The Elvis Presley birthplace in Tupelo, Miss to host birthday party

The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo is gearing up for a birthday celebration.

On Sunday, Elvis would have been 77 years old.

Birthplace Executive Director Dick Guyton says the public is encouraged to attend the birthday party which will be held at 2 p.m. where the gift shop is located.

They plan to sing "Happy Birthday" and serve cake and punch.

Guyton says this annual event would have made Elvis proud.

"I know there are other birthday parties in our community as well as Graceland is having one on Sunday and they're important as well, but the fact that the birthplace as a birthday party-that's key," Guyton said.

Guyton says guests will find out about a new offering at the birthplace.

They are now offering a new ticket which is an annual pass.

For one fee, six people can visit the attraction six times a year.

Source: WTVA

EPE Hypes Year long celebration of the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's passing

Year of Elvis - EPE pulls out stops for 35th anniversary of singer’s death

Visitors line up to visit the Lisa Marie airplane at Graceland last week. The 35th anniversary of Elvis’ death comes in August 2012 and it’s going to be a big year for Graceland. 

“Obviously this is an Elvis Week times two,” Kern said.

The New Year promises to be bigger and busier for Graceland, one of Tennessee’s largest tourist attractions, averaging 600,000 visitors annually, but which can see those numbers escalate during a major anniversary year. During Elvis Week alone in 2007 – the 30th anniversary of Presley’s death – Graceland saw 75,000 visitors.

With such high expectations, Kern said, the planning for the 2012 festivities began two years ago. “We traditionally have music events at the Orpheum or the Cannon Center, but this year they’ll be at the FedExForum, that’s the size and scope of a major anniversary year for us.”

“When you get to that milestone date, it becomes bigger,” said Wayne Tabor, chairman of the Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association. “That fifth year, there’s always a bump.”

The end of 2011 saw a great number of visitors and the holiday season specifically saw numbers that surpassed those from past years, Kern said, despite it being a slow time of year for the popular tourist attraction.

Though seasonal tours are offered with the mansion bathed in holiday lights, Kern said, “Graceland is one of those places that people come and see when they’re in town visiting family, but also Graceland is one of those places where people stop and visit on the way to somewhere else as well, and we know a lot of folks are on the way to somewhere else during the holidays.”

Many Memphians may consider Elvis Week (Aug. 10-18) as a time when people come to pay respects, lining up outside of Graceland for hours to walk past his gravesite. The week, however, extends to a yearlong celebration of the life and influence of Presley, not just in Memphis, but globally.

Tabor makes it clear that, while lodging in Memphis is still a competitive business with groups looking for bids on the best deals, there is plenty of business to go around during any anniversary year.

“I’m pretty close to sold out that week (Elvis Week),” said Tabor, who is general manager of the Holiday Inn Select Downtown. “I’ve got groups coming from the UK, from Europe. You see a large influx of European traffic during that time.”

The birthday celebration – Thursday, Jan. 5, to Sunday, Jan. 8 – kicks off a full year of Presley with people pouring into town and setting sail on the high seas with the Elvis Cruise, a music-themed cruise from Jacksonville, Fla., to Nassau in the Bahamas. It’s the sixth annual cruise and typically sees 2,500 passengers on the Carnival Fascination cruise line.

In addition, there will be special 35th anniversary merchandise for sale domestically and internationally, and Elvis tribute artist contests in more than 30 cities around the world, the winners of which will come to Memphis during Elvis Week for the ultimate Elvis tribute artist contest.

Following Elvis Week, in September, EPE will take a yet-to-be-named exhibit to Brazil. “It is the largest Elvis exhibition outside Graceland ever, anywhere in the world,” Kern said. “We’ll be taking around 500 artifacts from Graceland to Sao Paolo, Brazil. There are a lot of Elvis fans in Brazil. … There is a lot of activity with fans from Brazil on Facebook and Elvis.com, and Elvis records sell well, still, in Brazil.”

Graceland typically opens one to two new exhibits during the year as exhibits are rotated in and out, but it will be unveiling three in three months for the anniversary year. One such exhibit, opening Birthday Week, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Elvis On Tour,” one of Presley’s most critically acclaimed films, winning a 1973 Golden Globe for Best Documentary.

Another, “Icon: The Influence of Elvis Presley,” will be put on in partnership with The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, and is a celebration of artists influenced by Presley.

