Boyce Wins Big @ Lake George Elvis Fest

This Elvis Tribute Artist competition stuff obviously requires considerable skill, vocal talent, theatrical talent and lots and lots of practice. You can’t just jump up into the spotlight, flash a little lip curl and figure that you’re gonna walk away with a trophy.

Matthew Boyce knows that all too well. In 2008, when he first entered the competition at the LakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival, he came in third place. Last year, he entered again, and climbed up to a second place finish.

This past weekend at the Lake George Forum, Boyce threw his scarf into the ring once again, slipping into a white ’70s-Elvis jumpsuit and belting out “In the Ghetto” and “Polk Salad Annie” in the final round of competition on Sunday. And finally the veteran Elvis tribute artist emerged with the first prize trophy and $200.

He didn’t go out and celebrate his victory with a champagne night on the town, however. Matthew Boyce won his trophy in the youth division. He’s just 10 years old, and today he’s back in his classroom at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School in Saratoga Springs.

Here’s the rundown of the other winners at last weekend’s annual LakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival:

FAN FAVORITE: Joe Ramsey (Glens Falls, New York)
GOSPEL: Jay Zanier (Guelph, Ontario)
’50s/’60s AMATEUR: Brycen Katolinsky (St. Catherines, Ontario)
’70s AMATEUR: ERocK (Buckner, Missouri)
’50/’60s PROFESSIONAL: Rick Lenzi (Maryville, Tennessee)
’70s PROFESSIONAL: Mark Anthony (Adelaide, South Australia)
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Rick Lenzi (Maryville, Tennessee)