The promo read: For the first time ever, two of Australia’s finest Elvis tribute artists share the stage for an unforgettable night of music! Charlie Gaylard, the 16-year-old sensation from Colac who’s putting the Elvis world on notice, joins Jack Gatto, the Geelong powerhouse with arguably the best Elvis voice in the world. Backed by the world-renowned Tributes In Concert Band—soon to perform for Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis—this two-hour spectacular promises electrifying performances, classic hits, and the ultimate tribute to The King.
Jack Gatto, 29, is a born entertainer; a vocalist, guitarist and drummer, with exceptional versatility; he understudied for The Wiggles. So, yes, even without perfecting his tribute in performing the vocals, charisma and audience interaction of ‘Elvis’, he’s a very accomplished and engaging performer. Unexpectedly, I learn that he’s also a wildlife and zoo reptile keeper, but tonight he dons a blue studded jumpsuit and leaves the crocodile shows behind for something else mesmerizing on stage….ELVIS!
Charlie Gaylard has already got his ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist) career kicking goals (after being inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 movie – he wasn’t even a fan before seeing it) and he has only been doing this for a year and a half.
At the huge annual Parkes Elvis Festival in January, which I attended, a lady behind me said (as Charlie rolled by in a pink suit in the vintage car street parade), ‘Hubba Hubba Who’s That?’; someone replied ‘It’s Charlie! How can you not know him?’, another said ‘Yeah, he’s the boy Go Charlie!’ LOL – Charlie smiled his perfected Elvis lip and waved back (bonus that he does look alike). These fans were in their 70s, and definitely not the usual fanbase for a 16 year old singer, but next time, given Charlie’s rapidly growing popularity, they may be bringing their grandchildren.
There were apparently (according to my chats with locals) more young people at the NSW Parkes festival this year than any prior and probably same with the growing Geelong Elvis Festival (according to the owner of the motel I stayed at this weekend), and, whilst my daughter (19) was no doubt one of the youngest audience members at this show in Geelong, she is a huge Elvis fan and was singing the words just as well as the grey haired gentleman with a walker aide on the aisle; both of them having a great time.
For two non-stop hours we enjoyed toe tapping tunes, hard-belt lyrics and soft sweetness up there on that stage with banging traditional lighting as good as any nightclub, an extraordinary band and in-theme back-up singers. Along with a bit of comedy from both Jack and Charlie, the crowd loved every second from everyone contributing to the spectacle and the two hours flew by.
My Mum played ‘Elvis’ a lot (she was one of those actual teen fans of his heyday, just like most watching this sold out concert at The Sphinx). I knew pretty much all his music by the time I was 12, thanks Mum! In recreating the love, there were quite a lot of ladies like my Mum eagerly going up for a scarf given out by Jack, just as the real Elvis did for his lucky fans.
My favourite song is and always has been HOUND DOG and tonight was no exception with LOVE ME TENDER a close follow up. I could list a heap of others also that were mind blowingly good; Suspicious Minds, Blue Suede Shoes, Burning Love, etc. etc. each and every one totally authentic; our jaws dropped in disbelief on multiples, “just like watching the real thing” my daughter agreed.
My daughter didn’t once look like she’d had enough, the atmosphere of seeing live music she has discovered is far better than ‘clubbing’. Her faves were LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION by Charlie and the duet rendition of JAILHOUSE ROCK where Charlie and Jack were on stage together for the end of the show.
Throughout the night, every single person of any age around us was smiling and cheering in astonishment at the likeness of Elvis as a young performer by Charlie and as a more mature man with Jack on the mic. They were both incredible at showing us his different eras. Jack was generous in giving the scarves out to the ladies too, it was all such fun!
Elvis was one of the most incredible entertainers of all time and what a privilege for these two to keep his stage presence alive, Vegas style! Love love loved!!
Follow @domarpaproductions for updates and give them a huge round of applause for everything they are doing to bring Elvis back for the ‘oldies’ and hopefully introduce more of his undying music to the ‘youngies’.
If you didn’t fly to America in your youth to see Elvis live in concert (or you weren’t born then); you CAN be transported back in time – just go see Jack Gatto and Charlie Gaylard. The two speak highly of each other; they know they are not the real Elvis and the crowd knows it of course; everyone goes along because they loved everything about Elvis from his famous voice to perhaps his even more famous dance style which shocked the world – it’s all part of the fun and the memories and these two tribute artists do Elvis proud! Both Jack and Charlie are down-to-earth and humble of their ability to light up the lives of those watching them as ‘Elvis’ for a night. “Thank-you very much!”
You might likely catch Jack and Charlie together again in November – book quick because they sell out quick, they just have added this new show by popular demand.
See: https://geelongelvisfestival.com.au/ in Geelong or keep posted on all shows ‘Elvis’ via promoters DOM ARPA PRODUCTIONS https://domarpaproductions.com.au/
Venue & Parking: can’t miss the huge “Sphinx” so easy to find and venue has plenty of parking, but it was fairly full for this event so go early, we did however queue outside for a while.
Accommodation: Geelong is an easy commute from Melbourne. We stayed at Rippleside Park Motor Inn a 5min drive from the venue and can highly recommend as a great basic affordable motel centrally located for seeing any show in Geelong – it’s always nice to go away for a night as well to see a show out of town and Geelong has a lot to offer.
