Elvis Week 2012 News

Previewing all the news about Elvis Week 2012

See Below for ELVIS WEEK 2012 EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday August 10, 2012 - Saturday, August 18, 2012

Download the Elvis Week 2012 Event Guide HERE : Whether you can make it to Memphis for Elvis Week or not, you can still check out the 2012 Elvis Week Event Guide featuring upcoming Elvis events, products, news and more! "ELVIS: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" - In 1955, Elvis was alive, alive as a young man, a singer from the south singing his way out of poverty, full of ambition and the momentum to take on the world. His story is well-known, well-documented and wellweaved into the fabric of American folklore. Thirty-five years after his passing, there is still only one - and people still seek out this man. Elvis Aaron Presley keeps you coming back; for a performance that has gone beyond his lifetime and bears a repeated encore for more. On the 35th anniversary of his death, Elvis is still here with us now more than ever. His influence still continues to be felt along with the legacy he left behind through his music, movies, photographs and larger-than-life legend. The Elvis of today is many, many things beamed out into the virtual landscape; accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Just as teenagers once dropped a needle on their new Elvis LPs, new fans discover his music everyday. They hear that one-of-a-kind sound coming out of their digital music players, view his image up on their modern-day silver screens and see him swivel, shake, bop and croon up on digital stages. There is no need for a comeback - he’s been here all along. Elvis is alive... alive as his voice booms out of a satellite radio station, alive when someone new hears his songs and sings along, alive every time a young singer emulates him and thinks "I want what Elvis had." Elvis is alive when his songs are part of a personal music mix created for someone special, alive every time someone sees him move for the first time and dances their way across their bedroom. Elvis is alive when a person makes their first pilgrimage to Graceland.... Download the Elvis Week brochure for the full article.. CLICK HERE. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Events of special interest to Elvis Music collectors: Friday, August 10 - Friday, August 17 Elvis Presley memorabilia show Clarion Hotel, 1471 East Brooks Road August 12, 13, 14, 15, 2012 The Soundz Good Records Memorabilia Show Click here for more info Peabody Hotel, 149 Union Avenue Wednesday, August 15, 2012 Sony Award Presentations - 5:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Join executives from Sony Music for this free event as they present multiple awards for releases of Elvis’ music that have achieved gold, platinum or diamond status based on RIAA record sales. Friday, August 17, 2012 Sony Music Panel & FREE Madison Square Garden screening 4:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Find out more about upcoming releases from Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon plus a screening of the never-before-seen footage from Elvis’ performance in Madison Square Garden in June 1972. SEE SCHEDULE & more details below. (News, Source;FECC/ElvisInfoNet)

August 6 -'The Memphis Boys' Beale Street Note: The American Studio Band aka The Memphis Boys being honored with a Beale Street Blues Note will take place inside Alfred's Nightclub on Beale St. at Second St in Memphis during Elvis Week at 5:PM, Monday August 13. These are the same six guys who played on Elvis' 1969 recording sessions at American Studios. All Elvis fans are invited to the ceremony and the admission is FREE! Go here to our EIN spotlight 'Bobby Wood and The Memphis Boys' (News, Source;MartyLacker/ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Hub of Rock 'N Roll' dedication at Elvis Week: This Elvis Week there is a dedication of an historical marker for Plastic Products which was the record plant for Sun Studio’s recordings of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins along with artists from Stax and Chess. Four quonset huts in an industrial part of Memphis can be an overlooked landmark of Rock ‘n Roll history, but it’s worth visiting even though they can only be viewed from the outside. By 1956, Plastic Products was pressing records round the clock for more than 49 labels nationwide, including STAX, Chess, Atlantic, ABC, Ace, Hi, Meteor, and Veejay records. In that same year, Williams doubled production, turning out more than 65,000 records a day. Recording artists often would visit the huts to see their records being created. In 1954, a young Elvis Presley showed up to see his early hit “That’s All Right” rolling off the presses. It’s easy to picture Elvis and Sam Phillips watching 'That’s All Right' being pressed! The event is on August 17th and is listed on the EP Week Guide Click here. (News, Source;AndreaShaw/ElvisInfoNet)

July 26 - Lisa Marie to make special guest appearance during Elvis Week: We are excited to announce  Lisa Marie Presley will make a special appearance at “Conversations on Elvis: Behind the Stage” on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Lisa has been busy touring for her new album "Storm and Grace"which has received rave reviews from music critics and garnered world-wide attention. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), other guests will share what went on behind the scenes of Elvis' touring productions.   Guests include Sam Thompson, Elvis' friend who worked as a personal bodyguard for him at home and on tour; Dick Grob, who served as chief of security for Elvis; Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970s; Loanne Parker, who was hired in 1971 by RCA Records Tours as the tour secretary for Elvis and held that position throughout his touring years - she was also Colonel Parker's companion and confidant for over 25 years and they married in 1990; and Tom Moffatt, a celebrated Hawaiian DJ who brought Elvis to Hawaii and worked with him through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets are $20. To purchase, call Graceland Reservations at 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322, or click here to purchase online.

