The Moody Blue Bulletin: July 2017 – Issue 1

Monthly Newsletter

By: Ashley Dion

As July begins, this is the time to get Elvis Week in order! With all the events and dozens of things to see, it is so important to make a schedule and find decide which events are the ones you do not want to miss out on. This Elvis Week coming up in August, is bound to be one of the biggest yet. This year is the 40^th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing and we, as the fans, have a huge responsibility to honor him and his legacy.

Where to Start

The dates for Elvis Week this year are August 11^th – 19^th. For many, this is too long of a time to take off from work. This is when having a guideline of what you want to do really pays off. (At this point, hopefully you have the dates and hotels booked.) With three different contests occurring and the various shows around Memphis, TN, prioritizing comes in handy!

When creating the schedule for Memphis, it was important to be present for certain shows. This determined which dates our group would be going! Between the amazing shows hosted with Images of the King and EPIC, along with the amazing things Elvis Presley Enterprises has in store, it was extremely difficult rating which was more important.

Like many others, I suffer from “FOMO”, which is having a fear of missing out. I never want to miss out on anything! Sadly, there are going to be many things I will not be able to attend simply because of them overlapping.

Events

One of the great things about contest is that many of them have a package that gets you in to multiple events! Many of the contest also hosts headliner shows for breaks between rounds. (Full list below).

As an Elvis fan, one of the most important events every year is the Candlelight Vigil. Any Elvis fan that has gone to Elvis Week knows how important this particular tradition is. Every year on August 15^th, a special Candlelight ceremony is held in honor of Elvis Presley. It begins at 8:30pm and lasts until the early hours of August 16^th, the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing.

According to Graceland.com:

“After an opening ceremony at the Gates of Graceland, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis. gravesite 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 akes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary of Elvis’ passing”

For those who are unable to make it to the Candlelight Vigil, you can view it on a live feed courtesy of Graceland.com. Along with that, you can send flower arrangements as well to be placed around his grave. As an Elvis fan, this tradition is one of my favorites.

With soft Elvis music playing in the background, walking up through the gates of Graceland to see Graceland atop a hill in the night. It truly is one of the most beautiful and emotional events I have ever been a part of. If you are able to attend, I would highly recommend it to any Elvis fan (even those that “kind of” like his music).

Things to Do

Other than events, there are still so many things to do! One in particular is Graceland, home of Elvis Presley! With tours happening for the majority of the day, there is always time to explore his home. The adult ticket prices vary from $38.75 – $159.00 depending on what experience you would like.

New Complex at Graceland

Having the new entertainment complex this year, it is smart to purchase a ticket containing those! With the “Presley Motors Automobile Museum”, “Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum”, and “Elvis Discovery Exhibits”, there is so much more to explore, learn, and love about the king! (For ticketing, visit: https://www.graceland.com/visit/buytickets1.aspx).

Sun Studios

Let’s face it, if it was not for Sun Studios, who knows if Elvis would have ever been discovered. Not even just Elvis; Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. Sun Studios conducts tours daily and gives you an up-close and personal take on the studio that legends have stood and performed in. With tour prices only $14, there really is no excuse! Arrive early and drink an AMAZING milk shake! (For ticketing and more information, visit: http://www.sunstudio.com/plan-your-tour/).

Where to Eat

Memphis is known for having some of the best BBQ on the planet. That being said, there are MANY amazing restaurants to keep in mind during your visit. We need food to survive, might as well enjoy it!

Marlow’s

One of the most popular places for Elvis fans to flock to is Marlow’s. They are famous for their ribs and this restaurant is a must see! With Elvis memorabilia surrounding and just down the street from Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard, it is just a short drive so might as well visit between touring Graceland and their amazing new complexes. (For more info on the restaurant and menu, visit: https://www.marlowesmemphis.com/index.php).

Gus’s Fried Chicken

Famous for their hot and spicy fried chicken, Gus’s Fried Chicken is another to add to the list!  With two locations in Memphis, TN there are tons of opportunities to add this stop to your schedule! (For more information and menu, visit: http://gusfriedchicken.com/ ).

Blues City Café

With the many trips to Beale Street, there are a TON of restaurants to try while walking the very famous street. One to definitely check out is Blues City Café. Famous for their gumbo, this restaurant does not disappoint! Having a music venue attached to the venue, you may find yourself watching an ETA! You never know who you may find on Beale Street! (For more information and menu, visit: http://www.bluescitycafe.com/menu/dinner/ ).

Gibson Donuts

If you are like me and LOVE donuts (I actually have an unhealthy love for them) visit Gibson Donuts! You will not regret it. It is the perfect stop in the morning while you’re getting energized for the day! You want to try these donuts. (For menu and reviews, visit: https://www.zomato.com/memphis/gibsons-donuts-memphis/menu?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Local&utm_campaign=GoogleMenus ).

Elvis Week Is Coming!

Suffering from FOMO makes it really difficult to make plans, but without plans you would miss out on so much more! Write it out, make a plan, and come celebrate the greatest entertainer of all time, the king of rock ‘n roll, Elvis Presley.

His legacy lives on through all of us and I know Elvis would be sincerely humbled to see how many people love him after all these years. I am so proud to be an Elvis fan and have such a wonderful family within it! The moment we meet another Elvis fan it is an instant bond. He is constantly bringing new friends together and I am so excited about this year and making so many new friends and reconnecting to old ones!

