All Things Elvis

" Elvis Week '96 promises much of the old and a whole lotta new. "

By Heather Gates

Is nothing sacred anymore? Would Elvis "the Pelvis" really want a lesbian imitating his famous below-the-belt moves in public, especially during a seven-day conference dedicated to the serious business of learning all there is to know about the enigmatic King and his life in the South?

Elvis Herselvis, a San Francisco lesbian, will take Elvis impersonation to a new level when she performs at the International Conference on Elvis Presley Aug. 4-9.

The conference is just one of hundreds of events held in and around Memphis this month to pays homage to the King and commemorate the anniversary of his death during Elvis Week.

Held at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, this year's conference theme is "Then Sings My Soul: Elvis and the Sacred South."

According to conference information, noted scholars, writers, musicians and fans will lead discussions about the "gospel music and evangelical cultures of the American South, the spiritual roots and secular conflicts of the emergence of rock 'n' roll in Southern culture, and the enduring posthumous presence of "Elvis" in media culture worldwide."

They'll delve into subjects such as Elvis' connection with Faulkner and feminine spirituality. For those seeking psychological solace about Elvis' decline, two sessions titled, "The Inner Elvis: A Psychological Biography," and "Don't Be Cruel to a Heart That's True: Understanding the King and What Went Wrong," will be offered.

Elvis Presley Jr., a man who claims to be Elvis' biological son (from a rendevous Elvis had with actress Dolores Hart during the filming of King Creole) also will publicly present his claim to fame during a special guest performance.

Presley Jr.'s and Elvis Herselvis' participation however, has sparked controversy among conference backers and the eventual depature of the Presley estate and the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., told The Commercial Appeal there's a simple reason for their departure. "We think those guys have lost their minds."

But conference director, Vernon Chadwick offered another explanation, saying the two groups don't approve of Elvis impersonations generally.

Chadwick admits that Elvis Herselvis is somewhat controversial, "but Elvis was also challenging our gender stereotypes of the time. He wore leather jackets and blue eye shadow in the Fifties," he told The Commercial Appeal. But never fear, Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises will continue to hold its more "mainstream" events to pay tribute to the King - their way.

Among the 10 Graceland-sponsored events will be the Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, Aug. 15. The Vigil begins at 9 p.m., in front of Graceland, and goes through the next morning, for those who wish to brave the lines and visit Elvis' grave site in the Meditation Garden.

At the Elvis "King Creole" Riverboat Cruise & Dance Party (let's hope Elvis Jr. doesn't crash the bash), fans can rock 'n' roll to a full night of Elvis music while traveling down the Mississippi River. It'll be held Monday, Aug. 12; boarding begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. To guarantee admission, advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Numerous citywide events also will be available for fans who want to venture past the Graceland gates.

The Memphis Pink Palace Museum Planetarium will hold the "Elvis: Legacy in Light" laser concert series Aug. 10-16. Show times are 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 and benefits the Memphis Museums System.

The Elvis Extravaganza '96 and International Impersonator Contest will run Aug. 11-14 from 4 p.m. to midnight at the Americana Club on Winchester Rd. Memorabilia dealers will offer their Elvis wares and a $1,000 grand prize will be awarded to the top impersonator. Admission Aug. 11-13 is $5 and Aug. 14 is $10, with proceeds benefitting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Of course, these are just a sampling of the many events being held for Elvis Week. For more information, about Graceland or city-wide Elvis-week events, call Graceland at (901) 332-3322 or 1-800-238-2010.

For more information about the International Conference on Elvis Presley, call The University of Mississippi, Center For Public Service and Continuing Studies at (601) 232-7282.