Who’s the performer that the Winnipeg Free Press praised for seducing his audience with “easy laughter” and his “edgy, slightly dangerous” commentary? Gerry Elvis Barrett is a Winnipeg-based comedian and celebrity impersonator, affectionately nicknamed “The Big Bear,” who specializes in rocking corporate events in addition to taking his praise-worthy Elvis impersonation on tour across North America. His rendition of “Viva Las Vegas” will take you straight to the thrill of the neon strip – but that’s not where the act ends. Gerry Barrett combines his musical act (and custom designed jumpsuit costumes) with an edgy style of stand-up comedy.
If you’re in need of a multi-talented performer for your event, we here at Corporate Entertainers recommend trying something that combines smart comedy with an edge of social awareness with the delightful nostalgia of Elvis (Gerry specializes in the classic style of Elvis circa 1974). Based in Winnipeg, he travels across North America, and he’s performed in Toronto, Hollywood, Vancouver, Washington DC, Winnipeg, and Calgary. However, two performances stand out among the highlights of his career, taking him to the two biggest centres of Elvis appreciation outside of Graceland: Collingwood, ON (famous for its summer festival celebrating impersonators of The King) and Las Vegas itself.
Performing in Las Vegas was a personal dream for Gerry, as he took his unique show to the Imperial Hotel and Casino. Some of the other highlights to his career include:
- The Native Nations Inaugural Ball in Washington DC at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
- Performing at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, an NBC showcase
- The Winnipeg Comedy Fest, broadcast across Canada by the CBC
- The CBC’s Welcome to Turtle Island, the first all-First Nations stand up comedy feature
- Winnipeg’s Vision Quest Conference
Gerry Barrett isn’t just a rocking Elvis impersonator; he is also an Aboriginal Comedian whose performances share some of his experience growing up Aboriginal in Canada. It’s corporate friendly and meant to open people up to issues and experiences they may not know anything about. In the tradition of no-punches-pulled social comedy, he takes on the big issues facing First Nations communities like residential schools, foster homes, and disappearing languages and traditions. Gerry, aka “The Ojibway Elvis,” wants to bring awareness about the cultural struggle of his community in his edifying, entertaining performances.
His stand up show through MCP Talent Agency is a 60-minute mashup of hilarious songs and cutting commentary that will open your eyes even as its splits your sides. His Elvis is a 30-minute karaoke-style bash, complete with the costume and the trademark “Uh-huh-huh.” If he sounds like the act that can shake up your event, don’t hesitate to fill out our request form. Our job is to make live performances for your events easy by arranging for you to get the most talented performers in North America. Don’t think twice, Gerry Barrett is more than all right – he’ll rock your corporate party, convention, casino, or cruise. Get in touch today.
Editor’s Note:
For all other great comedians like Gerry please visit our list of available comedians here – for other top-notch talent consider booking a motivational speaker for your next big event page. Our staff at MCP Talent will ensure your booking experience is second to none!
