Graceland to Host First-Ever Holiday Concert Weekend this December

Elvis Presley's Graceland has announced the very first holiday concerts ever to take place on the Graceland campus, featuring Elvis live in concert and on the big screen, accompanied by a live orchestra, legendary gospel greats and an all-star rock 'n' roll band. This very special weekend of holiday concerts in the Graceland Soundstage at Graceland's new Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex will take place on December 15 and 16, 2017.

On Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m., Christmas with Elvis at Graceland - with Live Orchestra will feature a live concert orchestra presenting Elvis' biggest Christmas hits, featuring live performances, for the first time in the U.S., of the orchestral arrangements from the new Elvis album release, "Elvis Presley - Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra." Then, on Saturday, December 16, two themed concert events on one night: An Elvis Gospel Christmas, featuring the legendary Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, who toured with Elvis from 1969 to 1971, and the acclaimed Blackwood Brothers Quartet; and the second show: Elvis Live in Concert with an All-Star Band, featuring Elvis on the big screen with a live band of incredible musicians who will bring Elvis' concert tour to life in a stage show that celebrates the music and legacy of the greatest entertainer of all time.

Christmas with Elvis at Graceland - With Live Orchestra

Friday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. at the Graceland Soundstage
With this holiday season marking the 60th anniversary of "Elvis' Christmas Album," the perennial classic that's become the top-selling holiday album of all-time, Sony Music's Legacy Recordings is releasing a new album in October that unites classic Elvis holiday performances with a brand-new orchestral accompaniment. These new arrangements will be brought to life in an all-new concert production debuting a Graceland, featuring the full, rich sound of a live orchestra on stage accompanied by Elvis' best-loved holiday performances. The performance will be under the musical direction of, and conducted by, Robin Smith, who created many of the arrangements on the new Christmas album release, plus arrangements for the chart-topping "Elvis: If I Can Dream" and "Elvis: The Wonder of You" albums with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2015 and 2016. Smith conducted the critically-acclaimed live orchestra tour of Elvis Live in Concert performances throughout the United Kingdom, continental Europe and the United States in 2016 and 2017.

An Elvis Gospel Christmas - Live at Graceland
Saturday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the Graceland Soundstage
This show will feature two legendary gospel groups - Terry Blackwood and The Imperials and The Blackwood Brothers Quartet - performing some of Elvis' favorite Christmas and gospel songs. Terry Blackwood was a member of The Imperials and toured with Elvis from 1969 to 1971 and recorded with Elvis for his GRAMMY Award-winning gospel album, "He Touched Me," in 1971. The original Blackwood Brothers Quartet, led by James Blackwood, sang at Gladys Presley's funeral at the special request of Elvis and Vernon Presley. James' younger son Billy Blackwood now continues the Blackwood Quartet legacy.

Elvis Live in Concert - with an All-Star Band
Saturday, December 16 at 8:30 p.m. at the Graceland Soundstage
Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll's greatest hits with Elvis live in concert and on the big screen, in the tradition of Elvis' legendary, live concert tours. A live, rock 'n' roll band of all-star greats will accompany Elvis and bring this stage production to life for the first time at Graceland. A not-to-be-missed concert event.

Original Graceland Piano in 1960s-Era Graceland Music Room to be Unveiled

In addition to the holiday shows, Graceland will unveil the 1960s-era décor in the Music Room at Graceland Mansion on December 16, featuring the re-acquired, original, white, baby grand piano Elvis purchased for Graceland in 1957. This legendary, white piano, returning to the Mansion after a 50-year absence, is the most significant piece of original furnishings to come home since Graceland opened for tours in 1982.

Guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this legendary artifact up close and to capture the moment by having their photo taken with the piano before it is placed on display in Graceland's restored music room. This opportunity will be available on the night of December 15 for VIP weekend ticketholders only.

The Guest House at Graceland Packages
To celebrate the Holiday Concert Weekend, the AAA Four-Diamond Guest House at Graceland resort is offering special packages for the weekend. The VIP Package (with very limited availability) includes two nights in a specialty suite plus VIP (first two rows center seating) tickets for two people to all three concerts at the Graceland Soundstage. This package includes a special reception and musician meet and greet between concerts on Saturday night. The Standard Package includes two nights in a standard guest room plus Deluxe section tickets for two people to all three concerts. Additional information on hotel packages available here.

Tickets are also available without hotel stay, including VIP ticket packages that include the photo opportunity with the original, white, baby grand piano. For more information on the weekend and ticket information, visit Graceland.com/Holiday.

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