The Virtual Elvis Click the picture to listen to Elvis and change his look
The Change of Habit Tribute Band
Chicago's newest Elvis Tribute Sensation
The Change of Habit Band (COH) is dedicated to re-creating the bands of the finest entertainer
the world has ever known. They have quickly become the most exciting Elvis Tribute Band in the business. The chemistry and authenticity of these Elvis musicians has literally been taking the industry by storm. The COH band has proudly shared the stage with some of the Top Elvis Tribute Artists in the world. The band incorporates musicians with vast experience within the Elvis Tribute industry, and other professional musical organizations across the country.
A note from the band
"The members of The Change of Habit Tribute Band wish to sincerely thank
Michigan Elvis Fest for their hospitality, devotion, passion and constant
support throughout the past years. We are forever grateful and humbled by
the constant outpouring of generosity you show us. We thank you for every
opportunity you have provided and every door you have opened. As a band, we
look forward to working with you well into the future and we could not have
partnered with a better organization."
The Change of Habit Tribute Band
RONNY CRAIG LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Ronny Craig is the premier MC for all national & international Elvis events. He is the producer of the “Elvis Explosion” a
Popular contest held in Branson, MO and LaCrosse, WI. This talented, busy man has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows. His movie credits include: Almost Elvis, & The Men Who Would be King. We are honored to have him back as our 2009 Emcee.
The 2009 Featured Artists Include:
STEPHEN KABAKOS Ontario, Canada
International award winning tribute artist Stephen Kabakos executes a dynamic portrayal of authenticity making him one of the most highly praised and sought after Elvis stylists in the country. With amazing accuracy, Stephen delivers an astonishing high-energy stage performance mastering the look, sound, vocal dexterity, and mannerisms of the King of Rock & Roll. His exquisite styling, superb musicianship and ability to successfully capture an authentic portrayal of Elvis Presley has endeared him to audiences everywhere. Covering Elvis’ entire career Stephen successfully recreates the early Sun Studio recordings, through to the army, movie, ‘68 Comeback, and explosive concert years.
ROBERT WASHINGTON Maine
Robert has competed in the Images of Elvis® Competition several times, finishing in the top 3 every time. He wears the costumes that Elvis made famous with dignity. A true gentleman in every way, Robert brings his audience to a fevered pitch, and leaves them screaming for more. He says he feels connected to Elvis, as Elvis passed away on Robert's 19th Birthday.
Raised in Cape Girardeau, MO, and now living in Maine. We welcome
Robert to the ElvisFest, and know that he will become one of your favorites.
MARIO KOMBOU England
He has been performing his tribute to Elvis for 15 years.
Mario trained as an actor and has starred in film, television and theatre around the world.
Mario starred in the hit London West End musical production of “Jailhouse Rock” in the leading role of “Vince Everett.
Mario won the “ Images Of The King” competition in 2005.
Mario is pleased to announce he and some of the cast of “Jailhouse Rock” are touring their new musical production “ The Elvis Years 1954-1977”.
The show is at present touring England.
LEO DAYS Las Vegas
Among the awards Leo has won, 1st place out of 64 contestants
at the North American International Elvis Tribute Artist contest in 1998.
1st Place in "Images of Elvis" in Grand Rapids, MI in 1999. 1st overall
in Peoples Choice in Portage, IN in 2001 and Michigan Bluebird County
Magazine Entertainer of the Year in 2003. His authenticity capitivates
& mesmerizes audiences of all ages. "Audience members have left
Leo's shows with disbelief of how much he is like Elvis" His knowledge &
love for the King shows in each & every performance. If you aren't an
Elvis fan you will be after you see Leo perform.
DWIGHT ICENHOWER Orlando, Fla
Dwight began his fantastic career at the age of 16. He has performed
all over the U.S. and he plans to expand that to all over the world.
He wishes to keep the memory of Elvis alive by using his amazing
talents. He has shared the stage with some personal friends of
Elvis: D.J. Fontana, & Joe Esposito, to name a few. His most recent
accomplishments include: Winning 1st place/2005 Isle of Capri
Marquette Iowa Contest; 1st place/2005 Elvis Invasion of SW Florida,
1st place & People's Choice at Lou Vuto's Reflections Theatre 2005
ETA contest, and Winner of the 2005 Images of the King Spirit of
Elvis Award. On March 26th, 2006, Dwight took 1st place at the King of the Windy City Contest, in Chicago.
MATT KING Leslie, MI
As well as being one of the co-founders of the
Michigan Elvisfest, Matt is an amazing Elvis Tribute Artist.
He has wowed audiences all across the country.
Some of his most recent awards include: 1st place at
the 2005 Elvis Fantasy Fest, Portage IN/
1st place 2005 Ronny Craigs Elvis Explosion in
LaCrosse, WI/ and 1st place at the 2005 Bluffs
Run Casino Council in Bluffs, Iowa. Sonny West
once said of Matt: "Matt, you are a great talent
and a friend.". We think so too.
