitar and the back beat of new Rock’n’Roll sealed it. 

Q: Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers? 

As a country boy myself, towns like Parkes and Forbes still feel like ‘home’ to me. In my early recording career, 2PK was one of my great supporters and every time we were on tour in the area we would call in and say hi as they played our hits. It is wonderful to see that the council gets behind the Festival and realise the massive international promotion potential the Festival brings to the area businesses. I hope they continue it into the future for that reason as well as for the fun it brings to visitors and town folk. 

2024 Parkes Festival Shows 

In his Wall of Fame 30 minute Cameo show, Lonnie will present his solo performance of, ‘The Hillbilly Cat’ which features many of the songs a young unknown Elvis recorded at Sun Records. These are the same songs that Lonnie sang when he became Australia’s Elvis’ in Jan 1956. There is also a video to accompany his performance. At 5pm he will present his 90 minute ‘Last Man Standing’ Show which features his own rockabilly Gold hits and those of his friends and peers. Over 35 songs from country to rock and rockabilly this show has toured Australia to rave reviews. It also features an amazing video. After the show Lonnie will be available for signing, photographs and merchandise at his ‘Meet’n’Greet’ 

With amazing audio visual highlights from his entire career to accompany him singing his own Gold hits as well as legendary hits of his friends, the excitement will emanate from the stage as it always has from an exciting Lonnie Lee show. Lonnie is pictured above in January 1957.

Having made their mark on Australian audiences during the last two years, the Gold Coast band has built a huge following! 

Incorporating some of the finest talent in the Australian entertainment industry, the band is led by singer, Vince Gelonese, Italian born, who had a #1 hit on the USA Billboard charts in 2013, head-lined in Las Vegas in 2006 and in 2019 received a Lifetime in Music Award in LA! 

The band oozes cheeky charisma, as they entertain the crowd with world-class show appeal and energy, their repertoire inspired by the iconic southern sounds of Nashville & Memphis, with a showy, Vegas edge! 

Renowned for it’s diverse repertoire, the Memphis Cowboys are most famous for it’s rock, rockabilly, swing and rock n roll genres, playing covers from all the greats including; Stray Cats, Shakin’ Stevens, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and many more! 

VINCE GELONESE 

Having joined his first band at 16 as a guitarist, Vince pursued 6 years of classical and opera vocal tuition. He then made the transition into a career as a solo-pop/rock artist and a covers tribute artist, before transitioning as an original artist in country and country rock. 

Italian born, Vince spent time in Las Vegas but grew up in Canberra, before moving to the Gold Coast in 2016. 

Whilst in the USA, he was asked to tour with many headline acts including Tom Petty. He was also offered his own Las Vegas show room at the Flamingo and the Monte Carlo Casino. 

In 2013, Vince’s original song, “Every Dream” actually hit number 1 on the USA Billboard charts! 

In 2019 he received an award for outstanding song writing in the Hollywood music and fashion awards. 

Vince is more recently known for his charismatic performances, and exceptional vocals with his country/rock band “The Memphis Cowboys.” 

Vince and the Memphis Cowboys are certainly a favourite feature of the Parkes Elvis festival, where they entertain the crowd during 2-3 performances per day at the Cambridge hotel. 

Vince will follow on after Parkes with a number of gigs with the band at Tamworth country music festival. 

Vince is releasing 2 new original songs with a debut at Parkes, and also a CD 1 of many to follow each year, called Parkes anthems, choosing to highlight some of the songs that the crowd loved the most at Parkes 

Answers by Vince: 

Q. When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival 

A. 2008 

Q. How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back? 

I’ve been at the Parkes festival every year since 2008. Each year our following grows substantially. Many book the band throughout the year for their events after seeing us perform at Parkes. 

Q. What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable? 

A. My mother enjoyed listening to Elvis, she still has the original copy of the album”Flaming Star” I was drawn to Elvis because he sang songs of the heart land and he was a kind and giving human being. 

The excitement of the festival becomes more inspirational more me year after year. The staff at the Cambridge hotel are an amazing team! And we are so appreciative of our regular followers who continue to support us!

Who will be crowned this year’s Miss Priscilla? Photo is credited to Brent Young.

Priscilla Presley is known for her distinctive winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and being a style icon of the ‘60s. Standing by her King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Priscilla’s signature look left an indelible mark on women worldwide. 

The Miss Priscilla competition will be a little different this year. There will still be a bevy of beauties and their stylists vying for the prestigious title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival. The exciting change is that now everyone will be able to watch it on the Cooke Park Main Stage. 

