Tupelo Has Big Plans for Elvis’ 80th

TUPELO, Miss. — Tupelo will celebrate what would have been the 80^th birthday of its favorite native son, with three days of special events designed to showcase the town that gave rise to the greatest entertainer the world has known. The celebration will be held Thursday, January 8 through Saturday, January 10, and will culminate with a grand performance by the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, with special guest, Grammy Award-winner, Richard Marx.

“This three-day weekend is a king-sized celebration of Elvis Presley and his influence on popular culture as we know it, but it is also a celebration of Tupelo’s influence on Elvis that enabled him to dream and become an international star,” said Neal McCoy, Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director.

The three-day birthday party will begin at the Elvis Presley Birthplace with the annual birthday cake cutting at 1:00 p.m. The Link Centre will host a movie sing-along to one of Elvis’ most popular movies in its auditorium, hosted by Memphis Jones, with special guests, West of Shake Rag. Tupelo Community Theatre will also open “Graceland” at its TCT Off Broadway location, sharing the story of two Elvis fans waiting to enter his Memphis’ home days before it opens to the public. The play will also be performed Friday and Saturday nights.

The party continues Friday, January 9 with a special exhibit opening at the Gum Tree Museum of Art featuring Betty Harper, official Graceland artist. The Memphis Jones Trio will perform during the event. The BancorpSouth Arena welcomes country star, Eric Church, for his “The Outsiders” World Tour. David Lee, Elvis Tribute Artist, will appear at the Elvis Presley Birthplace for a special birthday performance, along with Tara Kay as Reba McEntire. The Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) will host a special music exhibit unveiling and “Food Truck Friday” during lunch, complete with Elvis’ music and a special Elvis-inspired dessert.

As with all birthdays, the celebration must come to an end, but it will go out with a bang Saturday night at the BancorpSouth Arena, as the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra brings the music of Elvis to life with the help of Elvis fan and GRAMMY Award-winner, Richard Marx. The Itawamba Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College choruses will also be a part of this special music event.

Most birthday events are ticketed, so please visit TCVB at www.tupelo.net for exact dates, times, and ticket information.

“Elvis’ birthday is an opportunity for visitors to Tupelo to experience our culture firsthand,” said McCoy. “It’s going to be a great party, and everyone is invited.”