Most of us were taken aback by the huge turnout of Elvis Presley fans at our March 17 show at Julie’s Café in Uni Garden in Samarahan.
That could be the best turnout ever for any Elvis gig in Kuching thus far – it was our Samarahan debut. Even before all the Elvis Tribute Artistes (ETAs) arrived, the seven or eight tables laid out in the open air space in front of the shop were taken with at least three guests each. Inside the shop most of the more than twenty tables were either booked or occupied, thanks to a big group of DYR (Do You Remember) members led by veteran guitarist/musician Dennis Tan. Also joining them were leading journalist Sulok Tawie and wife, who are both DYR members. They certainly came to support Ges and me who are also members of the group. For that matter in most of our shows in the city over the last three years, Dennis and group always turned out with fail.
All the way from Kampung Sorak Dayak Serian, my former colleague and former The Borneo Post editor-in-chief Dato Jimmy Adit was already stationed at a reserved table outside at the café front to show his support. Jimmy, who recently recorded a dozen original English songs for his debut Album ‘Dream of You’, was accompanied by the album’s music arrangement director Ivy. Known for his superb guitar skill and remarkable EP vibrato, Jimmy @ Eljim is also a life member of EPFCS.
For the other Samarahan fans, the inaugural gig by ETAs in their territory was something out of the ordinary and a golden opportunity for them to brush shoulders with the King’s men, some whose names they had heard but never met. When we went around to greet them, many expressed their happiness and delight for being able to be part of Elvis show. We found that the semi-urban fans were more responsive and expressive in terms of their support and appreciation. The Elvises were astounded by such gesture and as such we are hoping to meet them again in the very near future to share the magic of the King’s music with them. To this, I would like to say thanks and kudos to Samarahan EP fans and to Julie and her colleagues too.
When Ges and I checked the repertoire and sound system at new music joint Aus Selalu (literarily Always Thirsty) next door to Julie’s Café two weeks earlier, we actually wanted to arrange for a gig there. However, Aus Selalu proprietor was not around. It was the gorgeously enterprising Julie Bunjai Robert Sanut, my relative by marriage from Julau, who closed the deal for ETAs to perform at her place on March 17 and started the show promotion immediately on facebook and words of mouth.
Five of six ETAs were confirmed to perform and to be backed by versatile keyboardist Major (rtd) Abong Umping who is also a life member of EPFCS. Also expected to join Abong was Joseph Jiken, a seasoned guitarist from Bau.
By 9.30pm on that auspicious Saturday evening Elvis of Kuching Ges Berundang, popularly Elges Presley, who is also EPFCS chairman and four other ETAs were ready to come out accompanied by ‘Sprach Zaracthustra’ the signature tune of ETA entrance. After the announcement of “Ladies and Gentlemen ‘Elvis Presley’” Elges started with the first verse of ‘That’s Allright Mama’, followed by the others comprising the author (Elval), Eskandar Eyaw (Elkanda, 1965 Elvis Presley of Sarawak titleholder), Elaz AJ (Azmi Jahidin) and young Adrian David Junior (Eladrian). Abong and Joseph also joined in backing up with the keyboard and guitar.
Elges, the sole ETA from Sarawak who made a pilgrimage to Graceland, the majestic home of the King in 2004, started the ball rolling by making a short speech introducing the King’s men. Café owner Julie who put on a typical EP jumpsuit also took to the stage for a brief address of thanks.
Eadrian, the sole Bidayuh ETA in the state, in a young Elvis attire, put up a strong performance to please the crowds with a medley of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ and ‘Teddy Bear’, followed by ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and ‘Hound Dog’.
Eskandar Eyaw, resplendent in a dark blue EP jumpsuit and matching belt, brought the audience to the 50s and 60s with early EP numbers such as ‘Tender Feeling’, ‘No More’, ‘Doing The Best I can’ and ‘She’s Not You’. At 73, he still has the voice and power of a 30-year-old.
It was silat master Elaz AJ who stole the show from the rest with his daring and mesmerising performance inspired by thunderous applause and a newly cut blue and white attire. At the height of his element, he even went up a chair higher meant as easier spectacle for the big crowd. His renditions included ‘Welcome to My World’, ‘Give Me The Right’ and ‘Follow That Dream’.
I took to the stage with my favourite EP top hits of ‘King of Whole Wide World’, ‘Shake Rattle ‘N Roll’, ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’ and ‘Baby I Don’t Care’ all rock and roll numbers for my first slot plus a few others in the second slot which were mostly blurred after a mild degree of intoxication.
Elges who entered the finals in the Gold Coast Australia Viva Surfers Paradise, an ETA contest, in 2015 was the last to take to the stage. Slimmer in a white and green peacok EP jumpsuit after a three-month stint in Melbourne, the Kuching Elvis Presley 2002 enthralled the responsive audience with ‘G.I Blues’, ‘Johnny B Goode’, ‘Love Machine’ and a few others. At 2am the fans were still asking for more, especially fast numbers with many of them taking to the floor dancing to the rock and roll tunes oblivious to their surrounding, thanks to reasonably cheap beer and alcohol – Julie Café charges with ordinary coffee shop price.
When we left at 2.30am the singing by guests using karaoke system was still ongoing though the crowd was thinning.
All the ETAs gave an A plus grade for Julie’s Café and its crowds on Saturday 17 March, saying it was a great moment to savour. On this coming Saturday 14 April the place will be used to hold Iban songs of the 70s and 80s karaoke contest with lucrative prizes up for grabs, I have been told. 10 April is the closing date for entries. Some ETAs will be there to lend support. Cheers and good luck!
