A Regina man is paying tribute to Elvis Presley as he dons some of the late rockstar’s classic outfits while performing his music on stage.
Jesse Lamont, 23, is backed by a 19-person band. Together they perform many songs in similar layout to what Presley once used.
“He is incredibly iconic. There is a viewer base out there that loves him, me included,” said Lamont.
The Elvis tribute artist originally began singing at the age of 14. Lamont credits his time at Sask Express for helping shape his talents, performance, and professionalism as an artist.
“They pushed me to be critical about the way I present myself and how to improve, how to continue to grow as a performer,” said Lamont.
Lamont also credits his family for helping with the performances.
Judy Stadeski, Lamont’s mother, creates the outfits seen on stage. They are all hand stitched with each emerald sewn on.
Lamont’s sister also helps run the lighting system during shows.
“Nothing that I have accomplished in the last two years could be done without the help and support of my family,” said Lamont.
Details like scheduling and organizing are done by others to help Lamont focus on the aspects he excels at. Lamont said this assistance is a large reason why the entire operation is successful.
Rory Allen has been an Elvis Presley tribute artist for 30 years.
Allen said there is a brotherhood among Elvis tribute artists and Lamont is going to do well.
“Everybody brings a different thing. You bring your special flavour to your show. You are going to get a different show from each guy that does it,” said Allen.
Allen said having another Elvis tribute artist in the province is a good thing because a large percentage of the population has yet to see an Elvis performance.
“There’s about three quarters of the province who haven’t seen our show who have been here for a while. There is lots of room,” Allen said.
Lamont works a regular job to fund his music career, but he hopes to be a full-time performing artist in five years.
“Once I started, I realized I loved doing it so much, that I am not sure if I will ever stop doing Elvis,” he said.
Lamont recently performed at an Elvis Festival in Penticton, B.C. He won the non-professional category and has been invited back to the event next year.
