WWW.MYFOXMEMPHIS.COM
Surely you've heard by now.
www.myfoxmemphis.com
We've got a blazing new webstie.
www.myfoxmemphis.com
You've gotta check it out.
www.myfoxmemphis.com
I'll have my NEW blog there, and you can start YOUR blog there as well!
www.myfoxmemphis.com
(they're trying to iron out my blog issues...I'll update you here when it's ready to read. Until then, check out our lightning-fast video! And soon....Fox shows ON DEMAND!!! For FREE!!!)
WWW.MYFOXMEMPHIS.COM
Just a Few Days from Now.....
And you'll only read about it here!
This Sunday, tune into Fox13 to find out about our AMAZING NEW WEBSITE!!!
Exactly what will you find out?
Where it is and all the very cool things it will do for you! And you WILL be amazed. It's got video...it's got audio...it's got widgets...it's got weather...it's got live windows on the Mid-South...it's got WAYS for YOU to SOUND OFF or do your own thing!
It is the sweetest site to hit the Mid-South, and I promise, you're going to LOVE IT!
Man oh Man oh Man oh Man
Whatta crowd!! Did you see it? Surely you caught a glimpse on Fox at some point Sunday!
Over 16,000 people came downtown at (or before) 6 a.m. on Sunday for the first round of auditions for American Idol: Memphis!!!!
And now, for the inside scoop, brought to you by the good folk here at Fox13. We spent much of the day with Fox publicist Alex Gillespie (a virtual encyclopedia of all things Idol), and even spent time talking with Idol creator (and star judge of "So You Think You Can Dance") Nigel Lythgoe.
So here's some stuff you may not know....or at least will find interesting:
Memphis had the largest turnout of any city Idol has gone to this year. That means we beat New Jersey (New York), Los Angeles, (are you kidding me?), Birmingham (home of Ruben and Taylor!) and San Antonio! Pretty good, huh? I mean, it's not like we simply beat El Paso. We were up against some heavy hitters!
Idol producers will often search the crowd BEFORE auditions....when the crowd doesn't even KNOW it....looking for people they want to see more of. This lets you know that personality and presence counts. Now, note that I didn't say 'crazy' or 'goofy'. Apparently, they can spot people who have a 'look', or are confident. Good for you to know if you're gonna audition down the line.
I asked Nigel if A.I. would come back to Memphis, given the huge turnout. He said, "It depends on the level of talent we find here. Quite honestly, it all comes down to that." On the other hand, he said "It's also possible to exhaust an area...to get all the current talent out of it that you can". Interesting also.
I thought this was funny: Nigel then asked ME, "So why do you think there's so little talent in north America?" (and by this, he meant, why do all of the finalists and winners come from the south?) So I said, "I was going to ask you that." And HE said, "I want to ask YOU that". So I said "Well, this is the home of rhythm and blues, gospel music, and we are on the delta". And HE said, "And you do have many people singing in church from an early age....that is good training. However, they've shown us today that many of them feel like volume will get them closer to God. They have seriously made our ears bleed!" (True statement. This guy was very funny.)
There are 3 rounds of auditions: Round 1 - you stand at a table of producers with 3 other people, and are asked to sing. Apparently, everyone came to the Memphis auditions ready to sing gospel, because everyone we spoke with who came out after their tryouts said they were told to NOT sing gospel....that isn't what they're looking for. If you made it past that, you were given a BLUE sheet of paper (and the success rate, why Nigel said is impossible to accurately predict, is normally around 2% in this round. Sheesh! 2% out of 16,000!) Onto Round 2 - which was TODAY (Monday, the 4th) at a different (but nearby) location. Here, each singer met one-on-one with one of 2 Idol producers....one of which was Nigel. Nigel told me they're looking for that "it" factor. He couldn't explain it, but he knew it when he saw it. Then, of course, is the most visible Round 3 - where Randy, Simon and Pauler (as Nigel called her) come to Memphis to see who makes it from here to Hollywood (the famed Golden Ticket). That will happen sometime in October.
