Considered one of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world, with five world-championships under his lavish belt, the USA’s Dwight Icenhower will be Taking Care of Business as one of three international headline Elvis acts at Cooly Rocks On this June.
The highly acclaimed performer will be joined on the Gold Coast by the incredibly talented Louis Brown from the UK and 2023 Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, NZ’s Che Orton.
Dwight Icenhower has mastered the 50s, 60s, and 70s eras of Elvis’ career and has performed with many of Elvis’ original musicians, such as The Jordanaires, The Stamps Quartet, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Gerchio, DJ Fontana and Duke Bardwell.
He won 75 ‘First Place’ awards in contests across the globe and became the only Elvis Tribute Artist in history to win four world championship titles consecutively during Elvis Week in Memphis, USA. This will be the first time Cooly Rocks On fans can see Dwight on the Coolangatta stage.
“I can’t wait to come and perform for you all at the next Cooly Rocks On! I would absolutely love to see all my Australian friends and fans come out and rock with me and the other fantastic entertainers! If you love, great music, and especially Elvis, there’s only one place to be and that’s Cooly Rocks On. Let’s Rock ’n’ Roll!” – Dwight Icenhower.
“The Elvis Precinct has become a huge fan favourite at Cooly Rocks On and the team wanted to provide another unmissable experience,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth.
"This year we are stoked to welcome to the festival three phenomenal tribute artists from across the globe, who are sure to rock the Coolangatta crowd. We have also created some special events for our VIP Legends Pass holders"
Coming all the way from East Yorkshire, Louis Brown is quickly rising to the top in the Elvis Tribute Artist world and will be putting on his Blue Suede Shoes ready to bring some energy to the Gold Coast.
The multi-award-winning artist specialises in performing The King’s music from the early years of Elvis’ career from the Sun Sessions through to the Hollywood Movie Years.
A festival favourite that needs no introduction to Cooly Rocks On fans, Che Orton, is back in 2024. After winning the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest back in June 2023, the New Zealand-based performer ranked in the top five Elvis Tribute Artists in the world at Elvis Week in Memphis this year.
Beyond his remarkable performances, Che’s attention to detail shines in every aspect of his tribute show. He proudly rocks replica Elvis suits, and his jewellery is crafted by the same jeweller who adorned The King himself. With a voice that resonates with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest icon, Che continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
The first chance fans will have to secure tickets to these not-to-be-missed performances is by purchasing one of the festival's exclusive VIP Legends Passes, on general sale at 9AM (AEST) on Wednesday 13 December.
Now in its fourth year, the Cooly Rocks On VIP Legends Pass provides Elvis devotees with the ultimate Elvis inspired experience including premium seating, VIP drink service, exclusive events including entry to the Cooly Rocks On VIP Legends Pass opening event and the annual Elvis Karaoke after party, memorabilia bags and much more.
The passes also provide entry to all three rounds of the Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, an official preliminary contest for Elvis Week at Graceland, one of only two contests in Australia sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
For the first time, VIP Legends Pass holders will also be invited to enjoy an exclusive night at the movies. The night includes a candy bar performance from host Dwight Icenhower who will select his favourite songs from Elvis’s film career, then passholders can immerse themselves in Australia’s largest first-class cinema experience, settle back and watch one of The King’s finest Hollywood moments.
The five-day Cooly Rocks On festival, proudly produced by Experience Gold Coast, is held in the iconic beachside destination of Coolangatta from 5 – 9 June, and not only celebrates the music of yesteryear but the lifestyle and, of course, the motors. The hugely popular festival has one of Australia's largest showcases of cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s, including classics, hot rods, customs and muscle cars. While the Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant attracts entrants from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand.
Record crowds from across Australia and overseas attended the festival in 2023 and with a host of international tribute artists set to take to the stage as well as the best rockabilly, rock ’n’ roll and swing acts, the 2024 festival is going to be bigger and better than ever.
2023 VIP Legends Pass holders will have exclusive access to presale tickets at 9AM (AEST) on Tuesday 12 December a day ahead of the general sale. With over $1,000 in value, you can get the ultimate VIP Elvis experience for just $499! To buy tickets visit the Cooly Rocks On website. General Admission tickets will also be available for shows in the Elvis Marquee from early 2024.
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
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Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
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