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'The Man in Black' and 'The King' pay a
double-tribute visit to PWL Slave Lake

April 24th, 2017

What a treat for residents of Points West Living Slave Lake to have not just one, but two musical legends in one afternoon show. On Saturday April 8th, residents and family members gathered to watch and laugh and sing along to the many memorable songs of the late greats, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, presented by tribute artist, Leland Johnson of Cochrane Alberta. 

Johnny Cash opens the show

The Man in Black, Mr. Johnny Cash opened the show and quickly warmed up the audience, getting them to sing along to Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire and A Boy Named Sue. “The residents were clapping their hands and laughing at the little jokes he was making,” says recreation coordinator Martine Carifelle, “and at how he strolled around and held the microphone for some to join in and help him sing the lyrics.”

When Johnny Cash left the stage his audience wanted more; and they got it when he returned as the King of Rock and Roll.

The King was in the building...

The audience greeted Elvis’s arrival with great enthusiasm, especially from one woman in the front row who stood up to dance with him. He sang songs like Blue Suede Shoes, How Great Thou Art, Teddy Bear, and Are You Lonesome Tonight. “He made a point to serenade each woman in the audience,” says Martine, “hugging them, kissing their hands and he even took time to sit on the sofa with one resident and sing to her.”

Acting GM 'plays' backup guitar

Towards the end of the show Elvis said he needed a backup guitar player, and persuaded Interim General Manager Petal Hamilton to the front to ‘jam’ on the guitar. “Petal played her part with such a great sense of humour,” says Martine. “Everyone was laughing as she was dancing and going everywhere in the audience with Elvis.”

Enjoyable family time

“The afternoon was a big hit, and when the show was over we had snacks, juice and coffee for everyone so that they could sit after the show and talk about the afternoon.” Martine adds, “We had a really good turnout and I was happy that family members came to watch and be with their loved ones.” Martine’s own daughters, Zoelle and Lise took part as well, learning how to use Leland’s audio and lighting system in the morning, and working as his back-up technicians during the show.

Photo: Elvis (Leland Johnson) serenades 97-year-old Frances Bignell at PWL Slave Lake tribute show on April 8th

More Photos at Flickr: The Man in Black and The King pay a double tribute visit to PWL Slave Lake

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