The Gold Coast Bulletin

VIVA THIS VEGAS: DEAN’S SET TO ROCK SURFERS

- BRITT RAMSEY

THE ‘King’ will dust off his blue suede shoes, and belt out high-energy classics — complete with pelvis thrusts and a sequin-encrusted jumpsuit — when VIVA Surfers Paradise returns next week.

Dean Vegas, the “most prominent Elvis impersonat­or in Australia”, has travelled the world and won awards for his spitting Elvis image, but said there’s nothing better than performing in his own backyard.

“Elvis is worldwide, universal,” Vegas said.

“I’ve been doing it (performing) almost 25 years, I love Elvis, I love performing, so I’m honoured to be part of it.”

Vegas will perform his only show of the festival at the Surfers Paradise RSL club on Saturday, July 14 and for those who can’t help falling in love, he’ll perform vow renewal ceremonies in a beach front setting.

“It’ll be fun, fun, fun – there’s so much happening, there’s different entertainm­ent every night of the week.”

Classic car fans won’t want to miss the festival’s first evening parade through Cavill Mall.

Around 20 Elvis impersonat­ors will be around the city for the 10-day event, culminatin­g in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on the final weekend, as they compete to represent the Asia Pacific region at the world Elvis titles in, where else but, Memphis, Tennessee.

There festival will also present other rock legends including Buddy Holly, Queen, David Bowie and Elton John.

To be held from Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 22, the annual event is expected to attract more than 60,000 music fans from all over the world to Surfers Paradise.

 ?? Picture: RICHARD GOSLING ?? He’s all shook up for Viva Surfers Paradise – Dean Vegas has the moves and the tunes ready for the popular festival.
Picture: RICHARD GOSLING He’s all shook up for Viva Surfers Paradise – Dean Vegas has the moves and the tunes ready for the popular festival.

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