This is the second part of a two part series detailing the expectations of a first-time visitor to Tupelo Elvis Festival. This part details the experiences and thoughts of a journey through the festival.
Shaved my sideburns, took off my giant sunglasses and washed
the gel from my hair; the Tupelo Elvis Festival is done for 2014. My hips and
legs are a little sore from all the dancing and my voice is hoarse from singing
along, but it was an experience unlike anything I had participated in before. As
mentioned in the previous blog, this was my first year to attend the festival
and I had zero idea of what to expect.
Previously, my opinion of Elvis impersonators was that of a
derogatory stance against one of my favorite artists, so I had high hopes for
the Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs). I hoped to have my eyes opened to a new realm of
performers who actually paid tribute and worked to promote the legacy of Elvis
Presley. After witnessing three rounds of stiff competition, I can safely say
that is exactly what they did.
The Elvis Tribute Artists competitions were incredibly fun
to watch. The ETAs have more respect and admiration for Elvis as a man,
performer and humanitarian than the most hardcore fans I’ve met. Granted, the
ETAs have studied Elvis’ performances extensively (and it showed in their acts)
but it was obvious they studied him beyond just Elvis the performer. The ETAs
seek to reflect the compassion, humility and honesty that Elvis maintained off
stage.
That said, the toughest part of the competition had to be the judging of each performer. All of the ETAs were so enormously talented, I don't see how anyone could pick a favorite. The most difficult job in the arena had to be the judges position. If it had been up to me, I would’ve had to award all of them.
Several times during the competitions I found myself so
impressed by the singing that I closed my eyes just to hear the performer’s
voice. If I kept my eyes long enough, I had to wonder if I was listening an
Elvis album. It was that good.
Between competition rounds, I was able to speak with a few
of the ETAs and was impressed to learn that most of them don’t just perform
Elvis music. Several said that they had a band or performed their own material
solo. To be an impressive ETA is no small feat, but to be able to also perform
in another area impresses me doubly.
Despite all the wonderful three rounds of ETA competition, I
believe my favorite part was the Sunday morning Gospel Brunch. It’s been well
documented that Elvis grew up on gospel music and that it had a profound impact
on his life and career. Closing the weekend festivities with gospel music
brought it all back home to me. It was as if the event was coming full circle
to say that yes, Elvis was a rock n’ roller but without gospel music none of
this would’ve happened.
Surprisingly, after my first Tupelo Elvis Festival, I walked
away with a different understanding that what I had anticipated leaving with. I
expected to have some fun, listen to some Elvis music and hear some great
stories from interesting people. However, the largest thing I walked away with
was a new understanding of the level of talent that Elvis operated on. To
perform at the level he did, star in 33 feature films, sell millions upon
millions of records and leave a legacy that is still celebrated 37 years after
his passing is something that very few people can pride themselves on. I guess
that’s why they call him “The King.”
Meet Maston Prewitt, a first time competitor at the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Maston came all the way from Colorado to perform at the festival.
Photo Albums:
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| For a full photo album from Band Together, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYKzuJG |
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| For a full photo from Tupelo Elvis Festival 2014, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjYQi6ne |
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