Elvis Impersonators to Compete in N.H.

How many Elvis Presely impersonators does it take to make an Elvis festival? Twenty, but they prefer to be called Elvis tribute artists, or ETAs, thank you very much. Wannabe-Elvises from as far as England and Australia will come together to compete for the title of ultimate Elvis tribute artist at the first annual New England Elvis Festival , taking place Sept. 4-6 in Manchester, N.H.

Each Elvis tribute artist will have 15 minutes to perform as the King over the weekend. In addition to the competition, the festival will also offer fans an Elvis memorabilia and souvenir sale, a Gospel concert on Sunday morning, and ETA Shawn Klush recreating Presley's famous 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert.

Klush, described in a press release as "the complete package -- the vocals, appearance, stage presence and overall performance" by the festival's Tribute Artist Advisor Terry Collins, should serve as an inspiration to the aspiring Elvises competing in New Hampshire. In 2005, Klush won the $25,000 grand champion title at the World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, and in August 2008 he was chosen as the winner of Elvis Presley Enterprises' Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest. According to his manager Dan Lentino, Klush is currently the highest-paid Elvis tribute artist in the world.