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Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews & articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley... The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:
"It's Long Way To Graceland": Photographic Exhibition in Melbourne, Australia on 1 May 2007 Elvis comic strip update: Further to our story yesterday, Brian Quinn has avised EIN that the idea for an Elvis strip has proven to be an old idea and one that was dismissed by EPE. Thanks also to Pam Dyson who advised us that the comic strip story, which ran in this week's Commercial Appeal in a column called New "Elvis Is Alive Museum" website: Bill Beeny had sent EIN this message: This email is to inform your viewers about our new web site pertaining to the museum. The address is,The Elvis Is Alive Museum.com. On this site I explain our reason the opening the museum,which has now operated for over seventeen years,there is no admission fee for seeing the museum. Also on the web site each week we update our reasons why we believe that Elvis is alive. When you come to the museum we do not try to convince you that Elvis is alive, we simply show you our evidence and then you draw your own conclusions. The web site also informs Elvis fans about our books and other Elvis items. Have a new book just released,it is “An Elvis Encyclopedia”, it has 500 questions and answers concerning Elvis, the last 100 questions and answers concerning facts about Elvis being alive today. The book is $10.00 postage paid (In the Pre-order "Hot Shots and Cool Clips Vol. 2" from Elvis Unlimited Chart update: The U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week ending April 7, 2007:
New Fort Baxter CD rumored: According to a post by Keith Richards Jr. on the FECC board, the Fort Baxter group is working on a release in their Classic Series called "High Voltage". More details when they come to hand. (News, Source: FECC) Plans for Elvis comic strip: Also on the FECC board, Brian Quinn has posted this interesting message: Plans for an Elvis Presley comic strip are in the works, but, at least for now, there is a cloud of secrecy hanging over the comic strip. A few weeks ago, Bob Greene, a syndicated columnist for The Chicago Tribune, wrote a column detailing plans by the Presley estate to sell a comic strip about the late singer's life. It quoted Mack Webner, one of the estate attorneys, indicating the strip would focus on the positive in Presley's life and not problems such as drugs. Between then and now, Webner has changed his approach with the media. For what reason, no one will say. But his office staff admits he is not welcoming questions from the press. One Memphis attorney connected with the estate said officials believe publicity would not be helpful at this time. (News, Source: FECC)
It was thought she had won, but earlier this month it was learned her breast cancer had not only returned, but had spread considerably. Yesterday was Sid's birthday and, so like Maureen, even in deepest pain, she had sent out to get Sid a birthday present and it was delivered yesterday by her sister, Pat. The following is direct from Sid to one and all:
Maureen will be cremated at Kensal Green Cemetery, Harrow Rd, London W10 on Thursday April 5th at 11am. The service will be non religious except the kaddish will be said by Martyn Dias (Elvis Shmelvis). There will be a Memorial Service for Maureen at Harlesden Primary School, Acton Lane, London NW10 at 1 pm where she worked for 26 years and counselled thousands of children, their parents and teachers.
Instead of flowers we are asking each person who attends the funeral to bring just one rose to place on the casket as they pay their last respects to Maureen at the end of the non religious service. Instead of a wreath or bouquet of flowers people can make a donation to the "Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre" for cancer support. This is the "Elvisly Yours" designated charity since Maureen developed breast cancer in March 2000 and they have been very kind counselling Maureen ever since.
People who cannot attend the service can still send one rose and make a donation to the "Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre": Send a rose for Maureen to:
"In memory of Maureen"
Nethercott & Son Ltd
20 Aldenham Road
Radlett
Herts WD7 7JL
England
Make a donation to Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre: Send a cheque/money order made payable to Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre:
Elvisly Yours
233 Baker Street
London NW1 6XE
England
Write on the back of the cheque or money order "In memory of Maureen"
For credit card donations go to: www.justgiving.com/in_memory_of_maureen EIN extends its deepest symapthies to Sid on his very sad loss.
