Collingwood Elvis Festival officially opened this morning by awarding a tribute artist with an award for embodying the spirit of Elvis Presley.
The Paco Danesi award was presented to Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Dan Barrella this year.
Barrella was shocked when he took the stage, having been told he was there to sing the American anthem for the opening ceremonies.
After he sang the anthem, Rosemarie O’Brien announced him as this year’s recipient.
“It’s totally unexpected,” said Barrella after receiving the award. “I’m just a guy who likes to sing Elvis songs.”
The award is named for Paul “Paco” Danesi, who was the founder of the Casino Brothers Band, which started in 1999 as a backup band for ETAs.
Danesi was the musical director and bass player for the band, and known for his passion for music and commitment to excellence.
ETAs remember him fondly and consider it an honour to have performed with him.
Danesi died in 2010.
Barrella said he remembers Danesi, and performed on stage with him in 2009 at the Collingwood Elvis Festival.
“To keep me in his company like that is an honour,” said Danesi.
The ETA is from Staten Island, NY, and said Collingwood Elvis Festival was one of his first festivals as a tribute artist. He is back this year as a competitor in the professional division.
For Barrella, embodying the spirit of Elvis means being generous.
“Elvis was charitable, he gave to a fault,” said Barrella, adding he tries to be the same. “I like seeing people happy … I don’t expect anything in return.”
His favourite Elvis Songs are My Way and Just Pretend. At 54 years old, he said he prefers performing Presley’s ballads over his earlier, more energetic music.
He said the greatest thing about Presley’s music is that it lasts.
“He was the first guy out there to do what he did,” said Barrella. “He’s always going to be the king of Rock and Roll.
The festival opening ceremonies included a proclamation from Town Crier Ken Templeman, greetings from Mayor Brian Saunderson and a message from Larry Law, owner of Living Water Resort.
The 25th Collingwood Elvis Festival continues through the weekend with the final round of ETA competition on Sunday afternoon followed by the silver anniversary after-party.
This afternoon ETA’s will be performing on the outdoor centre stage in the qualifying round to earn a spot in the semi-final competition tomorrow.
