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The Elvis Festival will spawn another first in 2014.
Paul Fenech and John Collins, both experienced Elvis performers and regulars of the Parkes Elvis Festival (having appeared at the feature show on the main stage for the past three years) are creating waves of interest in their joint venture…The King Dome.
It will be located in the LP Johnston Hall at the Parkes High School and bring together top Elvis artists for a host of concerts.
These Elvis tribute artists (ETA’s) Paul and John - who between them have over 37 years of entertainment and business experience - wanted to expand on the current venue facilities.
They were also keen to offer additional ETAs opportunities and give back to the community who have supported so many ETAs over the years.
“After some thorough research and with the help of many locals including Mayor Ken Keith, our decision to open up a new venue as a concert hall for the duration of the Elvis Festival was easy,” John said.
“We received an overwhelming amount of support from Parkes High School principal Sandra Parker and securing such an established venue with wonderful facilities including air conditioning, great parking, huge stage and easy access, the King Dome was born.”
The LP Johnston Hall was chosen for its location, its capacitity and its ability to house one of the newest bands at the festival this year.
“It was named the ‘King Dome’ mainly to depict its connection with Elvis and “Dome’ was picked after the ‘Houston Astradome’ which was one of Elvis’ favourite concert venues in the USA,” Paul explained.
“After consultation with the Mayor, it was decided this was the perfect venue.
“We also thought it was a wonderful start to the expansion of the festival enabling many more ETAs opportunities to come to Parkes and work.”
John and Paul said it was very important to them both to give something back to the community of Parkes.
“So, our first show at the King Dome is scheduled for Thursday, January 9, and will be the ‘Welcome’ show,” John said.
“We will be offering the elderly, aged care, disabled and volunteers a free performance with free biscuits/cake and coffee served.
“The venue will also distribute complimentary tickets for local businesses who choose to support the King Dome.
A percentage of profits will go back into Parkes High School and the community.
Over the five days of the Festival, the King Dome will host some of Australia’s best professional and semi professional Elvis performers.
They will include winners of the Australian Ultimate Elvis Contest and King of the World contests.
The Elvis Tribute Artists will be travelling from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth just to perform at the King Dome.
Supporting this new venue is also Adelaide’s hottest and most experienced backing band who tour with the best USA Elvis shows whilst they are in Australia.
Local residents and visitors are urged to go along and show their support at the ‘King Dome!’.
More details of concert times will appear at a later date.