Elvis Auction March 15 & 16

EXTRAORDINARY ELVIS OBJECTS COMING TO AUCTION

On March 15 & 16, both live at Las Vegas' Palms Casino Resort and online at liveauctioneers.com*, Guernsey's will be selling the remarkable Pugliese Collection of items relating to the pop culture. Included in this fabulous Collection are more than two dozen Elvis Presley treasures ranging from his Speedway racing suit (and other memorable film costumes) to stage worn and personal clothing, his karate suit and a number of Elvis' personal guns and handwritten documents. Items from Elvis' fiancee Ginger Alden's Collection are also being included such as Elvis' stunning Rams Head diamond necklace, other prominent jewelry and several pages of thoughts Elvis wrote just days before his tragic death. As most would recall, Guernsey's is the auction house that conducted the landmark Graceland Auction in 1998. For complete information and/or to acquire the extensive catalogue (that is virtually certain to become a collector's item), please contact Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 or by email at auctions@guernseys.com. *Please note: although one can bid on most of the nearly 1,000 lots on ebayliveauctions.com, due to ebay restrictions, Elvis' guns will not be sold online. Interested parties can bid live in person or contact Guernsey's to arrange for absentee bidding via the telephone or fax.

Perry Lopez Died

Veteran actor Perry Lopez has died of lung cancer. He was 76. Lopez passed away in Beverly Hills, California on Thursday February 14, 2008. Elvis fans may know him from his role as "Two Moon" in the 1960 movie "Flaming Star".

Born in New York, Lopez began his career on the New York stage before finding work as a character actor in movies including Creature From The Black Lagoon, and The Lone Ranger. He went on to star in movies such as Kelly's Heroes, Chinatown and its 1989 sequel The Two Jakes and Death Wish 4: The Final Crackdown. Lopez also appeared in TV shows including Star Trek, Hart To Hart and Charlie's Angels.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/37a559

ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTS

ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTS: Please read the following announcement.
Preceding this Grande Event at THE REEL AWARDS on May 25, 2008, we intend to give you all the publicity due the Elvis artists on this side of the pond...breaking the Guinness World Record now held by the UK since 2005.

ADVANCED PROMO: ALL ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTS:
IF YOU HAVE WON ANY CONTEST AS "THE BEST ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST" AT ANY EVENT OR AT ANY CONVENTION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, WE WANT YOUR PHOTO AND THE DATE/PLACE OF THE AWARD.

ELVIS ARTISTS WANTED TO FILL THE STAGE:
Is it possible to get 80 Elvis Tribute Artists on the Legends in Concert stage in Las Vegas? This is what producer, Janna Joos, is going for.... so let's go and round them up!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, May 25, 2008
17th Annual
THE REEL AWARDS
7:30 p.m.
Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino
3535 Las Vegas Blvd So
Las Vegas NV
Imperial Showroom

Calling al ELVIS impersonators!!!

Breaking a Guinness World Record:
“Largest Elvis Impersonation (One Venue) Record”

The current record for the most Elvis impersonators (look-alikes, sound-alike, tribute artists, impersonators, impressionists) singing one song in unison at one location is 77, set on April 17, 2005 at Selfridges Department Store in London, UK.

Guidelines:

All participants must be wearing complete Elvis costumes
All participants must know the words to “Viva Las Vegas” or sing along with words that will be available for all participants
All participants must sing the same song
All participants must begin singing at the same time
The singing must last for at least three (3) minutes with no breaks
The song must be a recognized Elvis tune, approved by Guinness World Records
The number of singers must be confirmed by signing in at Royal Hall A no later than 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2008 on a form that will be provided

Pre-registration can be completed by emailing Janna@TheReelAwards.com with your intent to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Help to make this record one that will be very difficult to break!

I Wish Foundation Fundraiser

By Tamara Carter - Producer
February 27 2008

The “Carson Crew Choir” will be performing at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 1202 Third Street Alexandria, Louisiana, at 7:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Tickets are only $5 and available at The LA 103.5 Studios at 92 West Shamrock St in Pineville. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Louisiana State Police Troop E “I Wish Foundation”. This foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children in the Troop E area.

The Carson Crew Choir consists of The LA 103.5 Morning show, Mike Carson, Randy James & Miranda Lee, along with local singers and LA 103.5 listeners. The “Michael Hataway Band” will be performing and the choir will back them up. Internationally known “Elvis Tribute Artist,” Shea Arender will be making a special guest appearance. The choir will be directed by Sara Kelsey.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/33jobb

I Wish Foundation Fundraiser

By Tamara Carter - Producer
February 27 2008

The “Carson Crew Choir” will be performing at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 1202 Third Street Alexandria, Louisiana, at 7:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Tickets are only $5 and available at The LA 103.5 Studios at 92 West Shamrock St in Pineville. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Louisiana State Police Troop E “I Wish Foundation”. This foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children in the Troop E area.

The Carson Crew Choir consists of The LA 103.5 Morning show, Mike Carson, Randy James & Miranda Lee, along with local singers and LA 103.5 listeners. The “Michael Hataway Band” will be performing and the choir will back them up. Internationally known “Elvis Tribute Artist,” Shea Arender will be making a special guest appearance. The choir will be directed by Sara Kelsey.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/33jobb

Check out Cody Campbell at The Azteca on March 2, 2008

The Ultimate Elvis Experience Concert Tour

Saturday, March 1, 2008
Dinner at 7 p.m., Show at 9 p.m.
Montecassino Place, 140 Jevlan Dr., Woodbridge, ON Canada
$85 per ticket
The Box Office is open Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Crown Promotions presents, The Ultimate Elvis Experience,
featuring Tim E and The Yes Men with special Guests The Lost Legends

Accommodation provided by the brand new Monte Carlo Inn (located at Hwy #7 & # 400).
Show your ticket stub and receive a special discounted rate. To book your stay,

call 905-761-7170 or visit www.montecarloinns.com

Partial ticket proceeds will support Autism Research at the Hospital For Sick Children

Call 905 856-6683 / 416 458-9266, visit www.tim-e-show.com

or e-mail Crownpromo@sympatico.ca

Official Announcement of TORONTO PREMIERE - Jamie Aaron Kelley

*I will be attending this show along with my husband :) Charmaine




Jamie Aaron Kelley - The Heart And Soul Of Rock 'N' Roll

The World Premiere - An Immersion into the Sound, Sight and Feel of
Music

Event Info Name:
Jamie Aaron Kelley - The Heart And Soul Of Rock 'N' Roll

Type: Music/Arts - Concert

Time and Place Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Street: 255 Front St W
City/Town: Toronto, ON

Contact Info Phone: 905.737.0347
Email: tickets@jamieaaronkelley.com

TICKETS SALES will be announced within TWO WEEKS

This is the official announcement.... so watch for more information
coming soon !!!!

THIS you DON'T Want To Miss !!!!

Stone Flame Jumpsuit

We are selling the Stone Flame Jumpsuit. Shawn only wore it 4 to 5 times. Brand new it cost $3,200.00 plus shipping and tax. We are selling it for $2,000.00 plus shipping. If anybody is interested in it for a collectors item or any of the guys in the group are interested please email me for details. I will wait two weeks then if nobody is interested I will put it for sale on ebay. I felt I should give the fans a chance at it first before putting it on ebay. It is a very nice suit. We will get a new one down the road. Here is the link to view it on B&K. That price includes the suit, cape, and belt as shown. B & K Enterprises Costume Co., Inc. : Internationally Acclaimed Costume Design Since 1980. www.b-k-enterprises.com . Then just click on #34. Stone Flame.
If you know anybody who may be interested please pass this email on to them. Thanks Terri. Email address Terri455@aol.com

Elvis Rock 'n Roll "Ride for Life" EVENTS

http://www.elvisride.org/events.html

April 17 - 20, 2008
For the benefit of the American Diabetes Association.

For more information on this event, check out the link above.

THE ELVIS CRUISE FOR 2008: PARADISE MEXICAN STYLE

All Elvis fans report to the buffet tables! The 2008 Elvis Cruise will be leaving New Orleans on August 28 for a four night trip to Mexico. The host will be Jerry Schilling, one of The King's long time friends and member of his Memphis Mafia. The agenda includes Elvis impersonators, contests, and tributes to the big guy. The cruise is officially licensed by Elvis' estate. Sounds like more fun than the theme cruise we proposed based on The Poseidon Adventure that required all passengers to stand on their heads for the length of the journey. For full details click here.

Doug Church article

http://www.elvisinfonet.com/almostelvis.html

""The Voice of Elvis" Doug Church Back On (The Contest) Stage: After touring all over the United States and the world performing in England, Denmark, Hong Kong, Germany and Canada, Elvis Tribute Artist and Performer Doug Church, known the world over as "The Voice of Elvis" due to his uncanny vocal talents to sound like "The King of Rock n' Roll", Elvis Presley, has decided to step back in the world of Elvis Tribute Artist Contests. After an 11 year hiatus from performing in contests, Mr. Church has decided to get back in the mix.

