Elvis Week kicks off Saturday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Elvis Week, the annual Elvis celebration at the late superstar's home in Graceland, is scheduled to get underway on Aug. 9.

The nine-day event will feature several new activities and entertainment, including "Elvis, From Broadway to Memphis." This first-ever production will include a state-of-the-art, video-projected Elvis performing with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Broadway stars Leah Hocking, Austin Miller, 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Shawn Klush and the rockabilly group The Dempseys. Two shows will be held on Aug. 16 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.

Following its overwhelming popularity in 2007, two nights of "Music and Movies at Graceland," featuring live entertainment and a movie on the front lawn of Graceland, will be held on Aug. 11 and 12. Featured artists will include The Imperials, Andy Childs and his band and Terry Mike Jeffrey and Band. Films shown will be "Jailhouse Rock" and "Elvis: That's The Way It Is."

For the second year, the wildly successful Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will be presented. More than 20 competitions are being held around the world, selecting the top Elvis tribute artists that "best represent the legacy of Elvis Presley," to compete for a spot in the Memphis semifinals on Aug. 13 and finals on Aug. 14.

The largest Elvis Week event is the annual Candlelight Vigil on Aug. 15 starting at 8:30 p.m. Thousands of fans walk up the driveway to Elvis' grave site 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 Aug. 16, the anniversary date of Elvis' passing.