Until we meet again, TCB,

Little Sister

Schedule of Events

EPIC Live Events

All events take place at Crowne Plaza Memphis East Hotel 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Memphis, TN 38118

For more information, visit: https://www.epicliveevents.com/contest

Saturday, August 12^th:

• Radio Round: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Velvet E Lounge
• EPIC Round 1: 7:00 PM
• One Night With The King Starring: Vic Trevino Jr., Brandon Bennet, and Ben Thompson 10:00 PM
• Velvet Elvis Lounge After Party: 12:00 AM

Sunday, August 13^th:

• Radio Round: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Velvet E Lounge
• EPIC Round 2: 7:00 PM (Youth Division Opens)
• The Next Best Thing To The King Starring: Donny Edwards: 10:00 PM
• Velvet Elvis Lounge After Party 12:00 AM

Monday, August 14^th:

• Radio Round: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Velvet E Lounge
• EPIC Round 3: 7:00 PM
• ETIA’s The Elvis Tribute Industry Awards: 10:00 PM
• Velvet Elvis Lounge After Party: 12:00 AM

Tuesday, August 15^th:

• Ronnie McDowell A Special Tribute To Elvis: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, August 16^th:

• EPIC Finals: 7:00 PM
• The Ultimate Elvis Experience Starring Bill Cherry: 11:00 PM
• Velvet Elvis Lounge After Party: 12:00 AM

Thursday, August 17^th:

• Blue Hawaii Pool Party and EPIC Wrap Party: 12:00 PM

Images of the King

All events take place at the New Daisy Theater

For more information, visit: http://imagesoftheking.com/elvisweekschedule/

Saturday, August 12^th:

• Images of the King Contest Preliminary Round: 11:00 AM
• Ben Portsmouth, Dean Z, and Ryan Pelton in concert: 7:00 PM

Sunday, August 13^th:

• Images of the King Contest Semi-Final Round: 10:00 AM
• Cody Ray Slaughter, Jay Dupuis, and Dwight Icenhower in Concert: 7:00 PM

Monday, August 14^th:

• Images of the King Contest Final Round Featuring a performance by last year’s World Champion Ted Torres: 1:00 PM
• The Dean Z Show! 7:00 PM

Tuesday, August 15^th:

• Dwight Icenhower: Reflections on Elvis: 1:00 PM

Wednesday, August 16^th:

• Images of the King 30^th Anniversary Concert: 11:00 AM

Thursday, August 17^th:

• Jukebox LIVE: 1:00 PM

Friday, August 18^th:

• Images of the King Champions’ Breakfast (Holiday Inn Memphis Airport) 9:00 AM
• The Gospel Side of Elvis starring Blackwood Quartet with Robert Washington: 1:00 PM

Saturday, August 19^th:

• Carolyn Quinn Nichols Memorial Elvis Week Benefit Concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Elvis Presley Enterprises

For more information, visit: https://www.graceland.com/elvisweek/schedule/

Happening Multiple Days:

• Elvis Week Entertainment Tent: August 11^th – 19^th: Graceland (Must have Elvis Week Property Pass for access)
• Meet and Greet with Better Harper: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM August 12-15 The Guest House at Graceland Gift Shop
• Meet and Greet with Joe Petruccio: Haberdashery at Elvis Presley’s Memphis – August 12^th – 15^th 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Elvis Threads at Elvis Presley’s Memphis: August 12^th – 15^th 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Morning and Evening Walk Ups to Meditation Garden: August 11^th – 20^th (may not be available August 16^th) 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM August 11^th – 14^th and August 16^th – 19^th.

Friday, August 11^th:

• Elvis Fan Reunion: 2:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Elvis Week Dance Party: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Saturday, August 12^th:

• 35^th Annual Elvis 5K Run Benefiting Livitup: 8:00 AM. Run starts and finishes at gates of Graceland
• Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• The Auction at Graceland: 12:00 PM Guest House Theater, The Guest House at Graceland
• The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Celebration Concert: 8:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Sunday, August 13^th:

• Elvis 101: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center Fan Reception: 1:00PM – 3:00 PM Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center at Regency One Health
• George Klein’s Elvis Mafia Reunion: 5:00PM – 7:00 PM Alfred’s
• A Salute to Sun Records Hosted by John Paul Keith: 8:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Monday, August 14^th:

• Official Graceland Insiders Conference: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• A Band of Legends Remembers Elvis: 8:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Tuesday, August 15^th:

• Conversations on Elvis: Elvis Family & Friends: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Songwriters Showcase: 3:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Candlelight Vigil: 8:30 PM Graceland Front Gate

Wednesday, August 16^th:

• Conversations on Elvis: In the Studio: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• George Klein’s Elvis Memorial Service: 12:00 PM University of Memphis Communications and Fine Arts Building Auditorium
• ELVIS: Live In Concert 40^th Anniversary Celebration Concert Event with Full Symphony Orchestra: 8:00 PM FedExForum

Thursday, August 17^th:

• Conversations on Elvis: Elvis in the Movies: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase: 1:00 PM Guest House Theater, The Guest House at Graceland
• Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round: 7:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Friday, August 18^th:

• Conversations on Elvis: The Elvis Connection: 10:00 AM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Ultimate Winners Autograph Session: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Guest House Ballroom
• Inside the Archives: 3:00 PM Guest House Theater, The Guest House at Graceland
• The Ultimate Return: 7:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Saturday, August 19th:

• Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round: 7:00 PM Graceland Soundstage A, Elvis Presley’s Memphis