Lisa Marie will also make a special appearance during the 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum.  
For more information on special guest appearances and all of the events taking place in Memphis during Elvis Week 2012, visit www.ElvisWeek.com. (News, Source: EPE)

Read EIN's review of 'Storm and Grace'

In My Father's House event SOLD OUT: Andrew Hearn (Essential Elvis magazine) advises: If you are attending the now SOLD OUT In My Father's House event at 1266 Dolan Drive on August 11th, 12th and 13th, here is the (virtually) final guest list and schedules. Saturday, August 11th (9am until late) 9am - 9:30am: Although the doors to the house will not officially open until 2pm, we kick off with the first of our special events at 9am when we welcome the Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jnr. who will be unveiling a special plaque marking the historic importance of the property. This is an extra event, lasting for around 30 minutes, that will take place on the front lawn. The house itself will not be open until 2pm, but we hope that you’ll stop by to witness this historic unveiling. Note: Magazine shown is pre 2012 edition

July 10 - Priscilla Presley to Make Guest Appearance at Elvis Week Main Stage: EPE is happy to announce Priscilla Presley will make a special appearance at Conversations on Elvis- Behind the Camera on August 15, 2012, at the Elvis Week Main Stage at Graceland at 10:00 a.m. Host, Tom Brown, will interview Presley about her efforts to open Graceland to the public 30 years ago and other topics of interest to fans gathered in Memphis for Elvis Week 2012. Additional guests for this session will include photographers who photographed Elvis over the years including Alfred Wertheimer, who in 1956 was assigned to photograph a 21-year-old singer who RCA was promoting by the name of Elvis Presley, along with Barbara Gray, who can be seen kissing Elvis in one of Wertheimer's famous photos; Dave Darnell, who photographed Elvis at the Ten Outstanding Young Men Awards ceremony as well as around Memphis as a staff photographer for The Commercial Appeal newspaper; and Angie Marchese, Director of the Graceland Archives, and Robert Dye, EPE Photography Manager, who

July 6 - Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert Special Details Revealed: Watch this exclusive interview with the Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert producer Stig Edgren as he talks with Elvis Radio about the many additions to the once-in-a-lifetime concert event. Edgren says a big opening surprise, entirely new segments and featured guests, including special appearances by Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley, are just a few of the bonuses Elvis fans will get to enjoy. "For those who have seen previous anniversary concerts, I think this one will take the cake," said Edgren. "It's bigger and completely different from past shows." Elvis returns to Memphis for this spectacular show on August 16, 2012 at the FedExForum. Accompanied by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him and members of the Memphis

JUNE 28 - Elvis Week 2012 Expected to Be Largest Ever: Elvis Week 2012 August 10-18 will be the largest ever says EPE. It features more than 25 events including concerts, a daylong music festival spotlighting young Memphis musicians, an art exhibition, movie screenings, panel discussions, autograph sessions, and sporting events. As part of the celebration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley surrounding the 35th anniversary of his passing EPE is sharing more details about the event that has become a pop-culture phenomenon and annual pilgrimage for music lovers from around the world. DON’T MISS OUT on the much-anticipated Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert, on Thursday, August 16, at the 18,000-seat FedExForum. As well as the TCB Band and all the regular musicians it has been confirmed that it will also feature Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley on stage. Tickets selling out fast. - GO HERE for tickets & complete concert details.

June 26 - Allyson Adams (Nick Adams daughter) Joins Elvis Week: Allyson Adams, daughter of actor Nick Adams, will share stories during the 2012 Official Elvis Insiders Conference from her father's new book that spotlights the time he spent with Elvis in 1956.  Elvis was filming his first movie in Hollywood, "Love Me Tender," when he introduced himself to Nick Adams, who was a struggling actor and part of the "Rebel Without A Cause" gang. Nick was infamous for writing about his famous friends and now Allyson Adams has published her fathers' posthumous, unedited manuscript, "The Rebel & The King." The new book is an inspirational portrait of a spiritual Elvis and describes Nick Adams’ whirlwind eight days in Memphis during the famous performer's Tupelo Homecoming in the summer of '56. The Elvis Insiders' Conference is a full-day of special programming including featured guests, videos, and more. Other guests include: Jerry Schilling, Egil "Bud" Krogh, Tom Perryman, Larry Geller, Dixie Locke Emmons, June Juanico, the Holladay Sisters. Monday, August 13, 2012. SEE BELOW (News, Source:EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

New Elvis Week Guest and Event Announcements: Clarifying EIN's weekend info about Elvis Week. EPE are excited to announce the following will be joining our Elvis Week lineup: • Mike Stoller will be a special guest at the Elvis Songwriters Showcase on August 11 • Brad Birkedahl and band will perform during the Elvis Week Kick-Off Concert on August 11 • Ultimate ETA Contest winners Justin Shandor and Brandon Bennett will perform at the Celebrate The King Concert on August 12 • DJ Fontana, Tom Moffatt, Ginger Holladay and Mary Pederson will join the lineup at the Official Elvis Insiders Conference on August 13 • James Burton and Joe Guercio will be special guests at the Fan Club Presidents’ Event on August 14 • Loanne Parker, Dick Grob, Sam Thompson and Charles Stone will all share stories of being on tour with Elvis during Conversations on Elvis – Behind the Stage on August 17 • David Briggs, Norbert Putnam and Chip Young, session musicians on many of Elvis’ legendary recordings in the ‘60s and ’70s will speak at Conversations on Elvis – In the Studio on August 18. • The Last Chance Ultimate ETA Contest returns to the Memphis Hard Rock Cafe on August 10, 12 and 13. More guest announcements will be coming soon!

