Roxane Manley

Q&A With Charles Stone And Sam Thompson

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Festival fans will have the opportunity to talk with Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970’s and Sam Thompson, Elvis’ personal bodyguard and friend.

Parkes Elvis Festival is incredibly proud to present Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970’s and Sam Thompson, Elvis’ personal bodyguard and friend to talk with Festival fans.

Charles Stone had the rare opportunity to be closely associated with both Elvis Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Charles flew with Elvis and his associates on Elvis’ personal plane, The Lisa Marie, from city to city each time Elvis went on tour. Being in the unique position of traveling with Elvis and managing the personal details of each tour, Charles experienced daily life in Elvis’ world and also developed a close working relationship and close friendship with Colonel Parker and the entire TCB gang. Charles was a special guest at the 2022 Festival, and has been invited back to share his stories to fans.

Sam Thompson was introduced to Elvis Presley in 1972 by his sister, Linda Thompson. An officer with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department at the time, Elvis and Sam became fast friends and in July 1973, Elvis purchased a home for Sam near Graceland. Sam provided security for Elvis and travelled with Elvis on the road tours from 1973 until 1976 as Elvis’ friend and companion. In June 1976, Sam went to work full time for Elvis, as his personal bodyguard and tour advance man, providing security for Elvis on all the road tours, including hotel and airport security. Altogether, Sam witnessed, from a very personal perspective, essentially all of the concert and recording performances by Elvis Presley during the last five years of Elvis’ life.

The Festival is fortunate to have Charles and Sam joining in person for a special Q&A where they will share their stories first-hand.

Facilitated by Mark Andrew this will be an event not to miss.

Q&A from 8am – 9am Friday at the Parkes Services Club. Tickets are $10 on parkeselvisfestival.com.au. Breakfast is available from 7.30am.

Plus, appearances at the Movies & Memorabilia Collection from 11am – 12pm Thursday and 11am – 12pm Sunday.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Meet 2023 Wall Of Fame Honouree Ross Wilson

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Ross Wilson will be inducted on the Wall of Fame at Kerry Reserve today, 4th January, at 10am (free event). He will be part of a very special concert with three other Wall of Fame inductees, Brian Cadd, Russell Morris and Joe Camilleri, at 1pm at the Leagues Club today (ticketed event).

Ross Wilson is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer best known for one of the great Australian songs of our time, Eagle Rock. In his early years he was front man for Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock and later went on to produce albums by Skyhooks. Ross is this year’s inductee on the Wall of Fame.

How do you feel about being honoured on the Wall of Fame at the Parkes Elvis Festival? The Parkes Elvis Festival is a big deal, known worldwide, so to be honoured and connected with Elvis in that way does mean something to me. I’d like to thank the people responsible for recognising me and my own achievements.

What can fans expect to hear at your concert in Parkes, and will you be jamming with the Brian Cadd, Russell Morris and Joe Camilleri? This is a very special get together – Brian, Russell, Joe and me are all about the same vintage. We are good buddies and I love everything about those guys and the incredible list of songs they have written and had hits with. Got a few of my own to add to the mix too. There’ll definitely be some interaction between us and I expect a few laughs as well.

Have you performed with any of them before? Must be our time to flourish – I did a show with Joe and Brian back in November on Cup Eve, and then two weeks later a double bill with Russell on the Rock The Boat cruise. We’re all good rockin’ daddies, unstoppable.

Has Elvis played a role in your musical journey? Elvis is still The Man. No one else looked or sounded like him. The Sun Sessions album is still a touchstone for me. I was a kid in the 50s and a teen in the 60s and Elvis was everywhere. He made great records and I was a fan. I went and saw King Creole at the movies, awesome. So, yeah, definitely an influence.

Do you ever perform Elvis songs? I have recorded a couple of Elvis songs. A live version of Hound Dog but mine is in a minor key (I got that from Junior Wells’ and Buddy Guy’s version) and the lyrics are closer to the original by Big Mama Thornton, much raunchier; Elvis cleaned it up. And there’s Heartbreak Hotel on my acoustic album Tributary – what a great song, such dark lyrics. I bet at Heartbreak Hotel they have Unhappy Hour with really expensive drinks and lots of tissues on hand.