“We are eager to share the excitement of the Miss Priscilla Competition with everyone,” said Festival Founder an organiser of the Miss Priscilla competition, Anne Steel. “The sashing will take place on the Cooke Park Main Stage at 2:40 pm on Friday, 12th January. So, we would love to see fans come and cheer on the competition entrants and see the announcement that is normally only privy to a few hundred people that attended the dinner.” 

Everything else will remain the same. You’ll see the winner of Miss Priscilla at various events throughout the Festival accompanied by Tony Fisher, who looks after her every need,” Anne added. 

The winner of the Miss Priscilla competition will not only revel in the glory of being crowned the Face of the Festival but will also undertake official duties throughout the weekend. From riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, participating in the Official Opening Ceremony, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, and appearing on the Cooke Park Main Stage, to name a few. Miss Priscilla has a busy schedule from Friday to Sunday and is chaperoned by dedicated volunteerTony Fisher. Tony took on the role when his niece first won the title in 2013 and another niece in 2014. He loved the role so much he continues to be Miss Priscilla’s chaperone every year. 

After a busy few days being a celebrity at the Festival, there is a reward for both Miss Priscilla and her stylist. They both get a cabin on P&O’s Tribute To The King Cruise. 2023 Miss Priscilla Winner, Nickyra Burley, said that the cruise was both luxurious and so much fun. “I took my mum and brother with me. My stylist also got a cabin, so we all went together. I had such a great time. I loved every minute of it! 

MISS PRISCILLA COMPETITION 

Judging: 12:30 pm on Friday, 12 January, at the Parkes Shire Council, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. 

Competition announcement: 2:40 pm on Friday, 12 January, on the Cooke Park Main Stage. 

Competition entry is free. T&C’s and entry form at parkeselvisfestival.com.au 

Johnny Angel pictured next to the Elvis Tribute statue located at Cooke Park in Parkes.

Pacific Elvis (Johnny Angel) was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Firstly, I would like to thank all the people I have met past and present at Parkes and Forbes. 

I am a Kiwi and proud of my Samoan heritage. I love my family and friends and appreciate all the love and support I receive from Elvis’ fans. 

Johnny was introduced to Elvis at age 9 through watching movies and singing with his parents the love for Elvis started here. I was strongly influenced by Elvis’ life off stage where he loved his mother, family and people in general. 

I have a passion for both Art and singing. The turning point was when I had a decision to make in regards to my career as a graphic designer or continue the journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist. I said a little prayer to God to open the doors to which way I should go ?? A few days later i received a call from Paul Fenech asking if i would like to perform at the Parkes Elvis Festival alongside John Collins. I have been performing at Parkes since 2016. 

This will be my 7th time attending Parkes. 

I enjoy coming back to Parkes each year because the vibe is alive with Elvis fans, it honestly is so warm and welcoming , I get to perform for my Australian supporters and it’s a UETA qualifying festival which I’m proud to be part of once again this year. 

My first memory of Elvis as to be when my mum showed me a record cover of Elvis and then we watched the Blue Hawaii movie. I was really young then and have never looked back. Elvis will always be memorable to me for his giving heart, his love and kindness to others. 

I believe, it’s not all about me. We are all, together, Elvis fans. No matter what the show, what the gig i see it as my role to bring my best tribute for Elvis and look after the Elvis fans, to show my appreciation to them. 

I have performed at a number of festivals over the past five years across NZ and Australia, including:- 

Viva Surfers Paradise, Elvis Down Under NZ, Cooley Rocks on, Parkes Elvis festival NSW, Elvis in the Gardens NZ. Elvis in the park NZ and a variety of others. 

In 2018 I was the NZ Elvis Down Under Champion. 

In 2023 I have done a number of festivals, beach hops, private events, rest 

homes and retirement villages. A highlight for 2023 is the Tribute to the King P&O cruises and the blue suede cruise. Im very greatful to P&O Cruises and Big Als for these opportunities. 

2024 is a busy year, with the highlight being the Johnny-Angel USA tour in September. Both my team and I are looking forward to this. 

Its privilege to be attending Parkes again in 2024, entertaining on the Elvis Express train, in the UETA competition and in various shows across the week. 

Pacific Elvis (Johnny Angel) performing on stage.

I would like to do a big shout out to Paul Fenech and John Collins for introducing me to Parkes Elvis Festival. To all my ETA brothers, to Mrs G (accommodation at Parkes year after year), To Gwen for the beautiful scarves she continues to make to this day. 

To Kimberley, my executive assistant who works daily behind the scenes for Pacific Elvis Entertainment doing all the admin, finance, planning and forward planning 

To Del, My Manager for overseeing Pacific Elvis Entertainment.