Gordon Lyall

My older brother remembers me singing Elvis songs to his friends when I was 5 years old. No single human being’s life has been probed, discussed, dissected, studied and worshiped like Elvis. His influence on so many musicians is hard to measure. People want to know absolutely everything about him from the clothes he wore to his favorite cars, drinks, foods and more.

Around the world ‘TRIBUTE WEEK’ is a time for Elvis fans to celebrate the music and the amazing phenomenon of Elvis Aaron Presley. The Elvis ‘TRIBUTE WEEK’ Festival is about creating an annual festival based in Melbourne. This festival is to be held during what is regarded as the Elvis ‘Tribute Week’ held in Mid-August each year around the world.


THE KING
Elvis was a diverse and complicated character. There was Elvis the “Entertainer/Showman,” the “Sexiest Man alive,” the “Dutiful GI,” the“8th Dan Karate Guy,” the caring philanthropist and genuine caring friend who would do whatever he could to help out.

Elvis changed the music industry perhaps in a bigger way than anyone. The title of the “KING OF ROCK & ROLL” has only been given to one person.

All these elements come together at an Elvis Gathering. There’s the “Glitz and the Glam” of it all. There is the diverse music from heart-pumping Rock and Roll to the beautiful, heart-felt Ballads and of course let’s not forget “Gospel Music,” Elvis’ first love. Elvis fans reflect his life in all its aspects.


WHY AN ELVIS FESTIVAL
The atmosphere is electric when large numbers of Elvis fans get together. Lots dress up as Elvis, Priscilla, Show Girls and old time Rock and Rollers. Many wear “Elvis T’s” and hats. It’s a fantastic opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate the fun of it all. Cameras snapping, people laughing and singing and talking about their favourite songs or eras from the early days in the 50’s through the movies and shows in the 60’s and the Vegas Days in the70’s. Everyone wants a photo with Elvis, even other Elvis’. Every “thankyou” becomes a “THANKYOU, THANKYOU VERY MUCH.”

Elvis Downunder is excited about the opportunity to hold Elvis Tribute Week Festival in Melbourne each August, which coincides with ‘Tribute Week’ the largest annual celebration of Elvis in Memphis in the USA. Apart from the significance of this time, the Elvis Tribute Week Festival will give Elvis fans two Australian Elvis festivals to come together and celebrate the “King”.




Sat Aug 9 ^th
ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOW
Renaissance Theatre, High St. Kew 7-00 pm till 11-00 pm
“Ladies and Gentlemen… Elvis is in the Building”
Kicking off Tribute Week with a BANG! Mike Tsama and Damian Mullin both do amazing portrayals of Elvis. The night will be ELECTRIC. At interval or even after the show, finish the night with a browse through the foyer while you decide on a souvenir.You might even have an opportunity for a great “Selfie” or two with a special friend or maybe even with ” Elvis.”

Sun Aug 10 ^th
“ELVIS of the CARIBBEAN GARDENS”
Caribbean Gardens, Stud Road, Rowville 10-00 am till 3-00 pm
One of Melbourne’s best known and well regarded Markets.This will be a great family day out with something for everyone. This particular Sunday there will be something extra. Elvis tunes from the Rotunda. weather permitting a "Shiny Bumper" car show. Maybe even a bit of an Elvis Parade and more. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed Elvis and Priscilla. See you there!

Thu Aug 14 ^th
KING'S KARAOKE
Lou’s Lounge, 11 York Road, Mount Evelyn 73-00 pm till late?
Elvis Downunder has a special connection to “Lou’s Lounge” and you are invited to a special “Elvis” Karaoke night to help celebrate “Tribute Week”.
Numbers are limited (it’s not real big) so if you would like to come and “sing like the King” or just relax, grab a pizza or maybe a drink at the bar, call Lou on (03) 9736-3855 seats are limited - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Sat 16 ^th
ELVIS MONUMENT TOUR and ROCK & ROLL LUNCH
Soda Rock Café, South Yarra. 10-00 am till 2-30 pm
The Elvis monument is the place where those that know, go to pay their respects to the King of Rock & Roll.You can visit this (some would say) sacred site anytime but every January 8 ^th (his birthday) and during “Tribute Week” it’s a pretty special place to visit. Elvis Downunder have a limited number of seats on our Tour bus to visit his Monument for a moment of tribute then travel to the well-known Soda Rock Café in South Yarra for a great 50’s style lunch with entertainment by Funky Elvis. Pick up/Drop off points and times to be confirmed.

We are ready

For the past year and a half, we have been getting all the "details" right. Having set up everything and booked everyone, there are deposits to pay for performers and venues. There are business set-up, insurance and incorporation costs to be addressed. We have managed to contain our costs and expenses very well and now we need your support to raise $6,800 to bring this festival to life. Together, by pledging for the rewards on the right and sharing our page using the buttons above for our video, you can help us make the Elvis Tribute Week Festival 2014 a reality!

Like any Musical Festival we are not without challenges. August weather is not always bright and sunny, but we plan to deal with this by utilizing many of the great indoor/protected spaces afforded to us in Melbourne.
Getting the word out to all those fans is not easy. As well the more traditional methods of promotion, we are going to work with today's "Social Medias" to try to ensure that everyone knows about our Festival. We are asking ALL Elvis Fans to "Share" this information and "links" with ALL of their fellow fans, family and friends. Based on the numbers of people who attend other "ELVIS" events, we know that there are lots of fans, so we hope to reach them all and ask them to spread the word so everyone can come and enjoy this fantastic event.