ELVIS WEEK 2012 EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday August 10, 2012 - Saturday, August 18, 2012

Below are EIN's selected highlights from Elvis Week 2012
EIN's V-P Sanja Meegin will soon be there to report on everything ELVIS, live from the Promised Land!

 Saturday, August 11, 2012
- 30th Annual Elvis Presley 5K Run Benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South
8:00 a.m. The Elvis Presley 5K Run starts and finishes at the Gates of Graceland. After the race, join UCP across from the mansion at Presley Park for a party under the tent.  There will be food, music and fun! For more information, visit elvispresleyrunandwalk.com.

Conversations on Elvis - Elvis & Gospel
10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, this event will explore Elvis' love of gospel music with those who both sang it with him and who knew of his appreciation of it. Special guests confirmed for this event include: Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood of Elvis' Imperials; Bill Baize and Donnie Sumner who performed with Elvis as part of the J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet; and Charley Humbard, son of Rex Humbard - a minister who Elvis admired and considered a close friend. Tickets are $20.

Elvis Songwriters Showcase
2:00 p.m.  Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. This exciting, new event will be a blend of storytelling and music with songwriters that gave us some of Elvis’ most well-known songs. Joining musician Andy Childs, who will emcee the event and share some of these great songs, will be Mike Stoller of the songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, who wrote songs such as “Hound Dog,” “Loving You,” and “Jailhouse Rock” and Mark James, who wrote songs such as "Suspicious Minds" among many others. More songwriters will be announced soon. Tickets are $25.

Elvis Week Kick-Off Concert with Andy Childs & Band
8:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Kick-off Elvis Week at Graceland with an exciting concert event featuring Andy Childs and his band performing Elvis music. Opening the show will be Brad Birkedahl and his band. Tickets are $30.

Sunday, August 12, 2012
Southern Gospel Celebration
9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Enjoy a celebration of the gospel music that Elvis loved with some of the singers who performed as part of Elvis' Imperials. Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood, who both performed with Elvis on stage, along with group members Royce Taylor and Darrell Toney, will perform many of the hits Elvis loved. More performer announcements to come. Tickets are $30.

Conversations on Elvis - Elvis in the Movies
1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this event will celebrate Elvis' movies with special co-star guests. Confirmed guests include: Mary Ann Mobley, Elvis' co-star in "Harum Scarum" and "Girl Happy"; and Jan Shepard, who appeared with Elvis in both "King Creole" and "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" and Chris Noel, who appeared with Elvis in “Girl Happy”; and Manny Lopez, who appeared with Elvis Presley in several musical numbers for the film “Fun In Acapulco.” Tickets are $20.

Sadly Barbara Eden who was scheduled, is not attending Elvis Week 2012. "Due to conflicting schedules Ms. Eden regrets she will be unable to attend Elvis Week."

George Klein’s Elvis Mafia Reunion
5:00 p.m. Alfred’s, 197 Beale Street. George Klein hosts a reunion of people who were close to Elvis. Lifelong friends and associates will reminisce, share stories and answer questions. Event is $40.00 and includes dinner and the show.  All proceeds go to Make-a-Wish and the EP Charity Dinner.

Celebrate The King
8:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Enjoy a special concert event featuring some of the winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Featured performers are 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Brandon Bennett, 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Bill Cherry and 2010 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Justin Shandor. All will be backed by the Change of Habit Band. Tickets are $30.

Elvis Movie
“Jailhouse Rock” and “Viva Las Vegas” Double Feature
10:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Enjoy an Elvis double feature sponsored by Warner Bros. with two of Elvis’ classic movies – “Jailhouse Rock” and “Viva Las Vegas.”  The event includes a cash bar with prizes and lots of surprises. Tickets are $5. Starting on August 9, tickets will be available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the event 30 minutes prior to the start, pending availability.

