Latest news with #ElvisFestival
American Press
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
14-year-old ready to take audience on musical journey of Elvis' hits
Elvis tribute artist Zaden J., 14, will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Strand Theatre, 432 N. Main St. in Jennings. (Special to the American Press) Fourteen-year-old Zaden J. Gallion has been an avid fan of Elvis Presley since he watched one of his concerts with his dad. Zaden, who hails from Jonesboro, Ark., has been performing as an Elvis tribute artist for more than three years, appearing in theaters and restaurants across Arkansas and Missouri. He performs under the stage name 'Zaden J.' He will be performing at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Strand Theatre, 432 N. Main St. in Jennings. Doors open at 5 p.m., and Zaden will be taking the audience on a musical journey of Elvis' hits. 'It started by my dad,' Zaden explains. 'He got me started when I was little. He had an Elvis concert on TV and I started to watch it, and later on, he took me to Dean Z, an Ultimate Elvis tribute artist in Branson, Mo., and I just started learning one song after another, and then had my first show, and I just kept on going,' he said. 'I love doing it, and I want to keep doing it,' he continued. 'I want to eventually be an Ultimate Elvis one day. That's where you go to Memphis and compete, and you compete for $20,000, and then you also get the championship belt, and get to be called the Ultimate Elvis.' Zaden placed first place in the Tupelo Elvis Youth Competition last year during the Elvis Festival after securing second place in 2023. 'I did a song called 'Hurt,' which is probably one of the shortest Elvis songs out there, but I think I did it pretty good because it got me first place,' he said. 'I was surprised, too, because there were others who did really good, too, but it was fun. I was glad that I got first place because I worked hard for it. I studied that song every night, just watching videos and learning about it.' Zaden said his parents have always been supportive of his act and are among his biggest fans. 'They were the ones that kind of got me into it,' he said. 'They already liked Elvis … well, my dad really liked Elvis. My mom was a real big Bon Jovi fan, but then one day, we went to Graceland with some friends from Kentucky, and that's when my mom started liking Elvis a little more.' Zaden said he has always been fascinated by Elvis' music, moves and the way he captivated audiences since watching the concert with his dad. He's seen most of Elvis' movies and watches videos of his performa nce to perfect his own act. 'There's just something about the overall atmosphere,' he said. 'How he made the crowd have fun, and the show was good to watch. People enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. It just looked like he was having a good time, and it just looked like something fun to do.' Zaden's performance promises a night of nostalgia and high energy, taking audiences on a musical journey through the 'King of Rock and Roll's iconic career. Audiences attending Zaden's performance can expect a night filled with nostalgia, energy and a musical journey through the 'King of Rock and Roll's' career, from the iconic 1950s to the his legendary movie career to the electrifying 1968 comeback and the vibrant 1970s — complete with Elvis' timeless hits, signature moves and flashy jumpsuits. He covers songs from the 50s, movie soundtracks, the 1968 comeback special, and the Las Vegas years of the 70s. 'There's a lot of hip shaking and a lot of leg shaking and an overall great time,' he continued, adding he also enjoys interacting with the audience and making jokes during his shows. Zaden said he learned most of Elvis' moves and his persona by meticulously studying videos and watching other impersonators on stage. 'I just take my time learning to do the moves one step at a time, one finger movement, and just learning it all to 100 percent,' he said. Zaden said he really enjoys doing the 1970s Elvis, which he says is 'so much fun to do.' When asked about his favorite Elvis song to perform, Zaden chose 'If I Can Dream,' noting its powerful message of hope during a time when the world needed it. 'When Elvis sang it, it was during a time period when the world needed hope, and that's why he made that song,' he said. 'He stayed up all night learning it, and he just has a really powerful message to that song.' Zaden enjoys performing on stage, meeting new people, and hearing their stories and memories about Elvis. He finds joy in seeing the audience sing along, dance and have a great time. After his shows, he often does meet-and-greets, taking pictures and signing autographs. 'I enjoy meeting the people because I get to hear the stories about where they are from and stories about Elvis,' he said. 'I get to know where they're from, or they'll tell me a little bit about themselves. I enjoy getting to know people.'
