D J Fontana, Elvis Presley’s original drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will be special guest at the 19th annual event being held October 14 – 16, 2011 at the Woodland Park Community Building in Portage, Indiana. Fontana will relate stories of his introduction to a young Elvis Presley when Fontana was the staff drummer at the infamous Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium from where the radio show and later TV show “Louisiana Hayride” was broadcast. Upon joining Elvis and the Blue Moon Boys, Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on stand up bass, Elvis and his backup trio made musical history and changed the face of popular music for all who came after.
The Elvis FANtasy Fest is a fund raiser for the Porter County Special Olympics and a dream weekend for anyone who enjoys the music of Elvis Presley, collects Elvis memorabilia or would like to join a local fan club. Licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the weekend will include a qualifying contest for the 2012 Ultimate® Tribute Artist Contest which will be held in Memphis, TN during the annual Elvis Tribute week next August. Over twenty tribute artists will perform with Chicago’s Change of Habit Show Band for $2500 in prizes the chance to represent EFF in Memphis. Artists from across the country and from as far away and England and Australia are schedule to appear.
Former winners of the Elvis FANtasy Fest will perform concerts on both Friday and Saturday evening. Award winning tribute artists Irv Cass, Quentin Flagg, Stephen Kabakas and Robert Washington will recreate all eras of Presley’s illustrious career. There will be auction items, door prized, food and games available all weekend. Joining the ETAs on Friday night will be Ted Torres doing Ricky Nelson, Chris Solano doing Buddy Holly and Ed Parynziak performing as Johhny Cash to add the variety of the ‘50’s music that is so well loved by fans of all ages.
Ticket available at the door – children under 12 are free. Special Olympians who wear their team shirt are invited at no charge.
Doors open Friday night at 5:30 pm for a dinner/dance and free sock hop. 10 am on Saturday & Sunday.