"I felt the need to grow and learn and missed the friendships and camaraderie with the other performers. Being back on the contest stage I get to see a whole new audience. I enjoy their energy and performing for them"

Seeing Doug perform live is an incredible experience. The voice, mannerisms and stage presence takes you back to what it must have been like to feel the excitement of seeing Elvis Presley live on stage. Doug's amazing vocal range is what sets him apart from other Elvis Tribute Artists performing in the business. He still tours the world doing the shows that have won him so much acclaim and is a show you do not want to miss. See "The Voice of Elvis" Doug Church perform soon in a city near you.

[Source: Elvis Expert)"

Special Announcment

Comedian Sammy Shore has just been voted into the Comedy Hall of Fame.

Mr. Shore first received national attention when Elvis Presley chose him as his opening act at the International Hotel in Las Vegas from 1969-1972. He then went on to work with America's comedy greats and music legends and also founded the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles, CA.

Mr. Shore is currently completing an exciting new book, The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh, due out this year which will be produced by Joe Esposito and Daniel Lombardy and their firm TCBJOE Publishing. This book will reveal in hysterical detail the comedy routines that made Elvis and all of America laugh. With wit and wisdom, he reflects on his fifty-year career in show business, with all of its pinnacles and pitfalls, and includes the reflections of many of America's great comedians.

In addition to his stand-up comedy career, Mr. Shore has appeared in movies, TV sitcoms and plays, wining numerous prestigious awards.


I am really happy to hear that Sammy finally got the recognition he always deserved Way to go!

Darwin Lamm
Publisher
Elvis The Magazine
info@elvisthemagazine.com


PS: We will keep you posted on this book release

An Elvis-Themed Hotel Gets One Step Closer to Actuality

TradeMork a funny site all about "trademark oddities, information and news" reports that Elvis Presley Enterprises recently filed paperwork to protect the trademark "The Elvis Las Vegas" and "The E Las Vegas."

The protections are for three categories which include these goods and services: resort hotel, hotel, restaurant, bar as well as real estate services for residential apartments, condominiums and retail establishments.

We've been following the plans for a Las Vegas Elvis-themed hotel for a while now but TradeMork also speculates that a hotel could go up near Graceland in Memphis.

While we don't doubt that will happen someday, we are guessing the Elvis Las Vegas is the actual hotel that will go up in Las Vegas and the E Las Vegas sounds like the residential bit of the hotel complex.

Afterall, would you live in a place named after Elvis? On second thought, don't answer that. There are probably plenty of you who will.



Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2zucp4

MEMPHIS: Private and public Elvis

Elvis Presley memorabilia from his 18-month stint in the U.S. Army and his first appearance in a TV special will be shown publicly for the first time in two new exhibits opening this month at Graceland.

"Private Presley" will include his Army fatigues, dress uniforms, other items of clothing, his foot locker and a cedar clothes storage chest.

"Elvis 68" will show the suits he wore for his appearance on the special "Presley edition" of the 1968 Frank Sinatra TV show, along with other items.
These exhibits also will be part of the new and expanded VIP Tour that includes an exclusive showing of other items never shown publicly; "front of the line" privileges; special shuttle service; and an all-day pass to Graceland mansion, the Elvis Presley automobile museum, Lisa Marie Airplane Tour, and All-Access exhibit. The suit Elvis wore on TV in 1968.

For more information, visit Elvis.com.


Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/32ctol

The Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner

The Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner will be held at the Peabody Hotel on Thursday, August 14, 2007 in the grand ballroom.

Our guest list includes the famous and fabulous Jordanaires, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Kevin Mills, Vince Anthony, Gary Coleman, Will Debley , Gary Elvis Britt and others. As an added bonus we have Kevin Adams doing his great impersonations and he is really something and if you've never seen him perform he will have you in stitches. We have another bonus for you - we will allow three names to be drawn - on stage - for any amateur present who might like to come on stage and sing - bring your own CD!

For tickets ($75.00 each) please make checks payable to EPMD and mail to Marian Cocke @ 784 Pecan Gardens Circle East, Memphis, Tn. 38122 and please enclose a SASE for tickets to be returned to you.

Attire is nice casual - all tables are reserved and for those of you who have specific folks that you would like to sit with - you must send your checks together in order for your request to be honored. Children under 10 will be served a childs plate at no cost to parents but must know the count for proper table seating.

Marian

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - TORONTO DEBUT! JAMIE AARON KELLEY

Today - we are announcing the Toronto Debut of .......

"The Heart and Soul of Rock-n-Roll Concert Performance"

Starring JAMIE AARON KELLEY

Tickets go on sale mid-March 2008!!

Larry

Update: ETA Contests - Doug Church

Just wanted to update ETA fans... after more 11 years of being out of the ETA contests circuit. Doug Church is back into entering contests again. He has already entered one. Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay Florida.

Doug has decided to coming back to entering contests again to keep sharp, and he says that he really misses the friendships and camaraderie.

Here is wishing Doug tons of luck!

Charmaine

Upcoming Doug Church show in Mishawaka, IN

Dear Friends and Fans,

I will be performing once again at the Candlewood Clubhouse, 3902 Saint Andrews Circle, Mishawaka, IN on Saturday February 23rd. Showtime is 8pm and the admission is $17 at the door. We'll have some snacks and sodas available for a donation, along with lots of fun, laughs and the best music in the world, ELVIS music!! Hope to see you there. God bless.

DC

Tim Dudley "Tribute to the King" live @ Ugly Mugs on MARCH 29th!

Hey folks,

First of we like to say Thank You all who showed up at the February 15th show at Ugly Mugs. It was great show! I'm telling you folks this place is beautiful and has state of the art lighting and sound(Ran by computer and soundboard). We had the place rockin!

Now, on March 29th I will be performing there again for "GrandFamilies of America" Indiana Chapter. There will be $10 Cover Charge. The show will start around 7PM and will go til 10PM or longer.

WNDU Channel 16 (NBC) will be there for this show! They will be filming me because they are doing a Cover Story on me and my Tribute to the King Story. So if you like to be interviewed or want to be on TV come to this show!

The address is:
102 N. Main St.
South Bend, Indiana 46601

The street is one way (I believe heading South). You can park on the street (Free parking after 6PM!) Or there is parking garage right there and first 2 levels are FREE parking!

Ugly Mugs also has food and drinks! There is also NO SMOKING in the building there is a area outside the cafe' to smoke during breaks/intermission.

I hope to see you there so we can bring back memories of the KING OF ROCK AND ROLL....Elvis Presley and also make new ones!

Love to all,

Tim Dudley

Contest of Kings 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2008 Contest of Kings - Mall of America
Grand Prize: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
April 18th & 19, 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grand Prize
-- Cruising with the King
-- 2008 Contest Information
-- Days Inn

Greetings!

The Fifth Annual Contest of Kings is scheduled at Mall of America Friday evening, April 18th and Saturday afternoon and evening, April 19th. This is a benefit for the Anoka County Arts Alliance.

Once again Elvis Tribute Artists from around the world will gather to compete for the Grand Prize of a Caribbean Cruise and a contract to appear as a performer for "Cruising with the King" aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines!

CRUISING WITH THE KING provides guests with a full Elvis experience onboard the ship, beginning with a Welcome Aboard Tribute concert followed by a Meet and Greet and photo op with your tribute artists.

Throughout the cruise you will be guests at tribute performances featuring songs from the many decades of Elvis's career. Re-live the excitement of the King in Vegas, Young Elvis, music from the movies, gospel songs and more.

Cruising with the King

THE ELVIS IMPERSONATOR CONTEST

ROUND ONE will start Friday, April 18th at 6pm.

ROUND TWO will start Saturday, April 19th at 12 noon.

FINALIST ROUND will start Saturday, April 19th at 6 pm.

SHOWCASE ROUND will follow the Finalist Round. During the showcase our 2007 Grand Champion, Steve Marcio, will perform a 30 minute concert.

2008 Contest Information

Mention our code word "Elvis Contest" and you'll receive special rates for your stay at the Days Inn Airport - Mall of America. Then join us at the Days Inn Party Room for our "ETA Karaoke Party" Friday night and Saturday night after the contest ends! This is a very nice hotel located directly across the street from the Mall of America and only 5 minutes from MSP International Airport. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, arcade and shuttle service to/from the airport and Mall of America.