Why do you think Elvis has such an enduring legacy after all these years? He was/is one-of-a-kind and had an extraordinary output of terrific music and the legend of Elvis also has those tragic elements that add pathos to his story. He died so young and, in my opinion, was taken advantage of, and that must have weighed on him very heavily in his later years.

Do you think the Parkes Elvis Festival plays an important role in the music landscape in Australia? I’m about to find out for myself first hand – so I’ll get back to you on that. But I’m pretty sure that those hundreds of Elvii and thousands of fans converging on Parkes can’t be wrong. I’m really looking forward being part of the festival!

Dean Z Back For Fourth Time!

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

It is only fitting that Dean Z is back for the 30th anniversary festival as he very loyal supporters at the Parkes Elvis Festival.

For nearly two decades, Dean Z has performed thousands of shows for millions of people around the globe, being named by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) as their Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2013.

Dean was officially awarded EPE’s “Ultimate” title and starred in their international touring production Elvis Lives (with over 500,000 tickets sold).

Dean Z has thrilled Elvis fans across Europe with his portrayal of the King performing to sold out audiences in some of the UK’s most historic venues including the London Apollo, Manchester Arena and The Echo arena in Liverpool on the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. He is the only Elvis tribute artist to host SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio channel and currently serves as an ambassador and contributor to Graceland and the Elvis Presley estate.

It is the fourth time you will be performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival. What makes you come back every time? I love the audiences in Australia, especially in Parkes! They are always electric and ready to have a great time celebrating Elvis’s incredible music.

What do you think sets the Parkes Elvis Festival apart from other Elvis festivals? The Parkes Elvis Festival is such a great event because everybody gets involved. It’s not just the shows, there are so many incredible events throughout the week that people participate in. I love that the entire town is incorporated into the festival.

What do you think of the fans at the Parkes Elvis Festival? The fans are truly dedicated to Elvis and his memory. I love watching them enjoy the music. There is so much love for Elvis at the event.

When did you first hear an Elvis song? I’ve first heard Elvis when I was three years old. There was a television documentary called ‘This is Elvis’ that just happened to be on TV when I was a little kid. I instantly cleared off our living room coffee table and started dancing, trying to mimic what I was seeing. I was enamored by him and his presence, even at that early age. I can tell that he was so special.

Why does his music appeal so much to you to make a living from it? It’s not really about making a living from it, it’s just living my childhood dream and lifelong passion. Elvis has provided for so many including myself, and I am forever grateful for that. I always say that this career chose me instead of me choosing it. I am honestly living my childhood dream every show.

Why does Elvis stand the test of time? Elvis stands the test of time because his music is timeless. People, young and old gravitate to him, because of the quality of his voice, his appearance, his charisma and charm. Elvis is forever in style.

What did you think of this year’s Elvis the movie? I absolutely loved the new movie! I believe that Austin Butler deserves an Oscar for his performance as Elvis. He captured something very special, the man behind the music. I want to shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated the way he brought my hero to life on the big screen.

What do you look forward to at the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival? We have some incredible shows planed for Parkes this year! Myself and fellow headliner Vic Trevino are going to present Elvis in some very cool ways!

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I don’t want to give too much away, however, my show “The Rocker” is going to absolutely ROCK this year!

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? My favorite Elvis song is “If I Can Dream,” because it tells a beautiful story of hope. No matter how I’m feeling I always pour my heart and soul into singing that song.

Bob & Anne’s ‘Burning Love’ For Elvis

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Bob and Anne Steel in 2016. Anne’s favourite Elvis song is Love Me Tender. “I liked it right from the start when I first saw the movie. I was a really big fan from the moment I heard him and thought he was rather wonderful.” Bob likes the Hawaiin Wedding Song. “It is my favourite at the moment. I’ve started playing it on the ukulele.”

The 29th Parkes Elvis Festival is one Bob and Anne Steel would rather forget. Not because the festival’s traditional January time slot was moved to April, but they both had COVID and had to isolate in their home a mere stone’s throw from Cooke Park.

As the founders of the now world-renowned festival, the pandemic was not going to stop them working from home, but by Sunday their tests were negative, and they took their chairs to Cooke Park. “We sat by ourselves enjoying the last two hours of the main stage program,” said Anne, who has been an Elvis fan since she first heard him at 11 years old.

