MANCHESTER, NH (Top40 Charts/ New England Elvis Festival Official Website) The New England Elvis Festival returns to the Radisson Hotel Manchester, NH,
September 2-4, 2011, with a full weekend of music and entertainment. Several new events have been added for the third annual festival including "Rock-A-Hula," a late night Hawaiian-themed event, and "Stories about Elvis" with
Sonny West.
"We're excited to be bringing one of Elvis' friends and confidants to New Hampshire," commented Jason Sherry, director of the New England Elvis Festival. "Sonny is quite a character. He knew Elvis for sixteen years and can talk for hours about Elvis' life." The special one-hour event, which takes place prior to Saturday night's Las Vegas-style headline show, will feature storytelling and a question-and-answer session all on the festival's main stage in the Radisson's armory. Following his time on stage, West will be available to meet fans and sign autographs.
The new "Rock-A-Hula" event takes place after Saturday's show. Festival organizers remind attendees to "wear their tropical outfits and costumes to coincide with the Hawaiian-themed entertainment and games". Many of the Elvis Tribute Artists in town for the festival will take the stage and perform some of the hits from Elvis' legendary Aloha from Hawaii concert. The Radisson will have food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The main event for Saturday is "From England to New England," which features the fastest-rising star in the Elvis world, Ben Portsmouth from England. Ben will be performing with the Change of Habit Tribute Band and doing a set from Elvis' later years. The show will open with New England native and veteran Elvis entertainer Robert Washington doing a set from Elvis' '68 Comeback Special.
In addition, the New England Festival brings together 20 of the world's most seasoned Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) vying for the champion's crown and more than $3,500 in prize money. Professional ETAs from all corners of the world have been invited to appear. Those taking part will perform 15-minute sets on both Friday and Saturday, with finalists performing once more on Sunday to determine the overall winner. "This is the contest that the fans like best," said Talent Director Terry Collins, noting that performers who have played in Memphis and Las Vegas will be taking the stage. "The level of talent we've assembled will capture our fans' hearts and give them memorable shows all weekend long."
The Labor Day Weekend celebration also includes an Elvis Collectibles sale, an Elvis Gospel Music Contest, and After Hours events.
Tickets for the 2011 New England Elvis Festival are currently on sale. Ticket packages for the entire weekend of entertainment start at $65, with tickets to individual events starting as low as $15. Overnight accommodations are available at the Radisson Hotel Manchester, NH, where all events will take place. A special rate is being offered to festival attendees and can be booked by calling (603) 206-4109 and mentioning the New England Elvis Festival.
For more information, a complete schedule of events, and to purchase tickets, visit New England Elvis Festival website, or call (518) 681-7452.
