Amitie is a female vocal trio from Parkes, NSW who got together simply to enjoy each other’s company and do what they love… Sing. Amitie has been involved for many years with regional events and festivals and loves to support their community whenever they can. These ladies are sure to entertain with their amazing combination of tones and fabulous harmonies as they perform a great mix of the classic hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Shev, Christa and Christelook forward to bringing their music your way, so bring your dancing shoes or simply sit back and listen to the fabulous sounds of Amitie. 

Q What sets the Parkes Elvis Festival apart from other events AMITE have performed at? 

The Parkes Elvis Festival is such a fabulous event and one of our absolute favourite things to do each year. It’s so awesome that we get to be part of this amazing event right here in our home town. For us, we feel such a great sense of community at the festival. It’s a real community driven event. From the local volunteers who support the event to the council staff who do an amazing job keeping everything looking great and running smoothly. We see and appreciate all their hard work. The Elvis festival has such a friendly inclusive feel and that’s why it’s such a ‘must do’ for visitors and locals alike. Amitie tells everybody, everywhere that we go that they just have to come and experience our wonderful Parkes Elvis Festival. 

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

Performing on stage in front of an enthusiastic audience is great fun. We feel so lucky and humbled that we get such an awesome reception all throughout the festival. Everyone is out to have a good time. To be able to have these experiences as 3 best friends is really special. We love performing together and have so much fun doing what we do. We never take ourselves too seriously and we think our audiences pick up on that and just join in all the fun with us. There is really nothing quite like a Parkes Elvis Festival crowd. 

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

The funny thing is that we actually very rarely sing an Elvis song at the festival. We leave that up to the ETA’s. Instead we like to bring back some of the other iconic music from the era. We cover rock n’ roll, Motown and incredible female solo and group hits from the 50’s and 60’s. It’s such wonderful music to sing and still fits in with the Elvis festival vibe. 

 

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

A. Elvis has been a major influence on us musically regardless of being a “non Elvis act. 

”We grew up with parents who introduced Elvis to us at a young age. Elvis’s music was always played around the house, and you also could not miss pictures of Elvis around the house.. 

It is amazing how one man (Elvis) can navigate our personal lives and bring us together 

through his music alone. 

I watched the documentary “This is Elvis” that was when I really hooked, because I got to see his story told and his human side was shown to me for the first time. 

So I think I just love his story as well as the music. We was the whole package…and even now in 2024..the people around the world still can’t forget his great contribution to music and the cultural impact he had. 

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

A. None of this could be possible without Parkes Shire Council, all the event organise, stage management, lighting and sound crews, vending operators, the local emergency services and the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us in a fun and safe environment. 

A big thank you to John “Elvis” Collins for embracing us and believing in what we do and espousing Blues Brothers Rebooted as part of the family and community. A big shout out to all our ETA brethren and entertainers we have had the pleasure of working and creating life-long friendships with, but most importantly thank you to the festival-goers who come back year after year whether this be your 1st experience or your 30th, it is you who have built this amazing festival dedicated to “Elvis Aaron Presley.” 

Thank you for allowing us to return year after year and this festival will be no different… 

JAKE & ELWOOD will be rocking your soul once again giving you our all. 

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

A. I must say it is exhilarating sharing what we love to do with people who are primarily there to see their favourite ETA’s and still accept and support the Blues Brothers Rebooted in all our performances. 

It’s electric. For a show or especially an act like the Blues brothers, the energy of the crowd at Parkes it’s so much fun and responsive we find an extra energy and we are more or less including the concert goers as a part of our act so we are performing together..It is soooo good… 

I feel we capture a high-energy performance and allocate all your favourite songs from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers which resonates with a lot of people. When we witness the energy bestowed to us by the crowds singing and dancing in every performance. The Blues Brothers were iconic in their own right and it is amazing that this separate entity is still embraced and relevant to many. 

We have two Dinner Shows at the Parkes Golf  Club

FRIDAY 12th January 

THE BLUES BROTHERS SPECTACULAR DINNER SHOW SOLD OUT 

Though there are SHOW ONLY tickets available 

SATURDAY 13th January 

THE BLUES, SOUL and ROCK N’ ROLL Dinner Show 

And performances on the Memphis Stage and Cooke Park Main Stage and more !! 