“From the very first Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993 when it went pretty well and people loved it, I wanted it to last this long. I am very happy we have reached the 30-year milestone.”

Bob feels the festival has created many new Elvis fans. “In the beginning many of the guys said they just came along with their wives, but they caught the vibe very quickly.”

Despite some fierce opposition from people in Parkes who did not think it was right to honour a ‘drug addict’ with a festival, an Elvis Revival Incorporated committee was formed after the first event to start organising the next one.

It soon became clear there were many more Elvis fans than they had expected. “We had a story in the paper asking for any Elvis memorabilia and you would not believe what came out of the woodwork from people you would never believe would have any,” said Anne.

And that is how the festival started growing. “Every year people would bring their friends with them, and their friends would bring more friends,” said Bob. “It became known as a family orientated event for all ages with good and wholesome entertainment. You did not have to be an Elvis fan to have a good time.”

Thanks to the lamington drives, and endless raffle tickets sold, the committee started to cover their expenses. Anne clearly remembers the first time they received a $300 grant from Parkes Shire Council to help them with advertising.

Anne also felt very strongly they needed to get more locals on board and the idea of entertainment in the park was born. “We wanted to give something to people who could not afford to go away on holiday to be part of the festival. They could make their vegemite sandwich and bring a bottle of water to the park and have a good time.”

Looking back over 30 years, it is the fun and hard work of the early festivals that bring back lots of memories and smiles for Bob and Anne.

“The second year our theme was Clambake and we turned our staff car park at Gracelands into a beach,” remembers Anne, who was also responsible for the dinner that was part of the program.

“Our Roustabout year in 1999, we were still at Gracelands, and we set up a carnival in the staff car park. Bob built sideshows around the car park, we had a gypsy fortune teller, and the carnival people came with their cotton candy and with clowns.”

Bob remembers taking Wall of Fame honoree Judy Stone, who was big on TV at the time, on her first ever bike ride to Forbes where her grandmother grew up. “It was her birthday on the 1st of January and we gave her a cake. She cried and said she had never had a cake.”

After some years of winning hearts and minds, things really took off in 2007 with the first big stage in Cooke Park. Little did they know that the crowd of about 4,000 that year would multiply six-fold about ten years later, and the big stage would become a permanent stage with a five-day program featuring international tribute artists.

For Anne, who shares a special connection with Elvis as he died on her birthday, seeing how their initiative had exploded into attracting 24,000 plus people could not make them happier.

“It makes us feel extremely good, and we can’t wait for the 30th anniversary,” said the pair.

Bob and Anne Steel at the unveiling of the Elvis statue in Cooke Park by the Elvis Revival Incorporated Committee.

Bob and Anne Steel are still as enthusiastic about the Parkes Elvis Festival as they were 30 years ago.

Mayoral Message

January 4, 2023 By Parkes Shire Mayor Kent Keith OAM

Parkes Shire Mayor Kent Keith OAM on board the Elvis Express. (Photo: Metro News)

Recognised as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia, the multi-award-winning Parkes Elvis Festival celebrates its 30th year in 2023. On behalf of Parkes and the surrounding townships of Bogan Gate, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, we look forward to welcoming you into our communities and showing you the diverse offerings of places to stay, eat and explore.

Following on from years of drought, bushfires and a global pandemic, 2022 has brought its new challenges. Over many months, wet weather and record-breaking flood events have devasted and isolated communities in our region. Despite the economic challenges this has brought, our resilient communities continue to band together in the face of adversity, coming out the other side stronger than ever. We encourage you to visit Parkes Shire, stay a little while, shop local and help us to celebrate and honour the legacy of Elvis Presley.

The 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival program of events we have in store are not to be missed! The action-packed schedule has something for everyone, including live entertainment, trivia, karaoke, lip sync battles, rock ‘n roll dance lessons and more. We are thrilled to welcome the 2023 feature artists Dean Z, hailing all the way from Lancaster, California, and Victor Trevino Jr, the current International Champion for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition. Visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au to view the full program of events and purchase tickets.

I welcome you to Parkes Shire, where you can enjoy a wonderful selection of entertainment, hospitality, accommodation and adventure. I express my greatest appreciation to all the staff, volunteers, business owners, sponsors and community members who have dedicated countless hours in bringing this event together. The Elvis Festival would not be where it is today, without your hard work and perseverance.