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Wales Online
Parts of my hometown have been left to decay but I pinch myself that I'm lucky enough to live here
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Standing on the rocks overlooking the sea and watching the brilliant orange sun slowly dipping below the horizon, we could have been somewhere exotic like Bali or a Caribbean Island. Instead we were in the traditional 'bucket and spade' seaside town of Porthcawl - the place we are now lucky to call home. Growing up on the outskirts of Newport, we would usually head for Barry Island for a beach day as it was in easier striking distance - but we would occasionally make it to Porthcawl. Back then, it was like a magical kingdom to my brother and I as we enjoyed donkey rides, building sandcastles on Coney Beach and all the thrills and spills of the funfair (the water flume looking out across Porthcawl was legendary). I never imagined that decades later Porthcawl would be my home - and that I'd discover there's so much more to it than fish and chips, buckets and spades and Elvis (since 2004 it's hosted Europe's biggest celebration in honour of the King). (Image: Richard Williams) After living in Cardiff for 20 years, I ended up in Porthcawl somewhat by accident. When my partner and I were looking to move in together we needed to get a house that was conveniently situated between Cardiff for me (this was just before Covid and working from home was a thing) and Swansea for him. And the moment we visited the Newton area of Porthcawl I knew we'd found the place. The pretty village with a church green is a short stroll from the beach, a five-minute drive to the M4 and town centre and has two pubs and a Greggs (essential) in spitting distance. (Image: Rob Browne/WalesOnline) It's now been five years since we moved here and we've learned so much about Porthcawl. Firstly, let's get the negatives out of the way. It may be a go-to destination but public transport isn't great - there's no train station (shocking) and it's probably quicker to fly to the south of France than get a bus to Cardiff. And don't get me started on the new £4m bus station that's been the talk of the town - and not in a good way. During our time here we've seen many town centre shops and businesses close, including New Look, legendary cafe Fulgoni's and branches of Lloyds and the Halifax, but the story is similar in other towns throughout the UK - and there are some beautiful old buildings on the seafront that would have once been the epitome of grandeur but have now been left to decay. But the redevelopment of the old Jennings Buildings on the waterfront in recent years has created apartments, restaurants and coffee shops that bring a modern vibe to the seafront and appeal to a new wave of visitors along with town centre additions like The Greedy Pig, Bone Cartel and, more recently, Bar 32 which serves cocktails and tapas. There are plenty of events throughout the year - from the aforementioned Elvis Festival and the famous Christmas Day Swim to the Porthcawl 10k and weekly seafront firework displays in summer. And if you love watersports, from surfing and paddleboarding to wild swimming, the ocean is your oyster. There's no denying that it's the beautiful natural surroundings that brings people to Porthcawl in their droves - from the beaches, namely the Blue Flag Rest Bay which is a real surfers' paradise, to the famous Merthyr Mawr sand dunes adjoining Newton Beach that are a hit with hikers and the nearby Kenfig Nature Reserve. (Image: Karen Price) And, of course, Porthcawl still attracts families looking for traditional 'bucket and spade' fun, especially as it houses one of the biggest caravan parks in Europe - Trecco Bay. But that's one of the things I love about it - this seaside town is for everyone. Every time I watch the sun setting over the sea (often) and painting the sky brilliant shades of red, I pinch myself that this is now the place where I live.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The small coastal village that became one of UK's most popular seaside resorts