Special guests confirmed so far for August 14: Priscilla Presley former wife of Elvis Presley; Jerry Schilling close friend of Elvis' and author of the acclaimed 2006 memoir 'Me and a Guy Named Elvis'; James Burton, Glen D. Hardin and Ronnie Tutt from the TCB Band and Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown from The Sweet Inspirations. Let Elvis Presley Rest In Peace: Some other websites are publishing complete twaddle about the possibility of Elvis' body being exhumed. They report that "A suit filed in the Superior Court of Tennessee may permit the exhumation of the late King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. The suit has been filed anonymously by a couple in Germantown TN in order to see if that is Elvis who is buried in the Meditation Garden at Graceland. The couple has retained famed lawyer F. Lee Bailey to represent their case. The suit contends that the public may not have been told the truth due to the suspicious nature of the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the world's greatest entertainers." In EIN's recent fascinating interview with author Patrick Lacy he noted - "As with the entire death hoax theory, “believers” offer up plenty of conjecture and speculation, but they do not offer substantive evidence. It is my position that there is not one shred of evidence to prove or even suggest that Elvis faked his death. As I write in the book, I’d be more than glad to consider any such evidence…if it is compelling, I’ll take a closer look…I’ll even change my mind if the evidence leads me to conclude that Elvis faked his death. But I doubt that evidence will be forthcoming.." Go here to EIN's Patrick Lacy interview for more detailed information as well as links to our Elvis conspiracy pages. (News, Source: EIN) VIP Ticket Auction for 30th Anniversary Concert: Ten front-row VIP tickets for 'Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert' on August 16 will be auctioned off starting April 3. The ten front-row VIP tickets will include front row seats for the show, access to VIP reception room, opportunity to mingle with the cast in the reception room and a special gift package. In addition, only these 10 front-row auctioned seats will include access to the backstage hospitality room that will be home-base for the cast, production team, EPE management and corporate guests throughout the evening. EIN Comment - We hoped that this auction would be for charity but it seems it is only for profit. Remember when Elvis had to buy his own Pearl Harbour benefit tickets, surely he would want the same to be happening now in his name? (News, Source: EIN/EPE)
Madison to release Huntsville 1975 Afternoon Show CD: In a strange coincidence (see below) the next release from Madison will be the May 31, 1975 afternoon show recorded from the soundboard in Huntsville, Alabama. Some performances from this show were previously released, but for the first time the show will be available unedited. The same label is also planning to release the afternoon show from the same city recorded from the soundboard on June 1, 1975. The latter was definitely one of the rare show from this tour where they started to record over one minute before the start of ''I Got A Woman/Amen'', and therefore one of the longest recorded performance from this tour. Several other projects are also being planned and no doubts fans will be pleased. (News, Source: FECC)
The complete Sweet Inspirations pre-program was recorded in Minneapolis, MN on October 17, 1976. The Sweets treat us to their trademark song 'Sweet Inspiration' and to a fine Stevie Wonder medley which was part of almost every 70s Elvis Presley Show. Elvis played his very first 1976 concert in Johnson City on March 17. The soundboard of this show was recorded in binaural stereo with James Burton's lead guitar separated to one track. Elvis was in fine voice and clearly excited to be on stage again with new musicians Shane Kiester and Larry Londin. This CD closes with three tracks from February 15, 1977 in Orlando, FL. This show, also recorded binaurally, had Tony Brown's piano separated to one track. With today's techniques, Elvis vocal was enhanced and brought up as the original recording had Elvis' vocal drowned deep in the mix. According to the press release, the result is surprisingly good! Tracklist: Minneapolis, Minnesota, 17.10.1976 (approx. running time 14:34)
