

The Change of Habit Tribute Band
Chicago's newest Elvis Tribute Sensation
The Change of Habit Band (COH) is dedicated to re-creating the bands of the finest entertainer
the world has ever known. They have quickly become the most exciting Elvis Tribute Band in the business. The chemistry and authenticity of these Elvis musicians has literally been taking the industry by storm. The COH band has proudly shared the stage with some of the Top Elvis Tribute Artists in the world. The band incorporates musicians with vast experience within the Elvis Tribute industry, and other professional musical organizations across the country.
A note from the band
"The members of The Change of Habit Tribute Band wish to sincerely thank
Michigan Elvis Fest for their hospitality, devotion, passion and constant
support throughout the past years. We are forever grateful and humbled by
the constant outpouring of generosity you show us. We thank you for every
opportunity you have provided and every door you have opened. As a band, we
look forward to working with you well into the future and we could not have
partnered with a better organization."
The Change of Habit Tribute Band
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Schedules: Friday July 9 Line up - Saturday July 10 Line Up
Special Thanks to Leo Days for being a part of our festival from 2000 to 2009. We wish him well in his new venture, and we will miss him.
Master of Ceremonies
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RONNY CRAIG LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Multi-talented Ronny Craig is the ideal MC for the premier Elvis event. His stage presence, soaring voice, and knowledge of the world of the ETA combine to always keep him in high demand. Born in Lake Benton, MN, he started out as a cattle buyer for his family's business, and on the weekends entertained as an Elvis Tribute Artist. Ten years later; Ronny had his own show in Branson, MS which ran for 5 years. He now spends part of every year in Texas as a variety entertainer and divides up the rest of the year into his many venues all over the country. All this and he also produces the "Elvis Explosion", a highly popular contest in LaCrosse, WI in September.
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The 2010 Featured Artists Include:
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STEPHEN KABAKOS
Ontario, Canada
International award-winning tribute artist Stephen Kabakos executes a dynamic portrayal of authenticity making him one of the most highly praised and sought after Elvis stylists in the country. With amazing accuracy, Stephen delivers an astonishing high-energy stage performance mastering the look, sound, vocal dexterity, and mannerisms of the King of Rock & Roll. His exquisite styling, superb musicianship and ability to successfully capture an authentic portrayal of Elvis Presley have endeared him to audiences everywhere. Stephen has traveled to Hong Kong, Bangkok, and China. Recognized for his talents Stephen returned to Memphis in August of 2007 as a featured guest performer in Elvis Presley Enterprises "Memories of Elvis" review and "The Spirit of the King" concert. After an eight year absence from competition, Stephen was crowned Grand Champion at Mississippi's Silver Slipper Casino and preceded to place amongst the top ten tribute artists in the world at EPE's 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis. We are very pleased to have him back and after seeing his performance, you will be too.
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KAVAN
Hilliard, Ohio
Kavan is an exciting and award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist. He makes you feel that you have gone back in time to the beginning of Elvis' career. Kavan has the moves, the talent, and the energy to bring to the stage the early 50's & 60's music of Elvis. In his short career, he has managed to make the young girls swoon and sway. You will not be disappointed with his dynamic and energetic performance.
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DWIGHT ICENHOWER
Orlando, Fla
Many returning guests of the Michigan ElvisFest will recognize this dynamic performer. Dwight began his fantastic career at the age of 16 and has performed all over the U.S. He has shared the stage with some personal friends of Elvis such as D.J. Fontana, The Sweet Inspirations & Joe Esposito, to name a few. His most recent accomplishments include: 1st Place 2010 Images of the King Contest in Frankfort, Kentucky, 2008 EPE Ultimate Elvis Contest Top 10 Finalist, and the 2008 1St Place Winner at the Potawatomi Casino Contest in Milwaukee. Dwight considers it a dream come true to have such a wonderful job. Close your eyes folks and listen - is it Dwight or is it Elvis?
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ROBERT WASHINGTON
Maine
We are so pleased to have Robert Washington back this year. A true gentleman in every way, he brings his audience to a fevered pitch, and leaves them screaming for more. Robert won the Images of Elvis® Competition in 2003, has toured Japan and, in May of 2010, performed in a six country tour starting in England with Elvis bass player Duke Bardwell and Michael Jarrett (songwriter of “I’ll Be Home on Christmas Day.”) We are certain that once you see Robert, he will become one of your favorites!
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MATT KING
Leslie, MI
As well as being one of the co-founders of the Michigan ElvisFest, Matt is one of the world's Top Ranked Elvis Tribute Artists. He has performed at over 1000 private and public events in the past 16 years. Matt's dedication and loyalty to authenticity has made him a success at contests and shows alike. He has wowed audiences all across the country, performing at several casinos including The MGM Grand, Harrahs, The Little River, Bluffs Run, and won the 1st Place title at The Soaring Eagle Casino in 2007. Sonny West once said of Matt: "Matt, you are a great talent and a friend." We think so too.
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RICK LENZI
Marysville, TN
Rick has been performing for 15 years, starting with
the early years of Elvis, and now performs all the eras
of Elvis. He has been a pre-qualified finalist for the
“images of the king” contest in Memphis, TN several
times. Seen on local & national TV and appeared in
the movie “3000 Miles to Graceland”. As Rick says,
Elvis has become one of his musical idols and he just hopes
that he can do him justice. No one will ever replace
Elvis Presley, but we can keep his memory alive.