It draws visitors from far and wide to its beaches and is known globally for its Elvis Festival and this year Porthcawl marks its 200th anniversary. Here we take a look back at the town in pictures since it gained Royal Assent in 1885. Over two centuries the town has survived two world wars and recession as well as doubling its population for two weeks each year for the Miner's Fortnight. It's hosted political conferences as well as being a seaside and surfing destination with its fairgrounds, caravan parks and ice cream shops. Porthcawl has transformed since George IV gave Royal Assent for a tramroad to be built from 'Duffryn Llynfi, in the Parish of Llangonoyd, to or near a certain Bay called Pwll Cawl , otherwise Porth Cawl in the Parish of Newton Nottage' on June 10 1895. Two buildings were built on the dock, one for storing coal brought to the area that would become the town and one for administration. One of those buildings, known locally as the Jennings building, still stands today. By the late 1840's the iron industry was in recession and John Brogden and Sons Company of Sale, Manchester brought out the debts of Tondu Ironworks and with it a piece of land around Porthcawl harbour called Pickets Lease. It was this land, developed by James and Mary Brogden that became the town of Porthcawl we know today. The first vessel to enter the new Porthcawl dock was the steamer SS John Brogden and by 1880 James and Mary Brogden had moved into Seabank House and involved themselves in the town including overseeing building the sea wall which was the precursor of the Esplanade there today. It was this new sea walkway, and the national growing attraction of the seaside in Victorian times, which first drew visitors to Porthcawl. This in turn led to hotels, initially the Esplanade, being built. But by 1891 the Brogden fortune had gone and the dock and train line became the property of the Great Western Railway. That was followed by the closure of Porthcawl Dock in 1902 as trade moved to the new docks at Barry and Port Talbot which were purpose built and not tidal. Luckily the town continued to be developed for tourism and by 1914 Porthcawl had a population of 5,500 but was about to change with the outbreak of War One declared. During the war Porthcawl became a recruiting and training centre with six new battalions formed, a rifle range established in nearby Newton and the Rest Home converted into St John's Auxiliary Hospital. Soon Belgium refugees were welcomed into town life. The end of the war and the 1920s brought tourists back and In 1932 the Grand Pavilion was built followed by and Griffin Park in 1935. Porthcawl grew as a seaside destination in the years before Word War Two with 70,000 visitors arriving each season by train. Hotels and Boarding houses were often full and the town was buzzing. World War Two brought new people to the town with Dutch, Americans and some British service people arriving. The 49th Reconnaissance Regiment 'C' Squadron was formed in Porthcawl in September 1942, RAF Stormy Down was established, and the Jennings building was commandeered as Marine Air Sea Rescue No 46. Soldiers were soon camped around the town and Americans who arrived in 1943 were often seen training on Coney Beach in preparation for D Day. After the war peace brought holidaymakers back and Porthcawl's attraction as a seaside town continued to grow. Trecco Bay became a popular tourist resort with caravans and tents as an alternative to boarding houses and hotels. Soon the Miners' fortnight in Porthcawl was an established event in late July and early August earning the town the title of Wales' mini Blackpool. The town also has political history. On October 5 1957 Paul Robeson sang across the Atlantic to fans in the town. Unable to leave the USA after his passport was confiscated, owing to the government believing he had Communist sympathies, Paul Robeson sang down the telephone line to a packed house of 5,000 people in the Porthcawl Grand Pavilion for the 19th Miners' Eisteddfod. Some events were more rowdy. Between 1945 and 1968 the 12,000 seater Coney Beach Arena, hosted many boxing contests with the most infamous being on August 29 1960 when spectators swarmed into the ring resulting in a riot that took 20 Porthcawl policemen to control. Five years later the Beeching cuts saw Porthcawl Railway closed in 1965 bringing cars and car parks to the town instead. Meanwhile Porthcawl's popularity as a seaside resort continued to grow with the creation of Cosy Corner's paddling pool and Stan Stennett's Summer Shows, pantomimes, and the development of Trecco Bay Caravan Park into one of the largest in Europe. Fast forward to the 21st century and in 2004 Porthcawl staged its first Elvis Festival in 2004. The hugely popular festival is now internationally famed and one of the largest Elvis events in the world. For many the iconic lighthouse at the harbour is a symbol of the town with photographs of waves lashing the wall becoming a well known image of winter storms. The seas around the town can be perilous and Porthcawl RNLI is one of the busiest stations in Wales. But for most visitors to the town Porthcawl is a place to visit on sunny days for the beach or a stroll along the seafront with an ice cream in hand.
