Graceland to Celebrate the Life of Elvis Presley with Elvis

The nine-day celebration of Elvis’ life will include the all-new, star-studded “Elvis, From Broadway to Memphis,” two “Music and Movies” nights on the front lawn of Graceland, fan club events, charity fundraisers and special celebrity guests

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During ELVIS WEEK this August 9-17th, thousands of people from around the world will converge in Memphis at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, to celebrate his life. Fans have made the pilgrimage annually since Presley’s death in 1977 and this year’s gathering will include various special events including the second annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, fan club events, charity fundraisers, celebrity guests and other musical tributes.

The following are highlights of key events. For a detailed version of events, with additional activities and location, please visit www.ElvisWeek.com

SATURDAY, August 9th

26th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run Benefitting United Cerebral Palsy

8:00 a.m.

Starts at the Graceland gates

* More than 2,000 entrants from around the world will join in raising money for the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the Mid-South through an Elvis-themed 5K run.

Elvis Presley – His Home, His Story – DVD Theatrical Premiere

Three screenings at 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Malco’s Studio on the Square

* A theatrical premiere of the new Graceland tour DVD, with stunning footage of Elvis’ life at Graceland and his amazing career.

Memphis Welcomes the Fans - Redbirds Baseball Game

6:10 p.m.

AutoZone Park

* The Memphis Redbirds baseball team and AutoZone park will celebrate Elvis and welcome Elvis fans to town with this Elvis Week 2008 kick-off event, with Elvis-themed entertainment, fireworks and more.


SUNDAY, August 10th

Elvis Gospel Brunch

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Elvis Presley Car Museum

* A special brunch in the Elvis Presley Car Museum with Elvis Gospel music and videos on the drive-in theater movie screen.

Club Elvis

8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza

* A party thrown for Elvis fans celebrating to the tune of Elvis with music and dancing.


MONDAY, August 11th

Music and Movies at Graceland – Day One

7:00 p.m.

Front lawn, Graceland Mansion

* For the second year in a row, Elvis fans will be treated to a live concert by Andy Childs and his band and a screening of Jailhouse Rock on the Graceland lawn. Highlighting the evening is a special kick-off party featuring a preview of Elvis: Viva Las Vegas, a new DVD and Blu-ray music special available exclusively at Wal-Mart. The launch event will feature appearances by Jerry Schilling and George Klein, who were members of Elvis’ entourage known as the Memphis Mafia and who appear in the special as interview guests. Also to be unveiled at the event will be limited edition ZVUE media players, which will be pre-loaded with 10 music video clips from two concert specials starring Elvis Presley - '68 Special and Aloha From Hawaii.

TUESDAY, August 12th

Elvis & Priscilla Wedding Doll Unveiling

9:00 a.m.

Graceland Plaza

* Fans will be treated to the unveiling of the first ever Elvis® and Priscilla Barbie® Doll Giftset and the general public’s first chance to own these collectible keepsakes. The frenzy of Elvis fans and Barbie fans lining up to be the first to own the giftset will also be treated to wedding cake.

Shawn Klush in Concert

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

* Shawn Klush, the 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, will perform Elvis’ hits, with comedian Sammy Shore as his opening act. Shore opened for Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969 – 1972.

Music and Movies at Graceland – Day 2

7:00 p.m.

Front lawn, Graceland Mansion

* A concert by Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, members of the TCB Band and the Imperials will be followed by a special screening of Elvis – That’s the Way It Is held on the front lawn of Graceland Mansion.

WEDNESDAY, August 13th

Elvis Expo 2008 – Day 1

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

South Hall, Memphis Cook Convention Center

* Fans will be treated to the ultimate Elvis tradeshow with more than 75 booths and 35,000 square feet of Elvis that includes all the latest Elvis music, movies, merchandise, celebrity autograph sessions, authors, artists and photographers and Elvis freebies and samples. Guests scheduled to appear include actress Darlene Tompkins, who appeared with Elvis in the movies Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco; dancer Tanya Lemani George, who appeared in Elvis’ 1968 television special; Joanne Cash, singer; The Imperials, gospel group and backup vocals for Elvis in Vegas; Celeste Yarnall, Elvis co-star in Live A Little, Love a Little; DJ Fontana, Elvis’ original drummer, who worked with him from 1955-1968; Sandi Pichon, an Elvis fan who became a REAL Elvis Insider by getting to know and socialize with Elvis and his inner circle of friends; Edward Faulkner, Elvis’ co-star in GI Blues and Tickle Me; Francine York, Elvis’ co-star in Tickle Me; and Nancy Rooks, Elvis' maid and author of Inside Graceland: Elvis' Maid Remembers. More guests to be announced.

