ELVIS WEEK 2002
While Im sitting here just reading and writing about all the happenings in Memphis, so many of the readers and my friends, are making Memphis THE place to be this week!
Everyone is delighted to be in Memphis during this week of celebrating Elvis life after his passing 25 years ago. The energy is high, spirits are up and friendships abound during this yearly event. The only dark cloud that hangs over everyone comes the night of the 15th. What is known, as the Candlelight Vigil will give Elvis fans a time to place a flower or a candle on the Kings gravesite. Many will be marking this 25th year anniversary eve standing in a line that starts to form early in the morning.
By 9:00 pm, the opening ceremonies begin and the torches are lit. Elvis music is piped out into the streets, reminding everyone their reason for being in Memphis at this time. Standing in front of his stately home are thousands of people who will soon walk through the famous gates, receive a white candle, lighting it from the torch and slowly proceed up the long black driveway, then winding their way down into the back where Elvis and his family are laid to rest. The procedure of making it to the back of the mansion is time consuming. The long line holds hundreds of anxious fans waiting their turn to take the walk. Often during these five-year major anniversaries, there are too many fans and not enough hours. Many disappointed fans will have their heart broken when the security staff secure and lock the gates at 6 AM to prepare for the days tours.
During the week leading up to that time, your eyes can land on an ETA at an average of every 1-2 minutes. If not an ETA, then youll see people that are dressing the part. There is a strong dress code in Graceland and on the mansion grounds; they really prefer that people dress accordingly. To dress like Elvis (especially in a jumpsuit)during that time at Graceland is grounds for removal.
Down the street at another spot called Graceland Crossing, ETAs are also not permitted to wear a jumpsuit or similar clothing when they go on stage. This spot is a busy little souvenir dream area, similar to a small mall and is just a quick walk down the street from Graceland. It becomes home to thousands of people who will sit under a big tent in the middle of the parking lot; soaking wet with humidity, listening to entertainers and wanna-bes belt out our favourite Elvis tunes. Danny McCorkle and his wife can be found making a list of all the people that want to go up and sing on stage, they will handle the sound and the music. There are so many entertainers waiting for their chance that often everything is still running full steam at 1-2 in the morning!
If you want to see some of the very best ETAs in the business then you will want to head over to Jamie Coynes contest at the Airport Inn on Brooks Rd, August 11-14 starting at one and running until 5, after that then wonder over to the Holiday Inn Select on Airport Rd. That's where the world competition is taking place at the Images of the King contest; starting every night at 6 PM-Aug. 11-17th
With so many Elvis Tribute Artists in Memphis during this time, there is no lack of music to be found anywhere. Most hotel lobbies will have ETAs hanging around talking with fans, friends, and others who share the same profession. More often then not, you can find a small jam session taking place somewhere! It truly is a week of entertainment wherever you go.
For all of those that are going to try to attend every function they can, Elvis Presley Enterprises has set up a good list of happenings that are sponsored by them. Interviews, dances, modeling shows, and auctions- you name it. The main website is also running daily reports on happenings, complete with pictures of the days events. They will also run the candlelight vigil live via internet.
In closing, myself as well as millions of others would love to be part of the Memphis scene during this time, but obviously it just isnt possible for everyone to be there. So I guess we will have to wait until our good friend June Moore comes back with all her tales and stories from her visit this week. Make sure you check out her Elvis site on suite101 to hear about all the things we missed!!!!
Maybe Ill catch some of you there next year!
Until then, TCE, Melody
