Sean Martin was visiting Pala Casino when he saw Scot Bruce, an Elvis entertainer, performing, and was in awe how the crowd reacted to him.
“It looked like he and the audience were having so much fun,” he said. “I was hooked. When I arrived back home, I immediately started practicing Elvis’ music and I have yet to stop.”
That was about 15 years ago, and since then the 51-year-old Cypress resident has been performing throughout Southern California as well as Las Vegas as an Elvis tribute artist and will be among those featured during the 19th Annual Elvis Festival on Sunday, Aug. 26 on Historic Main Street in Garden Grove. Always held near the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death (Aug. 16, 1977) the Festival is an all-day tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.
Martin vividly recalls what he was doing the day Elvis Presley died.
“I was watching the news when the newsflash came across reporting that Elvis had passed away that day. I was only 10 years old, but it felt like the world had stopped and was in utter shock about his passing. I especially remember the lady news reporter was sobbing while reporting on his passing. How incredibly sad that day was. I also remember how shocked and saddened my parents were.”
“A big part of what inspires me about Elvis is how big of a heart he has and how humble he was even though he was the greatest entertainer that ever walked out on a stage bar none! I am still amazed at how one man’s generosity and talent influences and brings together so many people throughout the world even to this day,” he added.
In his American Eagle jumpsuit, Martin will sing songs from the first live satellite concert known as “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii,” during a noon set titled “Sun to Heaven,” which is a musical story about Presley’s career start at Sun Record Co. up until his death. The set also includes In Memoriam tributes to five devoted Elvis fans. Martin will sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for Pam Shell of Buena Park, who died in July of 2016. During her illness Martin would sing that song over the phone to her.
In addition, the festival highlights Presley’s love for cars, particularly Cadillacs, with the King of Cadillacs Car Show for passenger cars dating up to 1977. One of his other interests, motorcycles, will be part of a new event this year: The Hound Dog Motorcycle Ride and Bike Show presented by Lifestyle Cycles and is in conjunction with a fundraiser to support Patriots and Paws, an organization that provides service dogs for veterans.
Other activities include a Portraits of Elvis Gallery Show & Contest at Black Umbrella Tattoo and Art Gallery, stilt-walking Elvis and Priscilla, memorabilia and collectibles, Elvis Bingo and Bake Walk, Abbit the Average Elvis, rockabilly caricature artist and photo booth.
There will be special Elvis menu items from food trucks such as The Elvis Cupcake by Dreamy Creations, a two-time winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, along with a variety of restaurants and shops. Among the restaurants is Azteca Restaurant, known for its Elvis-themed atmosphere, with movie posters, photos and memorabilia donning the walls and the ceiling. Next door is Kaye’s Kitchen, which will feature a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich on the menu during the festival.
Admission and parking are free. Limited VIP stage seating available at additional cost.
The Festival on Historic Main Street is located between Garden Grove Boulevard and Acacia Parkway in Garden Grove. Use the address of 12911 Main St., Garden Grove, on GPS, or other map/directions locators. Parking is available at adjacent lots of Concorde and Coastline College.
More information is available on Facebook by locating the 19th Annual Elvis Festival page, by sending an email to elvisfestival@yahoo.com or calling 714-267-4657.
The Festival is made possible in part by the support of the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association and the Garden Grove Community Foundation.
