Headliners & VIPs

Shawn Klush
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In just a short time Shawn Klush has emerged as the nation's top Elvis tribute artist. Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn's love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley. He performed in the famous Poconos region followed by a tour of Canada where he entered and won the $5,000.00 prize in the "Worldwide Elvis Competition" in Montreal. This caught the attention of the award winning Las Vegas show, "Legends in Concert" where in 2004 he starred as Elvis in their Branson, MO. production. He also alternated in their Las Vegas and Atlantic City show rooms. Each January he stars in the "Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour", an Elvis extravaganza with Elvis' own musicians, singers, and closest friends, in major venues in multiple cities.

Shawn has recorded 2 CDs and performed with Elvis' closest friends, musicians and singers such as JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, The Jordanaires, DJ Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations and Joe Esposito. He recently portrayed Elvis in the hit TV miniseries "Shake, Rattle and Roll" which aired on CBS and VH1. On Jan 6th 2005, just 2 days before Elvis' 70th Birthday, Shawn became grand champion at the $25,000.00 "World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition." This year he received "The Peoples Choice Award" from Gibson Guitar in Nashville as "Best Concert Elvis." Shawn was recently named the international champion of BBC1's World's Greatest Elvis competition in the United Kingdom. In August, Shawn was chosen by Graceland as the winner of Elvis Presley Enterprises' first ever Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, TN.

Shawn Klush brings all the electrifying magic of Elvis to the stage. Shawn is "The Closest Thing to the King in Concert."

Jim Barone
Bayville, New Jersey
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Jim Barone is an award winning Elvis tribute artist that represents Elvis with pure class. His vocals have sometimes been mistaken for Elvis himself. Many fans that attend Jim's shows often think he is lip-syncing. On stage, Jim gives a heartfelt performance with high energy and unmistakable signature moves. Overall, many think Jim's "Tribute To Elvis" is one of the best in the world. As a nationally acclaimed NJ Elvis Tribute Artist, Jim is a professionally trained vocalist and accomplished entertainer. Performing throughout the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom Jim has won numerous tribute artist contests, appeared on local TV newscasts, featured in the book "Walk A Mile In Their Shoes" and most recently has been approached to present his act on an Atlantic City TV Special. He is also the first tribute artist to win the New England Elvis Festival which allowed him to qualify for the prestigious 2010 "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest" presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis, TN. As a true Elvis fan Jim is honored to present you the most honest rendition of Elvis Presley performances. Jim masters the vocals and portrays all of the many styles and images that Elvis delivered throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Change of Habit Tribute Band
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The Change of Habit Tribute Band (COH), now in its fourth exciting year, is the newest touring tribute sensation from Chicago, Illinois. COH performs with the top Elvis tribute artists across the U.S. providing authentic musical recreations of Elvis' magical career. Although COH enjoys the music of Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Elton John and other legends of music, the band's rich background and foundation lies within the music and magic of Elvis Presley. Above all, COH is proud to call themselves a top Elvis Tribute Band. Each member of COH has a solid resume in the music of Elvis. Before joining forces as COH, each musician either performed with the top Elvis artists, toured the country with the top Elvis artists or worked for 'Legends in Concert!' The members of COH forged great relationships within the Elvis industry and they have been collectively playing authentic Elvis music for over 3 decades! First and foremost, COH takes pride in being a professional, authentic and powerful Elvis Tribute Band. COH has testimonials from the Elvis industry's most talented performers and actual Elvis dignitaries. COH has performed with The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, The Jordanaires, Jerry Scheff, DJ Fontana, Millie Kirkham, Kathy Westmoreland, the late Al Dvorin and the late Charlie Hodge.

Presenting the COH Members:

Cliff Wright, Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals (Elvis Presley and Touring Legends Guitarist)

Steve Albue, Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica

Nick Tarzia , Electric Bass Guitar and Upright Bass, Backing Vocals

Joe Zannelli , Drums and Percussion

Tricia Sawilchik, Tenor and Alto Lead and Backing Vocals

Joe Scumaci, Tenor and Alto Lead and Backing Vocals

Bruce Petrie, Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals

The Change of Habit Brass Section

Fred Cantu - Trumpet

Chuck Sloka - Trombone

James Davis - Trumpet

Angel Rodriguez - Trumpet

Bill Walsh - Trombone

Ronny Craig

Multi-talented Ronny Craig is the ideal MC for this premier Elvis event. His stage presence, soaring voice, and knowledge of the world of the ETA combine to make him an asset for any show.

Ronny was born in Lake Benton, MN. After finishing school, Ronny went to work as a cattle buyer for his family's business. On the weekends, he entertained as an Elvis Tribute Artist. In 1993, he was a runner-up in the Images of the King, the World-Wide Elvis Impersonator Championships held each year in Memphis during Elvis week. This contest draws hundreds of professional Impersonators from all over the world.

After 10 years as a professional Elvis Tribute Artist, Ronny opened his own successful show in Branson, MS. Following a 5 year run with his show, Ronny has moved on to another phase of his life.

The first 3 months of every year finds Ronny in Texas as a variety entertainer and the remainder of the year is divided up into his many venues all over the country. Ronny is the premier MC for all national and international Elvis events. He is valued, not only for his spectacular stage presence, but for his ability to handle all crises and keep the show running smoothly.