Special pricing is: $69 per night Queen $79 per night Double Call 1-800-558-5051 or 952-854-8400 for reservations before 2/28/07 to qualify for these special rates

Days Inn



Tickets and Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: toddelvis@comcast.net
phone: 763-434-3132
web: http://www.contestofkings.com/home.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Feud

Greetings Friends and Fans,

Make sure you tune in to The Family Feud all this week to see Shawn Klush leading the Men’s tribute artist and look alike team as they take on the Women’s tribute artist and look alike team in one of America’s longest running TV game shows. The Feud airs at 10:00 am Monday through Friday on WCIU, channel 26, here in Chicago. If you’re not in the Chicago area, make sure you check your local listings or www.tvguide.com for information. For those of you that might not be able to catch the broadcasts, we’ll do our best to get footage up on Youtube or find a website that’s showing the episodes. See below for the official press release:

“FAUX” STARS ON FAMILY FEUD’S
“CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE” WEEK

Host John “J. Peterman” O’Hurley Masquerades As Himself On One of America’s Favorite Game Shows

Los Angeles, CA – The popular game show has booked star impersonators in a male vs. female celebrity grudge match on the nationally syndicated Family Feud, beginning on Monday, February 18. The high-stakes game where contestants must guess the most popular answers to survey questions posed to 100 people in order to win big money airs Monday-Friday at 3:00 p.m. on New York’s WWOR-TV (Channel 9).

Who will be impersonated throughout the week? Bono, Dolly Parton, Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Howard Stern, Whoopi Goldberg, Elvis Presley (Shawn Klush), Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton and George W. Bush.

“All these impersonators are dead-ringers for the actual celebrities,” said host John O’Hurley. “I did double-takes a couple of times.”

HURRY!!, there are only a few tickets still available for Elvis Meets the Beatles starring Shawn Klush and the Cast of Beatlemania on March 1st in Pittston, PA. Visit www.northeastfair.com for details.

Also, Keep your eye on Shawn’s website, www.shawnklush.net for more upcoming dates.

Please visit our websites for more information:
www.ambassadorshows.com
www.shawnklush.net
and check out our latest videos on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/Ambassadorshows


**Please note that this is not an actively monitored email address. Please direct all artist and event related questions to the artists’ websites.

***Elvis and Elvis Presley Enterprises are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. and CKX, Inc.***

Police: Elvis Impersonator Acknowledged Fraud

Frederick Denmark
aka ETA FRED ALBERTS

By Valerie Kalfrin of The Tampa Tribune
Published: February 18, 2008

TAMPA - Shelby Ewbank and Kathy Prince didn't have suspicious minds when Elvis tribute artist Frederick Denmark said his house had burned.

Ewbank, whose husband also is a tribute artist, and Prince said they helped organize a benefit for Denmark at American Legion Post 138 in September that raised more than $2,000 in cash, as well as clothes and household items.

There was just one problem: There hadn't been a fire, the women said they learned.

Following up on the women's detective work, Tampa police on Thursday charged Denmark, 47, of Fort Lauderdale with felony organized fraud and felony grand theft.

Denmark told police in a report released Monday that he made up the story about the fire for money.

"He said he made a bad decision and wants to pay it back if he can," Detective Curtis Smith said. "He even cried."

Jail records show Denmark, who performs under the name Fred Alberts, is free on $4,000 bail.

An attempt to reach him Monday was unsuccessful.

Ewbank and Prince, meanwhile, now consider a hound dog the man they once called "poor Fred."

"A lot of people are very disgusted," said Ewbank, 33, of Tampa. "We put a lot of time and effort into something we thought was a great thing."

"It's made me sick. It's made me sad," said Prince, 50, of Tampa. "I'm a nurse. I like to think I can help people. … Do you know how many people out there really need help that could've benefited from something like that?"

A public records search shows Denmark was on probation or parole in Florida between 1996 and 2000 in Broward County but does not elaborate on the offense.

Public records show a federal tax lien for $12,922 in his name from 2005.

The women said they didn't know Denmark well but had seen him perform. Ewbank met him at an Elvis contest at Channelside in May, and Prince said he was one of the performers that another tribute artist brought to her birthday party in July.

In September, word began to spread among local Elvis impersonators that "Fred lost everything in a fire," Ewbank recalled.

The women and their friends rallied to the cause, drawing eight other tribute artists, including one performing as Johnny Cash, to a benefit. The Tampa Tribune ran an article previewing the event, in which Denmark described finding his Fort Lauderdale house in ashes after a gig in Jacksonville.

"Everything you ever had in your lifetime is gone," Denmark said in the article.

After the article appeared, Prince said she received an anonymous letter warning her that Denmark was a swindler. She also received a letter from a woman who claimed to be Denmark's ex-girlfriend, saying Denmark had rung up $25,000 worth of purchases on her credit card.

Prince, who later gave the letters to police, first shared them with Ewbank. "We were flabbergasted," Ewbank said.

The women said they wanted to substantiate what they could before going to police. They looked for property records in Denmark's name and any reports of a house fire in local newspapers and with Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue. They found nothing.

Prince, who had sent Denmark a $400 check separate from the benefit, also spoke to him by phone. "He gave me four addresses," she said. "He finally admitted to me there was no fire."

Smith said he also was unable to substantiate Denmark's story. When confronted, Denmark told Smith in the police report that "he made up the story to get money. He added that he didn't have any knowledge of the benefit until it was too late. It was a surprise."

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3c877m

Enjoy dinner with Elvis for a worthy cause

A cook will run the London Marathon in aid of a local charity.

Erika Pratt, 43, from New Road, Lewes, will be a familiar face to visitors to the Lewes Farmers Market where she runs the Moveable Feasts van, and her flapjacks are popular choice at Beckworths on the High Street.

She is also putting on a special Elvis Presley-themed fundraising evening at the Lewes Con Club on February 23, where visitors will be able to enjoy the King's music and favourite food.

The event is in aid of recycling organisation Furniture Now, the North Street-based charity which Erika is running the London Marathon for.

Erika said: 'It's going to be great night, we've booked an Elvis impersonator and I'll be cooking some chicken creole and some of Elvis's favourite deserts.

'I'm hoping to raise about £2,500 in total for Furniture Now, I've had a lot of support from everyone already and I thought instead of having to shake tins in pubs I'd organise a one-off event.

'Cooking's obviously my thing so this seemed to be the best thing to do and hopefully to collect a good amount of money.'

Local businesses have donated prizes for a raffle and Beckwiths and Barefoot Herbs, in Mount Pleasant are selling Erika's specially created Marathon Brownies.

In recent years Erika has completed several half-marathons and is confident she can cope with the extra distance in April.

This will be the first time Furniture Now has had sponsored runner in the London marathon and the money raised will help to fund a training project to help the long-term unemployed back into work.

Entry to the fundraising evening is £15. For tickets call Erika on 01273 470046. To sponsor Erika visit www.bmycharity.com/flapjacks or pick up a sponsorship form at Food Food in Station Street.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2s6cfs

The Original Entourage

LamarFike.com Photo
Should be one heck of a read

They were called the Memphis Mafia and hung on Elvis’ every word. Now, one of them is getting ready to release a book about those heady Graceland days.

Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 9:20 PM
By FilmStew Staff

Lamar Fike, the man who for years ran Elvis Presley’s publishing company in Memphis, is hard at work with writer Mark Bego putting the finishing touches on a new book entitled An Uncommon Journey. It seems that this one-time member of the King’s “Memphis Mafia” is willing to finally share all his untold stories.

Veteran PR man David Salidor, who will be handling publicity for the book, hints in an interview with The Improper that a screenplay will soon be in the works. He also reveals a rather odd connection to this particular bit of tubthumping.

“My Dad had worked for the legendary Decca Records back in the day and knows Lamar,” Salidor explains. “So, when we first spoke, Lamar said to me, ‘I met you when you were five at the Copacabana in New York.' Amazing and, true.”

Meanwhile, in a synopsis of the book posted on Fike’s official website, the former King best pal makes a rather intriguing comparison: “Let me tell you, The Memphis Mafia was the original Entourage… I never knew what to expect when I was around Elvis. There would be Hollywood starlets in the pool or Natalie Wood would drop by for a visit.”

And how’s this for a side trip? In the book, Fike also recounts his experiences in Rome with Tennessee Williams and Hercules actor Steve Reeves while Elvis was stationed in Germany.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2u3w8g

Chance to Win My Boy Elvis Tickets

We have double tickets for 'My Boy Elvis - The Musical' at the Olympia Theatre on Sunday 24 February to give away.

The musical stars Liam Murphy, who won 'The World's Finest Elvis Impersonator' competition in the US in 2006, Alan Curran as Colonel Tom Parker and 13-year-old Craig Connolly as the young Elvis.

The story finds The King and his manager in the afterlife, reflecting and reminiscing about their lives and how things could have been different.

Written, directed and produced by George Twamley, the production features such classics as 'Hound Dog', 'Tutti Frutti', 'The Wonder of You', 'Suspicious Minds', 'An American Trilogy' and 'Burning Love'.

To be in with a chance of winning tickets, answer the following question: What was the name of Elvis' manager?

Send your answer, name, address and telephone number marked 'My Boy Elvis Comp' to entertainmentonline@rte.ie by Thursday 21 February at 12pm. One entry per person. Prize is show tickets only.

