Saturday, January 8, 2011

ELIVIS’ 76TH BIRTHDAY

 

Elvis Presley would have turned 76-years-old Saturday, January 8th. In honour of another birthday, fans around the world are remembering him in numerous ways.

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Here is a sampling of what’s happening this weekend in honour of Elvis:

Memphis, Tennessee – city of Elvis’ former home Graceland —  hosted a number of events this weekend.  On Friday, the fabled mansion opened its doors for the official “Elvis Insiders” reception and private tour.  Tour participants didn’t just see where the “King” lived, they’ll also  took a look at his airplanes and exhibits at the nearby Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.

Other scheduled events in Memphis included art shows, conversational forums, and an Elvis Presley Day ceremony on Graceland’s front lawn on Saturday morning.  Later that evening, Presley’s body of work will be celebrated by the Memphis Symphony at the city’s Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Steven Reineke will conduct this annual concert.

Memphis is also welcoming one of Presley’s biggest international fans to its city limits this week. Chilean miner Edison Pena is currently in Memphis for Elvis’ Birthday week. Pena — who was among the miners rescued from an underground shaft in October — won over the world when he identified himself as a Presley fan.  Graceland, in partnership with the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, invited Pena to participate in the week’s festivities. Fans can catch up on Pena’s adventures via webcast on the GracelandCam! at www.elvis.com.

Across the pond in Birmingham, England, Elvis tribute artists from around the world are vying for the title of the “Elvis European Champion” of 2011.   BBCNews.com reports that over 80 Elvis hopefuls from nations like Norway, Iceland and Finland are converging on the British borough to emulate the “King.”  The event’s organizer Michael King says, quote, “We’re going to turn Birmingham into the new Memphis over the next three days.”

On the lighter – or not so light side as far as calories go – a donut shop in Fredicksburg, Virginia is also remembering Presley this weekend.  The Krispy Kreme in the city’s Central Park will give out free jelly donuts, reportedly one of the King’s favourite treats.

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