Said Dolly: "I was really quiet. I said, 'well, now it's already been a hit (for me). I wrote it and I've already published it. And this is the stuff I'm leaving for my family, when I'm dead and gone. "'That money goes in for stuff for my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. So I can't give up half the publishing'. And he said, 'well then, we can't record it'." More than 30 years later, Dolly's mixture of emotions about what could have been, is always on her mind. Added the 61 year-old writer of more than 3,000 songs: "I cried all night. Other people were saying, 'you're nuts. It's Elvis Presley. I mean, hell, I'd give him all of it'. "I said, 'I can't do that. Something in my heart says don't do that'. And I just didn't do it and they didn't do it. "But I always wondered what it would sound like. I know he'd kill it. But anyway, so he didn't. Then, when Whitney (Houston's version) came out, I made enough money to buy Graceland!" she laughed. Dolly's decision to retain complete ownership of that song turned out to be one the wisest moves she ever made. She has enjoyed major chart success with it three times, while Houston's version is the biggest selling single of all time by a female artist - earning Parton more than $$6m. In a strange twist of fate, Ulster audiences may be set to hear what a Parton/Presley duet of I Will Always Love You sounds like. For Dolly sang the song with an Elvis impersonator at a London gig last week! (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)
Also in the collection is a red silk scarf (photo above) signed "Sincerely Elvis" and a concert ticket from September 1977. Highlights from the Icon's of Music auction will be previewed in special exhibits at: Los Angeles: (March 27-29 @ The Beverly Hilton), Dublin, Ireland: (April 3-6 @ The Clarence Hotel) London: (April 11-13 @ The Hard Rock Cafe) New York: (April 16-20 @ The Hard Rock Café) The Auction is being held April 21st at New York: Hard Rock Café, Broadway. The live and online auction, hosted by Ebay and Julien's Auctions (www.juliensauctions.com) will be offering approximately 200 pieces of music memorabilia, much of which has been specifically. (News, Source: EIN/Various)
Elvis' Army Uniform Rescued From the Mississippi: Elvis' army uniform will be back on display at the Hard Rock Biloxi when it re-opens on July 7 2007. The casino barge was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and Elvis' army uniform was found floating on a mannequin in the Mississippi Sound.When the casino re-opens, Elvis' suit, along with other memorabilia such as guitars belonging to B B King, Kiss and Johnny Cash, will be back on display along with a special tribute to James Brown. (News, Source: Elvis.co.uk)
Elvis comes alive at Little Graceland: Little Graceland may be more than 1,000 miles from Memphis, Tenn., but at this shrine and museum in Los Fresnos, Elvis Presley has not left the building. "When I retired in '93, I decided I was going to do something for Elvis. Something to keep his name and music going," said Simon Vega, the 72-year-old proprietor and curator of a collection of Elvis memorabilia in the attic above his home. Vega's interest in the rock 'n' roll king began around 1955, when he purchased his first Elvis records. Three years later, as a draftee in basic training at Fort Hood, Vega recognized another draftee as the face on the album covers. "I never really got to talk to him much at Fort Hood," Vega said. "During basic training you don't have a lot of time for talking." After training, Presley and Vega were shipped to Germany. Until the singer moved off base, he and Vega lived in the same barracks. "There were five or six of us that hung out together," Vega said. "We all became pretty good friends." The centerpiece of Vega's collection of record albums and trinkets with Presley's familiar portrait are several grainy, black-and-white photographs of the two. "I would have to say that those are my most cherished possessions," Vega said. "They're priceless." A few months before Presley, Vega and their Army buddies were to be discharged, Vega said Presley offered him a job. "I had a new wife at home and just didn't see how I could support her by being a roadie for Elvis," Vega said. Two other Army cohorts, Charlie Hodges and Joe Esposito, did go to work for Presley and were at Graceland when he died on Aug. 16, 1977. After the Army, Vega returned to Texas, went to college and settled down to teach school and raise a family. When Elvis died, Vega said he was devastated. That's when he began collecting anything with a connection to his friend. Vega doesn't know how many pieces of Elvis memorabilia are in the glass cases that line the walls, probably 1,000 or more. He has a bottle of "Love Me Tender" shampoo, Elvis key chains, playing