At only 22 years of age, Moses Snow is one of the top Elvis tribute artists on the circuit. He was among the guests at the Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival this past weekend in Penticton. Welcoming him to town is Elvis chair Mike Schell.

Image Credit: Keith Lacey, Local Journalism Initiative

Getting to travel the world paying tribute to his musical hero is a pretty sweet gig, as far as Moses Snow is concerned.

As the 2024 champion among Elvis tribute artists (ETAs) at the Penticton Elvis Festival, Snow was invited back to this past weekend’s event, where he performed multiple times during what was another hugely successful festival.

Snow, 22, grew up in the Fort Worth/Dallas area of Texas and, like millions across North America and around the world, started listening to Elvis as a child.

Blessed with musical talent—he plays guitar, piano, and bass—and a remarkable singing voice, Snow has been paying tribute to Elvis since the age of 14. He’s been making a full-time living as an ETA since graduating from high school several years ago.

“Around the age of 13, I came across the song Blue Christmas, started to sing that song and fell in love with that style of music,” he said backstage at festival headquarters in Gyro Park on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

This year’s Pacific Northwest Elvis festival attracted thousands of fans to Penticton this past weekend.

“I obviously found out it was a man named Elvis Presley, so I became very curious about this Elvis guy. Because I was so young, I had honestly never heard too much about him.

“I wondered if he had more songs as good as Blue Christmas, and then I found out he had dozens of great songs that I truly loved. I quickly fell in love with all of his music and I felt blessed to be able to sing his music. I love singing his gospel tunes, but also rock and roll and blues. He did every genre so well.”

Being able to travel the world with other ETAs, perform at events like the Penticton Festival, and sing music from the artist he admires most is a dream come true, said Snow.

“I’ve been able to travel the world and get to wonderful places like here in Penticton,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic way to see the world and do what I enjoy the most—sing and perform.”

Snow said he has performed in dozens of U.S. states, several Canadian provinces, and Elvis festivals in Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

“With many more to come I hope,” he said. “It’s been a wild, but very fun ride.”

Snow first performed in the Penticton Elvis Festival in 2019 as a teenager in the amateur division—and won.

“I always wanted to come back, but was never able to because we lost two years to COVID and then I was booked at other festivals,” he said.

 “Finally, last year, things opened up and I told my Dad I wanted to go back to Penticton and he was on board. I was lucky enough to win the pro title last year. That gave me an automatic trip back this year as the defending champion.”

That win earned him an automatic spot in the official Elvis Week competition in Memphis, Tennessee, where more than 30 professional ETAs gather to crown a world champion. Snow finished in the top five.

Despite the competitive nature of the profession, Snow said most full-time ETAs have become good friends.

He gave special praise to the Penticton festival and its participants.

“One of the great things I like about this festival here in Penticton is there is a special camaraderie and really nice people,” he said. “Most of the guys are Canadians, and Canadians are just wonderful, friendly people—and it’s no different about the guys here on stage.

“There’s a lot of mutual respect amongst the guys. That’s the one thing that’s stood out to me amongst the many festivals I attend. They’re great performers and great entertainers, but they also have very kind hearts.”

Being named last year’s pro champion was a career highlight for Snow.

“I was thrilled,” he said. “Being able to come back after so many years, it was like the rekindling of a flame. I did so well my first time back in 2019, and the fans here fell in love with me—and I loved them back. To return and win the pro division was literally a dream come true. It was my first big title. The final payoff was amazing and to share so much joy with so many people that cheered for you. I’ll never forget it.”

After three visits, Snow said he believes the Penticton Elvis Festival is among the best in the world.

“It’s one of the best and I will even say overlooked Elvis festivals going today,” he said. “There are a lot of other great festivals out there, but like I said, the one thing that makes this one stand out is the people here. It’s such a great city and the people are so friendly. That’s what makes the biggest difference. This festival is run by very nice people who treat you incredibly well.”

The fact that Elvis remains an iconic figure nearly 50 years after his death at age 42 is remarkable, Snow added.

“He’s definitely just the biggest American musical icon who ever lived,” he said. “His popularity isn’t just in America or Canada, but internationally and literally around the world. The fact he died so young and never did a lot of shows or tours internationally, yet remains so beloved, is so impressive. The passion for his music remains so powerful to this day. It’s crazy to see.”

When asked about his favorite Elvis tunes, Snow listed Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, and Trouble—noting how well they resonate with audiences.

“My favourite songs change all the time, but I always name those three because those are the ones that get the audience going nuts,” he said.

“I usually play Blue Suede Shoes as my fourth or fifth song on my set list, and every single time, the crowd lights up. It’s such an entertainment cheat code how much people love that song. Same with Hound Dog. Everybody lets loose when I sing that one.”

While he has no plans to leave the ETA circuit anytime soon, Snow said he also has ambitions as a singer-songwriter.

“I feel like when I’m back home, I like to write and love to produce music for myself at this time,” he said. “I feel like being a creative person, you’re going to want to break out outside of the box. That’s always been a thing for me—what’s the next step, what’s the next challenge.”

Snow doesn’t just sing like Elvis—he also captures his legendary stage presence, which can draw quite the response, especially from older fans.

 “I can’t lie, it’s a nice feeling,” he said. “It’s so wild at times to see the transition from some of the fans, particularly a few of the older women, from pretty quiet and subdued to just going nuts. It’s crazy sometimes, but I’ve learned to take it as a compliment and just do my thing on stage because it’s all about performing and having a good time.”

A major goal for him is returning to Elvis Week in Memphis and winning the grand championship—something he hopes to achieve this August.

“I’ve been at the ultimate stage with the best guys in the world the last two years and learned a lot,” he said. “Hopefully, I will be able to step up soon and be named the champion. We’ll see what happens. I’m young with a long ways to go.”

Snow said he’s met longtime ETA Adam Fitzpatrick—who has strong roots in Penticton—on several occasions.

“I got to meet him and I found out my first year here that he’s a local legend here in Penticton,” said Snow. “The connection between us is Adam, when he came here to this festival, won the non-pro division and then the pro division and fan favourite award, and I’ve followed in the same path.

“It has only happened for Adam and I, which is pretty incredible.”

Reflecting on more than eight years as an ETA, Snow said the experience still feels surreal.

“It has been very surreal and it just seems like time is flying by faster and faster,” he said. “Time flies when you’re having fun and I’m still loving every minute of this.”

When asked if he looks forward to returning to Penticton, Snow didn’t hesitate.

“Definitely,” he said.

Bruno Nesci from Woodbridge, Ont. was the top professional at this year’s festival, which spread over four days. The headliner show, held Saturday evening, was again a sell out.

— This article was originally published by the Penticton Herald

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