Why a new Elvis Competition & Music Festival?
And why should you consider venturing to Deerhurst Resort for a weekend in Autumn to experience the newest and most unique Elvis (& Company) music festival?
We have spent a great deal of time and vacations at Elvis Festivals throughout North America over the past 20 years. All of them have their own flavor. They have their own style, much of which is dictated by the venue and location, but also by their entertainment and their approach to the Elvis competition itself. We have enjoyed them all for different reasons.
Having spent so much time at festivals, however, has constantly resulted in our thinking about ‘how these festivals could be done differently.’ We’ve asked ourselves several questions: How could we do a music festival that places a focus on Elvis but also offers a bit more musical diversity, attracting and adding a new and younger audience to the already existing audience? How do we introduce younger people to the Elvis world and his influence? How can a music festival provide a new, exciting and unique experience for festival goers?
1. Provide a Unique Ultimate Elvis Competition Qualifier
What will make the Elvis & Co Elvis competition different? Our competition will have:
- NO TRACKS – Every round of the competition (1st, 2nd & Final) will be accompanied by The Casino Brothers Band, the Ultimate North American ETA tribute band (IOHO)
- NO REPEATS – There will be no songs repeated during rounds 1 & 2. That means 48 unique songs in the first 2 rounds! Artists competing in the final round may repeat a song that was performed in one of the first 2 rounds but no 2 performers may repeat a song done by another competitor in the finals.
- NO BALLAD + BALLAD – During every round of competition, each competitor is required to perform at least one up tempo song. That means audiences will not have to sit through slow song after slow song after slow song after slow song … Although we love all of those slow songs, we want to keep things lively!
2. An Outstanding Venue in an Outstanding Location
Muskoka is often referred to as ‘Malibu of the North’ or ‘Hamptons of the North’ due to the countless celebrities who choose to summer and fall there due to its unsurpassed beauty and tranquility. In fact, there are numerous celebrities with connections to Elvis movies who have homes there including Kurt Russel, Tom Hanks and Cindy Crawford (do you know Cindy’s connection?).
All in one place – Deerhurst Resort houses all types of accommodations, restaurants and Legacy Hall, a professional concert theatre, so there is no need to leave the resort once you park your car (unless you would like to pop in to nearby Huntsville for some shopping).
Indoor & Outdoor Activities – Deerhurst offers activities and facilities for the whole family.
- First class dining rooms, Lounges & Pubs
- Fitness Center
- Enormous Indoor Pool
- Indoor Rock Wall
- Arcade
- Indoor Treehouse
- Numerous Hiking Trails
- Escape Cabins
- Axe Throwing
- Mountain Bike & E-Bike Rentals
- Yamaha ATV Tours
- Paintball
3. White Glove Customer Service
Whether new to a music festival or a regular attendee of Elvis Festivals, we want you to feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
You will never be left wondering what to do or where to go!
Our friendly Elvis & Co Concierge & Ambassadors will:
- Welcome you and introduce you to other festival goers
- Help you find your shows and orient you around the resort and event locations
- Help you decide which other events and activities you want to take part in
- Answer any questions you have
3. Focus on Storytelling
In order to truly appreciate Elvis, it is important to understand the milieu in which he grew up and began performing. It is also imperative to understand how that milieu changed over the 3 decades during which he performed and how his music and performances changed with those decades and the changes in his own life.
How do we focus on storytelling?
Memphis Jones
# 1 We start with an exceptional Storyteller – Memphis Jones.
Memphis describes himself as a Song and Dance Man but he is so much more than that. He is considered by many to be Memphis’ premier musical historian and storyteller. A regular performer on the stage of BB Kings on Beale Street, at Graceland and musical tours of Memphis, he brings the history of Memphis music to life like no other.
Memphis will be serving as our MC, show host and our panel interviewer in addition to performing.
# 2 We attempt to create a narrative through the shows.
We don’t want to merely schedule a lot of shows with incredible performers. We want to create shows that tell unforgettable stories with incredible performers! Although the shows will stand on their own, when taken in in their entirety, they will create a narrative that carries through from beginning to end.
4. Focus on Festival Experiences
More than anything, Elvis & Co wants YOU to have fun throughout the weekend and we’ll do our best to make sure that happens through:
- Giving you plenty of free time – We don’t want to overschedule you with shows. Instead, we would like to offer you 2 exceptional shows each day and then offer you plenty of free time to socialize, meet other festival goers, participate in the many festival activities taking place, take part in some of the amazing activities offered by Deerhurst, and get to know our performers and competitors.
5. Focus on Elvis' Legacy
Elvis & Co is not just an ‘Elvis’ Festival. Instead, it strives to focus on the music and performers who influenced Elvis and were his contemporaries, as well as explore the legacy of Elvis. Elvis Presley was not a static figure whose influence was limited by a ‘date of death.’ Instead, his influence in the realms of music, performance, fashion and popular cultural more generally continues to be enormous.
We don't want to put Elvis in a Museum
The Company part of Elvis & Co. will explore these influences through presenting outstanding contemporary musicians and entertainers.
The following Elvis & Co performers have already been announced:
Check our website regularly as we continue to announce our Headliners and Special Guests over the coming weeks.
Other Performers & Special Guests To Be Announced.
The line up will be exciting and outstanding.
For 1st ACCESS TO TICKETS
&
to hear about performer and show announcements, subscribe to our email list.
Comment So excited for this venue Love Memphis Jones and Steve Micheals its going to be awesome ..Sad but as a Florida snow bird like many we head south mid Oct ..I will look forward to seeing emails and know it’s going to be great .
D Turner Midland Ont
Can’t wait to be there listening to good music and having fun! <3
We have spent many years at Collingwood Elvisfest. Loved it. I’m truly happy about your changes regarding the competition. No repeats and no “canned” music!!! Can’t wait!!!
I am so excited to be able to attend this inaugural year for Elvis&Co.
The entire concept and theme is interesting and innovative to me and deserves support from the Elvis fans and enthusiasts who want to see his legacy celebrated now and into the future.
I’m 💯% behind this initiative and I truly hope that we can all get together and be part of the next generation of Elvis’ endearing history.
I’m booked already! Are you?
Comment I would like a clarification.
Is this event starting October this year or October 2023.
Hi Deborah.
The first Elvis & Co festival will run Oct 27 – 29, 2023. Ticket on sale info will posted soon on our Elvis & Co Facebook page and tickets and performer announcements will be available first to our email subscribers. Hope to see you there!
Great no reapeats of songs sounds great and upbeat music too. Cant wait.
Jeff,
It was great seeing in Tweed. We are very excited about Elvis and Co. Will there be group rates for Deerhurst?
It was great to see you too John. Yes, there will be group rates for accommodations at Deerhurst – we are just waiting on notification from Deerhurst that they are ready. The rates will vary based on the type of accommodation you would like but there will be a group discount on all types of accommodations as far as I know. Elvis & Co is offering weekend passes which are a reduced rate compared to individual tickets with a lot of additional activities and events included. Tickets and accommodations will likely go on sale (first to our email subscribers) in the 2nd or 3rd week of October so full information should be available really soon.
Thanks Jeff