Joey's Blog

Man oh man oh man!

The first ever, official, authorized Elvis Tribute Artist contest has happened! This past Sunday night, I was the emcee for the 'Ultimate Elvis' Tribute Artist Contest at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.

It was, in a word: awesome.

First: historic. Graceland/EPE has stepped into the 'tribute artist' game (we no longer say 'impersonator'), and you could tell the difference. This was a CLASS ACT. First, the venue was incredible. It does not get much better than the Cannon Center, built in 2000.

The performance by the EAS band (an actual Elvis tribute band) was phenomenal. Organic, flowing, responsive, they followed the lead of each performer as if they were the King himself. And what a sound.

Only topped by the voices.

24 winners from around the globe, all travelling to one stage in Memphis. Norway. Australia. England. Canada. And of course, America. Stunning.

The friday night finals are (to my understanding) sold out. And if the talent, excitement, and production is any indication, it will be tough to EVER get a ticket to this show again!

It was an amazing way to kick off Elvis-week 07. The crowd could NOT have been better: responsive, energetic, enthused, and totally into it. Singing. Dancing. Throwing bears. Snapping pictures.

I wouldn't have been anywhere else.

Tomorrow, I'm going to help host the Malco Theatres 'Elvis Fest'! Elvis movies on the big screens, from special DVD-releases, all at the Studio on the Square from 10 am to 5 pm.

Tomorrow night, I'll be doing weather from Graceland, commemorating the Candlelight Vigil (and hanging around to enjoy the event).

Then on Thursday, I've purchased tickets to the Elvis: In Concert show at the FedExForum.

Friday, I host the ETA Finals.

And on Saturday morning, it's out (bright and early) to the front gates of Graceland for the Elvis Presley International 5k Run benefitting United Cerebral Palsy, where I'm acting as Honorary Chairperson and emcee.

This is maybe the busiest week I've ever had. Ever. And still fun.

Joey