The Official Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 1

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Production at Turner Classic Movies, guests will enjoy two full days of special guests and programming put together by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., including on-stage interviews with people who were part of Elvis’ life and career.
Special guests for August 13 include Dixie Locke Emmons; Mike Stoller, part of the Leiber/Stoller song writing team who wrote "Jailhouse Rock," "King Creole," "Hound Dog," "Treat Me Nice," "Love Me" and many more; Sammy Shore, comedian who opened for Elvis from 1969-1972 in Las Vegas; Celeste Yarnall; Francine York, and Edward Faulkner.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals

7:00 p.m.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

Semifinal round of competition for the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Attendees will see the best Elvis tribute artists from around the world performing and competing on stage for their chance to move onto the final round on August 14 to compete for the title of Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year. The Exspence Account Band will perform with the contestants.

THURSDAY, August 14th

Elvis Expo 2008 – Day 2

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

South Hall, Memphis Cook Convention Center

* A continuation of Elvis Expo 2008 with many guest stars.

The Official Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 2

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

* A continuation of the Official Elvis Insiders Conference which will include Susan Henning, who appeared in Live A Little, Love A Little and the '68 Special; Joe Guercio, Elvis musical director and conductor for concerts from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977; Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis' closest friends; and Steve Binder, producer of Elvis’ '68 Special.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finals

7:00 p.m.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

* The final round of competition for the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will showcase the best of the best from around the world. One Tribute Artist will ultimately be selected as the Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year.

FRIDAY, August 15th

Elvis Pop Culture Art Performance

1:00 p.m.

Graceland Plaza

David Garibaldi will be showcasing his “Rhythm and Hue” performance art show LIVE at Graceland August 15th in front of thousands of Elvis fans from all over the world. “Rhythm and Hue” is a performance art show set to music in which Garibaldi creates six-foot portraits of pop icons in under 7 minutes to music.

Candlelight Vigil

8:00 p.m.

Gates of Graceland Mansion

* After an opening ceremony at the gates of the Graceland Mansion property, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis’ gravesite and back down, carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Gates will remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so. It typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16th, the anniversary date of Elvis’ passing, to complete the procession.

Saturday, August 16th

Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Matinee Show @ 2:00 p.m., Evening Show @ 8:00 p.m.

* An all new, never-before-seen show which will provide a sophisticated celebration of Elvis’ music, including performances by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra; the Dempseys; Leah Hocking from the Broadway cast of All Shook Up; and Austin Miller, television and Broadway star. The show will also star Elvis Presley via video, accompanied by live music on stage during some special segments of the show.

Multiple Date Events

Elvis Week Entertainment Tent Sponsored by Elvis Collector's Edition Tins

August 9th-16th

Graceland Crossing

* A continuous presentation of Elvis music performed live by various singers and bands, plus other activities. Children and youth karaoke will also be featured.

Elvis Week Art Contest & Exhibit

August 9th-15th

* An exhibit of Elvis-themed artwork from amateur and professional artists from around the world.

Children's Elvis Week Art Activities

August 9: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and August 10: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Ticket Office Pavilion in Graceland Plaza

* Children will get the opportunity to create Elvis art to be featured in the 2008 Elvis Week Art Contest Exhibit

Kids Karaoke

August 9: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.; August 12: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Elvis Week Entertainment Tent

* Children and youths ages 2 to 17 are invited to perform karaoke Elvis songs.


For additional information and media access to events, please contact Jason Wanamaker at 323-845-9836, Jason@thebeckwithcompany.com

About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.ckx.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® under the ticker symbol CKXE.



Source: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080724006178&newsLang=en

SOunds awsome, very jelleous! So glad Graceland think of new ways to keep fans coming back..... roll on 2012!

Lorna,
I hope to have plans to head down to Memphis for 2010 -
any forum members heading down to Memphis for when I
am? It will be great to bump into you's...

Love Charmaine xx