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

A. There are too many to choose from, it is hard not to witness the masses feel the energy that is Burning Love to the finale of American Trilogy but I must say Suspicious minds -that song has so many different elements to it…fast parts …slower parts..it’s the perfect song….as well as a great sing along.

 

We are all shook up with excitement to be bringing fans two of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists to Parkes Elvis Festival. All the way from the USA, the 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Cote Deonath and the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner, Taylor Rodrigues will headline the Feature Concert Series.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday night with “The Ultimate Elvis Jukebox Request Show”.

Starring Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez, along with two of Australia’s best ETA’s, Jack Gatto and Mark Andrew, this jukebox-style concert spans the entirety of Elvis’s career, from the early rockabilly days to the iconic Vegas years.

On Thursday night, Taylor Rodriguez takes the stage in “Elvis #1s – All the Number #1 Hits from all around the World.” This will be an evening that transcends borders and generations, featuring Elvis’s global chart-topping hits that made him a legend. Friday afternoon brings a new feature concert as Cote Deonath pays tribute to Elvis’s famous 1972 Madison Square Concert. Backed by the TIC Band.

After the sun sets on Friday, immerse yourself in romance with Cote Deonath. “Love Letters by Elvis Presley” will take the audience on a soul-stirring journey through Elvis’s greatest love songs.

Saturday brings a double header with two chances to see “Jumpsuit MANIA!” Witness an Elvis extravaganza like never before as Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez take the stage. Featuring the most jumpsuits ever seen on one stage at Parkes Elvis Festival, this dazzling performance is an absolute must for Elvis fans. Concluding the festival on Sunday is “Elvis Deep Cuts” a ticketed concert featuring John Collins, Damian Mullin, Dean Vegas, Greg Page, Jack Gatto, and Toki Toyokazu. This unique tribute goes beyond the classics, showcasing the hid-den gems and lesser-known songs that contributed to making Elvis a true legend.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to be hosting many activities, market and food stalls and some very special entertainment that will be held on the main stage. 

The Forbes Pre School will kick of the entertainment at 5.15pm, followed by the Forbes Guitar Academy at 5.30pm, Kristens Dance Studio at 6.30pm, Bedgerabong Public School at 7pm and Forbes Town Band at 7.30pm. Throughout the evening their will be Why Leave Town draws and announcements letting visitors know what is on where. 

“There are many food options so please browse before you make your choice. You will be able to discover what is available for Christmas in the businesses and market stalls” said Aaron Acheson, President of the Forbes Business Chamber. Located throughout the carnival site is Trang Hue Vietnamese Food, Ridgey’s Delights, Romanian Delights, Dipping Dots Ice cream, Paulette’s Mr Whippy Van, Saltbush Lamb, Mumma Bear Food, Coffee and Catering, Cook Wook Wong Chinese Food, Forbes Men’s Shed BBQ, Wattle Café’ Gelato and Take Away, Noodle Box on Rankin, Forbes Pizza, Isabels Place food and drinks,Central Butchery BBQ and Good Folk Food located next to the Club Forbes bar and  drinks. 

“I am looking forward to the activities, rides and fun that the carnival will bring to the community of Forbes, surrounding villages and wider district,” said Aaron Acheson. 

In addition to a great variety of market stalls there is a rock-climbing wall, street art, tea cups merry go round, bottle art, jumping castles, bungee trampoline and a giant slide. 

“Don’t forget to click on the QR Code to have a chance in the draws. Thank you to the sponsors of the Find It In Forbes Promotion and to the volunteers who help organise, set up and clean up the carnival,” said Aaron Acheson.

“The shops are certainly decked out for Christmas and are already welcoming many Christmas shoppers through their doors. The Christmas Promotion is running so please remember to click on the QR Code with every purchase and fill in your details to go into the weekly draw.” said Aaron Acheson. 

Work continues towards the Find It In AMAZNG Forbes Christmas Carnival with festivities kicking off a 5pm. The street closure will take place on the 8 December from 12 noon in Rankin, Templar and Battye Streets. Please park all Vehicles off the street to allow for the rides to load into the area. 

Market Stalls, rides, street games, art activities, face painting and lots more will see a very busy and fun area for the duration of the Carnival. Food stalls and trucks will be on site to feed Forbes residents and visitors. 

Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on the 8 December from 5 – 9pm. 

Thank you to our sponsors Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Business Chamber Inc, WIN and PRIME TV. Other major sponsors are: Bernardis and Terry Bros Carpet Court, Forbes Phoenix, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunns Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel and Walkers AgNVet. 