cards, dolls, pocketknives, neckties and a set of Elvis Presley collector plates. As the collection grew, word of Little Graceland spread. Vacationers and winter Texans heading to Port Isabel and South Padre Island were enticed to stop by the replica of the gates of Graceland in front of Vega's house. Presley was a special person and unique entertainer, Vega said. He exuded charisma on his records, and in person you could feel the electricity of his personality. "Once you got to know him, Elvis was a really good guy, but he was never an ordinary guy. Elvis liked to see people happy. That's part of why he sang and entertained the people." Vega estimates 50 visitors stop by his museum during an average week. "From the oldest to youngest, everybody still knows who Elvis was." Soon after Vega retired from teaching, he began holding tribute festivals on the weekends closest to the anniversaries of Presley's birth (Jan. 8) and death. Then he met Danny Lee, an Elvis impersonator from Corpus Christi. The two, along with the help of the city, have ratcheted up the festivals every year since they began. The festivals are "not a competition just good fun, and that's what Elvis would have wanted." Vega opens the gates to Little Graceland, on the western edge of Los Fresnos on Texas 100, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. For an appointment, call him at 956-233-5482. There is no admission fee, but there is a box available for donations. (News, Source: It's Elvis time/UEPS)
Chart Update: The "Elvis Lives" DVD drops one spot to #4 on the UK Music DVD Top 10 in it's 4th week on the chart. (News, Source: BBC Top 40 /Elvis News)
Las Vegas August 1975 Revisited: A new import double CD set has been announced. The set, containing two - previously released - remastered concerts from August 1975, comes as a deluxe gate fold set with a 20 pages booklet. Michael Bublé covers another Elvis classic: On previous releases he covered the songs "Fever" and "Can't Help Falling in Love", and for his new album he recorded "Always On My Mind". His new album, "Call Me Irresponsible", is set for worldwide release May 1, 2007. The CD is a mix of originals and new material. (News, Source: Elvis News) James Burton International Guitar Festival To Announce Lineup: Press release from the James Burton International Guitar Festival:
Join us on the steps of the historic Municipal Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. for this exciting announcement. For more information, visit www.jamesburtonmusic.com. (News, Source: EPE) Visitors to James Burton Guitar Fest in for treat: Visitors of the James Burton Guitar Fest in Shreveport Louisiana next weekend, are in for a treat. One of the eye catchers on stage is Steven Seagal. In Europe, Steven may be best known for his acting work, but in the States he is a recording artists and an excellent guitar player. Another special event on stage during the Festival, is the Family Jam, with James and his son Jeff, and his grand children. And on Sunday, over 600 kids, who all got a guitar from the James Burton Foundation, will play together for the first time. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
"All Shook Up" stage musical closes run??: All Shook Up," a musical based on the songs of Elvis Presley, will not be coming to Birmingham, Alabama as announced earlier by the Birmingham Broadway Series. The show is no longer touring as part of the 2007-2008, and all engagements have been canceled, said Glenda Kennedy, executive director of the series. No replacement has been named for the show, which was one of the season extras along with "Ring of Fire," a musical featuring the work of Johnny Cash. (News, Source: The Birmingham News)
Elvis 50’s Concert Film with Sound in Post Production "update": On 22 March EIN broke the news of this upcoming release. As a result of our story there was been a flurry of activity on other Elvis websites with a number of sites contacting Joseph Pirzada for comment, and more than 150 postings have been published about our story on the Elvis messageboards. From what EIN was originally told (and subsequently verified), many of the subsequent news items and board postings are misinformed. The most interesting messageboard posting was made by TheKingStillRocks (on FECC). He stated: "It has to be the amateur filmed footage, one which I missed out on last year. I tried to buy it but it was sold extremely fast. It has been part of a collection from an Elvis fan in Lubbock, TX since the early days. He had a large collection of 1950 footage, with some very rare performances. His first filming was at the Fair Park Auditorium, hometown Lubbock. 2 performances and Tupelo The 56 footage: Forth Worth, Shreveport, Richmond Norfolk, Lubbock, El Paso, New Orleans, Tupelo, San Antonio. 1957: Tupelo, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles. Also footage Elvis eating somewhere with reporters and driving off etc. Some have sound which is very rare in those days. Anyway a very nice idea indeed a tour DVD from the 50’s well in this way I get it much cheaper. Let’s hope I’m right!" (News, Source: TheKingStillRocks on FECC board)
