MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Top40 Charts/ Elvis Presley Enterprises) In August 2012, tens of thousands of fans will gather in
Memphis from around the world for a week of parties, concerts, tributes, panel discussions and more during Elvis Week 2012.
A ticket pre-sale for basic and plus Elvis Insiders, the official affinity group for Elvis fans, will begin at 10:00 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Tickets for the general public will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.
In recent years, the 20th, 25th and 30th anniversaries resulted in a dramatic increase in awareness and participation by the media, licensees and fans from all over the world. During the 30th Anniversary celebration in 2007, more than 75,000 attended Elvis Week events and toured Graceland during the seven day celebration in Memphis. In 2012, there will be even more ways than ever for fans from around the world to celebrate their love for the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
One of the largest events will take place on August 16, 2012 when the king returns to Memphis' largest concert venue, FedExForum, for a spectacular music event starring the real
Elvis Presley via video, along with a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him in the past, a full orchestra, and additional singers and musicians. All music heard in the concert production is performed LIVE with the exception of Elvis' voice, which is made possible by utilizing archival concert performance footage that is played in tandem with the LIVE performers. The concert, titled Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert, will take place on August 16, 2012, and serves as a celebration of his music, life and lasting legacy.
Another event that has become a favorite among Elvis fans traveling to
Memphis and those who make the birthplace of rock 'n' roll their home is the 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Held on Friday, August 17, and Saturday, August 18, at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the 2012 contest will see more Elvis tribute artists than ever before from all over the world compete for the $20,000 cash prize and the title of "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist."
New for Elvis Week 2012 will be an air-conditioned temporary pavilion, dubbed the 2012 Elvis Week Main Stage, installed right across the street from Graceland in which many of the concerts, dances and panel discussions will take place. Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies, will host the week of festivities at the Elvis Week Main Stage. The list of special guests currently scheduled for a panel discussion on Elvis in the Movies at The 2012 Elvis Week Main Stage include:
Barbara Eden, Elvis' co-star in "Flaming Star"; Mary Ann Mobley, Elvis' co-star in "Harum Scarum" and "Girl Happy"; and Jan Shepard Boyle, who appeared with Elvis in both "
King Creole" and "Paradise, Hawaiian Style." Other panel discussions will include: Dixie Locke Emmons, who met Elvis at church and dated him just as his career was taking off; June Juanico, who dated Elvis from 1955 to 1957; Larry Geller, Elvis' hairstylist and close friend; and Sam Thompson, Elvis' friend who worked as a personal bodyguard for him at home and on tour.
Concerts and dance parties at the 2012 Elvis Week Main Stage will be presented by Elvis' Imperials, The
Memphis Boys, who were the legendary house band at the American Sound Studio, Andy Childs, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Jamie
Aaron Kelley, Brad Birkedahl, John McClure and many others including some of the world's greatest Elvis tribute artists.
More special guests will be announced soon.
Ticket prices and additional information about these and many more Elvis Week 2012 events are available at ElvisWeek.com
