Memphis pilgrimage for Elvis memories
By: Suzanne Corbett
Elvis lives. It’s true, because in Memphis, Tenn., Elvis’ music and memory live on, especially during Elvis Week in August. Actually, many consider August Elvis Month, due to the many activities that commemorate and celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the city he called home.
“August is a huge month for Memphis,” said Jonathan Lyons, Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau spokesperson. “Thousands come from around the world to be here during Elvis Week.”
Graceland, Elvis’ estate and the epicenter during the 2013 official Elvis Week, is where faithful fans will gather for the candlelight vigil on Aug. 15. The vigil begins at the gates of Graceland, which open at 8:30 p.m. as Elvis music is piped out over the grounds. Visitors will gather there to walk Graceland’s driveway to the Meditation Garden and file past Elvis’ gravesite.
While the candlelight vigil is a moving event to witness, it certainly is not the only thing Elvis fans can expect to see at Graceland. Tours are packaged as experiences that match various budgets and interest levels. The top ticket is the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour ($70) that includes the mansion, airplanes, autos and special exhibits along with a pass to go to the front of the line. The Mansion Tour ($33) takes visitors through the mansion and grounds and includes entry to the Elvis’ Tupelo and the ’68 Special exhibits.
Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, is a must-see on an Elvis pilgrimage.
Live entertainment at Graceland’s Elvis Main Stage ranges from concerts and conversations to celebrations. In recognition of Elvis’ Grammy Awards for gospel music, a gospel concert is planned in addition to a celebration concert that wraps up the week’s activities.
Ranking as a must-see event for many is Conversations on Elvis, which features Elvis’ friends, colleagues, co-stars and musicians who share stories and memories. This year’s Conversations features three guests: T.G. Sheppard, RCA record promoter; Norbert “Putt” Putnam, musician; and Rev. Mother Dolores Hart, a former Hollywood starlet who was paired with Elvis in two films, “Loving You” and “King Creole.”
Outside Graceland’s grounds are the popular Ultimate Elvis Artist Contest concerts, which attract Elvis tribute artists who perform at various venues throughout the week. The Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Contest is held at the Hard Rock Café. The semifinals are held Aug. 14, and the finals concert competition is on Aug. 17 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.
Other special events to honor Elvis will include Elvis Bingo at the Heartbreak Hotel and film screenings. “Aloha from Hawaii” is scheduled for a special screening at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Memphis.
Other favorite stops include:
• Sun Studio is considered the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. The top floor features historical information on the studio, which was established in 1950 by Sam Phillips as the Memphis Recording Service. Downstairs is the original front office where Elvis walked in and impressed receptionist Marion Keisker, who kept bringing his name forward to Phillips for consideration.
• STAX: Museum of American Soul Music, which began as a record shop in an old movie theater before opening in 1959 as a recording studio. The only soul music museum in the world, it exhibits more than 2,000 rare artifacts, memorabilia and films.
• The Arcade, a landmark diner/café that Elvis frequented, is where folks to eat like the King. Elvis had his own preferred booth tucked in the back, and guests still can still dine in that booth.
source: http://www.newsmagazinenetwork.com
News Magazine Network
By: Suzanne Corbett
Elvis lives. It’s true, because in Memphis, Tenn., Elvis’ music and memory live on, especially during Elvis Week in August. Actually, many consider August Elvis Month, due to the many activities that commemorate and celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the city he called home.
“August is a huge month for Memphis,” said Jonathan Lyons, Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau spokesperson. “Thousands come from around the world to be here during Elvis Week.”
Graceland, Elvis’ estate and the epicenter during the 2013 official Elvis Week, is where faithful fans will gather for the candlelight vigil on Aug. 15. The vigil begins at the gates of Graceland, which open at 8:30 p.m. as Elvis music is piped out over the grounds. Visitors will gather there to walk Graceland’s driveway to the Meditation Garden and file past Elvis’ gravesite.
While the candlelight vigil is a moving event to witness, it certainly is not the only thing Elvis fans can expect to see at Graceland. Tours are packaged as experiences that match various budgets and interest levels. The top ticket is the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour ($70) that includes the mansion, airplanes, autos and special exhibits along with a pass to go to the front of the line. The Mansion Tour ($33) takes visitors through the mansion and grounds and includes entry to the Elvis’ Tupelo and the ’68 Special exhibits.
Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, is a must-see on an Elvis pilgrimage.
Live entertainment at Graceland’s Elvis Main Stage ranges from concerts and conversations to celebrations. In recognition of Elvis’ Grammy Awards for gospel music, a gospel concert is planned in addition to a celebration concert that wraps up the week’s activities.
Ranking as a must-see event for many is Conversations on Elvis, which features Elvis’ friends, colleagues, co-stars and musicians who share stories and memories. This year’s Conversations features three guests: T.G. Sheppard, RCA record promoter; Norbert “Putt” Putnam, musician; and Rev. Mother Dolores Hart, a former Hollywood starlet who was paired with Elvis in two films, “Loving You” and “King Creole.”
Outside Graceland’s grounds are the popular Ultimate Elvis Artist Contest concerts, which attract Elvis tribute artists who perform at various venues throughout the week. The Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Contest is held at the Hard Rock Café. The semifinals are held Aug. 14, and the finals concert competition is on Aug. 17 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.
Other special events to honor Elvis will include Elvis Bingo at the Heartbreak Hotel and film screenings. “Aloha from Hawaii” is scheduled for a special screening at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Memphis.
Other favorite stops include:
• Sun Studio is considered the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. The top floor features historical information on the studio, which was established in 1950 by Sam Phillips as the Memphis Recording Service. Downstairs is the original front office where Elvis walked in and impressed receptionist Marion Keisker, who kept bringing his name forward to Phillips for consideration.
• STAX: Museum of American Soul Music, which began as a record shop in an old movie theater before opening in 1959 as a recording studio. The only soul music museum in the world, it exhibits more than 2,000 rare artifacts, memorabilia and films.
• The Arcade, a landmark diner/café that Elvis frequented, is where folks to eat like the King. Elvis had his own preferred booth tucked in the back, and guests still can still dine in that booth.
source: http://www.newsmagazinenetwork.com
News Magazine Network