The third, “Elvis Through A Daughter’s Eyes,” may be the most personal exhibit as it chronicles the relationship of Lisa Marie Presley with her father.

“We’ve got a great lineup of exhibits and our archive staff is very, very busy,” Kern said. “Three exhibits is a massive undertaking.”

Source: Memphis Daily News

Schwabs' New Owners to host Elvis Music Party with Amy LaVere & More

For all you celebratory types out there — and you know who you are — here’s an event that promises to be fit for a king.

Or more specifically, for “The King,” thankyaverymuch.

A musical tribute/birthday party for Elvis Presley (he would have turned 77 on Sunday) will be staged from 6 to 10 p.m. this Saturday at A. Schwab, 163 Beale.

The Elvis-themed evening launches a new era for the store as part of what the proprietors promise will be an ongoing effort to spotlight artists from Memphis and the Delta region.

Saturday’s musical entertainment will be provided by several artists, including Amy LeVere and the Tramps, the Jason Freeman Band and the Memphis Dawls.

Admission is $5 at the door.
The event marks the first weekend entertainment offering at the historic dry goods store since it was sold on Dec. 22 to a group of investors, led by Terry Corona Saunders, principal of Martin Group Realty, and her husband, Jake, a grandson of Piggly Wiggly founder Clarence Saunders.

Other investors are Jake’s sister, Posey Cochrane, and Tommy Peters, CEO of B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Founded in 1876 by haberdasher Abraham Schwab, A. Schwab has operated on Beale Street for the past 100 years and remained owned by Schwab family members until its recent sale.

With about 12,000 square feet of sales space, the iconic Downtown store is a popular tourist attraction and customers entering the historic shop are greeted with the motto, “If you can’t find it at A. Schwab, you’re probably better off without it!”

© 2012 Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Elvis birthday party Sunday @ the Shreveport Auditorium

Birthday party Sunday for Elvis

Elvis' Angels fan club will host a "Birthday Party for Elvis" from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the gift shop at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, 705 Elvis Presley Ave.

Cake and punch will be served, and local Elvis tribute artist Richard Cook will perform some Elvis songs. The gift shop has some new Elvis items for sale, and for a $5 donation, tours of the Municipal Auditorium and showcases will start at 1 p.m.

For more information, call Dianne Harmon at 773-3776.

Chuy's Restaurants to celebrate Elvis' birthday

 

Chuy's will pay tribute to Elvis with its annual Birthday Bash on Jan. 8, at all locations in Nashville and Murfreesboro.

The King's 77th birthday party will have a Blue Hawaii theme, and Chuy's will offer special pricing on their longtime favorites — Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken and the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo — all day. And for those who come dressed as the King (or his better-half Priscilla), the entree is free.

The day will also be filled with party favors, including Hawaiian leis, Elvis sideburn tattoos and a special Big Kahuna cup, available when you purchase a margarita or Blue Hawaiian. Limited edition Elvis and Priscilla T-shirts will be available to commemorate the big day.

When Chuy's first opened in 1982 in Austin, Texas, there was little money for restaurant décor. Chuy's founders hit the streets with $20 in search of something to put on the walls. The over-sized velvet painting of Elvis they returned with changed the course of Chuy's history forever. Soon, customers were donating their memorabilia and Elvis was officially named the Parton Saint of Chuy's.

The franchise has been constructing shrines in his honor and celebrating his birthday ever since.


LIVE Elvis Performances on Sunday, January 8th:

Austin:
Chuy's Barton Springs - Donnie Roberts, 3-5pm
Chuy's North Lamar - Mike Elliot, 4-6pm
Chuy's 183 - Randy Hinson, 4-6pm
Chuy's Round Rock - Bill Harris, 3-5pm
Chuy's Arbor Trails - Donnie Roberts, 8-10pm

Dallas:
Chuy's McKinney - Bennie, 4-6pm

Houston:
Chuy's River Oaks - Billy Wayde, 4-6pm
Chuy's Shenandoah - Jeff Rainey, 2-4pm
Chuy's Westchase - Steve Boado, 6-8pm

San Antonio:
Chuy's Hwy 281 - Christian Martinez, 4-6pm


Jan 8 – Elvis Birthday Bash!