Over and over, after speaking with a number of first round winners AND losers...it would seem that the group that was confident...made eye contact...took their time...worked the judges, so to speak....went on to the next round. Do what you want with that info.
And here's something that NOBODY knows about except for you faithful FoxWeatherBlog readers, 'cuz I haven't told anybody else (besides Fox publicist Alex Gillespie who seemed very surprised): As my photorapher and I were walking away from the FedExForum in early afternoon, to go back to the station to edit our story before the show, we went past a guy who had stopped his car on the street, in front of the Forum's back entrance (where around 50 people were hangin' out, chillin', smokin', practicin' for their tryout); he had the doors open, the trunk popped, and music playing loud. Huge afro. As we went past, I recognized him, as he tried to hold court with whomever would come up to talk: It was Corey, from last season! The dude he said he slept with Paula! (remember all that brouhaha?) He drove to Memphis, for some reason....probably to push his CD (which is probably what I heard coming out of the car).
Interesting, huh?
So the Idol producers had the crowd (in the a.m., before they swarmed inside) tape a whole bunch of intros, like "Season 6 of American Idol Starts Now!!!" and "American Idol Rocks!!!". Should be VERY cool to see that when the season starts.
Until then, Memphis is off to a great start!!!
Cover Me! I'm Going In!!
So I'm not usually in the station on a Sunday. That's a family day. But today's a bit different: It's the Labor Day weekend, and the American Idol auditions started this morning.
So, I come in....it's quiet, as I would expect for a Sunday morning. And then I found an exhausted-looking Tom Dees and Tealy Devereaux (they went down to the FedExForum at around 4 a.m.). They said, and I quote, "That crowd was humongous".
Now, that sounds extreme, right? Then I went and found FoxPhotographer Matt Baker, who was looking at the video he had shot from this morning. He said, "you gotta check this out". So I watched as he rolled tape.....
...and I gotta tell you, it looked like one of the biggest crowds ever. At one point, the crowd filled the plaza in front of the Forum (which is HUGE) AND continued to snake - about 50 people wide - for at least 4 CITY BLOCKS. Couldn't even see the end.
The producers from American Idol were out there taping promos....you know, getting the crowd to say things like "American Idol Season 5 starts NOW!" (I think it was season 5.....I was still overwhelmed by the size of the crowd to pay complete attention to what they were screaming).
SO....I'm about to head down there myself (in the next 4 minutes) with FoxPhotog Mike Schlissel to see what we can find. Then Mearl and I are going to go live from 5 to 6 p.m. this afternoon from the FedExForum plaza....and I'll tell you more right here later!
Great Quote!
"Never tell anyone it can't be done.....God may have been waiting for centuries for somebody ignorant of the impossible to do that very thing."
- J. A. Holmes
How To: Handle a Power Outage!
With the first hurricane of 2006 possibly building (Ernesto), and (as of now) heading for the Gulf Coast, I thought it would be a good time to go over a few helpful 'power' suggestions.
We all live, quite comfortably, plugged into the grid. However, during a natural disaster, the grid is usually the first thing to go, leaving us without all the amenities we're so used to: air conditioning, ice, tv, etc.
But! It's still possible to survive, and even figure out a few creature comforts!
Read on, Fox Soldier.
Empower yourself in power outagesSome items to help you get by after the storm
BY MATT REED
FLORIDA TODAY
Let's talk about your sanity.
Specifically, let's list a few things you'll need to prevent a mental meltdown when a storm strikes, the power goes out for days, and nothing -- nothing -- seems to work.
These will soothe the savage inside you:
A gas grill and a fresh tank of propane.If you've got a grill, you've got a cooktop, a coffee maker, a water purifier, even a dishwasher. You'll use it a lont, especially to boil water. Make sure you've got a fresh tank of propane.
A coffee plan.
