WENDY KING …Judging Chair |
Wendy has made it her lifelong goal to preserve the legacy of Elvis Presley in any way possible. Whether it be on the air with B 101 FM in Barrie or The Peak in Colllingwood, she tries to promote Elvis and his accomplishments whenever possible. She’s made 40 trips to Graceland during which she’s met and interviewed Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis father Vernon , members of the Memphis Mafia and various band members.Wendy saw Elvis live in concert in 1975 and 1977 in Detroit .
Wendy has been a judge at Elvis competitions here in Collingwood as well as Kitchener, Windsor and Rockton.
Wendy is thrilled to be back for what she describes as an “ Elvis family re-union” on Collingwood’s 15th anniversary!” |
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GOSPEL COMPETITION JUDGES |
| JANE RYAN |
Originally from Toronto and Mississauga , Jane has lived and worked in Collingwood for the last nine years. She and her friends have attended every Collingwood Elvis Festival since 2000. Jane first hear Elvis on WKBW radio and years later, she saw him live in concert in Niagara Falls , NY . Jane grew up with Gospel music and the familiar lyrics are more magical when sung by Elvis. She is excited to be returning for a second year as a judge for the Gospel Competition. |
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| BERT PREECE |
Bert has been involved with the Collingwood Elvis Festival since its inception and has judged in both Canada and the US for various competitions. Bert values his friendship with the remaining Elvis front men including DJ Fontana, Dick Grob and Joe Esposito. Bert feels it is an honour to be part of such a fabulous festival and looks forward to meeting his fellow Elvis fans. |
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| ANDY GINDROZ |
Andy hails from the Niagara Region and is considered an Elvis 'Trivia' expert. His extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia includes books, movies and CD's. Andy has been the champion of an Elvis trivia quiz show on Sirius 12/XM 18 Elvis radio for the past three years and has visited Memphis numerous times. Andy is also a student of music playing both guitar and drums.
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| ECHO STARR PARKER |
Echo Starr Parker is from Brantford. She watches or reads about Elvis on a daily basis and has a collection of every song Elvis ever recorded along with the movies and documentaries. Echo has judged Elvis' festivals in Toronto and Rockton and here in Collingwood for the past 3 years. Echo is excited to join the judging panel for "Inspirational Elvis".
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| DENNIS THOMPSON |
Dennis hails from Michigan and is a true blue Elvis fan! He is an avoid memorabilia collector and has organized and emcee’d a number of Elvis tribute shows across Michigan . As a knowledgable fan of the King, Dennis is eager to try his hand at judging and joins us for the “Inspirational Elvis” competition.
Welcome Dennis! |
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REGULAR COMPETITION JUDGES |
| NEVIN GRANT |
Nevin is a freelance broadcaster, playwright and music historian. He spent 38 years as program and music director of Oldies 1150 CKOC in Hamilton . He has written numerous plays including “Forever Elvis” which has been performed across Central and Southern Ontario . Nevin is a gifted pianist and is often seen tickling the ivories at various Elvis events. Nevin is a veteran Elvis festival judge and most recently organized the successful 1st Toronto Elvis Festival at Mississauga ’s Stage West.
We welcome Nevin back to our judging panel this year! |
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| JUANITA THOMPSON |
| Juanita hails from Michigan and is a first time judge to the Collingwood Elvis Festival! She is not new to the festival, however, visiting Collingwood annual for years and enjoying the various tribute artists. She is a lifelong Elvis fan and collector of Elvis’s music and memorabilia as is her husband Dennis. She enjoys travelling to many of the festivals in Canada and the U.S. as well as visiting Graceland . Juanita says she’s learned a lot about Elvis on stage by watching the various ETA’s and appreciates all of them for paying tribute to Elvis and continuing his legacy. |
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| DON LUTHER |
Don Luther is an acoomplished musician in his own right—having studied at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto playing piano and trombone. Don has been an Elvis fan his entire life and saw the King live twice in the 70’s. He makes frequent visits to Graceland and enjoys the Elvis station on Serius Satellite on a daily basis.
Don spent his professional career as a court “judge”. He and his wife Helen make their home in Collingwood and always enjoy the Elvis Festival. We welcome Don back to our judging panel. |
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| DARLENE WATTERS |
Darlene has been singing professionally for more than 25 years mastering styles from hard rock to jazz. A skilled tribute artist in her own right, Darlene appeared as “Stevie Nicks” at Atlantic City’s Trump Casino for their 2008 “ Fake Fest”. Darlene has recorded with “Gowan”, “A Foot in Cold Water”, “Moxy and “Coney Hatch.”
Among Darlene’s career highlights—a 7 month Middle East tour topped off with an appearance at Dubai ’s world famous shopping festival.
Darlene joins the Collingwood judging panel for the first time and is eager to enjoy all the various performances. |
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| DARRELL LACASSE |
Darrell is a professional truck driver. His love of Elvis started early in life at 6 years of age when he first watched the “ Aloha from Hawaiii” special on tv. He’s never looked back. Like many Elvis fans, he has made many treks to Graceland and has helped to organize several Elvis events throughout the GTA. Darrell has acquired many authentic and original Elvis items. He is also an avid autograph and coin collector.
Darrell has judged at the “Days of Elvis” festival in Niagara Falls and takes his seat at the judge’s table for the first time, here , in Collingwood. He’s sure it will just add to the many great memories he has from the “Elvis World”. Welcome Darrell! |
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| DEAN HOLLIN |
Dean Hollin is a resident of Collingwood and the former artistic director of the Gayety Theatre. Dean's theatrical career began two decades ago and includes stints with Drayton Entertainment and Theatre Aquarius. Dean has created a string of shows paying homage to some of his favourite songwriters including Cole Porter and the Gershwins. He currently hosts Friday nights on 95.1 the PEAK FM. Dean grew up watching Elvis movies and admiring his showmanship and talent. Welcome back, Dean.
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