FOR years Australians have packed their blue suede shoes and headed to the birthplace of rock 'n' roll for a pilgrimage that leads to Elvis Presley's Memphis mansion, Graceland.
Even more are expected to visit next month for the 40th anniversary celebration of the life and legacy of the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The annual event features live music and special events at Graceland and coincides with Presley's death on August 16, 1977.
A variety of events are scheduled for Elvis Week from August 11-19, including the 40th anniversary celebration concert Elvis: The Wonder of You on August 16. In this new concert experience, a symphony orchestra will perform live on stage with Elvis on the big screen.
The cornerstone event, the Candlelight Vigil, will begin on August 15 at 8.30pm at the gates of Graceland and continue well into the morning, commemorating the day Elvis died at just 42.
Fans will be able to walk up the driveway to the Meditation Garden accompanied by Elvis' music. This will be the first Elvis Week since Graceland's $137 million expansion, which includes the 450-room AAA Four-Diamond Guest House at Graceland resort hotel and the new, multi-million dollar entertainment and exhibit complex, Elvis Presley's Memphis, featuring exhibits, attractions, restaurants and themed retail stores.
Most events will take place at the new Graceland Soundstage, a state-of-the-art production and performance space in the heart of Elvis Presley's Memphis, directly across the street from Graceland Mansion.
