One long-time Elvis Presley Tribute Artist was honoured among his peers at this year’s Collingwood Elvis Festival opening ceremonies.
Shon Carroll was presented with the Paco Danesi award, which is reserved for a tribute artist who shows generosity and embodies the giving spirit many say flowed through Presley.
Carroll was shocked as he went on stage for what he thought was an interview to find Mayor Sandra Cooper holding the award and congratulating him. The crowd gathered on Hurontario Street cheered.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Carroll. “I can’t describe what I feel. I’m very overwhelmed with joy and I’m truly honoured.”
Paul “Paco” Danesi was a musician (bass player) who formed a trio called the Casino Brothers Band in 1999. The band often played backup for Elvis Tribute Artists including at the Collingwood Elvis Festival.
Danesi died in 2010. He is remembered for his passion for music and commitment to excellence. According to Collingwood festival organizers Danesi liked and respected the tribute artists and always gave 100 per cent for their performance. The Collingwood Elvis Festival established the award in his name and each year, the festival organizers present it to a tribute artist who embodies not only his passion for music, but his generosity.
Carroll first started competing as a tribute artist in 1996 and won the pro early years division in Collingwood in 2004. Since then he’s been performing strictly in showcases and returns to Collingwood each year for the festival. He’s from Kitchener/Waterloo.
He and Danesi were friends, and both shared a stage together in Collingwood more than once.
“As time goes on, people won’t know him,” said Carroll. “I was fortunate to know him. He was a friend.”
Carroll said he’s always loved Elvis Presley’s music, and in particular his singing voice.
“I thought, if there’s something going on – a festival about Elvis – I have to be a part of it,” said Carroll.
His favourite Elvis song is Return to Sender.
“The way he performed it in Girls, Girls, Girls, was so smooth, so suave and sophisticated. He was really cool,” said Carroll.
Carroll will be performing Friday and Saturday night at the Iron Skillet at 9:30 p.m. at McDonald's tonight at midnight and on Saturday at the Simcoe Street Theatre.