The full tour dates for 'My Boy Elvis' are:

Dublin - Olympia Theatre, Sunday 24 February

Castlebar - Royal Theatre, Saturday 8 March

Belfast - The Waterfront, Friday 18 April

Killarney - The INEC, Saturday 12 July


Source: http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0215/myboyelviscompetition.html

‘The King’ and I

Wytheville Enterprise Staff
Wytheville Enterprise: News
05:38 PM

By NATE HUBBARD/Staff

Sonny West spent 16 years “taking care of business” for Elvis Presley, first as his general assistant in Hollywood and later as his head of security as Elvis toured from 1969-1976.
More than 30 years after Elvis’ death, West’s protective instincts haven’t faded as he works to protect the King’s legacy.
“There was a magic about him that once he hooked you, you did not want to let go,” West said about Elvis during a phone interview Thursday afternoon. “He knew that he had it, but he didn’t know why.”
West and another one of Elvis’ friends, Sandi Pichon, will be making an appearance in Wytheville on March 1 at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre’s production of “Memories of the King,” starring Elvis tribute artist Stephen Freeman.
Pichon and West will visit with audience members and sign copies of their books about their time with Elvis both before and after the matinee and evening performances on March 1. The pair will also share some of their memories of Elvis during a segment of the performance.
In addition, West said he will have DVDs for sale that document some of the stories he plans to share.
This is the second year that the Wohlfahrt Haus has featured an Elvis production by Freeman. But Jill Godfrey, Wohlfahrt Haus’ associate artistic director, said this year’s show has many differences from Freeman’s prior production, calling it “more of a play” about Elvis’ life than just songs, although there still will be plenty of Elvis’ music.
Godfrey said having Pichon and West make an appearance at the show gives the production more believability.
“It just makes it a little more credible,” she said.
Pichon, who lives in Slidell, La., said during a phone interview Monday that she got connected with the Wohlfahrt Haus through her friend Linda Lee of Independence, who is a fan of Freeman’s performances.
Having a play about Elvis’ life along with a performance of some of his songs makes Freeman’s production unusual, Pichon said.
“It’s an interesting concept and to me that’s what sets him apart,” Pichon said, adding that she’s looking forward to seeing Freeman perform for the first time. “When you’re in our position, you hear way too many Elvis tribute artists.”
Nevertheless, Pichon said every Elvis tribute artist that she’s seen perform, even ones that didn’t capture him perfectly, helps to keep Elvis’ legacy alive.
“Most of them really have a good heart and they love Elvis,” Pichon said. “I know that in their heart they’re doing something that’s a tribute.”
Pichon added that she doesn’t necessarily look for someone who tries to completely mimic Elvis.
Often, she said, the voice is more important than the costume or the sideburns.
“You can’t improve on the original,” Pichon said. “It’s supposed to be a tribute and not an impersonation…I look for a person’s individuality to show through.”
Pichon and West had two extremely different experiences during their respective first meetings with Elvis.
West, now 69, first met Elvis in 1958 through his cousin, Red West, at one of Elvis’ famous skating parties where they played a game dubbed “War” – which West described as a combination of “roller derby, wrestling and football.”
Although West, who now lives in Hendersonville, Tenn., said he had a reputation as a “tough guy” from his youth growing up in the Lamar Terrace housing development in Memphis, Tenn., on the first night he met Elvis he recalled getting beaten up by a girl with much better skating abilities than he had.
West and Elvis hit it off, though, and Elvis overlooked West’s less-than-intimidating “War” performance when he later put his trust in West to protect him on tour.
Pichon, on the other hand, was just an 11-year-old girl in 1956 when she heard about the up-and-coming star that lived at 1034 Audubon Drive, two miles from her home.
Having heard that Elvis was welcoming toward the neighborhood kids, Pichon showed up at his house.
“I’d never seen anything like him before because he was so beautiful,” she said. “He just had such a sweet personality.”
Taking Elvis at his word to “come back any time,” Pichon said that over the next year, until her family moved to Florida, she regularly stopped by the Presley house after school, often visiting with Elvis’ mom, Gladys, even when Elvis was out of town.
“We had no idea of the magnitude of where he was going at that point,” she said.
As West and Elvis were making movies in Hollywood during the 1960s, Pichon went on with her life.
In 1972, though, Pichon went to a concert and Red West recognized her as the little girl who used to visit Elvis. From 1972-1977, Pichon estimated that she saw 150 Elvis concerts, often getting invited up to Elvis’ hotel suite after the show to chat with Elvis and his friends.
“I guess I was a fan who became a friend,” Pichon said, adding that she doesn’t want to mischaracterize herself as being closer to Elvis than she actually was. “I never asked for more than I received.”
Even as he became a larger-than-life star, Pichon said Elvis stayed humble.
“He never took it for granted that people knew who he was.” Pichon recalled. “He would always say, ‘Hello, I’m Elvis Presley.’”
West said the fans sometimes presented more of a security challenge than violent would-be assassins.
He said people often would be so eager to touch Elvis or get his attention that they would cause him unintentional harm. He detailed his memory of one female fan who grabbed Elvis’ hair as he tried to enter a cab, causing Elvis to bang his head on the car.
West added that protecting Elvis often involved using smarts more than brute strength, from knowing the signs people exhibited before they rushed Elvis to making sure police detained people who made death threats to Elvis before the performer even reached town.
“There’s more to being a bodyguard than just being a big, bad dude,” West said.
Pichon and West said they never expected Elvis to still be so important to so many people even 30 years after his death.
West recalled thinking at a gathering honoring Elvis five years after his death that people would probably soon move on and that Elvis’ influence would begin to fade.
“It got more and more for the simple reason that I did not take into consideration that he would get so many new fans,” West said.
Now as people who knew Elvis firsthand start to age, West said it’s imperative to share the stories of what Elvis was really like.
“I loved the man very much,” West said. “He had such a tremendous influence on me.”
For ticket information to see the March 1 productions with West and Pichon or any of the other Elvis shows go to http://www.wohlfahrthaus.com or call (276) 223-0891 or (888) 950-3382.



Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3bbtt8

COMING SOON - Elvis will rock the building

February 18, 2008

THE popular entertainment company, Centrestage, brings its tribute to Elvis Presley The Wonder of You to the Guild Theatre from February 28 until March 8.

The show features the unstoppable Centrestage All-Star Band, fronted by East London’s own Rory McLaren as the king of rock ’n roll, augmented by the Sweet Sensations and the Centrestage Horny Section.

A similar approach to the manner in which the group saluted Freddy Mercury and Queen will be taken, with each of the band members taking turns to pay their respective tributes.

The two hour show takes in all the entertainer’s biggest hits.

Wayne Kallis unleashes his pent-up rock ’n roll energy to depict Elvis in his frenetic early fifties hip-swaying days with It’s Allright Mama, Blue Suede Shoes, Teddy Bear and Heartbreak Hotel, while likeable drummer Gino Fabbri provides some military fun in his GI Blues rendition, tipping the hat at Elvis’ time in the army.

Covering Elvis’ movie career are the likes of musical director Donovan Hattingh taking Centrestage on King Creole and Viva Las Vegas, while keyboardist Kanya Matomali does a fun turn on Trouble and McLaren puts on his jailbird attire for Jailhouse Rock.

One of the highlight moments belongs to the leather-clad McLaren, who breathes new life in Elvis’ 1970 Comeback Special performances.

The second half features his spectacular Las Vegas period, with the brass section comprising of Geoff Taylor, Shawn Lyon and Greg Bell lifting ever popular songs such as You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, I Just Cant Help Believing, Burning Love, Can’t Help Falling in Love and Suspicious Minds to new heights.

Making up the Sweet Sensations backing group are Donna Africa, Lelani Fourie and Lani Botha, while Mike McAully is again on duty on double bass and bass respectively.

Donovan Hattingh and Wayne Kallis share guitar duties.

McLaren shows his mettle with stirring performances of big songs such as Impossible Dream and American Trilogy.

Presented in extravaganza style, The Wonder of You is the 15th big music show brought to East London by Centrestage.

Tickets can be purchased from the Guild Theatre by calling 043 743 0704.



Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3d46p8

March in Saline and Wyoming - Check them out.................

Saturday MARCH 1, 2008 - SALINE, MICHIGAN AMERICAN LEGION

March will surely roar in like a lion, when Fred Wolfe belts out Elvis songs and shimmies his hips at the American Legion Post in Saline, Michigan on Saturday, March 1, 2008. A rockin’ good time is sure to be had by all who attend. Food will be available. There will be a cash bar and 50-50 raffles. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Showtime is at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 each and are available at the American Legion Post. Phone (734) 429-7310.

Tickets will be available at the door the night of the show. However, if you plan on attending but do not live in the Saline area and wish to purchase tickets ahead of time, make a check payable to the Saline American Legion Post for the number of tickets you need and send it to the Saline American Legion Post, Attention Gloria Near, 320 West Michigan Avenue, Saline, Michigan 48176. Please also include a note as to how many you need and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they may mail the tickets to you.

