Catch an Elvis Sighting at Canterbury Village This Weekend

Submitted by On the Rocks Detroit

The Elvii are coming!  

Online cultural touchstone The Urban Dictionary provides the following definition for this plural form of the late rock & roll icon:  Elvii: Plural of Elvis. (This comes into a sentence more than you'd know.)  

Lovers of all things Elvis AND Elvii are in for a day of nostalgic fun on Saturday, Aug. 3, when five premier Elvis tribute artists – all from Michigan and all award-winning – come together at Canterbury Village to cover the hits from all three decades of Elvis’ unparalleled career. 

The Elvis tribute artists (known in the thriving Elvis business empire as ETAs), include festival coordinator Roy Rouse (If Elvis Had Lived), “'70s era Elvis” Greg Jaqua, “‘68 Comeback Leather Elvis“ Chris Ayotte, Irv Cass as “'60s/The Movies” Elvis, and Chris Solano as Elvis from the ‘50s.  Tickets for the 3-11 p.m. event are just $10 in advance and $12 at the gate, and all ages are welcome to attend.  Ages 12 and under are free, and there will be a variety of kids activities.  

Elvis (or Elvii) aficionados can expect a beautiful outdoor setting filled with trees and park benches, and are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy live music, vendors, and delicious food, featuring the world-famous C-Pub BBQ.   Sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be on hand to provide special summertime cocktails, games and prizes.  For advance tickets and more information, please call (248) 391-1900.

Greg Jaqua says that fans of The King are in for a one-of-a-kind experience at the Aug. 3 event.  

“I think the first thing that sets this event apart is that it's not just about Elvis - it's also about Michigan,” says Jaqua.  “All of our ETAs are multiple and international award winners - they're all from Michigan - and they're all among the best you'll ever see.  This will not be the typical Elvis Festival and I think the fans will love it!”

Many Detroit-area residents have no doubt visited Canterbury Village in Lake Orion to shop for unique Christmas items in its “Aldridge’s Always Christmas” Bavarian-style store.  But this summer, in celebration of Canterbury’s 20th Anniversary, Canterbury Village will play host to a wide variety of outdoor festivals and events in the five-acre area behind the Village that will surely brand it as a premier location for live summer entertainment.  

About the Elvii:

Chris Solano – The '50s

From the first time Chris entered the Elvis tribute artist scene, his dynamic, high energy portrayal of the 50’s rock icon has earned him praise from fans and peers alike.  His award wining tribute has placed him among the top tribute artists to date, and can be seen at festivals, casinos, theaters, and special events throughout the year.

Irv Cass – '60s / The Movies

International award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Irv Cass’ awards include the 1999 World Championship International "Images of Elvis" Impersonator Competition, Memphis, TN, and first Place in Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill Elvis Impersonator Competition.  Irv has the distinction of having appeared in "Almost Elvis" - the award-winning documentary by John Paget.

Chris Ayotte - ’68 Comeback Leather

Chris Ayotte is an international award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist and celebrity impressionist. He has entertained for a variety of venues across the country with his distinct voice and fun-loving style of comedy. Chris is especially recognized for his vocal likeness to Elvis and for his ability to re-create the three decades of Elvis from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Those who have heard Chris call him “one of the best."

Greg Jaqua - 70’s Elvis

In September of 2009 Greg was named "Best International Elvis" at the Porthcawl Elvis Festival in Porthcawl, Wales, U.K., which was recently declared the world's largest Elvis festival. Some of Greg's client list includes Google, Air Tran Airways, American Movie Classics, Charter Communications, and many more. Greg plays all types of events ranging from small private parties to large corporate events. While Greg considers himself to be primarily a singer, he continues to work in nearly every area of the entertainment industry, including radio, live theatre, music production, voice-over acting and studio work. Greg now resides in Allen Park, Michigan, where maintains his base of operations for DetroitElvis.Com. 

Roy Rouse - “If Elvis had lived”

Hailing from Oxford, Roy Rouse started singing in talent shows at the age of five and taught himself how to play guitar at ten.  Roy and his brother formed the group “The Shaggs” in the '70s and were briefly signed to Capital Records.  Roy has always been told that he sounds like Elvis, and after launching his Elvis Tribute career he received a perfect vocal score in a worldwide Elvis search.  Roy sports a mustache, which he says he is ‘quite sure Elvis would have also worn if he’d lived a little longer.’  Roy is honored to help keep the legend of Elvis alive.