Monday, August 13, 2012
Elvis Insiders Conference
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Break from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Autographs with guests during lunch break and following conference. Hosted by Tom Brown  this event will feature a full-day of special programming including special guests, videos and more, all celebrating Elvis. Special confirmed guests are: Jerry Schilling, Elvis' former friend and bodyguard who accompanied him to meet President Nixon; Egil "Bud" Krogh, President Nixon's former aide who arranged and recorded Elvis' meeting with Nixon in the Oval Office; Tom Perryman, a DJ who booked Elvis in east Texas as early as 1954 and in 1955, and his wife Billie, who cooked for Elvis and washed his clothes after performances; Dixie Locke Emmons, who met Elvis at church and dated him just as his career was taking off; June Juanico, who dated Elvis from 1955 to 1957; and Larry Geller, Elvis' hairstylist and close friend; DJ Fontana, Elvis' drummer for 14 years who played on over 460 RCA cuts with Elvis; and the Holladay Sisters – Ginger Holladay and Mary Pederson, who sang on Elvis' famous Memphis sessions at American Sound in Memphis ; and Wanda Jackson, Queen of Rock who toured with Elvis in 1955-1956.. Tickets are $35.

Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center 35th Anniversary Celebration
The Elvis Presley Fan Reception
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MED Café at the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, 877 Jefferson Avenue. Tours of the Trauma Center will be free and available immediately after the reception. For more information, please contact Laura Terry at 545-6404 or Marsha Evans at 545-6405.

Book Signing with Bobby Wood of The Memphis Boys
August 13: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Good Rockin' Record Shop, Graceland Plaza. Meet Bobby Wood as he debuts his book "WALKING AMONG GIANTS" (From Elvis To Garth).  Additional members of the Memphis Boys (Reggie Young, Gene Chrisman, and Bobby Emmons) will also be available during the second hour of the signing.

The Memphis Boys Note Dedication
5:00 p.m. Beale Street, downtown Memphis. Ceremony for The Memphis Boys, who will be honored with a Beale Street Blues Note. Free.


Graceland Trivia Tour
5:00 p.m. Event starts at Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum while simultaneously answering trivia questions to which answers can be found on the Graceland tour. Adult and junior version of the trivia tour will be available. Prizes will be awarded for both adult and junior versions. Tickets are $32 adult; $15 children

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 3
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Show at 6:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, 315 Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the "Last Chance" event! The winner will receive the right to go on to Semifinal Round One of the 2012 Ultimate ETA Contest. $10 admission. Pre-sale tickets are available at www.TicketAlternative.com.


Elvis Week Dance Party
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Come hang out and enjoy a dance party with Elvis Radio DJ Argo playing your favorite Elvis dance music. Tickets are $25. Starting on August 9, tickets will be available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the event 30 minutes prior to the start, pending availability.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Fan Club Presidents’ Event
10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Elvis fans are invited to celebrate the work of Elvis Presley fan clubs during this special event. In addition to celebrating and recognizing the work of fan clubs, the event will feature a program of EPE company updates and special announcements, including the latest from EPE media, marketing, licensing, merchandise, archives and more. The event also will feature a special guest segment with those who worked with Elvis. Confirmed special guests for the event include TCB Band member and Elvis’ guitarist James Burton and Glen Hardin and Elvis’ musical director and conductor from 1970 – 1977 - Joe Guerico. More special guest announcements to come. Special guest announcement to come. Fan club presidents will get an invite and registration form directly from EPE to attend the event for free. Tickets for other fan club members and the general public are $15.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase
1:00 p.m.  Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. See some the semifinalists for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest showcase their talents as they prepare for the ultimate contest later in the week. Performers to be announced at a later time, but all will be 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinalists. Tickets are $20.


The Memphis Boys Salute
7:00 p.m. Enjoy an incredible concert event featuring The Memphis Boys with special guests Andy Childs and Terry Mike Jeffrey. The Memphis Boys were the legendary house band at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, between 1967 until it’s closing in 1972. The Memphis Boys include Bobby Wood, Bobby Emmons, Gene Chrisman, Mike Leech, Reggie Young, and Tommy Cogbill. Recently inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame, The Memphis Boys have played a large part in American music culture for the past forty years as the sound behind over 120 hit singles including Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds, “In the Ghetto”, and “Kentucky Rain”; Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”; Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man”; and many, many, more. Joining them will also be: the Holladay Sisters – Ginger Holladay and Mary Pederson – who sang on Elvis' famous Memphis sessions at American Sound and have backed up entertainers like Sonny and Cher, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Reba McIntyre, among others; and singer-songwriter and recording artist Scat Springs, who has recorded with such artists as Michael McDonald, Faith Hill, Patty LaBelle and She-Daisy. This special concert event will feature them performing some of their Elvis hits, as well as songs from the many other stars they have performed behind for the past forty years. Tickets are $30.


Elvis Movie
“Love Me Tender” and “Clambake”
10:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Enjoy an Elvis double feature of some of Elvis’ classic movies – “Love Me Tender” and “Clambake.” Event includes a cash bar, prizes and lots of surprises. Tickets are $5. Starting on August 9, tickets will be available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the event 30 minutes prior to the start, pending availability.


Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Conversations on Elvis - Behind the Camera
10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Hear from those who photographed Elvis over the years and find out more about thousands of photos of Elvis housed in the Graceland archives. Priscilla Presley will be making a special guest appearance to talk about her efforts to open Graceland to the public 30 years ago among other featured topics. Also, hear from those who photographed Elvis over the years and find out more about thousands of photos of Elvis housed in the Graceland archives. Confirmed special guests include: Alfred Wertheimer, plus Dave Darnell, who photographed Elvis at the Ten Outstanding Young Men Awards ceremony as well as around Memphis as a staff photographer for The Commercial Appeal newspaper; and Angie Marchese, Director of the Graceland Archives, and Robert Dye, EPE Photography Manager, who manage and care for the thousands of photos that are part of the Graceland collection. More guests to be announced. Tickets are $20.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Elvis Presley’s Aloha from Hawaii PARTY and Info Session
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Aloha. If you plan to attend “Elvis Presley’s Aloha from Hawaii” 40th Anniversary Celebration in January 2013 or would like to hear more details about this fun experience taking place in Honolulu, you’ll want to intend this informational event. Those in attendance will be receiving some great information about the trip, see photos and videos of Elvis in Hawaii, have an opportunity to meet others who you will see in Hawaii and lots fun of surprises. Mahalo!
Elvis and Friends Concert. FREE

Memorial Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Elvis Presley
3:00 p.m. 1425 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116. The Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on August 15, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. and music beginning at 2:15 pm.  For more information, please contact St. Paul Catholic Church at www.stpaulmemphis.org or (901) 346-2380.


Elvis and Friends Concert
3:00 p.m.  Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Join us for a celebration of Elvis music during a special afternoon concert event. The show will feature Jamie Aaron Kelley and Brad Birkedahl performing some of their favorite Elvis tunes. Opening the show will be country music entertainers and IMASTAR recording artists Lori Anderson and Gavin Kelly, musician/singer Jeff Wenberg and a performance by Deborah Allen singing her song “Amazing Graceland.” Tickets are $20. Starting on August 9, tickets will be available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the event 30 minutes prior to the start, pending availability.

Autograph Signing with Jose Feliciano
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Elvis Lives Exhibit, Graceland Plaza. International entertainer and eight-time Grammy winner Jose Feliciano will be signing copies of his new album “The King…by Jose Feliciano,” which is produced by Elvis’ long-time friend George Klein and is a tribute to the king. On the album, Jose not only sings the 12 handpicked songs, but also plays all of the instruments and performs the vocals in the background. The album will be for sale at the autograph signing. Feliciano is a singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits including the 1970 Christmas single "Feliz Navidad." He's been awarded over 45 Gold and Platinum records and has received prestigious awards from around the world.

Sony Award Presentations
5:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Join executives from Sony Music for this free event as they present multiple awards for releases of Elvis’ music that have achieved gold, platinum or diamond status based on RIAA record sales.

Candlelight Vigil
8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland. After an opening ceremony at the gates of Graceland, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis' grave-site and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Free admission. No tickets or reservations. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes to the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis' passing. Free secured parking at the Graceland visitor center complex after 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 16, 2012
EP Party Jam Featuring Jamie Aaron Kelley, with Brad Birkedahl and John McClure
10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. A unique jam show featuring Jamie Aaron Kelley, with Brad Birkedahl and John McClure on guitar and bass. The show will include a wide variety of Elvis songs - studio, live, movie, home recordings and more. Tickets are $20.

George Klein's Elvis Memorial Service
12:00 Noon. Main Theatre Building, University of Memphis. Free admission. Annual event hosted by George Klein, longtime friend of Elvis. Speakers will include friends and family of Elvis and celebrity guests.

On Stage with Terry Mike Jeffrey and Andy Childs
1:00 p.m.  Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. On stage will feature acoustic sets with fan favorites Andy Childs and Terry Mike Jeffrey, as they each perform some of their favorite Elvis songs. The event will also feature a special performance by Jose Feliciano, singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits including the 1970 Christmas single "Feliz Navidad." Jose will be performing songs off his new CD "The King." Opening will be Texas-bred songbirds Gladys and Maybelle. Tickets are $20. Starting on August 9, tickets will be available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the event 30 minutes prior to the start, pending availability.

Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert Pre-Concert VIP Reception
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. FedExForum, downtown Memphis. Private event reserved for those who have purchased VIP tickets for the Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert. The pre-event reception will allow VIPs the opportunity to gather together before the concert and enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, free soft drinks and a cash bar;  a private welcome from Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley; a gift bag that includes a commemorative badge/lanyard, limited-edition CD sampler and other bonus items that will not be available for purchase. VIP ticket holders will gain access for the pre-concert VIP Reception and collect their gift bag by showing their ticket at the door.

Tupelore: "Tupelove" and "Favorite Son" at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
7:00 p.m. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Avenue. The Brooks celebrates the life of Elvis Presley with filmmaker, comic book artist, and fellow-Tupeloean John Michael McCarthy, the author behind "Teenage Tupelo," "The Sore Losers," and "Superstarlet A.D." McCarthy will screen and discuss "Tupelove," a fifteen-minute short exploring the boyhood mythos of Elvis, which features little-known places in and around Tupelo, Mississippi. Created for the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau, "Tupelove" stars Corey Parker and Amy LaVere, and is narrated by Elvis’ original drummer, DJ Fontana. McCarthy will also screen footage from a work-in-progress called "Favorite Son," which documents the making of the seven-foot tall “Tupelo Elvis” bronze statue by sculptor Bill Beckwith, modeled on Elvis’ pose in the Roger Marshutz photograph shot at the 1956 Tupelo Fair and unveiled at Fairpark in Tupelo on August 9. Admission is $8.00; $6.00 for Brooks members. For questions, call Memphis Brooks Museum of Art at 901-544-6226.

Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert 8:00 p.m. FedExForum, downtown Memphis. Elvis returns to Memphis for a spectacular concert event starring the real Elvis Presley via video. See some of Elvis' finest concert performances projected on a large video screen, accompanied live on stage by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him, an orchestra, and additional singers and musicians. All music heard in the concert production is performed live except for Elvis' voice. The following guests are confirmed to perform in the concert: Joe Guercio TCB Band members James Burton and Glen Hardin DJ Fontana Norbert Putnam The Sweet Inspirations – Estelle Brown, Portia Griffin & Kelly Jones Former members of JD Sumner and The Stamps Quartet: Bill Baize, Ed Hill, Larry Strickland and Donnie Sumner Former members of The Imperials: Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray Former members of The Dempseys: Brad Birkedahl and Joe Fick CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Friday, August 17, 2012

Plastic Products Record Plant – Hub Of Rock ‘n’ Roll Historic Marker Dedication
9:00 a.m. Plastic Products Record Plant, 1746 Chelsea Avenue (in North Memphis, just west of McLean Avenue). A key part of the rock ‘n’ roll wave that swept America in the 1950s was started by R.E. “Buster” Williams, who opened Plastic Products in 1949. His company quickly became a major producer of the 45-rpm records that revolutionized the music industry and filled jukeboxes and record collections across America. Knowing the struggles of small, independent recording studios, such as Sun, Williams offered them generous credit terms. By 1956, Plastic Products was pressing records round the clock for more than 49 labels nationwide, including STAX, Chess, Atlantic, ABC, Ace, Hi, Meteor, and Veejay records. In that same year, Williams doubled production, turning out more than 65,000 records a day. Recording artists often would visit the huts to see their records being created. In 1954, a young Elvis Presley showed up to see his early hit “That’s All Right” rolling off the presses. FREE to attend. For more information, visit JimmyOgle.com or call 901-604-5002.


Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round One
10:00 a.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street. See the best tribute artists from around the world compete in Round One of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals. During Round One, all semifinalists will sing one song on stage in front of a panel of judges. The Elvis tribute artists with the highest scores will proceed on to Round Two later that evening. All Elvis tribute artists will be backed up by the EAS Band. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest page for a list of tribute artists who have already qualified and more about the contest. Seating for this round is general admission.

Conversations on Elvis - Behind the Stage
1:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this event will explore what went on behind the scenes of Elvis' touring productions with special guests who were there to experience it. Guests are: Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' only daughter;  Sam Thompson, Elvis' friend who worked as a personal bodyguard for him at home and on tour; Dick Grob, who served for chief of security for Elvis; Charles Stone, tour producer for Elvis throughout the 1970s; Loanne Parker, who was hired in 1971 by RCA Records Tours as the tour secretary for Elvis’ tour and held that position throughout Elvis' touring years - she was also Colonel Parker's companion and confidant for over 25 years and they married in 1990; and Tom Moffatt, a celebrated Hawaiian DJ who brought Elvis to Hawaii and worked with him through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets are $20.

Sony Presentation and Madison Square Garden Clip Screening
4:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Find out more about upcoming releases from John Jackson, Vice President of A&R and Content Development for Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, and Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon, record producers for Sony and the team responsible for the Follow That Dream Record label. In anticipation of the upcoming release of “Prince From Another Planet,” included will be a screening of the never-before-seen footage from Elvis’ performance in Madison Square Garden in June 1972. The panel will also include more about the “I am an Elvis Fan” release, upcoming FTD projects and a chance to get answers to your questions about Elvis’ music. FREE to attend.


Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round Two
7:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street. Enjoy hours of Elvis music and entertainment as the top Elvis tribute artists from Round One, compete during Round Two of the contest for their chance to advance to the Final Round on Saturday, August 18. The top Elvis tribute artists moving on to the Final Round will be announced at the end of the competition. All Elvis tribute artists will be backed up by the EAS Band. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest page for a list of tribute artists who have already qualified and more about the contest. Two-day tickets for the contest are $69 - and include one ticket to each of three rounds of the contest.


Elvis Luau Dance Party
10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Rock-a-hula at an Elvis luau-themed dance party. Spend time with friends while you dance to Elvis music played by a DJ. Tickets are $25.