I wish everyone a safe journey to and from our shire, no matter how far and wide you are travelling. I hope you have a fantastic time and enjoy the biggest and best Elvis Festival yet

Our Gal – Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

Where were you born? I was born in Parkes.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Giving birth to my son.

What did you enjoy the most about being Miss Priscilla? I enjoyed being amongst the festival and meeting new people, it always is a fun time.

What is your favourite Elvis song? Hound Dog.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own beauty business back in 2018.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would use it to take my family on a big holiday overseas.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m at home relaxing with my family.

If I Can Dream

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Tiffany Steel (middle) with her parents and founders of the festival Anne and Bob Steel at the launch of the 30th anniversary festival last year.

She was only two years old when Elvis died on 16th August 1977, her mum’s birthday.

She was 5 when her parents Bob and Anne Steel opened Gracelands. (Named after Elvis’s home, but they applied to use the ‘s’ at the end.)

She was 17 when the first Parkes Elvis Festival took place and she literally had to become her mum’s right hand.

“I was at boarding school in Orange and home for the holidays when mum broke both her wrists and nose when a ladder collapsed,” said Tiffany Steel.

“Mum was basically running the show, so my brother and I and dad had to become her arms. She gave us instructions of what to do and I ended up being MC and hosting the night.”

Tiffany enjoyed the experience so much that is set her up for her career. “I caught the event bug at that first festival and spent the next 30 years in events. I worked on big conferences, trade exhibitions, and for major charities here and all over Europe, and lived in London.”

Even though she had moved away from Parkes, she continued to help Anne with all her scheduling and run sheets on the computer, and then returned for the festival to help out with main stage events and launching new events.

She did not stop even stop when her daughter Ruby was born. “In 2007 I put up my hand to become the temporary festival coordinator when Ruby was only four months old. She came with me to all the sponsorship meetings. That was also the year we launched Miss Priscilla, the Poet’s Breakfast, Elvis Golf Day, formalised the volunteer program and launched the first paid program. It was crazy!”

After that eventful year, she kept on helping her mum and when she was back in Parkes for the 2019 festival a friend said there was a job advertised with her name all over it. “I was working on the Gold Coast at the time in a contract role, and I thought it would be good to bring Ruby to Parkes.

Tiffany became the sponsorship and marketing coordinator in March 2019 and loved it so much that by December 2021 she took on the role as director of the Parkes Elvis Festival. “I never imagined it would turn out this way for me. Mum was always set on making it a big festival.

“My parents were absolutely thrilled when I arrived at their house with a bottle of champagne to tell them I had become director.

“I love the fact that I get to work with Mum and Dad as they are still heavily involved and still portfolio holders, and to work with the other committee members who have been here since the start and continue the work they’ve done for so many years. It is very special.

Tiffany said she realised just how special the Parkes Elvis Festival was when she was always asked about it at job interviews. “Even if it had nothing to do with the role I’d apply for, they always wanted to hear all about it.”

Tiffany says there are enough new fans to keep the festival going. “People who came to the early festivals, their kids grew up with it and now they are coming. It’s great to see all these generations. The demand is there, if only we had double the accommodation.”

She feels the Parkes Elvis Festival can’t be replicated. “Others have popped up, but they’ve been very different to the whole Parkes experience. I really love how our town’s people and shop owners have embraced the event, the friendships made and all the wonderful things that have happened because of the festival. It is a really happy event. We don’t have any problems and everyone is having a good time.”

She recalls standing in the main street just before street parade in 2022 and thinking how amazing it was. “The vibe, the happiness, it gives me the biggest kick.”

It runs in their blood… Anne Steel (middle) with her daughter Tiffany (left) and grand-daughter Ruby at the 2019 festival.

Tiffany Steel and her daughter Ruby at the festival in 2018.

Ride The Wave To Forbes For Elvis Festival

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sydney Swing Kats will be will be dancing the morning away at The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast.

Find your own patch of ‘Blue Hawaii’ in Forbes this January, as Forbes Shire Council partners up with Parkes as a sponsor of the well-renowned Elvis Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.

“We have some amazing entertainment lined up for a fun filled weekend of Blue Hawaii inspired events,” Mayor Miller said.

