History Comes to Life at Greenville Downtown Airport

In the late 1950's Elvis Presley was so popular in Greenville, S.C., that there were TEN Elvis fan clubs at the East North Street Elementary School. And plight the of S.C. public roads was televised on CBS Analyst Walter Cronkite's show "The Road Ahead" which was brought to us in the public interest by the S.C. Association for Better Roads.

"Funny how time changes some things, Elvis may no longer a household name, but we are STILL talking about the state of our roads!" joked Chautauqua Historical Interpreter, Caroline McIntyre.

Travel back to the 1950's with us and meet the very handsome young actor and musician, Elvis Presley, who, much to the dismay of his fans, has just been drafted into the Army, to be paid just $78 a month, and is facing a crewcut! "King Creole" is playing at the air-conditioned Carolina Theater. Tickets start at just 25 cents each.

Elvis will perform and be interviewed by Cronkite. Then attendees will have the chance to dance to some early rock and roll songs! 1950's vintage cars, motorcycles and even a M38A1 Willy's Jeep, like the one Private Elvis eventually drove, will be on display to help set the stage.

Pin up your ponytail, polish your saddle shoes, break out your bobby socks, poodle skirts and hula hoops. Come relive this period of our pop culture. Two tickets to Centre Stage's Million Dollar Quartet will be awarded to the best 1950's dressed individual!

Want to come to this good old-fashioned, family friendly, FREE and fun event? Join us on Saturday,? June 10, 2017 from 10 am to noon at the Runway Cafe, located at 21 Airport Rd Ext, Greenville SC 29607.

How is this all possible? In a lucky coincidence, both Cronkite and Elvis will be in Greenville!

TJ Jones (Elvis Presley) is here to perform in Centre Stage's production of The Million Dollar Quartet (July 20 - August 12.). This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical was inspired by the true story of the famous recording session where Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll" brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. For more information please visit: CentreStage.org

Larry Bounds (Walter Cronkite),? the most trusted man in America and the newsman for whom the term "anchorman" was coined,?is in town to share his life's work from the battle lines of World War II and Vietnam to Kennedy's death and Nixon's disgrace. How did he become the voice of truth to all America and an icon of journalistic integrity? Ask him yourself during the Chautauqua History Alive Festival (June 16 - 25). For dates, times and more information about these FREE events please visit: GreenvilleCHAUTAUQUA.org

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Event is presented by Greenville Chautauqua, Centre Stage and the ?Greenville Downtown Airport and is ?sponsored by The Military History Center of the Carolinas, Maserati Lotus Greenville, Touring Sport BMW Triumph Ducati and the Runway Cafe.

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