Graceland’s 2nd Annual Holiday Concert Weekend
There’s no place more magical than Elvis Presley’s Graceland at Christmas. On December 14 and 15, 2018, Graceland will host a special weekend of holiday music and activities highlighted by three incredible live concerts on the Graceland Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex:
Christmas with Elvis with Live Orchestra
Christmas with Elvis at Graceland – With Live Orchestra
• Friday, December 14 at 8:00 pm at the Graceland Soundstage •
This special Christmas concert debuted last year and became an instant classic with fans and families. The show features Elvis’ holiday favorites performed live on stage, with the full, rich sound of a 32-piece orchestra, featuring local Memphis musicians, vocalists, choirs and dancers including members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Tennessee Mass Choir and Havenview Middle School Choir. For the second consecutive year, the concert will be under the musical direction of, and conducted by, Robin Smith of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra.
An Elvis Gospel Christmas
An Elvis Gospel Christmas – Live at Graceland
• Saturday, December 15 at 5:00 pm at the Graceland Soundstage •
An inspirational and uplifting concert featuring Elvis’ favorite gospel and Christmas classics performed by gospel greats the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and former members of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. The original Blackwood Brothers Quartet, led by James Blackwood, sang at Gladys Presley’s funeral at the special request of Elvis and Vernon Presley. James’ younger son Billy Blackwood now continues the Blackwood Quartet legacy. JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet were Elvis’ male back-up singers from 1971 to 1977. Former members who will be performing include Donnie Sumner, Ed Hill, Larry Strickland, and Bill Baize.
Elvis Live in Concert
Elvis Live in Concert – with an All-Star Band featuring James Burton
• Saturday, December 15 at 8:30 pm at the Graceland Soundstage •
An unforgettable concert experience featuring Elvis live in concert and on the big screen performing the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest hits, backed by an all-star band featuring legendary TCB Band guitarist James Burton. Burton began working with Elvis in 1969 and was the leader of the TCB Band. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001, Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
Anyone attending these special holiday concerts will receive free admission to Elvis Presley’s Memphis at 3:00 p.m. that day where they can visit two newly expanded exhibits: ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley and Presley Cycles.
The weekend will also include several unique holiday activities such as a Christmas at Graceland Archive Presentation, Christmas Tips, Tricks and Crafts seminars at The Guest House at Graceland hosted by Lifestyle Expert JJ Keras, who has been regularly featured on the Today Show and Good Morning America, and a special screening of the Hallmark Channel’s movie “Christmas at Graceland” in The Guest House Theater. The Archive Presentation, JJ Keras seminars and Hallmark movie screening are all free to all Holiday Concert Hotel Package Holders as well as anyone who purchases tickets to two or more holiday concerts. Find out more about these holiday activities.