Starbucks probably won't be open. And if you depend on an electric coffee maker, now is the time to find its emergency stand-in. Best bet: an old-fashioned camp percolator (in the sporting goods section of your nearest big box store) which can go on the grill. Or, you can ladle hot water into a French press, also widely available. And if you take cream or milk, you'll need the powdered stuff.
Battery-powered reading light.
Hot, humid nights with no cable or computer can feel awfully long. A good book and a reliable light can be just the salve.
Neighbors.Good neighbors are as good as gold after a storm. They serve as one another's counselors, security guards, news outlets and 24-hour tree-cutters and roofers. Don't wait until the storm hits to introduce yourself.
An old land-line telephone with spiral handset cord.
Phone service often outlasts electricity. If there's no power, that cordless model won't work.
Cell phone-charger for your car.How else will you charge it?
A grasp of the four-way stop.When traffic signals go out, every intersection becomes a four-way stop. To stay alive, remember: STOP. Yield to the car on the right. Repeat.
ABC News: Scientists Add Years to Ozone Recovery
ABC News: Scientists Add Years to Ozone Recovery
Viewer Photo
Say hello to Chaseton Whitten!
Chaseton and his family went to Gulf Shores, Alabama for vacation this summer.
On July 3rd, Chaseton was out on the beach when he had his picture taken....and he couldn't figure out why everyone was running and screaming. He figured it was just a bad-hair day.
The Whitten's just happened to capture a waterspout in action over the Gulf of Mexico!
Great shot, and thanks to the Whitten's of Selmer, TN.
A Letter to Southerners From President Bush....
What about it!!!!!???!!!
George W. issued this letter, which was revealed last night at 9 p.m. by our good friends at Elvis Presley Enterprises to all the fans and friends attending the 29th annual Candlelight Vigil.
(you may want to save it and increase the size to read the text better...it's the largest file size I could save; sorry!)
We had a great time last night at Graceland....the weather was FANTASTIC!....the fans were as friendly as ever....the Elvis music was floating across the mild southern night, clear as a bell and sweet as an angel.
It was very cool.
Big mid-south shout out to the Prez for recognizing our most awesome Memphis event!
I'm telling you, it's not me!!!
It's PHOTOSHOP!!!
Seriously.
For real.
It's Candlelight Vigil night...
....and I thought it appropriate to share some King with you.
Last Friday night I emceed the 2006 Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase presented by Elvis Presley Enterprise's. It was a blast.
3 very talented cats: Donny Edwards, Irv Cass and Shawn Klush.
Great show. And because you probably missed it this year (but shouldn't next year), I'm gonna share some photos.
BONUS!!!
I'm also adding some spectacular Photoshop work in this group. My good friend Jim Umlauf, who is a skilled shutterbug and even more skilled image-manipulator, sent me two photos of my head on an ETA (Elvis Tribut Artist) body.
Looks real,doesn't it? That's my noggin gracing Irv's "If I Can Dream" segment, and then Shawn's "Vegas Showcase" respectfully.
Dig it.
More than 2300 Daily-Temp Records Broken
courtesy of NOAA
U.S. HAS ITS SECOND-HOTTEST JULY ON RECORD; DROUGHT CONDITIONS WORSEN
August 7, 2006 — The continental United States suffered through its
second-hottest July on record because of a blistering heat wave from California to Washington, D.C. The heat wave broke more than
2,300 daily temperature records for the month and eclipsed more than 50 records for the highest temperatures in any July, according to the
NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. The hottest July on record occurred in 1936, and the third hottest was 1934. (Click NOAA image for larger view of July 2006 statewide temperature rankings. Please credit “NOAA.”)
The agency also reported that the first seven months of 2006 was the warmest January-July of any year the United States since records began in 1895. And, the scorching temperatures, combined with a shortage of rainfall, expanded moderate-to-extreme drought conditions in areas already hard hit.
U.S. Temperature HighlightsThe average July 2006 temperature for the contiguous United States (based on preliminary data) was 77.2 degrees F (25.1 C). More than 90 records for the highest night-time temperatures for July were broken. The average January - July 2006 temperature was 55.3 degrees F (12.9 C), which beat the previous record set in 1934.
The Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index (REDTI), which provides information related to climate sensitive residential energy demand, ranked as the fourth highest July index in the 112-year record. Using this index, NOAA scientists determined that the nation’s residential energy demand was approximately 22 percent higher than that which would have occurred under average climate conditions for the month.
The average July temperature (based on the statistical mean from 1901 - 2000) is 74.3 degrees F. The July 1936 record temperature was 77.5 degrees F. The July 1934 average temperature (third highest on record) was 77.1 degrees F. The previous January - July cumulative record temperature was 54.8 degrees F (set in 1934).
NOAA scientists add that no single episode of extreme heat can be blamed exclusively on human-induced global warming, but instead heat waves will become more likely and progressively more intense over the course of decades. Changes in the frequency and intensity of heat waves across North America will be comprehensively assessed in the forthcoming
Climate Change Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.3.
blah blah hot blah blah
okay. we've been talking about the heat for so long, I'm boring myself.
so let's move on.
did you know that during the labor day weekend in september (less than a month away), that the American Idol auditions will be held at the FedExForum?
that's right! YOU could be discovered! YOU could get a golden ticket to hollywood! YOU could be the next AMERICAN IDOL!!! (i personally feel like memphis has been overdue to put a finalist on the stage, so this could really be your year!)
i'll be right there for all the action....FOX13 cameras will be meeting and interviewing scores of talented people and we hope you're among them.
make your plans: FedExFoum -- labor day weekend!
It's that time, baby!!!!
Elvis week is almost upon us, and this year, it starts with something a little more special:
For the first time ever, there will be a Graceland sponsored Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase!!! (and I'm the Emcee!!!)
Friday Night, August 11th, at 8 p.m. at the Mempis Marriott East. Tickets are a very reasonable $30.
As most of you already know, I'm a huge E-fan, and 'bout this time of year (ever year), I break out all my favorite Elvis cd's (and some of my own burn mixes), and start gettin' in the mood. There's about to be a jumpsuit-load of events to check out, but if you have the time, you've got to come to this showcase. It's gonna be great.
Lookign for what else is going on? Check out this listing from Elvis.com:
FRIDAY 11
The Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center Reception - The MED Foundation 10:00 AM. The Park Café, 1st Floor - Jefferson Building, The Regional Center at Memphis, 877 Jefferson Ave., Memphis. For more information, contact The MED Foundation at (901) 545-8372. Also, tours of the trauma center are available 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM, August 11-16. For a tour, please check in at the information desk uponn your arrival.
Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom – Day 1 of 3 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. The Pyramid Ballroom. Sales and display booths featuring EPE product licensees and noted dealers of vintage Elvis records and collectible memorabilia. Elvis friends and associates who are participating in the Elvis Insiders Conference will be scheduled for autograph sessions at various times during the three days the Merchandise & Memorabilia Showroom is open. To find out who, go to the conference web site and scroll down the column on the far right. The showroom is open to Elvis Insiders as part of their Elvis Insiders Conference admission – just flash your pass from either day of the conference. Open to all fans from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a $10.00 one-day pass available at the door. Starting at 5:00 PM it is the site of the Elvis Insiders Meet & Greet event.
Humes Middle School - "Elvis Room" Open House10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Humes Middle School (formerly Humes High School, Elvis's alma mater), 659 North Manaassas. The school will open its doors to Elvis fans for a viewing of the recently renovated Elvis Room/Memphis Music Media and Learning Center. With generous donations from Elvis fans from around the world and hard work from the employees of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the room underwent a two-day makeover with fresh paint, new pictures and more to whip the room into shape for the start of Elvis Week and the new school year. The room is anchored by three display cases that show class photos, yearbooks, letter jacket patches, a replica of Elvis’s diploma and other items from his days at Humes. One corner of the room takes visitors back to the 50’s as vintage classroom furniture shows students and visitors what the school looked like when Elvis roamed its halls. The room will not only welcome Elvis fans, but also give students the opportunity to learn about their school’s history and the story of Memphis music. A media station surrounded by two large Elvis-themed inflatable chairs will allow students to sample the sounds of Elvis and other Memphis music legends. The focal point of the room is a large wall mural in the Humes school colors designed by New York artist and Elvis fan Joe Petruccio. The digitally enlarged painting features Elvis along with Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Little Milton and BB King.
Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 1 of 2 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Cotillion Ballroom. The annual Elvis Week gathering of members of The Official Elvis Insiders. This year, for the first time, the conference expands from one day to two! Elvis Presley Enterprises is putting together two very full days of special programming exclusively for the Elvis Insiders. See special conference web site.Longtime friend of Elvis, entertainment producer Jerry Schilling, who will give the Insiders a special preview of his much anticipated book Me And A Guy Named Elvis, My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley, which is set for publication on August 17, 2006 by Gotham Books, but advance copies will be available for purchase and signing. (See message from Jerry); June Jaunico, who dated Elvis in 1955-57 during his rise to fame, will share her recollections; famed photographer Alfred Wertheimer, who followed Elvis around with his camera with unfettered access for several weeks in 1956, will show some never-before-seen photos; and dancer Tanya Lemani George, who belly-danced in Elvis's '68 Comeback TV special, will share memories of working with Elvis on the show. We'll hear even more about the early years of Elvis's career from Maxine Brown Russell, who was a member of the singing trio The Browns and toured with Elvis early in his career.We'll also show footage shot at Elvis's manager Colonel Tom Parker's place in Madison, Tennessee when the Graceland/EPE staff went there in October 1990 to pack up his collection of documents, photographs, memorabilia and more after purchasing the Colonel's collection. Our popular host with the most, Elvis Insider Tom Brown, vice-president of production for Turner Classic Movies, returns as the conference emcee. More program details to be announced.Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended as we do expect a sell-out. Admission prices: $38.00 Adults/$19.00 Children 7-12/Children 6 & under free, for a one-day ticket good for either day of the conference; or $60.00 Adults/$30.00 Children 7-12/Children 6 & under free, for a ticket for both days of the conference. With the one-day or two-day ticket, all attendees receive the collectible conference bear, a door prize, and the conference welcome kit loaded with cool Elvis stuff. The Elvis Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom will be open 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM in The Pyramid Ballroom. All conference tickets include admission into the showroom. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now.Elvis Insiders Conference Audio Feed - Can't be in Memphis for Elvis Week 2006? You can listen in LIVE as to The Elvis Insiders Conference or listen to a recording after the event. More information on hearing the conference will be posted on the Elvis Insiders message board. If you aren't a member, join today so you can experience this historic event for yourself in person or through the audio feed.August Memphis Elvis Meetup 7:00 PM. Blue Shoe Bar & Grill, Memphis Marriott East, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Memphis. If you are planning on attending the 8 PM concert, feel free to join the meetup until the show starts. A dinner menu will be available - each member will pay for their own food and beverages. Door Prizes and surprises. A $1.00 donation is requested to cover the cost of the Meetup membership and any monies left over will be donated to a charity chosen by the group. Click here to RSVP.
Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase
8:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Cotillion Ballroom. A concert of Elvis music performed by Elvis tribute artists Shawn Klush, Donny Edwards and Irv Cass, backed by the ExSpense Account Showband. Emceed by Memphis media personality Joey Sulipeck. Admission $30 in advance or at the door. Open seating. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now.
