Elvis Week™ 2019 will mark the 42nd anniversary of Elvis’ passing and Graceland® is preparing for the largest gathering ever of Elvis fans and friends from around the world for the nine-day celebration of Elvis’ life. Events include appearances by celebrities and musicians, The Auction at Graceland, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finals, live concerts, fan club events, and more. All events will be held at the entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis™ and the AAA Four-Diamond Guest House at Graceland™ resort hotel.
Tickets for all Elvis Week events go on sale to the general public beginning today, Wednesday, February 27, at 12:00 p.m. CDT. For additional ticket information, including exclusive Elvis Week packages, visit the Elvis Week ticket page. Most events will take place at the new Graceland Soundstage, a state-of-the-art production and performance space in the heart of Graceland’s entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley’s Memphis, directly across the street from Graceland Mansion. Elvis Week 2019 will include exciting new changes, an all-star line-up of guests, and more free events than ever before. New changes include a live music pavilion at the all-new Graceland Exhibition Center that opens in May, that will feature continuous live entertainment and a comfortable area for fans to recharge and reconnect.
The cornerstone event, the Candlelight Vigil, will begin on Thursday, August 15, at 8:30 p.m. CDT at Graceland’s front gate. Elvis music sets the tone of the evening as fans walk up the driveway to the Meditation Garden. This event lasts throughout the night as thousands of participants gather on Elvis Presley Boulevard listening to music, remembering Elvis and enjoying the memorials that are created by fans along the street.
There is limited availability at The Guest House at Graceland resort hotel on select nights during Elvis Week. Visit GracelandGuesthouse.com for availability and room reservations.
Celebrities, performers and other information will be updated regularly with new announcements at ElvisWeek.com. An overview of the events follow (All times shown are Central Time. Artists and schedule subject to change.)
Elvis Week Schedule:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Guest House Ballroom, The Guest House at Graceland.
ETA Platinum and VIP Ticket Package Buyers are invited to a meet ‘n’ greet with the semifinalists of the 2019 contest.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
Twenty of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world take the stage to see who will take home the crown of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2019. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, with contestants backed by the EAS Band, the audience will experience an amazing night of live entertainment as the field is narrowed from 20 competitors down to 10 finalists, who will take the stage the following evening for the final round of the competition.
Ultimate Elvis Week After-Party Hosted by Jeff Lewis
Immediately following show until 12:00 a.m. Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Free to all Semifinal Round ticket holders, the after-party continues in the streets of Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Hosted by Jeff Lewis, many favorite Elvis tribute artists will be jamming on the outdoor stage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Cash bars and food will be available – and select restaurants, gift shops and exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Memphis will remain open until 11:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Elvis Unplugged Starring Dean Z & Friends
2:00 p.m. Guest House Theater.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z will be joined by fellow Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Jay Dupuis, plus other surprise guests, for live Elvis music and personal stories.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
The 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will end as the winner is crowned during the Final Round of the competition. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, the top 10 Elvis tribute artists from the Semifinal Round will return to see who is crowned the 2019 winner – and will take home a $20,000 prize. There will be more than 20 performances by the finalists, backed by the EAS Band, plus a feature performance by 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Ben Thompson.
Ultimate Elvis Week After-Party Hosted by Jeff Lewis
Immediately following show until 12:00 a.m. Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Free to all Final Round ticket holders.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
Elvis Unplugged Starring Dean Z & Friends
2:00 p.m. Guest House Theater.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z will be joined by fellow Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Ben Thompson and Dwight Icenhower, plus other surprise guests, for live Elvis music and personal stories.
The Ultimate Return
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
Hosted by Dean Z, enjoy a live concert featuring past Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners. Performers include 2018 Ultimate winner Ben Thompson, 2011 Ultimate winner Cody Slaughter and the first-ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Shawn Klush. The newly-crowned 2019 Ultimate winner will take the stage in an opening feature performance.
Ultimate Elvis Week After-Party Hosted by Jeff Lewis
Immediately following show until 12:00 am. Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Free to all Ultimate Return ticket holders.
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
Elvis: The Rocker Starring Dean Z
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z, in his first solo performance at Graceland, will perform many of Elvis’ most electrifying performances live on stage.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
American Sound Studio Panel
10:00 a.m. Graceland Soundstage.
Enjoy stories and memories from those who shared the studio with Elvis in 1969 for his legendary recording sessions at American Sound that produced songs such as “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto” and “Don’t Cry Daddy.” Hosted by Tom Brown, confirmed panelists include Memphis Boys Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman, who were members of the legendary house band at the American Sound between 1967 until its closing in 1972; Mary and Ginger Holladay, who sang back-up vocals; singer/songwriter Mac Davis, who wrote “In the Ghetto,” “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “A Little Less Conversation”; with more special guests to be announced soon.
The Auction at Graceland
12:30 p.m. Guest House Theater.
