Design. Charity. Life.Website and Blog of Daniel Francavilla

You know you’re in Brampton when Elvis is brown.

At an Italian banquet hall this year to celebrate Mother’s Day, my family experienced the ultimate example of multiculturalism that is Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The live entertainment provided was the classic Elvis Presley impersonator – and there’s no negative criticism to be made on his Elvis vocals, which were great!

What was at first unexpected but then suddenly funny and so acceptable was the fact that this Elvis in particular – was of South Asian decent. The accent came through ever-so-slightly, and his appearance was the obvious evidence.

Below is a photo I took of Brown Elvis, skillfully and passionately screaming/singing in my mother’s ear as she attempts to enjoy Mother’s Day lunch.

I think it just came as a surprise because most have only ever seen Caucasian Elvis impersonators (as Elvis was clearly caucasian himself). But at the same time, this Elvis was in Brampton, where South Asians make up more than 1/3 of the population, the largest ethnic group next to whites.

Remember, Brampton is one of the most multicultural cities there is, anywhere! I am proud of this and have no issues with it, of course. I agree with Canadian Olympic gold medalist (women’s hockey), Lori Dupuis, when she explains how proud she is to live in “such a multicultural city like Brampton” and that Brampton is a place to “celebrate all the different cultures in Canada”!

An enjoyable Mother’s Day family lunch, simly made more memorable by Elvis!