Listen to a short clip
DUKE MASON Joplin, Missouri
Duke Mason is a special performer because of his unique height of only 46 inches. However, his talent and charismatic personality bring a respect and dignity to his singing that only few are chosen to have. A truly multi-talented and exciting performer, Duke sings, plays guitar, keyboard, bass and drums.
Duke has appeared on programs with country greats including: George Jones, Dale Evans, The Blackwoods, Albert E. Brumley Jr., Pat Boone, LeRoy VanDyke, Archie Campbell, Faron Young, "Hee - Haw " star Lulu Roman, Donna Douglas of "The Beverly Hillbilly's ", and many others. Duke has also appeared as a soloist and piano player for country music singer Tommy Overstreet.
CHRIS AYOTTE Canton, MI
Winner of the 2004 Director’s Choice Contest at the Michigan Elvisfest, Chris returns for his fourth year. Most recently, Chris was a top winner at the 2007 Tribute to the King national contest in Milwaukee, WI. He was also a finalist in the 2006 Holiday Idol Contest at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. Chris has been performing Elvis since high school and has “always admired Elvis for his voice and God-given ability to inspire others through his music.” Chris performs all eras, 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s, and tributes to other well-known entertainers as well. He is proud to be a local ETA at this year’s exciting Elvisfest.
MATT JOYCE Little Rock, Arkansas
Matt is a recent graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. He has a Bachelors
in marketing. Matt, his wife, and their 2 children live near Little Rock, Arkansas.
He has competed in many contests, recently winning 1st place at the Tribute to the King,
in Tula, Mississippi. The audiences that have witnessed this tribute artists, were very
impressed by the young 50's Elvis sound and moves. You are guaranteed to feel the vibe
when this young man takes the stage.
TED TORRES Orlando Florida
Ted Torres is a singer/songwriter/musician/actor from Orlando, Florida.
Aside from performing his own original music ,Ted has worked hard at also making his mark in the Elvis world.He has traveled and performed around Memphis for Elvis Week for the last six years and also at venues and events all around the U.S. He has won several major contests over the last couple of years.Has been part of the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis in 2007 & 2008 and has also been able to perform with many celebrities from the Elvis world on various occasions including ; Mr. DJ Fontana,The Jordanaires which he is very lucky and honored to also call his friends.
He hopes he can help people relive those memories when a poor boy from Tupelo, Mississippi conquered both Memphis and the world with his music. Ted is honored to be back at the Michigan Elvis Fest this year. We know you will be as mesmerized as we are when you see him .
FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
ELTON JOHN DWIGHT ICENHOWER Orlando, Fla
Dwight Icenhower is not only a very talented ETA but will also amaze you with this great Tribute to
Sir Elton John. His moves, his looks, his clothes, and of course the amazing songs we all remember. You won’t want to miss this!!.
TOM JONES IRV CASS
International award winning ELVIS tribute artist Irv Cass is back this year with an ALL NEW tribute to MR. EXCITEMENT himself, the sexy Welshman,TOM JONES. In celebration of the close freindship between ELVIS and TOM during the Las Vegas years, Irv has created a show, ELVIS meets TOM which has been getting rave reviews. It is surely a special treat for the ladies! Irv recreates all the magic, the moves and the sex appeal that was Tom Jones. Get ready to stomp your feet, clap your hands and swing to the beat as Irv performs such great hits as , "She's a Lady", "It's Not Unusual", "What's New Pussycat, and many more. This is gonna be BIG FUN! Irv Cass like you've never seen him before, are you ready? Then, HELP YOURSELF.
RICKY NELSON TED TORRES Orlando Florida
Ted Torres has added a tribute to the late great Ricky Nelson. From his quiet demeaner, his well-known red sweater, and his way of singing that made all the girls swoon-Ted has captured the audience as he sings the songs we all loved to hear. Even Ozzie & Harriett would be proud.
ELVIS DEMI DOWNING Adel, Georgia
Demi Downing is a 12 year old power house from Adel, GA. Her travels have taken her all across the United States including locations from Las Vegas to New York. More recently, she was extended an invitation to perform in Europe, had the honor of performing for former President Jimmy Carter, was featured on America’s Got Talent, and was showcased on Nashville Spotlight. Demi is proud that even as a young girl she is able to help carry on the legacy of Elvis like all other ETA’s. In her own words, “I was born to be the Queen for the King of Rock n’ Roll."
Nick is twelve years old, he has been performing as an Elvis Tribute Artist for the past 3 years. He
has performed across the country including such events as the Images of the King; Elvis Explosion/ and
at Lake George Elvis Festival to name a few. He has even had the honor of meeting a few of Elvis' friends. It is Nick's mission to make Elvis proud and to be true to Elvis and his music.
Acts and performance schedules are subject to change.
