Bob Mehr
Memphis Commercial Appeal
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/ ... 677532007/
Jan. 8 marks what would have been Elvis Presley's 91st birthday. Each year, faithful fans gather at Presley’s Graceland estate in Memphis to celebrate his life — which began in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935 and ended in Memphis in 1977 at age 42.
As is custom, Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises will commemorate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with several days of events, reflections and concerts in Memphis.
From Jan. 7-11, Graceland will host a mix of panels, performances and events, including the first advanced U.S. screenings of director Baz Luhrmann’s documentary “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.”
The festivities will also include the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony and Conversations on Elvis panel. In addition, Graceland has updated and expanded its exhibit, “Elvis: The Entertainer,” marking the the 70th anniversary of Presley’s breakthrough year of 1956, which will also be the subject of concert tributes, as will his 1976 recordings inside The Jungle Room at Graceland.
Here are 10 Elvis birthday week events worth checking out. Tickets for the events are available at Graceland.com.
DJ Elvis Dance Party
7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 7 |Graceland Soundstage, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
The birthday party kicks off as Elvis takes over as the DJ for the night, lighting up the big screen as fans hit the dance floor to groove to his top tunes. Hosted by Elvis Radio’s DJ Argo, this ultimate Club Elvis Dance Party will feature favorite tracks and unforgettable musical movie moments from across Presley’s career. Tickets: $41.50.
Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony
8:30 a.m. Jan. 8 |North Lawn, Graceland Mansion
Elvis' birthday celebration officially kicks off with the annual proclamation ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland. Featuring a larger-than-life birthday cake to honor the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the proclamation of Elvis Presley Day will be read by Memphis and Shelby County officials. Complimentary birthday cake and coffee will be served afterward at Vernon’s Smokehouse, located across the street from the mansion. Both events are free. Fans who are unable to attend can watch the ceremony online for free via Graceland's Vimeo page.
Conversations on Elvis
1 p.m. Jan. 8 |Graceland Soundstage, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Hosted by Tom Brown, the “Conversations on Elvis” panel offers intimate and heartfelt reflections from his close friends, band members, backup singers, authors and more. Confirmed guests include longtime Presley associate Jerry Schilling, TCB Band bassist Jerry Scheff, Elvis’ Imperials veterans Terry Blackwood and Jim Murray, former Stamps member Larry Strickland, TCB pianist/producer Tony Brown and Jonathan Redmond, editor of "EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert." Tickets: $47.75.
Baz Luhrmann's 'EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert'
Screenings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 8 |TCB Showroom, The Guest House
Graceland will host the first advanced U.S. screenings of Baz Luhrmann’s “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” on Jan. 8. Presented by Sony Music Vision, Bazmark, Authentic Studios and NEON, “EPiC” features long-lost footage from Presley’s legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970s, woven together with rare 16mm footage from “Elvis on Tour” and precious 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling “his side of the story” rediscovered during Luhrmann’s research for his Best Picture Oscar-nominated 2022 film "Elvis." Tickets are free, but fans will be limited to two tickets total across both screenings.
Elvis 101: Dear Elvis
1 p.m. Jan. 9 |TCB Showroom, The Guest House
The Guest House at Graceland will host a special “Elvis 101” event with Angie Marchese, VP of Graceland Archives and Exhibits, as she digs deep into the vaults to showcase some unique items that celebrate Elvis’ connection to his fans. This event will also serve as a special kickoff and announcement of Graceland's “Dear Elvis” project. Tickets: $32.25.
Elvis 1956 Concert
7 p.m. Jan. 9 | Graceland Soundstage, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
1956 was a landmark year for Elvis Presley, the time he became a superstar and the lightning rod for the controversy during the early days rock 'n' roll. Elvis’ epic ‘56 included the release of his first RCA single, first television appearances, first movie and other career milestones. “Elvis 1956” will celebrate these pivotal moments through live music, Presley’s own performances on the big screen and conversations on the King. The guests will include Elvis’ close friend Jerry Schilling, Billy Blackwood & The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and singer Emilio Santoro. Tickets: $65.50-$85.50.
The Jungle Room Sessions Concert
10 p.m. Jan. 9 |TCB Showroom, The Guest House
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s iconic 1976 recording sessions at Graceland’s Jungle Room with an intimate evening of music. Hosted by Tom Brown, the event will feature performances by Ultimate Tribute Artist winner Patrick Dunn and singer Spencer Sutherland, as well as more guests still to be announced. Tickets: $41.50-$65.50.
Elvis: 'Girls! Girls! Girls!'
1 pm. Jan. 10 |TCB Showroom, Guest House
Enjoy a lively afternoon celebrating Elvis’ playful side with a concert of Presley flirtation tunes, from rockers to heartfelt ballads, and favorites like “(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Performers include Ultimate Tribute Artist winners Patrick Dunn and Emilio Santoro, plus Jillian Cardarelli, with backing by the Infinit-E Band. Tickets: $41.50-$65.50.
Elvis: Made in Memphis Concert
7 p.m. Jan. 10 |Graceland Soundstage, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Vocalist Terry Mike Jeffrey and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra present a concert celebration of the music Elvis Presley created here in his hometown, highlighting his work at Sun, American, Stax and the Jungle Room at Graceland. Tickets: $65-$86.
Sunday Morning Gospel Sing
11 a.m. Jan. 11 | TCB Showroom, The Guest House
Fans can wrap up the Elvis’ birthday celebration with a morning of gospel music, as Billy Blackwood and The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, share some of the King’s favorite gospel songs along with timeless classics. Tickets: $41.50.
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