Location: The Saline American Legion Post is located at 320 West Michigan Avenue (US-12), Saline, Michigan 48176, approximately two (2) block West of Ann Arbor/Saline Road, on the North side of the Street. Saline is located South of I-94 and West of US-23. MAP

Saturday MARCH 8, 2008 - WYOMING MOOSE LODGE BENEFIT

Bring your Blue Suede Shoes and prepare for a night of fun! Wyoming Michigan Moose Lodge 763, is hosting a benefit for the Make-A-Wish and Cancer Foundations featuring Fred Wolfe and his Tribute to Elvis Show on Saturday March 8th. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 and on sale now. You can purchase tickets at the door, or get them in advance from Sharon Haner (616-243-9610). Advance purchase of tickets is advised because this show will sell out quickly. The ticket price includes food and coffee. There will be a cash bar for all drinks. There will also be raffles and a 50/50 drawing.

Location: The Wyoming Moose Lodge is located at 2630 Burlingame Avenue SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509; West of 131 and East of 196, between 28th St. SW and Burton St. SW. Wyoming is just south of Grand Rapids. MAP

Visit the Fred Wolfe Fan Club Website for other show dates, great pictures, videos and interesting tidbits about Fred. >>>> FREDWOLFEFANS.COM

Archives Blog: New Exhibits Installation at Graceland!! Check Back for Regular Updates!!

This spring, you'll see a whole new look to the shopping center just to the north of the entrance to the Graceland parking area. In addition to Souvenirs of Elvis, the Graceland Harley-Davidson Shop and the Rock 'n' Roll Café, the Graceland Crossing shopping center will also be the home of the '68 Special exhibit and shop and The Private Presley exhibit. Also new to this area is the Everything Elvis shop which will offer a great selection of Elvis gifts and merchandise. A kick-off event is planned for late March.

To help share the excitement of this transformation and installation of three new exhibits, Graceland Archives Director, Angie Marchese, will be posting blog entries here in the news section of elvis.com, so check back for regular updates.

Be sure to check out EXCLUSIVE pictures of the new exhibits at www.elvisinsiders.com. If you're not an Elvis Insider, join today! When you join The Official Elvis Insiders, you’ll receive discounts and get access to rarely seen Elvis Presley photos, Graceland artifacts, Elvis video clips and rare documents from the Graceland archives are just a few of the exclusive items you'll have access to as an Official Elvis Insider.




FEBRUARY 12, 2008
Hey everybody, there is plenty of activity at Graceland these days, especially in Archives, WOW, we are ALL on the move. We are starting the transformation and creation of three new exhibit areas that are sure to knock your socks off, or my archival gloves, when you see them!

We just put the final touches on the new VIP Tour exhibit yesterday. We dug deep into the Graceland Archives for this re-vamp of the VIP Tour exhibit area. For the first time ever we are displaying the living room furniture from Elvis and Priscilla's honeymoon hideaway in Palm Springs, truly a blast from the past with this vintage furniture display.

Another favorite of mine in this exhibit is a collection of photos from the first-ever professional photo shoot with Elvis. In 1955 Elvis posed for William Speers here in Memphis and this portion of the VIP exhibit allows visitors to see the original proofs from that shoot that have Elvis’ handwriting on the back, indicating his favorites.

I would write more, but it is back to work for me and the Archives staff. Check back soon for more updates in our news blog.

Angie


FEBRUARY 13, 2008
It’s another day and a different side of the street. We are now over at Graceland Crossing working on the installation Private Presley. Before we could even start thinking about putting up camouflage netting and exhibit text panels, we first had to de-install the Elvis After Dark exhibit, hopefully you all had the chance to see it. Oh my, that was a job. Following typical Graceland Archives protocol, all of the artifacts were delicately packed away in acid free tissue and boxes, then loaded onto a truck and back to storage until they are needed.

Now the space is ready for a new coat of paint, Army Green of course, then it’s off to the races for our Archives staff. We have three days to turn this space into Private Presley. Looks like a mess right now but we are starting to get a feel of what it will look like as test paint and camouflage nets are going up on the walls as we speak, it’s all coming together nicely, and the good news is that it’s still on schedule!

Angie



FEBRUARY 13, 2008
Less the 48 hours to go. Things here at Private Presley are going along smoothly. Just a few more photos and a couple more yards of netting to hang and we can start dressing mannequins. Was going through some of our Army documents to pick some out for exhibit and found a letter sent to Vernon and Elvis from Elvis's grandfather Jesse. He basically catches them up on what was going on state side in Louisville . Also found a rough draft of a article from Family Circle titled "Has the Army Changed Elvis?" It was really cool to read a first hand account from Elvis's troop leader in Germany.

Now comes the task of deciding what documents to use and how they fit into the story. While working on the text for the exhibit I realized the like this year, 1960 was a leap year. How? Elvis's last day in was Feb. 29,1960. Well, better get the white gloves on and get back to work.

Angie



February 14
Happy Valentines Day to all of you Elvis fan around the world, we are feeling your love here at Graceland as we wrap up the 2nd of our three new exhibits.

It was another early start here at Graceland after a late night of cleaning cases and dressing mannequins. Only one more day before we have what we call a soft opening, a big grand opening is planned for later in the month for the media so we can promote all three exhibits at one time.

Right now, the pressure is on but Private Presley is coming together nicely. The exhibit is really starting to take shape and all the pieces are falling into place. We just ran the video element of the exhibit for the first time, it’s great and really helps tell the story of Elvis in the Army.

We just picked out the last documents from Archives that will be included in this exhibit. In the cataloguing process our staff found a letter sent to Gladys and Vernon from the United States Army after Elvis’s arrival at Fort Hood for his basic training exercises. What you’ll see is a basic form letter that included a wallet size picture of Elvis in his Army uniform. On the back of the picture in pencil Elvis filled out the information requested such as his name and home address, listed as Graceland, Memphis, TN. It truly is amazing all of the things the Presley family saved and what a joy it is to work and preserve these items and share them with Elvis’s fans from all over the world.

I have to run for now, time to go clean more glass cases and put on some of the finishing touches for this exhibit. The clock is ticking and I think some folks are outside trying to get quick look at the exhibit. No peeking!!!

Angie

Source: http://www.elvis.com/news/full_story.asp?id=1400

"You'll Be Gone" by Elvis Presley, Red West and Charlie Hodge

You'll Be Gone recorded by Elvis on Sunday, 18 March 1962
Written by: Presley; Hodge; West
Originally recorded by Charles Walters and June Knight in 1935
Hear Elvis's version on: From Nashville To Memphis (CD2)
Cole Porter wrote the number "Begin The Beguine" in the early thirties, basing it on a dance from Martinique. It seems that this was his favourite song. Elvis liked the number, too, but there were problems involved with him recording it, so he decided to rewrite it, which he promptly did, with the help of friends Charlie Hodge and Red West. The tune was also changed, but elements of the Cole Porter "original" (heck, even he wasn't original!) can clearly be heard.

Here is also another angle of how this song came to be :
http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/red_west_writing-for_the_king.shtml



Words & music by R. West - E. Presley - C. Hodge)
Sweetheart we're alone
And you are mine
Let's make this night a night to remember
Don't make our love a cold dying ember
For with the dawn, you'll be gone
Hold me close in your arms as the night withers away
Let's not waste one precious kiss while we're together
Oh please come to my arms and say you'll love me forever
For with the dawn, you'll be gone

Sweetheart when you're near
My heart is aflame
Your lips pressed on mine is heaven descending
And I could die because it is ending
For with the dawn, you'll be gone
Let these passions we feel in our hearts never end
I could never share this feeling with another
Oh please say that you feel the same, there'll be no other
For with the dawn, you'll be gone
For with the dawn, you'll be gone
For with the dawn, you'll be gone
For with the dawn, you'll be gone

REFLECTIONS OF THE KING - ELVIS WEEK 2008

special guests Marian Cocke and Sandi Pichon

CLICK TO ENLARGE POSTER

Dean Vegas feels the burning love

With a tear in his eye, mayoral candidate and marriage celebrant Dean Vegas conducted what might prove the most moving wedding ceremony of his career.

The Elvis impersonator yesterday officiated at the wedding of his son, Corey Eleid, to sweetheart Nadine Harmouche in a special family ceremony at Merrimac.

Braeside chapel was the setting for yesterday afternoon's ceremony, with 60 guests watching as Corey and Nadine tied the knot.

The bride walked down the aisle with her soon-to-be father-in-law to the strains of Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling Love, sung by Dean.

Corey wiped tears from his eyes as he embraced Nadine at the altar before Dean started the short and light-hearted ceremony.

"This is the happiest, most joyous and yet most difficult ceremony I've had to conduct." he said.

"I am just over the moon because he is my best friend, my son and my buddy."

"I am feeling very proud and very lucky."

The couple exchanged vows before signing their wedding certificate as the tune Love Me Tender played in the background.