Ronny is the producer of the Elvis Explosion, a highly popular contest in LaCrosse, WI. This talented, busy man has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows. He appeared, as an expert commentator, in both "Almost Elvis," the award-winning docudrama about Elvis Tribute Artists, and "The Men Who Would Be King," a documentary on the Elvis Impersonator phenomenon.

With his well-known and respected name and talents, Ronny Craig is much in demand for his multiple abilities in the entertainment field.

Matt Joyce
Conway, Arkansas
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Matt started entertaining as a child and has sang for church and various choral organizations which helped develop his voice. As a performer and as a person he generates an atmosphere of excitement and happiness. With black and white shoes, cocked collars and his choice from many 50's blazers he begins with the hip swingin, gyrating Elvis in the early years. He then works his way through the "movie tunes," from his acting career. Take another look back up to the stage as trouble walks in. Fully loaded black leather outfit and a look in his eyes of the tiger. He helps you retrace the steps from yesterday as Elvis made his way back into his musical career performing an array of songs from the '68 Comeback Special. He finishes his show in The Concert Years typically known as "The Jumpsuit Elvis." Let your emotions swirl with the music and let your heart open to remember. Remember the king!!! Matt pays a tribute to Elvis by singing to the king's loyal fans that believe in keeping his memory alive through song and music.

Irv Cass as Tom Jones
Fenton, Michigan
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Irv Cass represents all that is good in the Elvis Tribute Artist World. His talent combines with his magnetic personality to please crowds all over the world.

Born in Fort Wayne, IN, Irv was raised in Michigan. With a background in sales, dance and modeling, Irv began his Tribute Artist career in 1991. Since then, he has won numerous contests including the 1999 "Worldwide Images of the King." More recently, he won the 2006 Championship in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada (Jumpsuit Division).

Irv is featured in the award-winning documentary "Almost Elvis." This popular film chronicles a year in the lives of several Tribute Artists culminating in Irv's World Championship win in Memphis, TN. He is also in the Learning Channel's "The Men Who Would be King."

Most recently, Irv was one of only three Tribute Artists chosen to appear in the first show ever endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. This show was held during Elvis Week, 2006, in Memphis, TN.

Steve Bobbit as Rod Stewart
Peoria, Illinois
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From the banks of the lazy Illinois River, in the busy town of Peoria, Illinois, comes a blonde, spike-haired singer in Converse tennis shoes with a raspy voice that mirrors that of the famous Scotsman from London, Rod Stewart....Steve Bobbitt, along with his "Young Turks Band", has been doing a tribute to the famed musician for 15 years.

His striking resemblance, distinct voice, and precise eye for detail in his wardrobe keep this tribute artist quite busy in his quest to entertain with the excitement that only Rod Stewart, himself, could match. His renditions of "Maggie Mae", "Hot Legs", "Have I told you lately" and even some of the standards from the "Great American Songbook" leave you wanting more and more of this talented singer.

Robert Washington as James Brown
Auburn, Maine
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"The Godfather of Soul," "the Hardest Working Man in Show Business," "Mr. Dynamite" -- those are mighty titles, but no one can question that Robert Washington, like his predecessor, James Brown, earns them more than any other performer. The charisma, energy, and talent of Robert makes him a natural star attraction. And no other musician, pop or otherwise, puts on a more exciting, exhilarating stage show: Robert's performances are marvels of athletic stamina and split-second timing. Robert will be performing his tribute to James Brown during our Friday Night Show... He will not be performing as Elvis, as he will once again be competing in the 2010 Contest.

Jesse Aron as Roy Orbison
Janesville, Wisconsin
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Roy Orbison was a natural baritone, but since 1961 writers have speculated that he had a three or four-octave range. The combination of Orbison's powerful, impassioned voice, and the complex musical arrangements in his songs led many in rock and roll to refer to his music as operatic, calling him the "Caruso of Rock". Many performers such as Elvis stated his voice was one of the greatest and most distinctive he had ever heard.

Jesse Aron has emerged as one of the premier Roy Orbison vocalists in the U.S. His rendition of "Only The Lonely", "Crying In Dreams" and "Pretty Woman", among others, can only be rivaled by Roy Orbison himself. Wearing black clothes, dark sunglasses and conveying a quiet vulnerability, Jesse sings to standing ovations wherever he performs. Jesse will also be competing in the 70s Jumpsuit Years Professional division, in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest qualifier this year.

James Begley as Buddy Holly
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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Buddy Holly was a rock pioneer. He wrote his own material; used the recording studio for double tracking and other advanced techniques; popularized the two guitars, bass, and drums lineup; and recorded a catalogue of songs that continue to be covered: "Peggy Sue," "Rave On," "That'll Be the Day," and others. His playful, mock-ingenuous singing, with slides between falsetto and regular voice and a trademark "hiccup," has been a major influence on James Begley. James brings back all the exciting memories and magic of Buddy Holly's most famous hits in our Friday evening Tribute to Rock and Roll History Show. His vocals and energized stage performances truly pay tribute to one of history's early rock pioneers. James will also be competing in the Early Years Professional division, in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest qualifier this year.