Fans and collectors from around the world will have the opportunity to participate on-site and online for this auction, featuring artifacts authenticated by Graceland Authenticated. All items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale. To register and bid online, visit Graceland Auctions.
Elvis Week Bash
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
An evening at Elvis Presley’s Memphis with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bars and dancing to Elvis music by DJ Argo at Presley Motors. Guests will test their Elvis knowledge during a trivia contest while visiting newly expanded Elvis exhibits and more.
GRACELAND ILLUMINATED
9:30 p.m. Graceland Mansion Grounds.
Experience the beauty of Graceland as it is illuminated by world-renowned Swiss Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter as part of his “Light Art Grand Tour USA – 50 US Monuments.” The “Light Art Grand Tour USA” has been traveling since 2017 and is spotlighting one U.S. monument/landmark per state to display a light art performance – which will recall the history surrounding each individual location. Elvis Presley’s Graceland was chosen for Tennessee and the mansion will be transformed into a light art sculpture as Elvis images are projected onto the façade of Graceland mansion. Fans are invited inside the gates to experience the amazing light art performance set to Elvis music. The event is free to all. More details will be announced closer to the event. Learn more about the Light Art Grand Tour.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
Fan Celebration Event
10:00 a.m. Guest House Ballroom.
A special event that celebrates what it means to be an Elvis fan and the friendships that have been built over the years based on that special bond. This event will feature fan stories, prizes, competitions and more. Plus, a special salute to Elvis’ over 400 official fan clubs who continue to carry on his legacy around the world.
Memphis Jones and the King featuring Jay Dupuis
1:00 p.m. Guest House Theater.
Join musician and historian Memphis Jones as he takes you on a journey through the roots of Memphis music. Through song and story – from Sun to Stax – dive deep into the roots of Memphis rock ‘n’ soul. The show will also feature singer Jay Dupuiswho will share Elvis’ music born out of Memphis and inspired by the city he called home.
American Sound 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
A night of music celebrating the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ legendary recording sessions at Memphis’ American Sound Studio. Memphis Boys Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman, who were members of the legendary house band at the American Sound Studio, along with special guests Mac Davis, who wrote “In the Ghetto” and “Don’t Cry Daddy” which Elvis recorded at American Sound; the Holladay Sisters, who sang back-up during the sessions; plus lead vocalists Andy Childs and Terry Mike Jeffrey will present a special concert event featuring performances of some of Elvis’ hits from American Sound, as well as songs from the many other stars that recorded at the legendary Memphis studio.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Conversations on Elvis Panel
10:00 a.m. Graceland Soundstage.
Elvis’ friends and family will share personal stories and favorite memories. Hosted by Tom Brown, this will be a celebration of Elvis’ legacy from those who knew him best.
Candlelight Vigil
8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland.
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 takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary of Elvis’ passing. The Candlelight Vigil will be open for all to attend. No special passes or wristbands are required to participate in the Candlelight Vigil. All guests will be required to pass through security checkpoint.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Elvis Gospel Brunch
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Guest House Ballroom.
A Memphis-style breakfast with live gospel music by the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.
1969 50th Anniversary Concert – Elvis Returns to Vegas
7:00 p.m. Graceland Soundstage.
A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ triumphant return to the stage at the International Hotel in Las Vegas with a concert featuring those who shared the stage with Elvis that evening. The concert will feature Elvis live in concert on the big screen, with performances by Elvis’ TCB Band – James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, and Glen Hardin – along with Imperials Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray.
Viva Las Vegas After-party at Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Immediately following show until 11:00 p.m. Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Free to all 1969 50th Anniversary Concert Ticket Holders
The party continues after the 1969 Elvis Returns to Vegas concert at Elvis Presley’s Memphis with live entertainment and Vegas fun. Cash bars and food will be available – and select restaurants, gift shops and exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Memphis will remain open until 10:00 p.m. Elvis Week Elite Package purchasers receive free reserved seating at the after-party.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Elvis in Vegas Panel
10:00 am. Graceland Soundstage.
Stories and memories from those who shared the stage with Elvis, starting with his 1969 return to the live performances through the 1970s. Hosted by Tom Brown, confirmed guests include TCB Band members James Burton, Ronnie Tutt and Glen Hardin, plus Imperials Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray.
Elvis Presley Gospel Homecoming
Time TBD. Graceland Soundstage.
A special concert event to close out Elvis Week 2019. Elvis’ love of gospel music started when he was just a boy in Tupelo and would sing at church with his parents. Celebrate Elvis’ life and love of gospel at this Gospel Homecoming concert with music from gospel groups with special Elvis connections, including Terry Blackwood and The Imperials and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. More details on this event to be announced soon.
For additional ticket information, including exclusive Elvis Week packages and to purchase tickets visit the Elvis Week ticket page.
All guests, times, prices and details are subject to change. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
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