Elvis to hit Frankston ELVIS is on the way to Frankston in the form of Ben Portsmouth, officially crowned the king of The King tribute singers by Elvis Presley Enterprises six years ago. Portsmouth, from Berkshire in the UK, shook up the world of Elvis performers by being the first non-American to take out the Ultimate Elvis crown in Memphis in 2012. The singer’s success in the contest led to an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman to perform An American Trilogy. “It was an incredible opportunity to do that on such a big show,” Portsmouth told The Times. He is bringing his Taking Care of Elvis show to Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday 25 January. The singer was honoured to win the Ultimate Elvis accolade despite hailing from Old Blighty. “Obviously Elvis is an American icon but I think as long as you do a half-decent respectful job the fans like you.” The Taking Care of Elvis show takes the audience on the journey through The King’s career from starting out in the 1950s at Sun Studios through major life events including Elvis joining the US Army, his mother dying and meeting wife Priscilla Presley. The two-hour-plus show also features songs from the Elvis-starring movies, the ‘68 Comeback Special and his 1970s live concerts in Las Vegas. “My favourite era is the 70s,” Portsmouth said. “I think the music was better, his voice had matured and it was really just the climax of his career.” The Berkshire lad has been hitting the road as Elvis for the past decade and says his father’s love for his music sparked initial interest in The King. “My dad listened to Elvis when I was a child in the car. There was a guitar in the house, and
In tune: Eva, Anna, Grace, Michael, Abraham, Grace and Tammy at Mt Erin College’s music school. Pictures: Gary Sissons Elvis is in the building: Ben Portsmouth takes to the stage as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Pic: Supplied
unbeknownst to my dad because I was quite rebellious, I didn’t want to admit to my day that I liked Elvis so I’d be out in the garden with a tape on and picked up a guitar and try to learn the chords. That’s how it all started.” The good-humoured Brit says he does not take offence being called an “Elvis impersonator”, regarded as a slur by some diehard Elvis fans. “It can be seen as a bit of a joke, really, but it’s not a joke. I enjoy what I do and try to do it the best I can.” Portsmouth is looking forward to visiting Frankston for the first time as a stop on the national Taking Care of Elvis tour. “I’m sure it’ll be a great night. I feed off the audience so it’s going to be an electric atmosphere.” Neil Walker
With a song in their heart MORE than 140 students took part in the Peninsula Youth Music Society’s 38th Summer Music School at Mt Erin College in Frankston South last week. They enjoyed making music with their new friends, with some having just begun exploring sounds and creating music. Others expanded their skills in improvisation or tried out instruments that best suited their talents. The week-long program on 9-13 January aimed to provide those aged five-18 with an “enjoyable and rewarding” musical experience. Organiser Nora Morrisroe said activities ranged from Rhythm ‘n’ Beat, Movement and Dance, Try an Instrument, Sing a Song and Percussive Beat for students with limited experience.
Concert Band and De Bruin Stage Band was an option for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Birrell String Orchestra was for young string players; Margaret Conyers String Orchestra was for older string players, and Monica Royal Vocal Theatre Style Group was for those interested in singing songs from musicals. Their efforts culminated in a concert on Friday night (12 January) at Frankston Art Centre attended by parents and friends. It highlighted the skills of the students through percussion ensembles, string orchestra, dance, music theatre, concert band and stage bands. See peninsulayouthmusicsociety.org.au or call 9789 3686 or 5975 8841 for information about the Peninsula Youth Music Society.
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Southern Peninsula News 16 January 2018
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