Spirit of the King
11:00 p.m.  Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street. This late night tribute and concert features 2007 Ultimate ETA Contest winner Shawn Klush and the 2011 Ultimate ETA Contest winner Cody Slaughter. The concert will follow the Ultimate ETA Contest Semifinal Round Two. This late night concert will also pay tribute to Elvis’ legendary performers for their contributions to the legacy of Elvis’ music. Special guest appearances include: Gordon Stoker, the original member and founder of Elvis’ legendary back up group The Jordanaires; Ray Walker, the bass singer of The Jordanaires who together with Gordon and can be heard on hundreds of Elvis recordings; Millie Kirkham, Elvis’ female backup vocalist who recorded with Elvis from 1957-1971; and The Blackwood Quartet, an award-winning Quartet and one of Elvis’ favorite family gospel singers. For more information, call 818-991-3892. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Cannon Center box office.



Saturday, August 18, 2012
Morning Gospel Singin' With First Assembly of God Memphis
9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Come experience the gospel music of the First Assembly of God Memphis, Elvis’ church during his early years in Memphis. Performers to include Soul City, which features members Bob Geabheart, Ben Kirk, Corey Riggs and Dave Wootton. More performances and details to be announced. Tickets are $15.

Autograph Signing with Richard Sterban
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Elvis Lives Exhibit, Graceland Plaza. Come and meet Richard Sterban, current member of The Oak Ridge Boys and former member of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, who performed both on stage as well as recorded in the studio with Elvis in the 1970s. Richard will be signing copies of his new book "From Elvis to Elvira," which will be for sale at the autograph signing. For more about Richard's new book, visit  www.RichardSterban.com.

Conversations on Elvis - In the Studio
1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Hear what it was like inside the recording studio with Elvis from session musicians who were the sound behind the king for many legendary recordings in the ‘60s and ’70s. Special guests will be David Briggs (piano), Norbert Putnam (bass) and Chip Young (guitar) and Richard Sterban, current member of the Oak Ridge Boys and former member of JD Sumner of the Stamps Quartet (backup singer).  Tickets are $20.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round
7:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street. Enjoy a phenomenal show with the top Elvis tribute artists from Round Two as they compete for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2012. The excitement will build throughout the night as the group is narrowed down to the top five, before the ultimate winner of the contest is announced. All Elvis tribute artists will be backed up by the EAS Band. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest page for a list of tribute artists who have already qualified and more about the contest. Two-day tickets for the contest are $69 - and include one ticket to each of three rounds of the contest.

Elvis Week Farewell Dance Party Featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey and Jamie Aaron Kelley
10:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage Entertainment Pavilion, Graceland. Get together with friends and fellow Elvis fans for one last fun event to end the week and say farewell. This dance party will feature Elvis dance music performed live with performers Terry Mike Jeffrey, Jamie Aaron Kelley. and special guest Duke Mason. Tickets are $30.

Multiple Date Events

Free Entertainment Tent at Graceland Crossing
August 11 - 18. Continuous presentation of Elvis music performed live by various singers and bands, plus other activities. A schedule for the Elvis Week entertainment tent will be available at the Elvis Week information table upon arrival in Memphis.

Morning and Evening Walk Ups to Meditation Garden
Daily throughout the year, there is a special period of time for free admission walk up visits to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Elvis Week morning walk ups will be from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. on August 10-19. Morning walk-ups may not be available on August 16 due to the Candlelight Vigil. Elvis Week evening walk ups will be from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on August 10-14 and August 16-19. Evening walk-ups will not be available the night of August 15 due to the Candlelight Vigil.

Gospel Breakfast Buffet in Chrome Grille
August 12 and August 18: 7:00 a.m. at Chrome Grille. Elvis fans can enjoy an all-you-can-eat American-style breakfast buffet for only $7.95.

Meet 'n' Greet with Betty Harper
August 12 - 15: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Heartbreak Hotel. Meet artist Betty Harper, view her broad collection of original Elvis portraits that illustrate the personal side of Elvis and take home some great pieces of art.

Retrospective: 50+ years with Elvis
August 9th: 6:00 p.m. at The Center for Southern Folklore. Betty Harper will be on hand to autograph her works. This Art Show chronicles Betty’s artistic development from early childhood in the 50′s to the present with Elvis as the focus. Jerry Lee “Smoochy” Smith who was a studio piano musician for Sun Records from 1957 to 1959 will be performing during the reception August 9, from 6:15 - 7:00 and 7:45 – 9:00 p.m. There will also be an ice cream social. To learn more about the exhibit, please visit www.southernfolklore.com.

Meet 'n' Greet with Lowell Hays
August 10: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.  August 11: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. August 16: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. August 17: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. August 18: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Gallery Elvis, Graceland Plaza. Meet jeweler Lowell Hays, the creator of Elvis’ famous TCB ring.

Lowell Hays Trunk Show
August 12: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. August 13: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. August 14: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. August 15: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Gallery Elvis, Graceland Plaza. Meet jeweler Lowell Hays, the creator of Elvis’ famous TCB ring. View both his fine and fashion jewelry lines featuring items made from the original molds of Elvis’ jewelry. Lowell will be debuting several new items during this 35th anniversary Elvis Week.

Meet 'n' Greet with Joe Petruccio
August 12: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.  August 13-15: 3:00-9:00 p.m. Everything Elvis, Graceland Crossing. Meet artist Joe Petruccio, view his new fine art pieces, and don’t miss out on Graceland exclusive 35th anniversary merchandise featuring his artwork.                        

