DEAN Z

2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion

Dean Z has dedicated his entire life to honoring the legacy of Elvis Aaron Presley, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll." From his early days growing up in the high desert of Lancaster, California, to stages across the globe, he has shown time and again, he is one of the best in the business today. That was proven in August 2013 as Dean was named the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist in Memphis during "Elvis Week" in a contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

BILL CHERRY

2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion

Paying homage to the King since 1989, Bill is recognized as one of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the business. He won the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Preliminary in Tupelo and then went on to win the Ultimate Elvis Championship in Memphis. Bill is the only Elvis Tribute Artist to win the title of Ultimate at both the birthplace and hometown of Elvis in the same year. He has been honoured by Time magazine as one of the top Elvis Tribute Artists in North America.

GORDON HENDRICKS

2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion

Gordon Hendricks was born in 1971 in Stoke on Trent, the heart of the china industry In the UK - the birthplace of Robbie Williams, Josiah Wedgwood, Reginald Mitchell and Arnold Bennett to name a few.

At a very early age he had a leaning to and love of music, some say brainwashed by his family's choices and in particular Elvis Presley. Gordon became a fan of Elvis and his music for as long as he can remember, and as he got to know more about the man and his music, he came to understand why Elvis was called "The King". After listening to his sisters recordings of Elvis, Gordon became interested in the late 60's and early 70's songs. He played the CDs constantly and began to sing along. As he matured, people often remarked on how similar his voice sounded to Elvis'.

Gordon has had no formal training, and his early experience came from karaoke with his friends. He was asked to sing two Elvis songs at a local nightclub for a ladies birthday; the owner of the club was so impressed he sent him away to get an act together and then come back for a booking, which he did. His first full performance was a tribute to Elvis in 2003, where he found the audience response to be overwhelming and he continued to work in local pubs and clubs.

JAY DUPUIS

2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion

Jay was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he lived most of his childhood. Growing up in a house where his father was a professional musician made it very easy for Jay to follow in his dads footsteps. It was no surprise that Jay had an ear for music, but at the early age of three, his mom played a record of Elvis Presley singing 'Hound Dog'. As he listened, his eyes lit up, he smiled with excitement and his hips started to move. Begging his mom to play it over and over again, Jay soon became a huge fan of the King of Rock 'n Roll. Shortly after, Jay got his first taste of live performing impersonating Elvis for his family and friends at social gatherings. "I would wear white pants and a white dress shirt, flip up my collar to mimic a jumpsuit, pretend I was the King and put on shows for anyone who would watch".

Sylvain Leduc

2024 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival First Place WINNER

Sylvain Leduc, a native of Valleyfield, Quebec, was first introduced to Elvis' music as a young child by his uncle. It was at an early age, while living in Massachusetts, USA with his family, that Sylvain was set on the path to becoming an Elvis Tribute Artist.

At the age of 15, with his first Elvis record in hand, "I'm Leavin"/Heart of Rome", Sylvain began his tribute to Elvis and never looked back. Competing professionally since 2015, Sylvain has multiple awards and accomplishments to his credit. His most recent accolades include Top-10 Finalist in the 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and 1st Runner-Up in the renowned Images of the King Contest in Memphis, Tennessee. Sylvain is honoured to return to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival to join his ETA brothers and the fans in celebrating Elvis' life in music.

Blue Suede & Rhinestones

Bruno Nesci as Elvis
with Daphne Moens as Dolly Parton

"Blue Suede and Rhinestones" is an exceptional musical voyage that pays homage to the enduring melodies of Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. Featuring the acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Bruno Nesci and the enchanting Daphne Moens, this dynamic production seamlessly blends the best of country and rock 'n' roll.

Bruno Nesci, a recipient of multiple awards for his portrayal of Elvis, has consistently ranked among the top contenders in the prestigious Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, for four consecutive years - a remarkable achievement unmatched by any other Canadian artist. With unwavering dedication, Bruno channels the essence of Elvis, embodying the iconic voice, appearance, and magnetism that defined the King.

Joining Bruno onstage is Daphne Moens, a vocal powerhouse with extensive global performance experience, including notable roles in musicals like Rock of Ages, Footloose, Freaky Friday, and Legally Blonde, as well as featured performances for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Daphne not only sings Dolly Parton's hits - she personifies Dolly herself. With charisma and elegance, Daphne leads audiences through a journey of Dolly's greatest songs, instilling a renewed appreciation for the allure of country music.

Backed by a live band, "Blue Suede and Rhinestones" faithfully reimagines the iconic performances of Elvis and Dolly. From meticulously crafted costumes to infectious energy, the undeniable chemistry between Bruno and Daphne ensures an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

VICTOR J

Master of Ceremonies

Victor J Hanson, also known as Victor J, was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As Victor says: "Living in a tough part of Toronto you either grew up a good fighter or as someone that could joke their way out of a fight ... I'm still a lousy fighter." He has performed from San Diego to New York and from Alaska to Las Vegas.

When not doing his One Man Corporate show for the Fortune 500 group you can find him performing as a Headline Act on Holland America Cruise Lines.

THE CASINO BROTHERS BAND

Official Backup Band

The Casino Brothers Band will back up all the Headline performances as well as the semi-final and final of the ETA competition.

The only Canadian band to be nominated best Elvis Tribute Band at The Elvis Industry Tribute Awards in Memphis. The Casino Brothers Band have been backing Elvis Tribute Artists from around the globe since 1999. From showcases and theatre productions to competitions, the band pours their hearts and souls into every performance, capturing the authenticity of each era of the King of Rock 'n Roll. The band will be making their Niagara Falls Festival debut and are very excited to be involved.