Thomas Kincade's artwork: "Graceland 50th Anniversary" (News, Source: Dawson & Jean Brown)
Aussie female ETA has US critics "all shook up": She is the Elvis Presley impersonator who has critics in the US all shook up. Sydney singer Jacqueline Feilich is the only Australian competitor - and one of a handful of women - to make the second round of an official Elvis impersonator competition being held for the first time by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
TV Land Myths & Legends: Elvis Presley: Based on the popularity of season one of TV Land Myths & Legends, this half-hour special coincides with TV Land's month-long salute to Elvis Presley . Thirty years after his death, TV Land takes an in- depth look at some of the most popularly held notions about the "King of Rock and Roll" and dissects them to separate fact from fiction. Airdate: August 16, 2007 (in USA). (News, Source: The Futon Critic)
Elvis 1956 Bendable Key Chain (available from ShopElvis) (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine) Kathy Westmoreland & The TCB Band in Denmark: including James Burton (Guitar), Ronnie Tutt (Drums), Glen D. Hardin (Piano) and Jerry Scheff (Bass) will be performing a Rock’n’Roll show with their Scandinavian friends plus Maarten Jansen from Holland. The singers from Denmark will be Steen Jørgensen (lead singer in the very successful Danish band Sort Sol), Bobo Moreno and Lasse Helner (who recently released an album recorded in Memphis and Nashville with The Memphis Boys).
Beside the TCB Band and the singers, the great Soprano Kathy Westmoreland will also be at the show. Kathy performed with Elvis on stage and in the studio in the 1970's. The shows will take place in three different cities.
April 6 in Svendborg, Denmark (Tickets can be ordered at Fynsbilletten +45 7554 2081)
With Lasse Helner, Steen Jørgensen & Maarten Jansen April 7 in Randers, Denmark (Tickets can be ordered at Værket in Randers +45 8913 5110) With Lasse Helner, Steen Jørgensen & Maarten Jansen
April 9 in Uddevalla, Sweden (Tickets can be ordered at Uddevalla Turistbyrå +46 522 99720 or at info@uddevalla.com) With Stephen Ackles & Maarten Jansen
The tickets prices are between 329.- Dkk. and 349.- Dkk. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited / Its Elvis Time/ UEPS/ Freia Roos)
ETA makes history at Graceland: For the first time in history Graceland has endorsed and approved an Elvis Tribute Artist to participate in one of their licensed events. The event occurred yesterday in Memphis.
Out of thousands of Elvis singers, David Crews was honored and selected to actually perform 4 songs in front of Jack Soden, President of EPE and EPE Executive Staff and guests at the American Diabetes Gala Event and Auction. He was dressed in a 68 Comeback Special Leather outfit at Graceland's request to reflect their emphasis in 2007 of the 68 Comeback Special.
Never before has Graceland ever endorsed an Elvis Tribute Artist for a licensed EPE event according to Jack Soden, President and we are thrilled to announce that they have selected him. He will be riding into the event itself through the building into the ballroom on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle !
In 1999, David did a cameo appearance in a Showtime Movie but for Graceland's policy was not allowed past the gates of Graceland for filming and filming had to be done outside the gates of Graceland.
David and his 12 piece show band, The EP Express Band, will be hosting a $300.00 a head fundraiser special Harley Davidson, American Diabetes and Graceland sponsored/licensed event April 21st on the rooftop of the Gibson downtown Memphis.
There are many great Elvis Tribute Artists out there and believe us David is truly grateful for this unique opportunity. For more information visit: www.elvisentertainmentofmphs.com (Almost Elvis, Source: David Crews)
Altercation at UK Elvis event leads to suspended sentence and community service: An Elvis lookalike got drunk and attacked four people at a convention for Presley fans, a court has heard.