Participating businesses have once again offered tremendous support for the Find It In AMAZING Forbes This Christmas. The businesses Acheson’s Mitre 10, AgriWest, Allure On Main, Bernardis, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organic Beauty, Bowns Sports Power, Cahills Footwear Forbes, Chapter Two Boutique, C&D Floorcovering, Euphoria Road, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes Automotive Services and ARB,  Forbes Business Chamber Inc., Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Shire Council,  Forbes Small Engines, Graces Hair Studio, Gunns Menswear and Embroidery,  HozPots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Café, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extras Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, News On Rankin, MD Steel, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, Steel Technology, Terry Bros Carpet Court, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One, Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie and WA Knights Cranes, Walkers AgNVet. 

Supporting businesses are MCC Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, Michael Robinson and Real Estate, Central West Diesel, Miller Whitty Lennon and McMillian Industries. 

 

The Forbes Christmas Carnival is ready to roll and will open to the public at 5pm on Friday 8 December. Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring the carnival festivities to the community and hope that lots of people will join in and celebrate. 

“There are market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, 

jumping castles, Tea Cup merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food is provided by established Forbes businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber. 

The Carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar Street, Rankin 

and Battye Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning. 

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a fabulous Christmas celebration. There will be so much to see and do such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus.” said Aaron Acheson 

Entertainment and music are on the stage located at the junction of the two streets. 

Thank to many people who have offered to assist and a huge thank you to those 

who are participating. 

Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to get the Christmas spirt alive and well in Forbes. 

Keep clicking on the QR every time you purchase at a participating business to be in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed out the front of their store. Remember if you can not enter the draw digitally with the QR code then we can offer you a manual option for the draws if you need it.

The Trees are out. Each participating business will have a wonderful timberChristmas Tree out the front of their business or close to their front door. 

Aaron Acheson said “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year. It has been a tough year so the Forbes Business Chamber is delighted to have kept the draws to encourage local shopping”. 

The draws began on November 13th.“All you need to do is scan the QR Code in store and fill in the details. If you don’t have a phone each store will have a manual sheet. We want to make sure that everyone has a fair turn,” said Aaron Acheson. $500 draws will be held on Thursday afternoons on the 16, 23 and 30th November, 7, 14 and 21 December. 5 x $500 draws will take place at the AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival on the 8 December. The remaining draws for the 23 December are 6 x $500, 1 x $1500, 2 x $2500 and 1 x $5000 giving a total funding pool of $20000. 

Participating businesses offering support for the Find It In AMAZING Forbes This Christmas. The businesses Acheson’s Mitre 10, AgriWest, Allure On Main, Bernardis, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organic Beauty, Bowns Sports Power, Cahills Footwear Forbes, Chapter Two Boutique, C&D Floorcovering, Euphoria Road, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes Automotive Services and ARB, Forbes Business Chamber Inc., Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Small Engines, Graces Hair Studio, Gunns Menswear and Embroidery, HozPots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Café, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extras Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, News On Rankin, MD Steel, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, Steel Technology, Terry Bros Carpet Court, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One, Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie and WA Knights Cranes, Walkers AgNVet.

Khub Forbes have Launched their annual Kmart wishing tree appeal in conjunction with the Salvation Army. Many families are doing it tough – which is why we’re asking our community to come together and support those who need it most. 

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia’s largest and longest-running gift collection drive. It has been helping assist those in need in local communities at Christmas and beyond for over 30 years. Working with the Salvation Army, and with the generous support of our customers, Kmart have donated over $5.6 million and 10 million in gifts distributed to those in need at Christmas. There are six wishing tree champions in every Kmart store – that is over 1300 team members that are dedicated to helping support local communities. 

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal supports children, adults, seniors and families who are unable to afford gifts at Christmas and beyond Christmas. 

With more than 760,000 children currently living in poverty, Kmart alongside The Salvation Army are working together to give hope to Australians who may be struggling with homelessness, illness or family crisis. 

Kmart along with The Salvation Army are coming together for the 36th year to help support those doing it tough. We encourage you to embrace the spirit of giving this year by supporting the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, by making a cash contribution in store, or online, or giving a gift in store. The Appeal runs from 13- 24 December 2023. 

Forbes Khub Store Manager wants the local communities to know that “these donations stay local as we work alongside the parkes/forbes salvation army to distribute these gifts”.