SATURDAY 12
D&N's Leis for Elvis and United Cerebral Palsy 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Registration table for 24th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run & Fun Walk in the open entertainment pavilion at Graceland. D&N's Elvis Presley Fan Club is selling Leis for Elvis and United Cerebral Palsy. Leis will be available race day, 8/12/06, at the 5K registration table for $4.00 each, through the website www.ucpmemphis.org, or through D&N's members during Elvis Week 2006. 24th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K - United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South8:00 AM. Starts and finishes in front of Graceland. Join thousands of Elvis fans and runners at Graceland for the 24th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South. Approximately 2,000 entrants from around the world will join in the family fun while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Elvis Week 2006 and raising money for UCP. Pre-registration is $20.00. Race day registration is $25.00. To register, contact Joanie at 901-761-4277 or jnuchols@ucpmemphis.org or register online by going to www.elvispresley5k.racesonline.com."
Walk-A-Mile In My Shoes" from Sweet Magnolia Tours Boarding at 8:15 AM. Departure at 8:30 AM. Tour returns at 4:30 PM. Tour departs from Graceland parking lot next to the Heartbreak Hotel. Bus will be at the walkway from the hotel to the Graceland parking lot. An all-Elvis full-day Memphis city tour tracing the early years before Graceland. Experience life as Elvis knew it on this special tour that includes tours inside Lauderdale Courts, where Elvis lived as a teenager, the Memphian Theater, Super Cycle, Pop Tunes, and Forest Hill Cemetery. There will be many more Elvis sites and opportunities for pictures stops at such places as the Overton Park Shell, Humes High School, Libertyland, the Coliseum, Elvis Audubon Drive home, site of Lansky's on Beale St. and the Chisca Hotel. Fully-narrated 8-hour all-Elvis city tour includes transportation, Lauderdale Courts Apartment Tour, Super Cycle, Memphian Theater, and Forest Hill Cemetery. Cost per person is $50.00. For questions or to make your reservations, call 1-866-320-5295 or click here.
Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom – Day 2 of 3 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. The Pyramid Ballroom. Sales and display booths featuring EPE product licensees and noted dealers of vintage Elvis records and collectible memorabilia. Elvis friends and associates who are participating in the Elvis Insiders Conference will be scheduled for autograph sessions at various times during the three days the Merchandise & Memorabilia Showroom is open. To find out who, go to the conference web site and scroll down the column on the far right. Open to Elvis Insiders as part of their Elvis Insiders Conference admission – just flash your pass from either day of the conference. Open to all fans for a $10.00 one-day pass available at the door.
Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 2 of 210:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Cotillion Ballroom. The annual Elvis Week gathering of members of The Official Elvis Insiders. This year, for the first time, the conference expands from one day to two! Elvis Presley Enterprises is putting together two very full days of special programming exclusively for the Elvis Insiders. See special conference web site.Singer Pat Boone, who knew Elvis professionally and personally, will share his special memories of Elvis, some of which he has never discussed publicly; Actress, poet, Academy Award nominated songwriter and former girlfriend of Elvis, Linda Thompson, will share her unique perspective on Elvis in her first-ever Elvis Week appearance. Sam Thompson will join us to share memories of his friendship with Elvis and of being a member of his personal staff in the 1970s. Andrew Solt, head of SOFA Entertainment, owner of the Ed Sullivan Show catalog, will screen clips (some previously unreleased) from Elvis's three appearances on the program. Joining him in sharing some of the behind-the-scenes history of Elvis on Sullivan will be Jordanaires member Gordon Stoker, who performed with Elvis on all three of his Sullivan appearances. Guitar virtuoso and former Elvis bandmate James Burton will be a guest speaker. Part of the recent Follow That Dream collectors label CD release Made In Memphis is from a private recording Elvis made at Sam's home in November 1972. Also joining us for the conference are William Schallert and Victoria Paige Meyerink, who both appeared with Elvis inthe film Speedway, Chris Noel who appeared with Elvis in the film Girl Happy, and Nancy Rooks, who was a longtime member of Elvis's household staff at Graceland.Our popular host with the most, Elvis Insider Tom Brown, vice-president of production for Turner Classic Movies, returns as the conference emcee. More program details to be announced.Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended as we do expect a sell-out. Admission prices: $38.00 Adults/$19.00 Children 7-12/Children 6 & under free, for a one-day ticket good for either day of the conference; or $60.00 Adults/$30.00 Children 7-12/Children 6 & under free, for a ticket for both days of the conference. With the one-day or two-day ticket, all attendees receive the collectible conference bear, a door prize, and the conference welcome kit loaded with cool Elvis stuff. The Elvis Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom will be open 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM in The Pyramid Ballroom. All conference tickets include admission into the showroom. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now. Elvis Insiders Conference Audio Feed - Can't be in Memphis for Elvis Week 2006? You can listen in LIVE as to The Elvis Insiders Conference or listen to a recording after the event. More information on hearing the conference will be posted on the Elvis Insiders message board. If you aren't a member, join today so you can experience this historic event for yourself in person or through the audio feed.
