When American Selim Ariturk came to Australia to work at the United States Consulate in Sydney, he never thought he would see so many Elvii in one place.
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But the Consulate’s Public Affairs Officer soon heard rave reviews about the Parkes Elvis Festival, and on Friday he was “blown away”.
I wish all of the organisers continued success for 25 more great years!
- Selim Ariturk
“We’ve been sponsoring the Parkes Elvis Festival … for a few years now and we think it’s such a great way to highlight the ties between our countries,” Mr Ariturk said.
He spent two days in Parkes, visiting the Dish and meeting with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce.
In between he immersed himself in the festival, engaging with many of the tribute artists and participating in Saturday morning’s Northparkes Mines Street Parade.
He said watching international Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA), and fellow American, Jake Rowley in the 2017 Feature Concert Series ‘Viva Las Vegas’ was a highlight.
”He gets the voice so well, he gets the persona so well,” Mr Ariturk said.
“He didn’t break character for a second. It was like a solid hour of watching Elvis up there interacting with us.”
He said he and Mr Rowley had both marvelled at the incredible legacy of Elvis.
“We were talking about how we were both born after Elvis died,” Mr Ariturk said.
“But still we hear so much of it growing up from our parents and on the radio … so it’s a lot of fun to be here.
“Viva Las Parkes! I’m having a great time here and I wish all of the organisers continued success for 25 more great years!”