ClubsNSW Elvis Poet’s Breakfast/Competition 2010

If you fancy you’re a poet and you’d like to let folks know it,
and you have a love of Elvis (He’s the King).
There’s a Breakfast out in Parkes you can go to for a lark.
To our competition all your poems bring.
There’s $300 bucks in prizes and there’ll be the odd surprises,
like the Rhymer from West Ryde (He’s our Mc).
Come and see out “E.T.A’s”. Sing & dance for 4 whole days.
It’s the most amazing sight you’ll ever see.

(E.T.A’s- Elvis Tribute Artists) © Graeme Johnson 1133 Victoria Road, West Ryde, NSW, 2114

Mmmm…What’s Poetry got to do a bunch of middle aged blokes who get their kicks dressing up as “Elvis the Pelvis” once a year? Well, there is a connection…read on. Festival organizers Bob & Anne Steele were long time Bush Poetry devotees & followers (Bob being an avid performer himself) when the idea struck them that a Poetry Competition about “The King” would add something different & unusual to the Parkes Elvis Festival agenda.

So in 2009 (with the assistance of “The Rhymer from Ryde”) the Inaugural “Elvis Poet’s Breakfast Competition” was launched. The Town Bowling Club presented a ‘slap-up’ meal guaranteed to add a few calories to any waistline as “The Rhymer” went about introducing the good folks of Parkes to some Traditional old fashioned “Aussie” Bush Poetry.

Eager competitors then threw their ‘hat in the ring’ as the Prime TV cameras whirled to catch all the action. Males & Females of all ages pledged their love to Elvis through verse as a ‘bumper’ crowd looked on. The popularity of the event inspired Bob & Anne to give it another run in 2010 so here we are again!

The competition is judged on both the poem’s written & performance merits (the poem does not necessarily have to be memorized-it can be read on the morning of judging). Sections are Original Serious & Original Comedy and must contain lyrics relating to Elvis, Priscilla, The Parkes Elvis Festival in general or any event held at the Festival. Remember this year’s theme is “Viva Las Vegas”.

“The Rhymer from Ryde” returns as Mc in 2010 with a swag of new awards ‘under his belt’ from his performances in 2009. Winner of the “Bobby Miller Memorial Award” for best comedy performance and scooping an “Overall Male Champion” & “Runner-Up Male Champion” title as well have brought him much recognition for his skills as an entertainer. Graeme will be showcasing his performing skills at the 2010 Breakfast as well.

Entries for next years “Brekky” must be received by 10th December 2009 and the author must be available (in Parkes) on the day of competition, Thurs 7th Jan, 2010.

When: 7am for 7.30 am start, Thurs 7th January, 2010

Where: Parkes Bowling & Sports Club, 6 Cecile Street

Cost: $25pp including an American Style Breakfast & entertainment

Tickets: Available from the Parkes Visitor Information Centre 02 6863 8860.

Poetry Competition: $10 per entry. Download an Entry Form here.

For more information about “The Rhymer from Ryde” click here.

Graeme’s Gig Guide for the 2010 Festival