Come celebrate the birth of the KING at Chuy's on Sunday, January 8th. We will be throwing a 77th birthday party with all the fun and fanfare the patron saint of Chuy's deserves. -Blue Hawaiians served all day! -$1 off Elvis Presley Memorial Combo and Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken -Come in dressed as Elvis or Priscilla and eat for FREE! Lots of giveaways and our limited edition Elvis and Priscilla t-shirts will be on sale. See you on the 8th. Happy Birthday Big Kahuna!

The Cannery Casino, Las Vegas Celebrates Elvis' Birthday with Co-stars & tribute show

Close friends and co-stars of Elvis Presley plan to join together as part of "A Celebration of the King's Life," honoring Elvis' music and legacy at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Club inside the Cannery, 2121 E. Craig Road. Tickets are $10 at the door. The commemoration is timed to coincide with Elvis' birthday weekend. Performances are planned by Johnny Fortuno and The Stamps Quartet. Special guests are set to include Darlene Tompkins, Cynthia Pepper, Sonny West, Steve Christopher and Sammy Shore. Visit cannerycasinos.com.


Source: LVRJ

Milwaukee to celebrate Elvis' 76th Birthday with Flash Mobs

To celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's 77th birthday Jan. 8, Potawatomi Bingo Casino is organizing a series of not-so-secret flash mobs around Milwaukee.

Elvis contestants in the casino's 10th annual "Tribute to the King" competition Wednesday through Sunday will appear in full costume to sing and swivel to a yet-to-be-decided Elvis song at four locations on Wednesday: at 3:45 p.m. at Mitchell International Airport near the flight information board; at 4:45 p.m. at Milwaukee Intermodal Station Lobby, 433 W. St. Paul Ave.; at 5:15 p.m. at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St.; and at 6 p.m. in the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Grand Lobby, 1721 W. Canal St.

And, yes, all Elvis wannabes are invited to don a jumpsuit or cast off their parkas and join in the dancing and singing. You'll get a giveaway just for attending.



Source: Milwaukee Journal

Reno, Tahoe celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday

A celebration next weekend of Elvis Presley's birthday allows a few lucky and select people to recall when the King performed in northern Nevada.His live appearances at the Las Vegas International (now the Las Vegas Hilton) are the most famous, but his concerts at Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe (now the Horizon) between 1971 and 1976 were equally as noteworthy, selling out at fantastic speeds for the time. Long lines awaited what few seats may have become available after the show's start, featuring an Elvis not in the best physical shape – but few cared. Depending on the concert, he could be extremely dynamic or strangely detached. The showroom where he performed is no longer – replaced by a movie multiplex. The suite where he stayed is still available but little remains of the ephemera of the concerts. Menus can be found on auction sites and a book has been published with some photos, but the Horizon itself lacks practically any vestiges of the High Sierra Theater where not only Elvis but also the likes of Liberace, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine performed, as well as hundreds of the formidable entertainers of the era."Elvis!" read the giant marquee for one of the concerts, followed by "J.D. Sumner, Jackie Kahane, Sweet Stamps Quartet, Voice, Inspirations, Joe Guercio Musical Conductor." Kahane was the opening comedian, suffering nightly with audience reaction as the lights went down, the screaming started, and the announcement was made, "And now, opening for Elvis …" somehow making them laugh in spite of the temporary deflation of spirits. The shows were strictly for the fans and strictly for sale. Comps were few and far between. Colonel Tom Parker refused to accommodate even the press who were smuggled across catwalks and placed at a temporary table next to the light booth, which also held a makeshift bar.The downtown properties next weekend will celebrate Elvis (born Jan. 8, 1935) with karaoke contests and the first "Elvis to the Max" pub crawl starting at 8 p.m. Saturday ($5 buys the cup; you have to furnish the glitter jumpsuit). The inevitable tribute show takes place in the Eldorado Showroom featuring Max Pellicano. (7 p.m.; $20, $30; eldoradoreno.com)Elvis Week also takes place at the Carson Valley Inn with two impersonators: Johnny Reno ("Legends in Concert" and "American Superstars") Wednesday-Saturday, and Brian Andrews (who's drawn praise from Elvis' drummer D.J. Fontana) Thursday- Saturday (free in the cabaret; carsonvalleyinn.com).

Source: Sacbee

The Las Vegas Hilton stripped down to LVH

The new stripped down marquee

The Las Vegas Hilton hotel-casino officially changed its name to drop its hotel chain moniker on Tuesday after a license agreement expired at the start of 2012.