Justin Phillips, 34, attacked a doorman and three Elvis fans when he was refused entry at the event in Porthcawl, south Wales, last September. Phillips, of Nantyffyllon near Bridgend, bit a woman's arm and "gouged at" two men's eyes after drinking heavily, Cardiff Crown Court was told. He received 150 hours community service and an eight-month suspended sentence. The court heard Phillips had been drinking at the seaside resort's Brentwood Hotel, decked out for the occasion as the Heartbreak Hotel. He left the convention - the UK's biggest annual tribute to the King - believing the festivities were over, but heard the Presley tribute band struck up again. He tried to get back in, but was refused entry. The court was told a doorman and three Elvis fans stopped him because he was "too drunk". Prosecutor Richard Evans said: "He became abusive and aggressive towards staff and other Elvis fans. "One woman became involved and he bit fiercely into her arm. Two men attending the convention tried to make him calm down but he gouged at their eyes with his fingertips." Phillips admitted assault, wounding and inflicting actual bodily harm.Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones gave him an eight-month suspended prison sentence and 150 hours community service. Robert Hawkins, defending, said: "He is deeply remorseful and ashamed of himself."
(Odd Spot, Source: BBC News)
Elvis ballet ties 50s issues to today: Whether you know about carhops, sock hops and pedal pushers, Ballet San Jose has a treat for you. The drive-in waitresses, capri pants and teenage dance parties in Dennis Nahat's sweetly nostalgic "Blue Suede Shoes" are all part of this 1996 love letter to Elvis Presley, a tribute to the '50s. Maybe Nahat's backward look is overly romantic, but the show, with dozens of sharp costumes and psychedelic sets (by Bob Mackie), is terrific. Blue Suede Shoes will play, with Twyla Tharp's playful "Baker's Dozen," at San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday. From the hundreds of Elvis songs- he recorded 150 albums and singles during his 25-year career - Nahat gathered about 30 and shaped them around a narrative about three buddies, splendidly danced by Ramon Moreno as the nerd Arthur, the big jumping Preston Dugger as Raymond, and blond heartthrob Peter Hershey as Johnny. They fall in love; they compete, and finally part on their way to adulthood. For our three heroes, as it did for Presley, this meant first responding to Uncle Sam. The scenes in the military are among the show's most hilarious and the most poignant. When this joyous ballet-musical premiered 10 years ago, joining the service was simply a career option. Vietnam was history. Today, seeing a mother (Karen Gabay) kissing her son (Moreno) goodbye, a young soldier (Hershey) catch his fiancee (Maria Jacobs) with another man (Rudy Candia), and a veteran (Dugger) lose his way in civilian life resonate with discomforting familiarity. Not the least of this splendid entertainment are the beautifully mastered recordings of such hits as "Love Me Tender," "Tutti Frutti," "Jailhouse Rock" and, of course, "Blue Suede Shoes." But the audience also walks away with fresh appreciation of Presley's complex gifts. He could rock better than most, but he also was a balladeer ("Wooden Heart," "Love Me Tender") of uncommon talent and taste. He would skirt schmaltz, but didn't step in it. Nahat's choreography is inspired right up to the finale. In "The American Dream," the characters return as tinsel versions of themselves. But this tongue-in-cheek vision of a sunny future remains a pedestrian affair, essentially a series of extended curtain calls. Until that moment, "Blue" moves at a wonderfully clipped pace with choreography that is equally inspired by sentiment and humor. Having the inductees getting their shots in the you-know-where was as perfectly timed as the more somber marching sequences. The contrast between the raucous hot-dog party and the wistfulness of the subsequent graduation must have rung bells in the memory of those in the audience who couldn't help but bob their heads to Elvis' infectious beat. Nahat often choreographed the ensemble numbers like backup singers in which center stage is given over to the stars. And what stars they were. None sexier than Catharine Grow's Sally, whose leg reached into the stratosphere and