2022 Competitors
Jeff Marsh
Originally from St Johns, Newfoundland, Jeff currently resides in Simcoe, Ontario. Jeff has been in the ETA world since 2001 and has met the most interesting people along the way and has developed a few friendships that are lifelong. He thanks Elvis for giving him the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people along the way.
Spencer Bristow
Spencer is 'All Shook-Up' about joining the Flaming Star Festival Family for another exciting weekend of competition with a 'Viva Las Vegas' roster of tribute artists, musicians, and entertainers. He currently lives in Owen Sound and enjoys entertaining in a variety of venues in the local community. Spencer has participated in festivals in Collingwood, Lake George, Kitchener, Brantford, and Toronto throughout his career. He has a music degree earned at the University of Western Ontario and is the music leader at a local church. Thank you, thank you very much to Pam, Sue and all of their helpers for organizing another great Elvis event so contestants can kick the dust off their 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Shake, Rattle, and Roll' once again for adoring fans to 'Rock-a-hula' all weekend.
Alessandro Votto
I was born and raised close to Rome (Italy), this explains the heavy accent! My love for music started very early, listening for hours to my dad playing every kind of music with his 12-strings guitar or his organ. Avid Elvis fan since the early 80’s, when my brother bought a cassette tape with the early rock’n’roll songs on Side A, and the 70’s ballads on Side B. Working in the Oil & Gas industry, I’ve travelled the world before finally settling in Calgary with my beautiful family in 2012. Since visiting Memphis in March 2019, all the puzzle pieces came together: the 1963 Cadillac, first jumpsuits, first Elvis tribute gigs. I have done a lot of Facebook live shows during the pandemic, being invited by various international Elvis fan groups to perform for them. The response from the fans has been amazing and it motivates me to keep on rocking! My goals while performing are to have fun, to challenge myself (will I ever stop struggling with the lyrics?) and to be able to transmit to the audience my unconditional love and passion for this amazing entertainer and human being.
Gordie McNeil
Gordie McNeil is no stranger to the Elvis Tribute Artist world. You may have seen Gordie at many of the Elvis Festivals and shows throughout Ontario. He also graciously went on Facebook every Monday night to entertain all the Elvis Fans during the pandemic. He is aiming for 100 sessions. Gordie won the 2019 Flaming Star Festival Non Pro Division and will now advance to the Pro Division for 2022. Gordie tributes the ballads of Elvis with all his heart and soul. He is excited to be returning to the Flaming Star Festival to see all his ETA family and friends.
Fred Steen
Fred Steen is from Chetwynd, British Columbia and is excited to attend the Flaming Star Festival for the first time. You may recognize Fred from his performances at the Penticton Elvis Festival. Fred is known as the "King of the North" . In 2015, Fred was crowned the NonPro Champion at the Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival in British Columbia.
A native of Valleyfield, Quebec, Sylvain grew up in Massachusetts, USA until his return to his hometown at the age of 17. A life-long Elvis fan in his own right, he has been paying tribute to the king of rock & roll since the age of 15 years old. Since 2015, Sylvain has received several awards and accolades for his authentic tribute. In 2019, he was crowned grand champion with championship titles at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis festival the Lake George Elvis festival, and the Collingwood Elvis festival, making him the first and only Quebecer to ever receive the “Triple-Crown” for winning three (3) consecutive festivals sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. In addition, Sylvain was a top-10 finalist in the ultimate Elvis tribute artist contest held at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, ranking him among the best Elvis tribute artists in the world. A favorite among Elvis fans, Sylvain has been presented with multiple people’s choice awards for his connection with the audience, both on and off the stage. Sylvain performs year-round across Canada and the USA paying tribute to the king. His Elvis Reimagined brand pays tribute to Elvis’ most iconic performances including the ’68 Comeback, Madison Square Garden, Aloha from Hawaii and Elvis in Vegas. His newest tribute, “Unchained Melody”, is an emotional journey honoring Elvis’ final tour in 1977.
