Graceland Announces Elvis Week 2015 Lineup
By: Tyler Peterson Jul. 27, 2015
Elvis Presley's Graceland has announced an exciting lineup of events for Elvis Week 2015 at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. Held August 8-16, Elvis Week is an annual gathering of friends and fans from around the world celebrating the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. It has become a global pop-culture phenomenon and an annual pilgrimage for tens of thousands of music lovers from around the world.
This year Elvis fans and stamp enthusiasts will come together to celebrate the only American music icon to be honored with two U.S. stamps. The First-Day-of-Issue ceremony for the new Elvis Forever stamp begins at 8:00 a.m. CDT on August 12, on the front lawn of Graceland with special guests Priscilla Presley and Postmaster General Megan Brennan.
The third and largest-ever Auction at Graceland, on August 13 will feature an impressive 174 lots, each authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC. Graceland Authenticated sets a new standard for pop culture authentication and appraisal to ensure artifact accuracy and provide evaluations of privately-owned collections. Notable auction items include a powder blue Elvis Presley jumpsuit worn on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton, estimated at $100,000-$150,000 and a "TCB" Diamond and Gold Necklace gifted to Sammy Davis Jr. by Elvis Presley, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Online auction registration and has begun at GracelandAuctions.com.
All of the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale.
The wide range of events scheduled for Elvis Week 2015 will take place at several locations around Memphis. Many will be hosted at the air-conditioned Elvis Week Main Stage located adjacent to the Graceland visitor plaza and guest parking.
Saturday, August 8
Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 1 / 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe
Some of the best Elvis tribute compete in the "Last Chance" event at the historic Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9:00 p.m.
Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 2 / 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe
Finalists compete for the last slot in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Hard Rock Cafe on world famous Beale Street. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9:00 p.m.
Monday, August 10
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase / 2:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
Some of the semifinalists for the 2015 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest showcase their talents as they prepare for the Ultimate contest.
Tuesday, August 11
Conversations on Elvis / 2:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
A screening of Elvis' film "Spinout" followed by actress and "Spinout" costar Diane McBain sharing some of her favorite memories and stories of Elvis.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round / 7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre
More than 20 of the best tribute artists in the world will perform Elvis tributes as they compete in the Semifinal Round of the 2015 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The top 10 advance to the Final Round on August 13.
Wednesday, August 12
Elvis Forever First-Day-of-Issue Ceremony / 8:00 a.m. on Graceland's North Lawn
Special guest Priscilla Presley will join Postmaster General Megan Brennan as the United States Postal Service dedicates a new forever stamp to Elvis Presley as part of the USPS Music Icon Series. If you're unable to attend the ceremony in person you can watch the Livestream by visiting Graceland.com.
Elvis Country with Andy Childs / 7:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
Fans will celebrate the country side of Elvis with a concert performed by Andy Childs and his band. Elvis, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, not only spent time on the pop charts, but on the country charts as well with hits such as "Always on My Mind," "Lovin' Arms" and "Moody Blue."
Thursday, August 13
Elvis 101 / 10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
This event will feature scholars, authors and those who have spent hundreds of hours studying Elvis Presley. Confirmed guest speakers include Michael Bertrand, author of "Race, Rock and Elvis;" Dr. John Bakke, a professor emeritus of the University of Memphis who has taught seminars on Elvis; Roger Semon, Elvis custodian for Sony Legacy's Follow That Dream collector's label and overseer of many of Elvis' releases; and John Jackson, who is vice president of A&R and Content Development at Legacy Recordings.
The Auction at Graceland / 7:00 p.m. Graceland Archives Studio
Elvis Presley's Graceland will be hosting its largest-ever auction of Graceland-authenticated Elvis artifacts. The Elvis Week auction will feature 174 rare and exceptional artifacts from private collectors all over the world. Admittance to the live auction event is by ticket only. Tickets will be available for purchase on August 13 at the Graceland ticket pavilion between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CDT. Registered bidders can reserve a paddle for in-person bidding by emailing auctioninfo@graceland.com. Register to bid in the auction or bid online now at www.gracelandauctions.com.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round / 7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre
The top 10 Elvis tribute artists from the August 11 Semifinal Round compete for the title of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2015. The show will also feature a performance by 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Jay Dupuis. The 2015 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner will receive $20,000 cash, a 2015 Ultimate ETA Contest belt designed by B&K Enterprises, a performance contract with Legends and more.
Friday, August 14
Official Insiders Conference / 9:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
This year's Official Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various parts of Elvis' life and career. Guests will enjoy rarely-seen videos and features filmed just for the event. Special guests include songwriter, singer and actor Mac Davis; Sandy Martindale, who dated Elvis and remained friends with him throughout his life; Elvis' back-up singers, Susan Pilkington, Mary Holladay Pederson, and Ginger Holladay, who sang with Elvis on some of his biggest hits; and Priscilla Presley along with a panel from Sony.
Elvis in Vegas Tribute Concert / 8:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
An evening of music at the Elvis Week Main Stage celebrating Elvis in Vegas with a special concert featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band.
Saturday, August 15
Elvis Presley 5K Run Benefiting Livitup / 8:00 a.m. Gates of Graceland
The Elvis Presley 5K Run starts and finishes at the Gates of Graceland. For more information and to register visit elvispresleyrunandwalk.racesonline.com.
Conversations on Elvis / 10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
Hosted by Tom Brown, this event features those who knew and worked with Elvis. Special guests include Elvis' friend and TV game show host Wink Martindale; former members of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet featuring Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland; singer Brenda Lee; and former Shelby County Sheriff Bill Morris, who was a friend of Elvis.
In the Studio with Norbert Putnam & David Briggs / 3:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
Musician Andy Childs sits down with some of the musicians who shared the studio with Elvis for an afternoon of music and story-telling. Pianist David Briggs and bassist Norbert Putnam will share their stories of working and recording with Elvis - and will also perform some of their favorite music they played alongside Elvis.
Candlelight Vigil / 8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland
After an opening ceremony at the gates of Graceland, fans will walk up the driveway to Elvis' gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis' passing. Media must be cleared in advance. If you are unable to join the vigil in person you can watch the Livestream by visiting Graceland.com.
Sunday, August 16
Elvis Gospel Celebration / 10:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage
A special ending to Elvis Week with a Sunday morning Elvis Gospel Celebration. The event will feature an acoustic gospel set by Terry Mike Jeffrey plus performances by former members of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet featuring Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland.
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