Davis-Kidd Booksellers – Jerry Schilling – Me and a Guy Named Elvis 1:00 PM. Davis-Kidd Booksellers, 387 Perkins Road Extended on the east end of the Laurelwood Shopping Center. Longtime friend of Elvis, entertainment producer Jerry Schilling will sign copies of his much anticipated book Me And A Guy Named Elvis, My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley, along with co-writer Chuck Crisafulli. Also see listings for books-signings by Jerry and Chuck at the Elvis Insiders Conference (Day 1) on August 11 and at Playhouse on the Square on August 14. (See message from Jerry.)Muvico and Peabody Place Present Chris MacDonald’s “Memories of the King” 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Peabody Place Entertainment and Retail Center, 150 Peabody Place, Memphis. Muvico and Peabody Place present Chris MacDonald’s Memories of the King in Concert. Come join us for a celebration of the King’s life and music from the 50’s, the movies, the black leather ’68 comeback special, and the 1970’s Las Vegas Concerts. Free admission.
The Elvis Week Concert - Terry Mike Jeffrey & The Imperials8:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Cotillion Ballroom. An evening of Elvis music peformed by Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band, with very special guests The Imperials - Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus and Gus Gaches. Admission $40 in advance or at the door. Open seating. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now.
SUNDAY 13
Elvis Radio - Gospel Time Live on the Plaza 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM. It's a Graceland Plaza Gospel Sing with Elvis Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Graceland Plaza near the Elvis Radio studio on Sunday morning and enjoy two hours of Elvis gospel music and sing along. Special guest appearances planned. Free. And for those not in Memphis for Elvis Week, be sure to tune into Elvis Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio on Sunday morning to hear it live from Graceland.
Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom – Day 3 of 3 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. The Pyramid Ballroom. Sales and display booths featuring EPE product licensees and noted dealers of vintage Elvis records and collectible memorabilia. Elvis friends and associates who are participating in the Elvis Insiders Conference will be scheduled for autograph sessions at various times during the three days the Merchandise & Memorabilia Showroom is open. To find out who, go to the conference web site and scroll down the column on the far right. FREE admission on Sunday, August 13 for all fans.
Elvis Scapbooking Class with EK Success Two classes: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Walk a Mile in My Shoes Theatre in Graceland Plaza. Check out the all new Elvis scrapbooking items from EPE licensee EK Success that will be available first exclusively at Graceland during Elvis Week 2006. Cost for the class is $10.00. All attendees will learn how to make an Elvis accordion album. Seating for each class is very limited. Tickets will be available at the EK Success booth in the Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom during Elvis Week.