The ceremony ended with Dean's rendition of Elvis's Burning Love. After the wedding Corey said the ceremony was just what he had pictured it to be.

He said eh would not have wanted anyone but his father to conduct the wedding.

"It made it a whole lot easier," he said.

"I am so happy and all my nerves have disappeared now it's over."

A beaming Nadine wore a strapless white gown with a short train and carried a red bouquet.

It was the first of two weddings for the couple as they plan to have a second ceremony in July when they travel to Sweden, Nadine's home country.

The pair met about a year ago when Corey was travelling in Sweden.

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/38t8zp

The Ultimate Elvis 2008 Update

New ETA Preliminary Locations Announced
New Jersey and Wisconsin have now been added to the list of new preliminary locations for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The preliminary locations for the contest will be the only places for Elvis tribute artists to compete for their chance at a spot in the semifinals in Memphis in August during Elvis Week.
Entries so far are as follows?

Confirmed Preliminary Locations
The list below is in chronological order. Please check back often as the schedule will be updated as new preliminary locations are confirmed.


A Day with Elvis in Arnold - Ultimate ETA Contest
Date: April 12, 2008
Location: Rickman Auditorium, 745 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO 63010
For ETAs interested in competing: Call Gina at 636-282-6664 for more information.
Ticket Purchase Information: Call Ticketmaster at 314-241-1888 or
Arnold City Hall at 636-296-2100.


The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at Menominee Casino
Presented by Brown Productions
Date: May 17-18, 2008
Location: Menominee Casino, Keshena, Wisconsin
For ETAs interested in competing: Contact Brown Productions at 262-338-2498, email innov@charter.net or visit their web site.
For tickets, hotel reservations and general property questions, please contact Menominee Casino at 800-343-7778 or the casino web site. Menominee Casino is located 35 miles west of Green Bay, WI. The casino offers an attached hotel with 100 rooms.
The contest will have a total cash prize of $4500. Grand prize is $1500 plus qualification into the semifinals in Memphis and travel and lodging in Memphis. Top 10 contestants will be awarded prize money. Maximum of 15 contestants.
*Information regarding tickets and contest times may not be immediately available. Check Menominee Casino's web site for updates.


Lake George Elvis Festival
Date: May 29-June 1, 2008
Location: Lake George Forum, 2200 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845
The Lake George Elvis Festival is an annual event held each spring. The event features over 60 Elvis tribute artists, memorabilia vendors and so much more. For more details on the festival, visit the festival web site or email info@lakegeorgeelvisfest.com.
For ETAs interested in competing: Visit the contest web site or call
Terry Collins at 518-793-3374.
Ticket Purchase Information: Visit the contest web site or call the Lake George Forum
at 518-668-2200.


The Wintersun Festival
Date: Early June
Location: Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia
For more information on The Wintersun Festival, visit their web site.
For ETAs interested in competing: Visit the festival web site or email info@wintersun.org.au.


Tupelo Elvis Festival
Date: June 6-8, 2008
Location: Downtown Tupelo, Mississippi
The 10th annual Elvis Presley Festival, held in Elvis's birthplace, will celebrate the musical heritage of the town that shaped the early years of our nation's leading cultural icon. This is where it all began. Enjoy music, food, and fun on the streets of downtown Tupelo, Mississippi. For more information on the Tupelo Elvis Festival, visit the festival web site.
For ETAs interested in competing, visit the festival web site or email information@tupeloelvisfestival.com.


Greater Boston Area Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
Date: Festival dates are June 9-15; Contest dates are June 13-15
Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
More information coming soon!


Windsor Elvis Festival
Date: Festival starts June 27. Competitions start June 28. Finals on June 29.
Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
It's that time again to grab your hound dog, put on your blue suede shoes, grease back that hair, hop in your pink Cadillac and set your signs on Windsor as they get ready to shake, rattle and roll.
For more information on the Windsor Elvis Fest, visit their festival web site.
For ETAs interested in competing: Visit the Windsor Elvis Fest web site or call Centres for Seniors Windsor at 519-254-1108.
Ticket Purchase Information: Visit the Windsor Elvis Fest web site or call Centres for Seniors Windsor at 519-254-1108.


Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival
Date: June 27-29, 2008
Location: Okanagan Lake Park, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
The three-day festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticiton, British Columbia, Canada. With Skaha Lake at the south end of town and Okanagan Lake and the north end of town, Penticton is a 'place to stay forever.' Join them for a fun-filled weekend celebrating the life and music of Elvis. For more information on their festival, visit their web site.
For ETAs interested in competing: Please contest Stacey Tonita at 250-770-1007 or
visit the festival web site.
For Ticket Purchase Information: Contact the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce at 800-663-5052 or visit the festival web site.


Collingwood Elvis Festival
Date: July 24-27, 2008
Location: Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
For ETAs interested in competing: Visit their web site for registration forms. For questions, please email tributes@collingwoodelvisfestival.com or call 705-445-1030 ext. 3279.
For Ticket Purchase Information: Visit their web site to purchase tickets online or
call 866-444-1162.


New Jersey Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Festival
Date: TBA
Location: New Jersey
More information coming soon. For preliminary contest information, please visit their contest and festival web site.



Elvis Week 2008 Tickets On Sale in March
Elvis Week 2008 tickets for Elvis Insiders go on sale on March 3. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on March 10. A detailed list of events, ticket prices and ticket purchase information will be posted on Elvis.com soon and you will be notified once it is available through the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Update.

To find out more about joining the Official Elvis Insiders to enjoy the Elvis Week ticket pre-sale on March 3,

Set Sail on the Elvis Cruise
The Elvis Cruise will embark on August 28, 2008, from New Orleans and will include four nights and two afternoons of live onboard entertainment dedicated to different phases of Elvis's life and career. Join host Jerry Schilling, and musical director Joe Guercio, along with The TCB Band, Terry Mike Jeffrey, DJ Fontana, Ronnie McDowell, The Imperials, Andy Childs, The Dempseys and more. If you are an Elvis Insider, you can also save 10%.
Interested in Holding a Preliminary Round?
EPE is offering opportunities to interested parties to become an officially licensed Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary location. Each officially licensed preliminary location will be able to enjoy the momentum from the 2007 contest, as well as receive numerous promotional benefits from Elvis Presley Enterprises to support their preliminary round.

If you are interested in becoming an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary location www.elvis.com

The Legends of Rock n' Roll Concert

The Legends of Rock 'n Roll concert

at the Legion on Simcoe St. in Oshawa is back again!

March 28 and 29 show starts at 8pm sharp.

You definitely don't want to miss this show

you will see a Tom Jones impersonation

that is better than the real thing

a LaBamba that makes it impossible to sit still

and of course the King of the show Elvis

On top of that you will also be seeing Victor J

who can make anybody laugh and be absolutely amazed by

the incredible talent of Matt Gautier a singer and

impressionist act that has to be seen to be believed

Call Phyllis at 905 433-2010 to book your tickets now!

Valentine's Night in Manchester

Click on poster to enlarge

Las Vegas lounge rocker Freddie Bell, who inspired Elvis to cover 'Hound Dog,' dies at 76

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Freddie Bell, a forerunner in the 1950s rock 'n' roll era whose toe-tapping versions of "Giddy Up A Ding Dong'' and "Hound Dog'' inspired Elvis Presley to cover the songs, has died. He was 76.

Bell died late Sunday in a Las Vegas hospital of complications from cancer, said his publicist Norm Johnson.

Bell was performing at the Sands casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in the mid-1950s when Presley was just an opening act across the street at the New Frontier. Bell's upbeat covers, and perhaps his knee-wiggling dance moves, inspired Presley, Johnson said.

"He loved Freddie's version,'' Johnson said. "He added new words and a better beat.''

Bell went to Las Vegas in 1953 from his hometown of Philadelphia and was considered one of the great lounge acts of the time, alongside the trio of Sam Butera, Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Johnson said.

He was good friends with some of the most popular performers of the era.

"They remained friends throughout Elvis' lifetime,'' Johnson said. "Freddie was very, very close to Frank Sinatra. That was one of his compadres. Whenever they were in any town performing, Frank would show up, or Freddie would go to see him.''

Bell also appeared in a number of films, including 1956's "Rock Around the Clock,'' starring Bill Haley.

http://www.dailymail.com/News/200802110654

For the First Time...Elvis Presley's ex-wife Tells All

By Sandra Shevey - Ladies Home Journal - August, 1973

Priscilla Presley - My Life With and Without Elvis Presley

After five years as the wife of the superstar singer, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley is as much of a mystery woman as she was he day she married him - May 1, 1967. In this, her first interview, she talks about Elvis - their romance, marriage, and divorce - and her life today as a woman alone.