Sylvio Fontaine
Sylvio Fontaine from Saskatchewan, Canada feels it is an honour to sing the songs of the greatest entertainer that has ever lived and hopes his tribute performance will bring back a few memories of Elvis. He wants to thank all of you for keeping the legend of Elvis Presley alive for all generations to come. Sylvio is thrilled to be returning to see all his friends at the 2022 Flaming Star Festival.
Dan Fontaine III
Dan Fontaine grew up in Massachusetts and was raised listening to the music of Elvis Presley. At 16, he began his music career singing and playing guitar at Hillcrest Church where his father pastored. In 2014, Dan began performing his tribute to Elvis all over New England. He spent those years working his craft which aims to capture the energy, passion, and vocal prowess of The King. Dan is a gifted band leader, originally fronting Fellowship of The King and currently performing his newest tribute show,
"Viva Las Elvis" feat. Memphis Sun Mafia Band.
AWARDS
2021 Reflections of the King: Grand Champion
2021 Reflections of the King: Best Vocals Award
Top 5 Finalist in Georgia Tribute Festival
Top 5 Finalist at Empire State Tribute Festival
John Carpenter
It was at the age of 4 that John Carpenter fell in love with Elvis. Following his visit to Quebec to see Martin Fontaine's show (ELVIS STORY), he said to his father: "Dad, that's what I want to do later".
Since then, he has not stopped learning the gestures and songs of ELVIS. His efforts rewarded him, as he has won various prizes in Elvis impersonation contests across Quebec, Ontario and the United States.
On December 18, 2021, John celebrated his 10-year career as an Elvis Tribute Artist.
Eric Evangelista
Eric Evangelista has been a tribute artist for 14 years. Eric's signature era is the Vegas/Concert years. Just a few of his accolades include 3rd Place 2022 Empire State Festival, 3rd Place 2018 Flaming Star Festival, 2nd Place 2017 Flaming Star Festival, NonPro Champion 2015 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Eric is excited to see all his friends at the Flaming Star Festival
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Mat Shank
My name is Mat Shank from Gatineau, Quebec, and I am an 18 year old fan of King Elvis Presley. Being able to perform his music is an honor for me. I perform shows in lounges and restaurants. I would love to expand my career as an Elvis Tribute Artist and have chosen the Flaming Star Festival as my first competition.
Patrick Balleux
Patrick Balleux has been tributing the King for 16 Years. His voice, which has been honored at the 2019 Westfield Elvis Festival as one of the closest to the king, His magnetic charisma and his energic performances will make you relive the excitement, the look and the feel of Elvis Presley during his concert years. Patrick never ceases to improve his performances and now at 32 years old, he is more than ever ready to bring back to life the greatest entertainer that ever lived, Elvis Presley.
Bill Gallant
Bill Gallant has been an Elvis Tribute Artist for twenty -five years. From Angus, Ontario, Bill has won numerous awards as an ETA including the 2013 Paco Danesi Award at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Bill is looking forward to seeing all his ETA family and friends.
Lorensz Francke
Lorensz Francke is from Scarborough, Ontario. He started his Elvis Tribute Artist journey in 2012, when he first participated at the Toronto Elvis Festival and hence, has participated at many Elvis festivals including Collingwood Elvis festival, Tweed Elvis and of course the flaming Star festival for many years. Lorensz was an ardent Elvis fan as a Kid. He was Introduced to Elvis from his Mom Audrey. He has won two Spirit of Elvis awards. Recently Lorensz has been busy entertaining senior residents in retirement homes in the GTA and suburbs. He also entertained the guest at the Elvis movie at Variety Cineplex Toronto. He also sang to the guests at the Stouffville vintage car show plus much more. Lorensz is looking forward to meeting and entertaining the ETA family and friends this year at the flaming Star Festival 2022.
Doug McKenzie
Doug McKenzie joined the ranks of Elvis Tribute Artists in 2002. By 2005, he had added a tribute to Roy Orbison to his repertoire. Now in his 20th year as an “Tribute Artist, Doug is a 5-time festival champion, including a division title at Collingwood, and the both the Open and Elvis divisions of the Orillia Great Tribute weekend.