Elvis Fan Club Presidents’ Event 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Elvis Presley fan clubs around the world celebrate Elvis all year long with local meetings, donations to charity and more. They are a valuable part of the EPE family. The 2006 fan club presidents' event will celebrate Elvis's movie Speedway with special guest speakers William Schallert, who played the role of Abel Esterlake in the movie, and Victoria Paige Meyerink, who played the role of Ellie Esterlake. Additionally, the program will include a special presentation from EPE leaders and team members, exciting news about developments at Graceland, a look at upcoming projects and licenses and more. This is an invitation-only event. Invitations and registration forms have been sent directly to fan club presidents.A Little Less Conversation Tour by Backbeat Tours 10:30 AM. Second and Beale Street, downtown. Hot young rocker Daniel “Memphis” Jones performs all of your favorite Elvis hits live on the bandstand of a vintage bus as you tour the sites where the famous Elvis-style developed. (Yes, you read correctly, it is a bus with a bandstand!) Learn how Elvis has influenced everyone from the Beatles to recent American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. Compete for prizes in our Elvis karaoke contest, accompany Memphis Jones on tambourine or bongos, or simply sing and clap along. Either way, it’s fun, fun, fun! Tour stops include visits inside Elvis’s Lauderdale Courts apartment, Memphian Theatre, and Lansky's. See Humes High School, American Sound Studios, Elvis’s Audubon Drive home, Plaza Cinema, and more. Tour departs at 10:30 AM from Second and Beale Streets downtown, and returns at 4:00 PM. $65.00 per person includes admission fees and box lunch. For reservations, contact Backbeat Tours at (866) 392-2328.
Scavenger Hunt – Bears on Tour at Graceland 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Starting at the Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion (no audio tour) and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum while simultaneously participating in a trivia scavenger hunt. Adult and Junior versions of the scavenger hunt will be available. Prizes for both adult and junior to be announced. All ticket holders to receive a complimentary collectible bear donated by EPE licensee Limited Treasures. This particular edition bear is exclusive to the scavenger hunt event at Graceland and not available anywhere else. Admission: adults $22.00; children 7 – 12 $10.00; children 6 and under are free. A detailed flyer about the scavenger hunt will be posted here prior to Elvis Week and handed out to ticket holders the night of the event. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now.George Klein’s Elvis Mafia Reunion 5:00 PM. Alfred’s, 197 Beale Street, Memphis. A reunion of people who were close to Elvis. Lifelong friends and associates of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll reminisce and answer questions. $35.00 admission includes a $10.00 donation to the “Make a Wish” Foundation and dinner for one. Dinner reservations only. Last seating at 4:30 PM. For further information, call Alfred’s and ask for Jay or Brad at (901) 525-3711.
Elvis Week Dance Party 8:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight. Memphis Marriott East - The Official Host Hotel for Elvis Week 2006 at 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN. Cotillion Ballroom. Find those poodle skirts or slick back that hair and dance to Elvis music with with dee-jay Argo from Elvis Radio/Sirius 13 hosting and taking your requests. Enjoy a costume contest, door prizes and gift bags. Admission: adults $20.00; children 7-12 $10.00; children 6 and under admitted free. From all parts of the world call (901) 332-3322, or from the USA and Canada call toll-free 800-238-2000. E-mail glsales@elvis.com. Tickets on sale now.The Joe Kent Show with The Memphis Rockers at Hernando’s Hideaway 9:00 PM. Hernando’s Hideaway, 3210 Old Hernando Road, Memphis. Memphis’s own Joe Kent live with the Memphis Rockers. One night only. A home-grown rockin’ tribute to Elvis. $10.00 admission, 2-drink minimum.
He Was Right Here!
Today, in the FOX13 studios, was one
Mr. Joe Montana!
Our very own Health Reporter Maria Black was speaking with Joe about his campaign against high blood pressure (which he was recently diagnosed with).
Joe looked just like you remember him (and man, is that guy tall. Must have been how he was able to find Jerry Rice in the end zone so many times).
Hope you caught the interview tonight, on Fox13 at 5 and 9!
Coming soon...
....to a computer screen near you...
AN AMAZING NEW FOX13 WEBSITE!!!
I know...."dude, that's long overdue." Or, "dude, about time". Or, "dude......I forgot what I was going to say!"
In less than a month, Fox13 will be unveiling a fantastic new look, with some very cool (and cutting edge) capabilities. It will be YOUR PLACE to find out what's happening FIRST. And man, do I mean first. Check back to see what I mean.
So, get ready, friends! This is gonna be one sweet ride.