Priscilla Anne Beaulieu married Elvis Aron Presley on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nev. She was 21; he was 32. The wedding culminated a sever-year romance. At the time of he wedding, Elvis was earning $4,000,000 as an actor-singer. On February 1,1968, the couple had their child - a daughter, Lisa Marie. In August, 1972, the Presleys suddenly separated, and on January 8, of this year, Elvis filed for divorce, giving Priscilla custody of their daughter. As they wait for the divorce to become final, Elvis lives in the $550,000 Holmby Hills estate he once shared with his wife; Priscilla and Lisa lived in a large, five-room penthouse apartment overlooking a small marina on the Pacific Palisades. Alimony payments have not yet been worked out, but on all counts the divroce is completely amicable.

After five years as the wife of one of the world's most famous entertainers, Priscilla Ann Beaulieu remains a myster. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 24, 1945 to Ann Iversen and Lieutenant Joseph P. Beaulieu of the United States Air Force.

Note: to read more of this great article - http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/articles/1973_august_ladies_home_journal.html

‘Elvis’ to perform at winter event

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2uz54w

On Feb. 21, Elvis will be in the room — at St. Therese Catholic Church at 7 p.m. for the Allied Arts Council Winter Event, which featured “The Southern Fried Chicks” in 2007.

“Elvis” is Travis Ledoyt, an impersonator who performs the music of young, 50s and 60s-era Elvis. He performs with a full live band.

Performances are filled with classics such as “Hound Dog,” “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender” and “All Shook Up” and are convincingly portrayed by Ledoyt and his band in shows that last for hours.

Ledoyt seeks to evoke the “something special that Elvis had that is unexplainable — a sort of charisma that charmed everyone.”

Ledoyt credits some of “the King’s” continuing popularity, especially with the younger generation, to tribute acts such as his own, which keep “his memory and image out in front of thousands of people.”

“I have to say I really have been blessed to be able to do what I do and I just hope we can continue to entertain people for a long time to come. I really do love the music and the man and I hope that I honor his memory and can bring a part of him to fans who never got to see him, rekindle great memories for those who did and share his music with the next generation who never knew him at all,” said Ledoyt.

Brought to the community by the Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and The Bank of Cleveland, Ledoyt charmed local crowds once before in a May 2007 performance at Evening Shade Concerts in the Park.

Tickets for Ledoyt’s Feb. 21 performance can be purchased at the Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, 423-472-6587.

Wattstax: “I Am Somebody!" Exhibit

January 11, 2008

In celebration of Black History Month, Rhodes' African American Studies Program is hosting "Wattstax: I Am Somebody!" an exhibit of over 50 rare photographs from the archives of the Stax Museum of American Soul of Music, Memphis, TN.

The 1973 film "Wattstax: The Living Word," is based on Stax Records' seven-hour concert that entertained more than 100,000 people in the Los Angeles Coliseum at the annual Watts Summer Festival in 1972. The event is believed to have launched the careers of Richard Pryor, Isaac Hayes, Luther Ingram, Rufus and Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays, and the Staple Singers and moved Rev. Jesse Jackson to lead the crowd in the “I Am Somebody” refrain.

In July and December 1973, Elvis recorded several well-known songs at Stax, including "If You Talk in Your Sleep," "I've Got a Thing About You Baby," "My Boy," and a cover of Chuck Berry's "Promised Land."

The "Wattstax: I Am Somebody!" exhibit recaptures the Wattstax concert and documentary and chronicles the African American experience during a time of social change and empowerment.

Free and open to the public, the exhibit will be on display in the Paul Barret, Jr. at the Rhodes College Campus library in Memphis from February 2-28, 2008. Times are: Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Those with specific inquiries can contact Dr. Anita Davis at 901-843-3989.

http://www.elvis.com/news/full_story.asp?id=1397

ETA Vic Trevino Jr's 1st MUSIC VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-BSFVrLFts

PinkCaddyEntertainment.com is the leading internet site used to both locate and book the best Elvis Presley Tribute Artists in the world. Within our site you can view videos and read background information to determine which of our great talents would suit your event best. Let us save you time, money and effort while also giving you the quality and confidence that your special event deserves. By prequalifying all of our performers and holding them to our own exceptionally high standards as true Elvis Presley fans, we do all of the research for you. For more information or to book one of our Elvis Tribute Artisits please visit our website at http://www.pinkcaddyentertainment.com

EPE All Shook Up Elvis Print

CLICK HERE for product reviews of this item

A live shot of Elvis from his appearance on the Louisiana Hayride radio show, created from the master negative from the Graceland archives. Individually numbered, titled, and embossed by hand with the archive logo. High-quality, framed fine-art giclée is printed on 100% acid-free, imported, hand-made Somerset Rag paper using long-life Bulldog inks. The paper is hand-torn to create a deckled edge and floated in the frame. Comes with detailed letter of authenticity. Limited edition of 275. 26"W x 32"H.

Today's Sale Price: $399.99

Click Here Now To BUY IT!

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/36pcbz

Amy Beth aka Elvis Lil Sister at Florida State Fair February 16th

Amy Beth aka Elvis Lil Sister
February 16th at 1:00PM
with the Elvis Extravaganza Showband

performing at Florida State Fair
Entertainment Hall
Tampa Bay, Florida

Profiles Of The King Show - Starring Matt King

Profiles Of The King Show
Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!
Starring Matt King
Saturday February 16th, 2008
Mason VFW Hall
Tickets $15
Call (517)676-1721 For Ticket Reservations
Proceeds Go To Veterans Programs

Booking: (517)676-9302 / (517)862-6268
Join Matts FanClub:(517)676-1721
Matts Show Schedule www.ElvisEntertainer.com

Bridge Foyer Charity Night - "The Ultimate Elvis Experience"

If anybody is interested in attending JG (John George)

Ultimate Elvis Experience Show
you can purchase tickets while they are still available
by sending an email to
johngharris@ntlworld.com

Are you visiting Memphis soon???

Are you visiting Memphis soon???

If yes, check out these sites for the cheapest tours on offer:

Memphis Tour & Travel

Rock Around Memphis

Officers all shook up as drugs raid uncovers rare Elvis pieces

It is an Aladdin's Cave of memorabilia fit for "the King".

Detectives carrying out a drugs raid on the flat of a suspected dealer in the city centre discovered thousands of pounds worth of rare Elvis souvenirs.

The collection, believed to be worth more than £4000, includes a valuable poster advertising an early Elvis gig in the United States. Officers seized several items, including a signed photograph and gold disc, after the resident was unable to give a plausible explanation for the treasure trove in their spare room.

No drugs were found. Detectives believe the memorabilia was stolen during a break-in at the home of an Elvis fan elsewhere in the Capital.

The bill poster advertises an Elvis show at the Mosque venue in the US city of Petersburg in February 1956, where the singer performed with a backing band called The Blue Mooners.

Because the name of the backing band was rarely used during the singer's early career, experts believe the poster could fetch up to £3000 at auction. The framed poster also includes a $100 cheque Elvis was apparently paid for the performance.

Another item was a gold-plated RCA gold disc from March 1956, which is listed as one of just 3700 ever produced. Experts believe it could fetch up to £600 if it was produced at the time of the recording early in Elvis' career. A framed photograph of Elvis in his US Army uniform shortly after being drafted, signed by the man himself, was also recovered and could be worth £300.

A gold disc for Don MacLean's 1970s hit American Pie signed by the singer was also found in the flat and may be worth up to £100. Danny Reddington, a dealer in rare records, with 40 years experience, said the value of the recovered haul could be significant.

The Birmingham-based expert said: "The bill poster could certainly be worth $5000 if it was genuine.

"An item like that would sell at Christie's or Bonham's, rather than on eBay. "It really depends on whether the certificates of authentication refer to originals produced at the time or later issues."

A police source said: "The flat resident was not able to explain how they came into owning these discs and photographs. They were discovered with Playstations and Nintendo Wiis in a bedroom.

"All of the items look genuine, including the Elvis signatures. The papers are all yellowed and look like they come from the period.

"We're looking for whoever might have had these possessions stolen to contact police. They are obviously potentially valuable but may have also had sentimental value. "We've had thefts from lofts recently where people have not discovered their property was missing."

A police spokesman said: "Anyone who recognises these distinctive items should come forward."

(News, Source: Alan McEwan, Edinburgh Evening News)

www.elvisinfonet.com

"Elvis" character to feature in new James Bond film

"Elvis" character to feature in new James Bond film: For those of you who have completely given up on trying to remain spoiler-free, there are now many details of a key car chase that will occur in the film along with the mention of a new "Elvis" character. The Italian press have been detailing that the usual high-speed car-chase will take place along the banks of Lake Garda, between the resort towns of Navene and Malcesine and that the cars are expected to top speeds of 125 mph. According to them "the pursuit will feature spectacular and reckless maneuvers in a series of tunnels, culminating with a scene where a truck brings the action to an abrupt halt and a huge explosion." Finally, of interest to Elvis fans, is that thanks to some advance toy marketing we know that there will be a character in this film known as 'Elvis.' There's no confirmation on who this character is supposed to be, but since he is prominent enough to be toy-worthy, expect yet another casting announcement soon. The film is the 22nd James Bond movie.