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CHRIS AYOTTE
Canton, MI
Winner of the 2004 Director's Choice Contest at the Michigan ElvisFest, Chris returns for his 6th year. Most recently, Chris won The People's Choice Award & 1st Place at the Portage Elvis FANtasy Fest, qualifying him to be in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest in Memphis during Elvis Week in August. Fans of the Collingwood Elvis Festival will remember him as the 2009 Grand Champion Early Years. Chris has been performing Elvis since high school and has "always admired Elvis for his voice and God-given ability to inspire others through his music." Chris performs all Elvis eras as well as tributes to many other well-known entertainers. He is proud to be part of the Michigan ElvisFest this year.
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IRV CASS
Walled Lake, MI
An international award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, you may recognize Irv Cass from many different venues. From entertaining crowds in Las Vegas or Branson with the Legends in Concert, or at the House of Blues in Chicago, to appearing in the award-winning documentary "Almost Elvis," Irv has brought his heartfelt tribute to the one and only King of Rock and Roll - Elvis. He is a World Champion in the "Images of Elvis" contest as well as taking 1st Place at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Competition. Irv has also had the pleasure of performing with The Jordanaires, Carl Perkins, DJ Fontana, Ronnie Milsap, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. Whether he is entertaining in Germany, England, or even the Philippines, he is sure to win over the crowds by his heart and his charm. To know Irv is to love him - and we think you will love him too.
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TED TORRES
Orlando Florida
Ted Torres is a singer/songwriter/musician/actor that has traveled and performed his Elvis Tribute all around the U.S. He has won several major contests over the last couple of years, including being a part of the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis for the last 3 years. He is also one of the artists included in the EPE Elvis Cruise set for the Bahamas in November. Ted has been able to perform with (and now very honored to call his friends) many celebrities from the Elvis world including D.J. Fontana and The Jordanaires. Ted thinks that by being an Elvis fan first, and an entertainer second, he can help people re-live those memories when a poor boy from Tupelo conquered both Memphis and the world with his music.
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NICK GUTIERREZ
Oswego, IL
Nick Gutierrez, 15 years old, has been performing his tribute to Elvis Presley for 5 years. He has performed in New York, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, Wisconsin, as well as the Mall of America and of course, Memphis Tennessee. His biggest honor came when he performed for former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. Nick is an avid musician, not only singing, but he also plays guitar, keyboards and piano. He loves all types of music including Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Elton John, Rush and Kiss to name a few. You will want to see this talented young man!
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FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
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TOM JONES
Irv Cass
international award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, Irv Cass is back this year with an amazing tribute to the sexy Welshman, Tom Jones. In celebration of the close friendship
between Elvis and Tom during the Las Vegas years, Irv has created the show "Elvis Meets Tom" which has been getting rave reviews. You will be experiencing deja' vu as Irv recreates the moves, the magic, and the sex appeal that was Tom Jones. Ladies, we hope you don't blush easy! Prepare yourselves for such hits as: "She's a Lady," "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat," and many more. Once you've seen this act, you won't be able to "Help Yourself!"
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BUDDY HOLLY/GENE PITNEY
Jerry Connelly
Farmington Hills, MI
Jerry performs around the Detroit Area and
has opened for such stars as Chris Montez, The Reflections, The Marcels, Jack
Scott and Ronnie McDowell. Jerry keeps the sound of Buddy & Gene alive.
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THE WHATABOUTS
Michigan
The WhatAbouts are about singing 60's songs and good times, featuring Suzy, Kelly and Deb. The group performs all the Big Girl Group Songs of the 60s, such as, Chiffons, Shirelles, Supremes, The Angels, and many more.
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RICKY NELSON
Ted Torres
Orlando, Florida
Ted Torres has added a tribute to the late great Ricky Nelson. From his quiet demeaner, his well-known red sweater, and his way of singing that made all the girls swoon-Ted has captured the audience as he sings the songs we all loved to hear. Even Ozzie & Harriett would be proud.
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JOHNNY CASH
Rock Harley
Detroit, MI
Rock has been doing a tribute to Johnny Cash, “The Man in Black”, for a number of years. He has the raspy deep voice, the look, and the mannerisms of the late Johnny Cash. We think you will agree when you hear him sing.”
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PATSY CLINE/COUNTRY
Autumn Lane
Jackson, Michigan
Autumn Lane is 17 years old and from Jackson, Michigan. She has been singing country music since she was 10. She has performed in many talent shows and has sung at the Jackson County Fair. Her favorite country music performer is Patsy Cline. One of Autumn’s most memorable singing experiences was when, at age 14 she recorded “Crazy” by Patsy Cline at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Autumn is a huge Elvis fan and will never forget when she and her family won a VIP trip to Graceland in 2008. This is her 8th year to attend the Michigan Elvis Festival and she is very honored and excited to perform at the 2010 Elvis Festival.
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T.J. Craven
Detroit, Michigan
Since the age of 11, TJ has been performing all over Michigan. Whether you like old classics or new favorites TJ delivers
show you won’t soon forget. He has opened for national acts such as Clay Underwood, and has performed at many festivals,
and even sang the national anthem at the Detroit Pistons game”
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Acts and performance schedules are subject to change.
© Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. ELVIS and ELVIS PRESLEY are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Inc. All rights reserved.
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