Graceland Announces Plans for Elvis Week 2009

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Every year since Elvis Presley’s death in 1977, tens of thousands of people from around the world have gathered at his home, Graceland, in Memphis to celebrate his life in a series of events known as ELVIS WEEK. Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) announced today that in addition to the annual events such as the Candlelight Vigil, tickets are also on sale for new Elvis Week events August 8-16 in Memphis. The nine-day celebration includes a wide variety of festivities that will showcase the impact Elvis Presley’s life and career continues to have on music enthusiasts and popular culture.

In addition to the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 and the traditional Elvis Week festivities, several new events have been added to this year’s calendar. The 2009 Elvis Week MySpace Karaoke Contest has introduced Elvis Week to new fans through the popular social networking site.

The winner of their contest will join contestants from around the world for the 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, to compete for the title of 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist and a $20,000 cash prize. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round will take place on August 12 at 7 p.m. at The Cannon Center. The winner will move on to the final round on August 13 at 7 p.m. at The Cannon Center.

During the finals, the top 10 Elvis tribute artists will showcase their talents as they compete for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2009. Both two-day and single-day tickets are available.

One of the highlights of the week will be the 2007 Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest winner Shawn Klush, who will perform in his own concert featuring Elvis’ original back up singers, The Sweet Inspirations, on August 11 at The Cannon Center.

In addition, the Elvis 1969 – A Celebration Concert, which is scheduled for The Cannon Center in Memphis on August 14 and is a near sell-out, will mark the 40th Anniversary of Elvis’ triumphant return to the stage in Las Vegas.

Two sessions of “Conversations on Elvis” will be held on August 15. Fans will hear from Elvis’ friends and associates as they share stories and memories of their time with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in sessions hosted by Tom Brown of Turner Classic Movies. Session one will feature The Memphis Boys, who will be on stage to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their historic recording session with Elvis at American Studio in Memphis which resulted in “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto” and “Kentucky Rain” and others. To commemorate the anniversary of these recordings, Sony Music will release a deluxe version of From Elvis in Memphis, including the 32 masters recorded at these sessions. Session two will feature guests who were at Elvis’ opening engagement in Las Vegas in 1969 and those who performed with Elvis during his record breaking engagements in Las Vegas. Scheduled to appear include Joe Moscheo of Elvis’ Imperials, James Burton of the TCB Band, singer Millie Kirkham and journalist Gloria Greer. Joining these cast members will be author Ken Sharp, who will be sharing details of his new book, Elvis: Vegas ’69.

A Gospel Breakfast will take place on the morning of August 9 in the Elvis Presley Car Museum. In the same location and always a favorite, Club Elvis will be held on both August 8 and August 10 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

New this year for Elvis Week 2009, the Shake, Rattle and Bowl Party - The Official Elvis Insiders Elvis Week 2009 Event will be August 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Strike Zone in Southaven, Mississippi.

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