Since this was the first festival I had ever put together and not knowing how well it would be received, I had initially decided to back the performers with CD tracks. Yeah, I am an idiot. Thankfully Ryan Pelton talked me out of it. We spent some time discussing how we could put a band together that would fit into the festival’s budget. However, in the back of my mind, I knew I really wanted the Change of Habit for the show. Not only are they the best tribute band in the biz, they are also a great group of guys (and gal). However, the REAL reason I wanted them was because they have a secret weapon. Tricia Sawilchik. I had the privilege of seeing Jesse Aron’s Roy Orbsion tribute in the Poconos a few years back and his duet with Tricia was my favorite of the set. If I was going to get a band, it had to be COH. Irv put me in touch with Joe Scumaci and we went from there. Thanks to everyone who made the following video possible!
Logan’s Song – Amazing Grace – Ryan Pelton
This video will forever remain my favorite from the show. Moving forward, the purpose for the festival will be to celebrate the life of Logan and the music of Elvis. As I stated previously, we will be getting an ETA to perform “Amazing Grace” in remembrance of Logan at every future festival. It is my sincere hope that we can get Ryan to perform it every year, if his schedule permits. Here he is performing the song for Logan, a few days before God took him home.
Logan Brinson Elvis Festival
I want to announce that I am officially changing the Palmyra Elvis Festival to the Logan Brinson Elvis Festival. More details to come as they get worked out but we will definitely be singing “Amazing Grace” every year in remembrance of Logan. I have several other things planned as well.
Ryan Pelton wins Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival
Jesse Aron – Only The Lonely
One of the goals for the festival this year was to open the eyes of people in this area to the world of tribute artists. Many of our friends, relatives and coworkers laugh when we talk about our passion for the tribute industry and the performers. It’s come a LONG way since the early days of the Elvis “Impersonators”. Not only are the performers top notch, but there are so many more artists that pay tribute to not only Elvis, but many other stars. The show that I envisioned for the first Palmyra Elvis Festival was more along the lines of Jason Sherry’s Jukebox LIVE shows. Other venues have names such as Legends in Concert or An Evening With The Stars. I wanted to show everyone in this area that there are many tribute artists who perform multiple tributes and do so very professionally. I was blessed to be able to obtain some HUGE talents and the best band in the tribute industry. Ryan Pelton Jesse Aron Philip Bauer Chris Solano Jeffrey Krick Irv Cass and The Change of Habit Tribute Band were what made this festival the huge success that it was. My night was made when my brother Todd told me that one of his friends, who was NOT a tribute artist fan, turned to him and said “I get it now”. We had many other friends who echoed this in different ways. This next video is a perfect example of the high level of talent we get to see at the various festivals. When I decided to do this show, and after securing Irv Cass for the Emcee role, the first performer that I asked Irv to check into was Jesse Aron as I was BLOWN away by his tribute to Roy Orbison a few years ago at the Poconos Elvis Festival. Jesse’s vocals are astounding and I can honestly say that I feel he has the best vocals in the tribute industry. I was thrilled to have Jesse perform for the Palmyra Elvis Festival. Here is Jesse performing “Only the Lonely” and he certainly nailed it.