Musings: This and That

By Stan Ashbee

Before the King was crowned: Elvis ‘56 show wows southern Alberta audiences
1956 was a year Elvis Presley gyrated his hips to superstardom. The 1950s gave music fans a host of hits to dance to and some of the most memorable songs in the Great North American Songbook.
Last week, Elvis tribute performer Cody Ray Slaughter brought Presley’s rockabilly roots to the stage for one unforgettable night for young and old.
From before the King of Rock and Roll was crowned, Elvis toured extensively throughout the southern United States, as his hits kept climbing the music charts including the soon-to-be-King’s classics “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.”
The only 24-year-old Slaughter, delivered an uncanny resemblance and sound, similar to one of the most prolific rock and roll legends of all-time.
The retro 1950s rock and roll live stage set was complete, with stand-up bass and vintage piano, drums, electric guitar and microphone.
“A Tribute to Elvis ‘56” was a biopic concert at the Yates Theatre in Lethbridge and it was indeed a bang-on rendition of the time period — the sights and most importantly, the sound.
Slaughter has also been hailed as Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. Slaughter’s authentic 1956 backup band the Hillbilly Katz also featured David Fontana on drums. Fontana is the son of Elvis’ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer DJ Fontana.
The night also featured opening act Stephi Z, who performed sultry and sexy renditions of 1950s classics. Other Canadian dates included Medicine Hat and Red Deer on the current tour.
It’s The Great Escape Charlie Brown
Looking for a fun way to spend some time over the holidays using your wits and brains without the brawn (unless you get a wee bit frustrated and Hulk-out but that’s frowned upon, no doubt)? The Great Escape, located in Lethbridge on 3 Avenue, is the perfect place to be trapped (sort of) in a variety or different theme rooms, with the only goal — to get out intact and alive before your demise (sort of). At the time, a bank vault room and a cabin were two of the rooms featured at the southern Alberta tourist attraction.
The rooms, according to management, change on a rotating basis. Riddles, puzzles and so much more await visitors, as they try to figure out the ultimate escape.
Having troubles trying to figure out the perfect gift for a friend or family member?
Paying a visit to The Great Escape would be something they will never forget, especially if they can’t escape the clutches of the creative and innovative creators of the escape rooms.
Fallon’s “DADA” book good for newbie dads
This Christmas, one board book says it all, “DADA” or “Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA” — by the one and only Jimmy Fallon, host of “The Tonight Show” and former cast member of “Saturday Night Live.”
A kid’s book for very young children struggling to say one of their first words — whether it be “ma,” “mom,” “mama” or “dada.”
Parents, for centuries, have sparred no-holds-barred-like for their young to say their name first.
Fallon’s book, which is a great idea for Father’s Day or for a newbie dad this holiday season, allows dads to be proud of their child’s love and affection.
In a description of the book online, it states, Fallon tried everything in his power to ensure his daughter’s first word would be, “dada.”
He even wrote a book. Fathers everywhere rejoice. Raincoast Books also has a printed plethora of other great reads including “Man Skills: Everything Men Need (Or Just Want) to Know.”