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.

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!

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.

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. 

 

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. 

Mark Andrew’s versatile talent has been on show at the Parkes Elvis Festival for many years as an Elvis Tribute Artist, but also with his signature show ‘Legends Showcase’ where he performs tributes to Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Austin Powers, Elvis and Buddy Holly. 

You have become synonymous with the Parkes Elvis Festival returning year after year. What makes you come back every time? I hold the feature artists record for six times, and now I headline every year as I am respected amongst the fans and the festival.

Why do you think the festival has kept on growing for 30 years? Because Elvis fans love an Elvis festival and Parkes have created one of the best in the world! 

What do you like the most about the festival and about performing here? I think if you are an Elvis specialist you have to be involved and it’s the place where everyone comes together from all parts of the Southern Hemisphere and even Japan.

Do you keep in contact with the fans you’ve met at the Parkes Elvis Festival? I have over 30k followers on social media and that’s a great way to keep in touch! 

What do you look forward to at the 30th Parkes Elvis Festival? The celebration of the success story. At first the locals hated it but now it sets up the town economically for the whole year! 

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I’m an authentic performer actor. I channel the character and go 110%. I’ve studied more than just Elvis and enjoy bringing to life these legends. 

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? Too many to choose but American Trilogy has to be one of my faves.

 

 

Parkes Elvis Festival is proud to launch the Movies & Memorabilia Collection which will have props from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, and elements from the Elvis – Direct from Graceland exhibition in Bendigo plus history of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Take a nostalgic stroll down the 30-year historical path of the Parkes Elvis Festival. See memorabilia from the early days, photographs, newspaper clippings and some items from the Parkes Elvis Festival archives that have never been on display.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Parkes is now home to an impressive recreation of the Graceland Mansion’s portico and giant ELVIS letters that were a part of the jumpsuit display.

You’ll also see the world’s largest hound dog and doghouse, mirrors from the Carnival scenes where Colonel Tom Parker pledged his commitment to supporting Elvis’ fledging career, a recreation of the Graceland ‘Jungle Room’, and posters and paraphernalia from the International Casino’s launch of Elvis’ residency from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film thanks to Warner Bros.

The Movies & Memorabilia collection is located at 375 Clarinda Street and is open 9am – 5pm daily throughout the Festival and free.

Proudly sponsored by Bogan Gate Pub. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.