(News, Source:EIN/M16)

Rockin For A Cure - A Legendary Tribute

Click to enlarge poster

Ambassador Entertainment Update

Email from Live Music Shows



Hey Everyone,

We’ve just returned from some dates in London with Shawn Klush. London was amazing and we got to meet so many wonderful new fans from across the pond. Shawn was at his absolute best and the fans were more than excited to experience his Elvis Tribute. You can check out some fan videos at www.youtube.com and type Shawn Klush London in the search box or www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YwgzzuAX-0. After London, Shawn went directly to the Island of Mallorca in Spain to begin his new recording project. Shawn has signed a 3 year, 3 album deal with a European record company. We will keep you posted on the release date but we can tell you there was pure magic in the studio, in the meantime, don't miss more of AmbassadorShows.com great winter season. Take a break from the cold and come warm up with the best live Rock and Roll you've ever seen.


Saturday, Feb. 16th – St. Charles, IL - Come join Donny Edwards, Bobby Vali (Frankie Vali of the 4 Seasons’ Brother), and The Fabulous Ambassadors for the Arcada Theater’s Love Me Tender Valentines spectacular. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Showtime at 8:00 p.m. The Arcada Theater 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174, 630-587-8400. www.oshows.com for details.

Saturday, Mar. 1st – Pittston, PA – The Ultimate Elvis tribute artist Shawn Klush in the Ultimate Concert Elvis Meets the Beatles. Shawn joins forces with the cast of Beatlemania to bring you the concert that never was at the newly renovated Pittston Area Senior High School auditorium. 5 Stout St., Pittston, PA. 18640. Doors open 6:30 PM, Showtime: 8:00 PM. For details visit www.northeastfair.com Hurry! these tickets will go very fast.

Saturday, Mar. 15th – Schererville, IN – Back by Overwhelming Popular Demand, A Diamond and a King Dinner Show - Ambassador teams up with 2M Productions to bring back the golden age of the supper club to The Halls of St. George with a tribute to the great American performers like Elvis, Neil Diamond and more. The show stars Denny Diamond, Donny Edwards, Rick Saucedo, Little Charissa Mrowka and some very special guests. Don’t Miss This Unbelievable Salute to the Superstars! Note: admission price includes full sit down dinner Celebrity Circle $45.00 Preferred Seating $35.00 Dinner seating begins at 6pm, the show starts at 8pm. Call (219) 865-9411 for tickets or for Group Sales call 708-243-7181 Visit tickets.com or CLICK HERE to Get Tickets Online Shawn continues to record during the month of April including sessions with David Paul, the EPE sessions with Sun Records and more.

Saturday May 17th – Akron, OH – The Ultimate Elvis Experience Starring Shawn Klush and the Imperials Quartet at the Akron Civic Theatre benefiting the Akron Symphony. Visit www.ticketmaster.com for tickets.

May. 30th, 31st, June 1st, – Lake George, NY – Lake George Elvis Festival. This year's big show "ALOHA from LAKE GEORGE" recreates the famous "Aloha from Hawaii" concert and stars Shawn Klush with Donny Edwards, Change of Habit Tribute Band and Ronnie Craig. For more information visit www.lakegeorgeelvisfest.com

Some great summer shows are lining up so stay in touch.


Please visit our websites for more information:
www.ambassadorshows.com
www.shawnklush.net
www.elvisbirthdaytribute.com

Check out our latest videos on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/Ambassadorshows


**Please note that this is not an actively monitored email address. Please direct all artist and event related questions to the artists’ websites.**

***Elvis and Elvis Presley Enterprises are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. and CKX, Inc.***

ELVIS PRESLEY - PRESLEY MEMORABILIA FOUND IN SCOTLAND

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3yytho

Rare ELVIS PRESLEY memorabilia has been recovered during a police raid in Scotland. An autographed photograph of Presley, a gold record and a framed scrap piece of paper with the lyrics to the 1971 song American Pie, apparently handwritten by singer Don MCLean, were also recovered by authorities in Edinburgh. Police believe the items are stolen goods. A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders Police says, "The value of the items is not known, but they look genuine and if they have been stolen then we hope that the original owner will recognise them and contact us."

Steve Preston in Concert

Vision Promotions Tributes UK Ltd Presents...


THE CHOICE OF ROYALTY
The Only Tribute Artsit to perform for HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN


STEVE PRESTON
ELVIS IN CONCERT

! APPEARING...
THORNTON LITTLE THEATRE
Fylde coast, Lancs
SATURDAY FEB 15
8pm - Tickets on sale NOW
£12/£10 Box office: 01253 858 529

Don't miss the chance to see one of the World's leading Elvis tribute artists performing live next week in Thornton.

Donny Edwards and Shawn Klush Signed to World-Wide European Record Contract

Kristy Lee Royle - Exclusive Manager of Donny Edwards

Kristy Lee Royle has written to Joanna at www.ladyluckmusic.com with some great news that after working with a record company in Europe over the past year, she has signed both Donny Edwards and Shawn Klush to a world wide European record contract. The company has made her a US consultant.

Shawn has recently returned from Spain as he has been recording the first album and Donny will be going to Europe the beginning of March to record 2 albums. European tours will also be part of this project for them.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2008

ROYAL TALENT L.L.C. PROVIDES
“FAUX” STARS ON FAMILY FEUD’S
“CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE” WEEK

Host John “J. Peterman” O’Hurley Masquerades As Himself On One of America’s Favorite Game Shows

Los Angeles, CA – Kristy Lee Royle from Scarsdale, NY and owner of Royal Talent L.L.C. has booked star impersonators in a male vs. female celebrity grudge match on the nationally syndicated Family Feud, beginning on Monday, February 18. The high-stakes game where contestants must guess the most popular answers to survey questions posed to 100 people in order to win big money airs Monday-Friday at 3:00 p.m. on New York’s WWOR-TV (Channel 9).

Royal Talent has supplied the following celebrities who will be impersonated throughout the week: Bono, Dolly Parton, Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Howard Stern, Whoopi Goldberg, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton and George W. Bush.

“All these impersonators are dead-ringers for the actual celebrities,” said host John O’Hurley. “I did double-takes a couple of times.”

Royal Talent, LLC. books various types of talent and production shows in casinos showrooms and theaters in the US and throughout the world. To book any celebrity impersonators seen on this week’s Family Feud, please contact Kristy Lee Royle of Royal Talent, LLC at (800) 818-7692 or visit their website at http://www.royaltalent.com/

CLIFF RICHARD - CLIFF RICHARD TURNED DOWN ELVIS

Singer SIR CLIFF RICHARD turned down the chance to be photographed with ELVIS PRESLEY - because he was too fat. The 67-year-old was a huge fan of the Suspicious Minds hitmaker and always dreamed of having his picture taken with his idol. But when Richard finally got the opportunity to be snapped with Presley in 1976, he refused as the star was looking "really heavy" at the time. Richard says, "I noticed that when he was making a film he would diet down and regain the animal magnetism. And I wanted a picture of Elvis looking good. So I said no and I waited." But, much to the singer's disappointment, a year later (77) Presley died of a heart attack and Richard has regretted his decision ever since. He adds, "I really kicked myself."

Article Source: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2j3hu4

In The Shadow Of Kings

Donnie Sumner is wrapping up his book entitled "In The Shadow Of Kings". The publisher has asked him to create an addendum to the book. They would like questions from the Elvis fans and the J.D. fans. If you have something you want to ask about either just sent him an email at donnie.sumner@comcast.net .

Donnie Sumner asks to keep your questions to the point because he is sure that the response will be overwhelming. Donnie Sumner saves a copy of all the questions and those that the publishers choose will be forwarded a complimentary copy of his book as soon as it is released.

"I look forward to hearing from you and Keep looking up .... There's a blessing coming down God bless you according to THE WORD.

Your Friend
Donnie"
Source: EP Gold / Updated: Feb 3, 2008

Stephen Frears' movie 'The Importance of Being Elvis' put On Hold

Stephen Frears' movie 'The Importance of Being Elvis' put On Hold: Back in 2004 Oscar-Wining director Stephen Frears ('The Queen', 'Hi-Fidelity', 'Mrs Henderson Presents') talked of making a new comedy-drama 'The Importance of Being Elvis'. The reported premise of 'The Importance of Being Elvis' was about a man who assumes Elvis' identity while the singer was serving in the U.S. Army during the late 1950s. Elvis loses his golden singing voice after being shot in the throat. An impersonator named Brian is then tapped by Elvis' shady manager, Col. Tom Parker, and the U.S. government to take over for The King. Stephen Frears was to direct with the screenplay by Christopher Bradshaw & Roger Payne. Stephen Frears' representative told EIN this week that Frears is no longer involved with his Elvis project but will let EIN know if anything changes. (Celluloid News, Source;EIN)