ABC News
29-04-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Parkes bypass leaves business community facing months of downturn
Business owners are pondering what price to put on peace following the opening of a new $287 million bypass in the NSW Central West town of Parkes. Before the upgrade, more than 1,200 trucks thundered through the town's main street each day on the main inland route between Melbourne and Brisbane. The noise may have been annoying, but it might be something business owners will come to miss. Parkes Chamber of Commerce president Geoff Rice said businesses, such as motels and service stations, were "definitely" being impacted by the new bypass and three months of road works needed to build a link to the old Newell Highway. "It is the same with any sort of road works, you're more inclined to drive past than try and work it out," Mr Rice said. "The sooner we can get the southern and northern entrances finalised and finished, it will be a definite advantage to the town." Businesses battling Troy Thompson runs a caravan dealership on the old Newell Highway, which before the bypass was the entrance to the town. That road will remain shut for the next three months as work is carried out to connect it to the new highway. Troy Thompson says the new bypass will significantly impact sales at his caravan business. ( ABC Central West: Hamish Cole ) "It will impact us quite severely until everything gets sorted," Mr Thompson said. "Until then, we will just have to sit on our hands and wait. "We were always pretty busy before the bypass because the Newell Highway brings a lot of customers into town." After years of discussions about a bypass around the town, famous for the annual Elvis Festival and Parkes Telescope, the new road opened in April after construction started in 2021. Parkes Shire Council Mayor Neil Westcott said businesses on the old entrance to the town faced a very "tight and tough" time while the upgrades were carried out. He said the work would be beneficial for the town in the long run. "I am well aware of the businesses that are on the old highway that will be feeling a real impact at the moment," Cr Westcott said. "We do have to go through this period of adjustment to come out the other side, I think in the long term though it will be fantastic." Before the bypass, a heavy vehicle passed through Parkes every minute. ( ABC Central West: Hamish Cole ) Improved signage needed Complaints about the new bypass include the lack of signs encouraging motorists to divert into Parkes. The Parkes Shire Council has set aside $1 million for improved signage at the bypass to entice people to enter the town. Meanwhile, the federal Nationals have promised $465,000 if elected to go towards the project. For Mr Thompson, the infrastructure should have been built before the opening of the bypass to prevent confusion amongst tourists. "That needs to have been done yesterday, it just goes without saying because if no one knows how to get here then who is going to come in? "There is just a bit of difficulty for people to get into town and work out where we are with how much of a rat race it is." Neil Westcott believes the bypass will bring long-term benefits to the town. ( ABC Central West: Hamish Cole ) Cr Westcott said the downturn was consistent with the experience of other communities that have had a bypass built. "There is an initial lull in business activity and then it picks up pretty quick, I don't think Parkes will be any different," he said. "Particularly as people discover the way into town and the fact that it is a quiet, more peaceful town." Road train reduction Before the opening of the bypass, more than 1,200 trucks and road trains would pass through Parkes. The town is on a main transport route for vehicles transporting goods between Melbourne and Brisbane. The Parkes Bypass opened in April after construction started in 2021. ( ABC Central West: Hamish Cole ) Mr Rice believes the reduction in trucks will eventually result in more people stopping in town in the future. "If you were hoping to pull up and there was a road train sneaking down behind you, you did go 'Oh well, maybe I'll just keep going'. " There is definitely the ability to actually pick-up some of that passing trade that will be able to stop and park. " The number of trucks entering the town was projected to more than double over the next 15 years with the completion of the Inland Rail project. "Those movements were untenable, we were going to have to have the bypass for that alone," Cr Westcott said.