whose ponytail whipped away unwelcome suitors with the swivel of a neck. And who would have thought that Daniel Gwatkin, who can sometimes look so stolid, could create such a convincing "Boss Man" as a third-rate, sleazy Elvis impersonator. In the teeniest costumes, high-kicking sassy carhops Yui Yonezawa and Mirai Noda looked as if they had stepped out of the Playboy mansion. Nahat's noblest moment came in "Highways and Lonely Heart," in which his three soldiers are beset by depression and fear. He sequenced six songs into a tight unit so that Moreno mourns his mother's death as Hershey contemplates his fiancee's returned ring and Dugger ends up unjustly accused of murder. This is tight dramatic structure used to excellent effect. The King would have approved. This most enjoyable program opened with another less splashy gem. The fusion of jazz, ballet, social and modern dance that Tharp pioneered in the '70s - and "Baker's Dozen" was her first extended essay in this new genre - does not look as revolutionary as it did in 1979. However, the casual elegance of those relaxed shoulders and lickety-split footwork feel as fresh and natural as ever. With staging by former Tharp dancer Shelley Washington, Ballet San Jose's dancers looked as if the company premiere of these duets, solos and small ensemble numbers had been created specifically for them. (Review, San Jose Mercury News) Read EIN's review of the superb Elvis ballet, Blue Suede Shoes Chart update: The "Essential Elvis Presley" compilation CD has now completed its run in the Australian top 100 ARIA Album Chart. In total the album was on the chart for 7 weeks reaching a high of #33. Weekly chart placings were; 48, 39, 38, 33, 38, 58, 95. The album is currently outside the top 100 at #126 after being #118 last week.
Kinkade's oil painting, "Graceland, 50th Anniversary," takes artistic license, using a telescoping perspective that shrinks the sweeping lawn in order to focus attention on the home. Instead of Elvis' famous pink Cadillac, Kinkade chose a shade of green for the car, because, "I just felt like we needed a color accent that was a little different," he says. Kinkade incorporated his signature warm glowing lights in the windows of Graceland with late afternoon sunlight streaming through the trees and across the lawn. He also "thinned the trees" on the lawn to keep the focus on the home as a symbol of Elvis. "I truly believe we have an opportunity with this painting to commemorate an American icon," the artist says. "That home was a dream for a lot of people -- a vision of the good life. And the home, 50 years later, is a kind of lasting emblem of the legacy of Elvis." For Kinkade, 49, Graceland and many of his other subjects have represented refuge from harsh realities. His parents separated when he was 5, and Kinkade says he grew up poor. (News, Source: Commercial Appeal/Amber Smith)
Australian fans can now register for "Elvis" special on ABC's 'The Einstein Factor': Last week we received news from ABC TV that on 2 May 2007 they will be filming a special "All Elvis" episode of the popular "The Einstein Factor" quiz show. The ABC is looking for avid fans who who who know all about his life and music. In particular, the ABC is seeking fans who nominate a specific period or aspect of Elvis' life, eg. movies; live performing; hit singles etc. The show (which screens at 6.30pm on Sunday evenings) is to air coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death. To register interest in being one of the contestants go to ABC TV/Einstein Factor and fill in the application form ("Be a contestant"), noting your interest in the Elvis special. The ABC wishes to select the contestants in the next week or so. (News, Source: ABC TV)
PRISCILLA PRESLEY TO GUEST HOST ELVIS RADIO LIVE FROM GRACELAND EXCLUSIVELY ON SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO: Priscilla will be in Memphis to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Graceland.
New Sony-BMG CD releases announced in Germany: Two new CD titles have been announced by BMG Germany. Due for release May 4, 2007 are "Elvis Presley - Hit Collection - Edition" and the 2 CD set "Elvis Presley - The Early Years". (News, Source: Collectors Service /Elvis News)
EIN's biggest daily update in 2007.......20 items added today!
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