Over the years he has appeared in many festivals and Legends shows all over Ontario as well as Quebec and the North-eastern United States. Doug has also made regular appearances at many fund raisers and benefit shows, and, while he kept busy with some on-line live events during Covid he is very happy to get back to live performances, and excited to be returning to Flaming Star to compete, but especially to see many friends and fellow Elvis fans he and Patti have missed so much.
Bryson Fuller
Bryson Fuller is from Espanola, Ontario and began performing at the Collingwood Elvis Festival at the age of 10. He has performed in many festivals and just won Champion NonPro at the 2022 Tweed Elvis Festival. Bryson is excited to be back to see all his friends and family at the Flaming Star Festival.
Frank Dirienzo
Frankie Dee is from Toronto, Ontario and is a loyal friend of the Flaming Star Festival. Frankie loves to sing and often entertains his friends in many venues. Frankie is looking forward to seeing all his friends at the Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: Cathy Montgomery
Jessi Mallory
Jessi Mallory has been a proud, hard working Elvis Tribute Artist for the last ten years. Hailing from Maine, USA Jessi has worked all over the East Coast and Canada. Humbled by the support and love she gets from Elvis fans, Jessi is amazed to be able to do this tribute for a living. Being able to perform/compete at the Flaming Star Festival is a true honor. Elvis fans, let's rock!
Anthony Joseph
Anthony is 28 years old, from Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Music has always been a part of his life. His Grandfather, Aunt, and Mother are all singers while his Father is a drummer. At age 9, Anthony was introduced to Elvis' music through his parents while watching "Viva Las Vegas". He was given his mother's old records along with his grandfather's stereo and wore them out until he knew every word of his favorite songs. At 10, he saw his first Elvis Tribute Artist and from that moment on, he knew that becoming a performer is what he wanted to do. Anthony has competed in many contests over the years and has won awards in both Canada and the U.S.A. Anthony is now the recipient of his music degree, to further his knowledge of music to give the best performance possible. Although he specializes in the authentic portrayal of the 1970's concert and touring years of Elvis, he covers all eras from the 1950's through to the 1970's and has recently found success with authentic tributes to Tom Jones and Frankie Valli.
Nick Armstrong
Nick Armstrong is 19 years old from Memphis TN. He has been an ETA for 11 years. He first heard Elvis at the young age of 7 and was blown away by Elvis' voice. He started performing at the age of 8 years old and has never looked back. Nick holds top 10 placements at both the Tupelo and Nashville Elvis Festivals His most recent accomplishment is a 2nd place finish at the EP Continentals Ultimate Contest in Florida. Nick hopes to bring Elvis to a new generation of fans, as he believes there truly is no better entertainer than Elvis Presley.
Ray Mond
Ray Mond or Mondo as he prefers to be called, hails from Hamilton, Ontario, and has been an Elvis fan since he was very young. His first Elvis performance was at a Stag & Doe where he lip synced to a cassette of "The Hawaiian Wedding Song". When he was called up for an encore, the next song on the tape was "Devil in Disguise". The bride was not amused. Mondo looks forward to performing at The Flaming Star Festival for the first time, seeing his "Elvis Family", and connecting with his ETA brothers.
Nathan Pittorf
Nathan enjoyed performing at the Graceland tent/pavilion, on Beale St. & Dad's Place Memphis, TN during Elvis Week. He appeared in TIME Magazine August 2017 edition, with his family's tribute display on Elvis Presley BLVD, during the Elvis vigil 40th anniversary. Nathan enjoys early rock & roll, classic rock, country music, hunting, fishing & classic cars! He also pays tribute to Buddy Holly. Nathan's accolades include:
1st place 2018 Lackawanna, NY got talent competition
1st place 2022 Blue Suede Memories (youth div) Elvis Competition
1st place 2022 Empire State Tribute Festival (youth div) Elvis Competition
Finalist (youth div) in several other competition events
Nathan is excited to return to the 2022 Flaming Star Festival.
