We might not be able to dance our blue suede shoes to Memphis right now, but Elvis fans can rock with the King in their heartbreak hotel at home. Elvis Week (August 8 to 16) is this year going virtual for the first time.
The virtual schedule of events will allow fans from around the world to participate in Elvis Week from the comfort of their homes. Content will include past Elvis Week concerts and panels; new interviews with bandmates, co-stars and friends; new behind-the-scenes Graceland content; a look back at previous Candlelight Vigils; Elvis tribute artists; and a live stream view of the 2020 Candlelight Vigil.
On site at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home and burial place in Memphis, the modified event schedule removes any potential high-risk activity, including live performances, live appearances, group parties or meals, autograph signings and meet & greets.
Instead, Graceland will host a series of pre-recorded daily screening events that are a blend of new panels featuring those who knew Elvis, new interviews with Elvis tribute artists, new content pieces from the Graceland Archives, Drive-In movies and specially edited concert shows that look back on Best Of Elvis Weeks past, including the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, concerts featuring Elvis’ bandmates and backup singers, and Elvis films on the big screen.
Attendance will be capped to meet or exceed social distancing and maximum capacity guidelines. The Candlelight Vigil on August 15 will be more limited than in past years, and will require free advanced reservations, but the longstanding tradition will carry on with a socially distanced fan procession to Meditation Garden.
Virtual Elvis Week kicks off on August 8 (Memphis time). Details, including ticket purchase, are available from www.graceland.com
New attractions at Graceland
For visitors to Graceland’s entertainment and exhibition complex, 10 new state-of-the-art experiences using augmented reality technology allow fans to immerse themselves in the Elvis story. Visitors can create customized photos and videos of themselves with Elvis, and download them for free.
It’s unlikely that Aussies will be able to visit the U.S. for some time but here’s what Elvis fans can look forward to when they do eventually make the pilgrimage to Graceland:
Eras of Elvis Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that will result in meeting 50s, 60s or 70s Elvis via augmented reality technology for a downloadable photo.
“Elvis Yourself” Virtual Dress-Up Experience allows fans to be virtually dressed in one of Elvis’ iconic costumes and have their photo taken.
Elvis Album Cover Photo Booth virtually places guests onto an album cover of their choice with Elvis resulting in a downloadable photo.
Elvis Movie Match Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that will result in meeting one of Elvis’s big screen characters via augmented reality for a downloadable photo.
Interactive LED Dance Floor Quiz invites visitors to test their Elvis IQ by answering questions on an illuminated dance floor.
Elvis’ Interactive Golf Cart Ride offers guests a virtual tour of the Graceland grounds in a custom-designed golf cart simulator with 360-degree video technology.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” AR Serenade virtually transports guests onto the set of Blue Hawaii and allows them to be serenaded by the king! The video will be downloadable and sharable.
Elvis Movie Posters Photo Booth virtually places guests in one of Elvis’ movie posters and delivers another unique and sharable photo.
“Memories” AR Serenade allows guests to take a virtual seat on stage next to Elvis at the ’68 Comeback Special as he performs this song, resulting in a downloadable video.
Elvis: Front Row offers visitors a taste of what it was like to see Elvis perform live in this immersive concert experience that combines elements of live footage, stage lighting and surround sound.
In 2018, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named Graceland one of the top 25 landmarks in the world and Rolling Stone named it one of 10 Great American Music Landmarks.
Explore Memphis: www.memphistravel.com