Meet 'n' Greet with Darwin Lamm
August 12: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. and August 14: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Heartbreak Hotel. August 13: 4:00-6:00 p.m. and August 15: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and August 16: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Good Rockin' Record Shop, Graceland Plaza. Meet Darwin Lamm, publisher of "Elvis...The Magazine." 35th Anniversary issues of "Elvis...The Magazine" and other books by by Darwin will be available for purchase and for him to autograph.

A short look back at Elvis Week 2011 by EIN contributor Steve Millingham.

To be honest the crowd numbers at this year's Elvis Week were fairly low compared to some years. Mostly I am sure due to the excitement building up towards next year's 35th Anniversary.

Sadly 2012 may possibly be the last big Elvis Week celebration where a fair number of Elvis' contemporaries can still participate.

This year the weather was amazing being under 30C each day with some days actually nice and cool for the time of year. Several fans said it was the first time that they'd ever walked down Beale Street without breaking into a sweat!

EPE laid on a few special Events this year which I can report on for EIN.

The "Rollin on the River" Elvis Insiders Event on Saturday - a Mississippi Elvis River Cruise - was SOLD OUT and had lots of fans very excited. The EPE pre-publicity sounded brilliant. However this was a case where EPE let everyone down. The boat was over-packed and in order to even listen to some ELVIS you had to stay on the second deck of the boat where there were no seats left! Plus, they ran out of food! A total rip-off.

Elvis Magic LIVE in Memphis! The big event this year was of course the "new" Elvis Concert. This was AWESOME! It promised a new exciting multi-media music event and fans lucky enough to be there have said this really is the new way forward for Elvis In Concert.

Unlike the old video back-projection where Elvis always looked down at the band below him, the new state-of-art transparent led video-screen hangs across the whole stage enabling Elvis to be PART of the band. The photo right may give you an idea.
This time they used a see-through screen across the whole stage so that Elvis can be projected onto it, as almost part of the real group. I have seen other bands use this in recent years but usually for lighting FX and clever images only. The Elvis show became much more a 3D show than before when there was only the back projection of Elvis.

It was a shame that the TCB Band did not play BUT the new band were fantastic and played with great energy and feeling.
The only problem was that not enough editing had been done with the "Elvis" vision and at times the TCB band was shown as well as the band on stage. ELVIS also changed in size and actual stage position too much which kind of spoiled the illusion at times - but this could be fixed with major editing. If this is the direction how event producer Stigg Edgren is heading then it will be GREAT once they can sort out the editing and overall visuals properly. If this was the first "taster" of a future properly edited production then I am more than satisfied. ELVIS IN CONCERT Lives AGAIN!

'Conversations On Elvis' this year featured TCB guitarist John Wilkinson, Photographer Alfred Wertheimer plus Joe Guercio. Alfred Wertheimer's main topic of conversation was of course the discovery of the Elvis Kiss woman. It was great to see John Wilkinson at an EPE event but he does not look well in recent years. He told the stories that a little disappointingly most of us have heard before.

RCA/FTD producers Ernst Jørgensen and Roger Semon were both present to discuss and launch the new five-disc 1956 deluxe set, as well as talk about their exciting new FTD '48 Hours To Memphis' release - and more. They also held a later conference with a Q & A session about their work and future Elvis releases. (See below for full report).

The ‘Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll’ special documentary screening was another excellent event. The documentary is fascinating - watch out for it on DVD or on TV - and listening to Knox Phillips and Peter Guralnick talk about the great innovator was enthralling. Afterwards fans rushed the stage to meet Knox and get autographs.

The Candlelit Vigil of course is the main reason and emotional gathering for all at EW.

For a change the weather was excellent for the evening and I think this was the shortest time I have ever had to spend in line.
The crowds weren't huge, around 15,0000, but there were still enough dedicated fans there to show that Elvis is still the King of Rock and Roll.

This year's theme was "Twelfth Of Never" and as always silent mourners with heads bowed and yellow-orange candlelight led the way up the curing Graceland path to pay their respects. We all shed a tear – and thanked Elvis for all the happiness he brought us with his wonderful life and love.

While we always hope Lisa Marie would attend herself, this this year a touching message from her was played to us.

In the end, the fun and emotion and meeting up with old friends - the glory and Love for Elvis - and it is all over way too soon,
Until Next Year.

ELVIS WEEK 2011, EIN reports: Go here for all the details about Elvis Week 2011. EIN has reviews and the news - plus a message from Lisa Marie Presley at Candlelight Vigil: Click here for Elvis Week 2011 reports & photos.   (Elvis Week 2011, Source:EIN)

(Left:Graceland Wall)     (Right:Elvis' Speedway jacket in the shop window)

Go here for Sanja Meegin's other reviews and articles: Elvis Week 2010 Exclusive Sanja Meegin Reports & Photos In search of Oahu Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii: Elvis Week 2009 Exclusive Stories & close-up Photos Elvis jumpsuits and Graceland Close-up