Elvis is in the building

'The King' rules the city
Date	March 16, 2013
Section(s)	Local News
Byline	By LINDSEY ADKISONThe Brunswick News
The darkened theater erupted in applause Friday as GaryElvis Britt hit the final note of "How Great Though Art." "Thank ya, thank ya very much," he told the crowd in trademark Elvis Presley tones as he exited the stage. As Britt, who legally changed his first name to GaryElvis years ago, walked through the Ritz Theatre, he stopped to chat with the other tribute artists preparing to take the stage for the Georgia Elvis Festival. After performing in more than 200 similar contests, Britt says he has established deep bonds with some of his competitors. "It's like a fraternity. We're like brothers," he said. The bond the artists share is strengthened by their love of the King and paying homage to his music. Like Britt, many of the other tribute artists discovered their ability to imitate Presley's voice and mannerisms years ago. Britt's journey began when he was a youngster, growing up in Mobile, Ala. "My mother was a big Elvis fan, and she told me that I should become an Elvis impersonator. But I didn't think that I deserved to represent him," he said. Fate had other plans, and Britt began portraying the King 13 years ago. He hasn't looked back since, performing concerts everywhere from Las Vegas to Hawaii. Now, he's in Brunswick, hoping to walk away with the title of champion of the GeorgiaElvis Festival. Britt, along with the other ETAs (that is, Elvis Tribute Artists), put their best foot forward in the first round of the contest Friday. They will continue throughout the weekend, with the final round of performances to take place Sunday. The performers will also give free shows in the pocket parks around downtown Brunswick, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. While the focus is squarely on celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, local merchants are hoping the event will buoy business as well. To help reel in customers, many have been offering up Elvis-centric items or themed windows. Peggy Parrish, co-owner of Ned Cash Jewelers, 1418 Newcastle St., has even upped the ante. She and her co-workers donnedElvis costumes for their extended hours Friday. "It's a lot of fun. We've even got some jewelry, like Elvis Boulevard and teddy bear charms for charm bracelets," Parrish said. "We've just really been trying to welcome them. We hope that it will help to bring people downtown, maybe some new people, so that they can experience the magic of downtown Brunswick." Parrish wasn't the only business woman who was excited to see the Elvis invasion. Susan Bates, owner of Tipsy McSway's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 1414 Newcastle St., was also thrilled. The restaurant played host to several of the festival's after-performance parties and many impromptu performances taking place there the past few days. Bates says she is loving having the additional guests. "I'm surprised by how many people there are from out of town. Everyone in Glynn County should really be thanking these organizers. There are people here from all over the world - Brazil, Qatar, Canada," she said. "The economic impact is solid." To cater to the taste buds of the King's fans, Bates and her staff have added some appropriate items to the menu. Among the weekend additions were fried dill pickles (the King was a huge pickle fan, as well as an advocate for anything fried) and Blue Hawaiian cocktails (named after his 1961 movie, "Blue Hawaii"). Like Parrish and Bates, Pamela Taylor, owner of Pam Pam's Cupcakes, 1514 Newcastle St., was also looking to satisfy the Elvisfans. "I'm a big Elvis fan, and I have Elvis here every day," she said, pointing to a tray of cupcakes. "This is my Elvis cupcake. It is a banana cake with a shot of peanut butter, hot fudge sauce and another shot of peanut butter." Like the other merchants, Taylor had seen a few costumed Elvises and their guests trickle in to sample some of her wares. "They are everywhere. And we're really glad to have them," Taylor said. * Lifestyle Editor Lindsey Adkison writes about lifestyle topics. Contact her at ladkison@thebrunswicknews.com, on Facebook or at 265-8320, ext. 316. The festival The Georgia Elvis Festival continues this weekend: * Saturday - Elvis classic car parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St. Round 2 of the contest is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the theater. Tickets are $20 to $30. Free "Elvis in Old Town" performances are from 4 to 7 p.m. in downtown squares. "One Night ... Remembered," a celebration of the of the 45th anniversary of Elvis' 1968 comeback special, is at 8 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre. Tickets are $49 to $89. * Sunday - A free Elvis gospel contest is from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Bay at Gloucester streets, downtown. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals are from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Ritz. Tickets are $25 to $35. Tickets are available at the Ritz box office or online at georgiaelvisfestival.com.