Hunka hunka

By Kelly Yates
NARRE Warren South’s Mark Andrew is shining up his blue suede shoes as he gets ready to represent Australia at the Elvis World Cup in Wales in July.
Mark Andrew told the News he was excited and proud to be crowned the winner, making him the first-ever Australian Elvis tribute artist to qualify for the inaugural Elvis World Cup.
“After 15 years of entertaining, it’s a great reward to get an achievement like this,” he said.
Mr Andrew described himself as a “die hard” Elvis and music fan.
“I began performing the show because I really wanted to pay tribute to him as he achieved so much. He was the whole package,” he said.
Mr Andrew started to study Elvis more after he performed at an Elvis expo back in 1997.
“When I performed at the expo that’s when I decided to learn more about Elvis, his songs and dance moves,” he said.
And even today, Mr Andrew is still learning new things about Elvis.
“He’s done about 750 songs so there’s a lot to learn,” he said.
A highlight during Mr Andrew’s career was when he got the chance to perform in front of Elvis’ road manager Joe Esposito.
“It was an honour to perform for him while he was in Australia,” he said.
Mr Andrew is adding the finishing touches to his show in preparation for the Elvis World Cup, where he will battle it out against other Elvis tribute artists from around the world.
Mr Andrew will also perform his Legends Showcase on Saturday 24 April at The Palms at Crown, where he recreates performances made famous not only by Elvis, but by other entertainers.