Calling all Elvis fans to Plano, Texas May 26-28, 2017! Fans of the legendary Elvis Presley can get their fix of all things “King” when the Texas’ Tribute to Elvis Festival returns for a second year to Southfork Ranch. Licensed by and in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., the three-day festival will feature wall-to-wall performances by tribute artists and other celebrities, parties, and Texas’ only official preliminary heat for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest held during Elvis Week in Memphis, Tennessee this August.
What To Expect
Registration begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 26, followed by a grand opening ceremony in the Oil Barons Ballroom. Afterward, visitors can hear stories about Elvis from those who knew and worked with him at a special “Conversations on Elvis” discussion. Celebrity panelists include Don Collier (Elvis’ co-star in Paradise Hawaiian Style), Charles Stone (tour producer for Elvis during the 1970s), Chris Christian (songwriter and record producer) and Jimmy Velvet (recording artist who toured with Elvis).
A highlight of the weekend will be the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist preliminary contest featuring up to 25 performers from around Texas. These Elvis enthusiasts will compete for the honor of representing Texas at the Ultimate ETA Contest in Memphis, Tennessee this August. Round one will be held after the grand opening Friday, with semi-finals opening the festival Saturday. The winner will be announced Sunday followed by a performance from the EAS Band, the official touring band of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Graceland.
The festival will also include headliner shows featuring award-winning Elvis tribute artists and past winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Among those scheduled to appear are Shawn Klush, winner of the first ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in 2007, Cody Ray Slaughter, who appeared on “The Tonight Show with David Letterman” and Ryan Pelton, an Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year award recipient.
For tickets and more information, visit texaselvisfestival.com. Coming from out of town? Easily book your hotel here.
Photo credit: Visit Plano