Workers changed the hotel marquee to reflect the new name for the property east of the Las Vegas Strip: The Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Its new motto: "Same Fame. New Name."

It's the second time Elvis Presley's former haunt has changed its name. Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian opened the property in 1969 as the International Hotel, then sold it to the Hilton chain. It became the Las Vegas Hilton in 1971.

The hotel-casino sought to end the agreement last year as the property contended with financial troubles. It defaulted on a $252 million loan in 2010 and used operational expenses to make payments during three months last year while it tried to restructure debt.

Casino name changes are uncommon, though not unprecedented in Sin City, said Michael Green, a College of Southern Nevada history professor who specializes in Sin City's history.

"Generally, the icons of the past, the name isn't changed — it's blown up," Green said Tuesday. "Name changes like that are not too common, especially because most hotel-casinos do develop some cachet with their customers."

Other casinos that have changed their names include the Aladdin becoming Planet Hollywood, and the MGM Grand becoming Bally's, Green said. It's more common for casinos to make small adjustments to their names rather than wholesale changes, he added.

Green said the hotel-casino, in addition to Presley performing more than 800 sold-out shows, was distinctive in Las Vegas history for its location off the Strip, and a youth hostel that served as a precursor to other family-friendly resorts in the adult destination.

The change means the property won't be connected with Hilton's hotel loyalty program, though hotel officials say it'll keep its player rewards program and amenities. It is owned by investors including Colony Capital LLC.

Source: AP

National Archives branch to host party for Elvis Presley

MORROW, Ga. — "You'd think the most popular item in all of the National Archives' holdings would be some important document from our nation's history, like the Declaration of Independence, or the Constitution," said Mary Evelyn Tomlin, the public programs specialist for the Morrow-based National Archives at Atlanta. "No, it's the photograph of Elvis meeting Nixon (President Richard Nixon) at the White House."

The local National Archives branch is preparing to celebrate what would have been the 77th birthday of the "King of Rock and Roll" — Elvis Presley — this weekend, with a birthday party.

The free-to-attend party is scheduled to be held on Saturday, from 12:30 p.m., to 1:30 p.m., at the archives, located at 5780 Jonesboro Road, in Morrow. The public is invited to attend.

The actual anniversary of his birth will be Sunday, but the National Archives is typically closed on that day of the week, Tomlin said.

"It just seemed like a good opportunity to do something that's fun," she said. "We just thought it (a birthday party) would be a nice, interesting thing to do."

Presley, who had several hit songs in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, died in August 1977, but Tomlin said his popularity has not waned over the years.

"Even in death, he has continued to become more and more popular," she said. "The St. Louis people (at the National Archives and Records Administration's National Personnel Records Center, in St. Louis, Mo.) said his draft card is the item from their holdings that people most often ask to see."

And, not even death can keep a good Elvis — or at least a good Elvis impersonator — down. Tomlin said part of the birthday festivities is expected to include an appearance by "The King," or perhaps just someone impersonating him. The special guest, she said, will read letters written by Elvis.

Mary Evelyn Tomlin, the public programs specialist at the facility, said items associated with Elvis are some of the most popular among all records held by the archives.

Other activities scheduled for Elvis' birthday party include the playing of several of his popular songs, including "Burnin' Love," ''Jailhouse Rock," and "Hound Dog," and displaying Elvis-related items from the National Archives at Atlanta's collection.

Tomlin said many of the items that the archives holds include lawsuits that Presley, or his estate, were parties to. Because the National Archives at Atlanta is the holding facility for federal records generated in the Southeast, such as records from federal courts across the region, it has the records from the cases involving Presley in its permanent collection.

One federal case, from 1957, involves claims by a songwriter that he was defrauded out of royalties he was entitled to as the writer of the song, "Too Much," that Elvis sang on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Another federal case, from 1980, was filed by Presley's widow, Priscilla Presley, and his estate, against a British company, called "Elvisly Yours," which was selling T-shirts and underwear that sported "The King's" face. "We actually have some of the panties at our (records management) facility in Ellenwood," said Tomlin.

And, yes, the underwear — with Elvis' face — is expected to be put on display at the birthday party, according to the public programs specialist.

Anyone who owns a guitar is encouraged to bring it with them, provided "they can sing an Elvis song," Tomlin said. Attendees will also be able to grab a hunka, hunka birthday cake.

And, what will be the decoration on the cake?

Why, the picture of Elvis meeting Nixon, of course.