Graceland announces plans for Elvis Week 2021
This summer Memphians and fans all across the world will be celebrating the King once again. Officials with Elvis Presley Enterprises confirmed plans for the 2021 edition of Elvis Week. The seven-day event is set for Aug. 11-17.
Marking the 44th anniversary of Presley’s passing, the upcoming Elvis Week will return in a more familiar form after being scaled down and partially presented virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19.
A mix of events — from live concerts to panel discussions to tours and more — will be part of the festivities. According to Graceland officials, COVID-19 protocols “will be in place for all events. This includes the requirement of masks, temperature screenings, and socially distanced seating.”
The year’s Elvis Week will include perennial events such as the Candlelight Vigil (on Aug. 15) and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (running Aug 11-12).
The programming also features a special “Down in the Jungle Room Experience.” Small groups of fans will be able to visit the Jungle Room as the musicians who were there for Elvis’ 1976 recording sessions tell stories and anecdotes. Among those set to appear are guitarist James Burton, piano player David Briggs and bassist Norbert Putnam.
The Elvis Week 2021 lineup also will include a concert celebrating Elvis’ Nashville Marathon Sessions at RCA’S Studio B. Burton, Putnam, Briggs and legendary Music City session musician Charlie Mccoy will be among the Elvis sidemen performing as part of the show.
There will also be exclusive afterhours “Hidden Graceland Tours” hosted by Elvis archivist Angie Marchese and Elvis Week emcee Tom Brown, as well as an “Elvis In Concert” show, featuring on-screen performances by Elvis, and backed by a live band with guest appearances by TCB band members Burton and pianist Glen Hardin.
Other events scheduled include a “Conversations on Elvis” panel with Mccoy; an interview session with Hardin, a gospel brunch concert featuring Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, a tribute to Sun Records starring John Paul Keith, and a themed luau party dubbed “Club Elvis — Hawaiian Style” celebrating the 60th anniversary of the movie “Blue Hawaii.”
For a complete lineup of all Elvis Week activities or to purchase tickets, go to Elvisweek.com.