Windsor shakes, rattles, rolls in memory of Elvis

Sequinned jumpsuits, sideburns and gold-framed sunglasses were a common sight along Windsor's waterfront over the weekend as singers paid homage to the King of rock 'n' roll.

Hundreds came out for the annual Windsor Elvis Fest to watch the tribute artists shake, rattle and roll.

Everyone from teens to seniors shouted out Elvis Presley's hits during performances at Dieppe Park and the Chrysler Theatre.

"Elvis has no realm of age. He's an icon throughout the years," said LaSalle's Kevin Bezaire, who sported the famous ducktail hairstyle.

Lance Dobinson first performed as Elvis when he was 12 years old. Now 21, the Collingwood native performs professionally as a young Elvis across the United States and Japan.

"I love his voice, and he had a thing with the ladies too," he said, smiling.

Dobinson said Presley's legacy lives on through the legions of adoring fans.

"He will never be replaced. He's the only one," said Dobinson. "It's how he interacted with people and touched so many people."

Keith Lewis, 53, is a newcomer to Elvis festivals. He began singing as Presley in his Las Vegas years this summer, but has loved the music for years.

Lewis dyed his hair, grew sideburns, and spent $1,400 on a white tasseled jump suit and white boots to complete the Elvis look.

"As soon as I dyed my hair black people started saying: 'There's Elvis,'" he said. "You can't get away form it, and that's the tough part."

But, Lewis said the camaraderie between Elvis die-hards is a highlight of the Windsor festival.

"These guys are fans first. It's not an ego thing," he said. "Everyone is really supportive of each other. It's like a fraternity with sideburns."


Source: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=e9cbf09a-f4d9-43eb-9290-42b1251a9c88