Coming to Cooly Rocks On for the first time is internationally renowned Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Dwight Icenhower!
Making his long awaited return to Australia, Dwight is set to bring the King’s iconic performances straight from the United States to Coolangatta from 5 – 9 June 2024. Get to know more about Dwight below!
With over 75 ‘First Place’ awards from contests around the world under his bedazzled belt, it’s no wonder why Dwight is widely considered one of the best ETAs in the world.
In 2015, Dwight made history as the only ETA to ever win four world championship titles consecutively during Elvis Week in Memphis, USA. Soon after in August 2016, Dwight was crowned the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, a prestigious contest held by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
But before all his many accolades came along, Dwight first fell in love with the music of Elvis Presley at the young age of 13.
“The very first Elvis tribute show that I ever attended was Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge TN when I was 13 years old. The Elvis Tribute Artist performing was an artist named Lou Vuto and I thought he was phenomenal! I thought to myself..”I would love to do this!” I had no clue that just a few short years later that my high school band director would ask me to play Elvis in a variety show and the rest was history for me!”
Since kicking off his ETA career, Dwight has taken his incredible shows around the globe, performing for fans from the United States to Japan. But it’s not just his voice that has the Elvis fanbase in a frenzy, Dwight’s uncanny resemblance to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll all comes down to an immaculate attention to detail, with his favourite outfit one that’s etched into the minds of fans around the world.
“When I saw Elvis walk out in the footage from Madison Square Garden HE LOOKED LIKE A FREAKING SUPER HERO! Drenched in gold from head to toe and wearing a CAPE… he literally looked like SUPERMAN! The very first time I dressed as Elvis that is EXACTLY how I felt… like SUPERMAN! Elvis not only changed music… I always say he changed fashion as well!”
With his voice, stage presence and looks down to a tee, it wasn’t long before Dwight was introduced to some of the King’s own entourage. Since then, he’s had the privilege to perform with some of Elvis’ own band, transporting audiences right back to the golden Presley years!
“The first time I ever shared the stage with one of Elvis’ original musicians will always be a highlight of my ETA career. It was back in 2003 when I first played a show with Elvis’ original drummer, DJ Fontana! It is a moment that I will never forget. I went on to play over a dozen shows with him. I have been blessed to work with many of the people who worked with Elvis including The Jordanaires, The Sweet Inspirations, The Stamps Quartet, Jim Murray (The Imperials), Charlie Hodge, Bob Lanning, Duke Bardwell just to name a few.”
Eager to catch Dwight at Cooly Rocks On this year? You’re in luck! Dwight will be taking the stage on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Friday night’s performance will be a special celebration highlighting the iconic eras between Elvis’ Hollywood films and the 1972 Madison Square Garden concert in New York City.
“I don’t want to give anything away…but..I always like to perform a few of the B sides or songs that are overlooked in the Elvis catalogue. I love the #1 hit records as much as every other fan but I truly believe some of Elvis’ best recordings were the songs that did not make it to #1. You are always sure to hear several of those type of songs in my show set lists!”
Can’t wait to witness one of the world’s best ETAs on the Cooly Rocks On stage? Book your ticket now for ‘Dwight Icenhower – Elvis From Hollywood to New York City!‘.
Or better yet, become a VIP Legends Pass holder for the ultimate Elvis experience, which will include a very special candy bar performance from Dwight, where you’ll get to watch one of The King’s finest Hollywood movies at Australia’s largest first-class cinema.
Plus, you’ll also see other incredible ETAs like Louis Brown, Che Orton, Jack Gatto, Charlie Gaylard, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest finalists, and many more exclusive events! Click below to find out more about the VIP Legends Pass or see all ticketed experiences on sale now.