Forbes will host its own little slice of paradise as festival goers are invited to share in a tropical breakfast in Templar Street on Friday, 6 January and an evening Lakeside Luau on Saturday, 7 January.

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite community celebration for Elvis-goers staying in Forbes during the festival. Start your day the right way – 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. Come say Aloha!

Council thanks NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional Communities for grant funding towards the staging of the Amazing Forbes street breakfast.

It’s ‘Almost Always True’ – you ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ with the Lakeside Luau on Saturday night 6-10pm. An indulgent Hawaiian feast on the banks of Lake Forbes with live music that will make you want to shimmy! This year, Amazing Forbes is bringing all the Hawaiian vibes, where you’ll be transported to a tropical oasis and be thoroughly entertained.

The Hawaiian themed feast, catered for by Eat Your Greens, will be held on its own ‘Island of Love’, the lovely foreshores of Lake Forbes and will star entertainment from Georgia Sideris, Dance Like a Diva, Johnny Angel as Pacific Elvis coming over especially from New Zealand for the ‘Lu- Wow’ and the epic Australian Beach Boys Show. Tickets are $90 and are essential, available to purchase through 123Tix.com.au.

“Forbes Shire Council is proud to once again be a travel partner for the Parkes Elvis Festival, providing daily bus services between Forbes and Parkes,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said. Explore the Festival and surrounds by bus with daily service between Parkes and Forbes. Bus tickets are also available via 123Tix and are $10 each or $35 unlimited.

Happy 30th Anniversary Parkes Elvis Festival!

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

FUN, FUN, FUN… Fans at Parkes Elvis Festival from 2013 to 2020. (Photos: Frances Thornton and Keith Turk)

The small seed of celebrating The King’s music was planted 30 years ago in the most unlikely of places and has turned Parkes into a model for how rural regions can re-invent themselves.

On paper it sounds more like torture that people would be willing to wear uncomfortable polyester jumpsuits in serious summer heat of over 40 degrees at times to celebrate an artist who has never visited Australia, let alone Parkes, and who died 45 years ago.

The Parkes Elvis Festival has a uniquely Australian flavour with the focus on fun with Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith taking the lead usually sporting a sky-blue jumpsuit, aviator sunglasses and pompadour wig. It is the sense of playfulness that makes people come back for more every year.

The fun element has even spilled over to the sporting field where a regular fixture, a rugby game featuring teams of Elvis look-alikes all wearing copies of his trademark white jumpsuit, draw a huge crowd every year.

For some the annual event has been life changing as one of the town’s most ardent fans formerly known as Steven Lennox, legally changed his name to Elvis. He had also built up a collection of thousands of pieces of Elvis memorabilia.

After 30 years there are not only tonnes of stories about the feel good festival, but it has also invigorated Parkes as loyal, repeat visitors help to bring a community together for a well-organised, slightly weird but very friendly event to kick-start the year in a fun way.

Marramarra Makerspace Youth Summer Sessions

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Looking for fun holiday activities? Parkes Shire Council has been successful in receiving a $12,600 grant for school holiday activities for youth aged 12-24 in the Parkes Shire under the NSW Government Holiday Break Program. The Holiday Break Program provides young people aged 12 – 24 years with opportunities to connect, socialise, and have fun during the school holidays by delivering a range of free and subsidised activities across regional NSW. The program is funded by the Office for Regional Youth.

Parkes Shire Council has put together a program of workshops and events hosted by the Marramarra Makerspace Studio at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre between 9 and 24 of January 2023. Youth will have the opportunity to:

Develop new creative skills in Resin Pouring and Bali Batik ink techniques in Flag Making

Learn about stand-up comedy and develop their own routine with Aussie comedian Anthony Lamond; and

Team up together to complete a photo scavenger hunt around the Parkes CBD.

Creative Learning Programs Coordinator and Summer Sessions Project Manager, Roxanne Gallacher said “Diversity in our offerings for youth is so important.”

“Being able to access grant funding to deliver these sessions to the youth of Parkes is a privilege, and we are extremely grateful to the Office of Regional Youth for the opportunity to bring something different this year,” added Roxanne.

Parkes Shire Councillor Jacob Cass said “I applaud our Parkes Shire Library team for putting together these programs for our youth. Holiday programs provide an opportunity for skill building outside the classroom and allow youth to build networks outside their usual social groups.”

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