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2017 Guests & PerformersGuests for 2018's Nashville Elvis Festival will be announced in August... Check back!
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TOM BROWN - Host of Nashville Elvis Festival
Tom Brown is the former VP of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies, where he was the executive in charge of production on special Elvis projects featuring Priscilla Presley, Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, George Klein, Joe Esposito and the TCB Band. For over a decade, Brown has served as a host for Graceland's Elvis Week and Tupelo Elvis Festival, interviewing Elvis' band members, friends and co-stars, and he can also be found hosting the Gates of Graceland web series. Prior to TCM, Tom worked as an entertainment reporter/producer for TNT Network and at TV & radio stations in St. Louis, Shreveport and his hometown of Tupelo, MS. His production company, Mean Machine 22, is currently working on several projects.
Tom Brown is the former VP of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies, where he was the executive in charge of production on special Elvis projects featuring Priscilla Presley, Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, George Klein, Joe Esposito and the TCB Band. For over a decade, Brown has served as a host for Graceland's Elvis Week and Tupelo Elvis Festival, interviewing Elvis' band members, friends and co-stars, and he can also be found hosting the Gates of Graceland web series. Prior to TCM, Tom worked as an entertainment reporter/producer for TNT Network and at TV & radio stations in St. Louis, Shreveport and his hometown of Tupelo, MS. His production company, Mean Machine 22, is currently working on several projects.
BILL CHERRY - 2009 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner and co-star of the Elvis Lives Tour
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Saturday Conversations, Saturday Main Event, Elvis Gospel Live
Bill Cherry is the 2009 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. The Collinsville, IL native is the son of a Pentecostal minister, which helped develop Cherry’s deep-rooted love of southern gospel music at a young age. A life-long fan of Elvis Presley, Cherry has been keeping the King of Rock n’ Roll’s memory and music alive since 1989. With his award-winning performances specializing in the concert years, Cherry has entertained and touched the hearts of countless fans around the world. “Performing a tribute to the greatest entertainer the world has ever known is a dream come true,” says Cherry.
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Saturday Conversations, Saturday Main Event, Elvis Gospel Live
Bill Cherry is the 2009 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. The Collinsville, IL native is the son of a Pentecostal minister, which helped develop Cherry’s deep-rooted love of southern gospel music at a young age. A life-long fan of Elvis Presley, Cherry has been keeping the King of Rock n’ Roll’s memory and music alive since 1989. With his award-winning performances specializing in the concert years, Cherry has entertained and touched the hearts of countless fans around the world. “Performing a tribute to the greatest entertainer the world has ever known is a dream come true,” says Cherry.
JAY DUPUIS - 2014 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner and co-star of the Elvis Lives Tour
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, Friday Main Event, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 2 (Special Appearance!), Saturday Conversations, Elvis Gospel Live
Jay Dupuis is the 2014 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jay grew up in a house with a professional musician for a dad, and a mom who would put on Elvis Presley records. At the age of 4, Jay put on white pants and a white dress shirt to mimic a jumpsuit, flipped up his collar, and put on his first Elvis tribute artist performances for friends and family in his own living room. Little did they know that "Little Elvis" would grow up to be recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises as the best Elvis tribute artist in the world in 2014.
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, Friday Main Event, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 2 (Special Appearance!), Saturday Conversations, Elvis Gospel Live
Jay Dupuis is the 2014 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jay grew up in a house with a professional musician for a dad, and a mom who would put on Elvis Presley records. At the age of 4, Jay put on white pants and a white dress shirt to mimic a jumpsuit, flipped up his collar, and put on his first Elvis tribute artist performances for friends and family in his own living room. Little did they know that "Little Elvis" would grow up to be recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises as the best Elvis tribute artist in the world in 2014.
DEAN Z - 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner and co-star of the Elvis Lives Tour
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 1 (Special Appearance!), Friday Main Event, Saturday Conversations, Elvis Gospel Live
Dean Z is the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. From his early days in Lancaster, California, Dean Z has dedicated his entire life to honoring the legacy of Elvis Presley. For more than a decade, Dean Z has performed throughout the world, including appearances in Japan, Australia, Norway, Denmark, England, Canada and the United States. In 2007, Dean joined the world famous Legends in Concert, headlining shows in Branson, Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas.
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest - Round 1 (Special Appearance!), Friday Main Event, Saturday Conversations, Elvis Gospel Live
Dean Z is the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner, and can currently be seen on the national tour of Elvis Lives. From his early days in Lancaster, California, Dean Z has dedicated his entire life to honoring the legacy of Elvis Presley. For more than a decade, Dean Z has performed throughout the world, including appearances in Japan, Australia, Norway, Denmark, England, Canada and the United States. In 2007, Dean joined the world famous Legends in Concert, headlining shows in Branson, Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas.
JERRY SCHILLING - Elvis' best friend, entertainment industry veteran and Exec. Producer of 'Elvis & Nixon'
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, TCB Session #2, Friday Conversations
Jerry Schilling is a veteran music industry professional and childhood friend to Elvis Presley. He was with Elvis the day he met President Richard Nixon and he also worked with Elvis throughout his career. As his lifelong friend, he traveled around the country on Elvis tours. Schilling co-edited the now famous Elvis On Tour feature film with Martin Scorsese. He has spent 40 years in the entertainment industry working as an actor, film editor, producer, and manager for acts such as The Beach Boys and Jerry Lee Lewis. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer for the 2016 feature film, Elvis & Nixon. He still resides in the West Hollywood Hills home that Elvis gave him.
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, TCB Session #2, Friday Conversations
Jerry Schilling is a veteran music industry professional and childhood friend to Elvis Presley. He was with Elvis the day he met President Richard Nixon and he also worked with Elvis throughout his career. As his lifelong friend, he traveled around the country on Elvis tours. Schilling co-edited the now famous Elvis On Tour feature film with Martin Scorsese. He has spent 40 years in the entertainment industry working as an actor, film editor, producer, and manager for acts such as The Beach Boys and Jerry Lee Lewis. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer for the 2016 feature film, Elvis & Nixon. He still resides in the West Hollywood Hills home that Elvis gave him.
BRENDA LEE - One of the most iconic female vocalists in history and lifelong friend of Elvis
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations, Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
On December 22, 1957, Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley both made their debut appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and they remained lifelong friends. Like Elvis, Brenda shot to fame becoming the top-charting solo female vocalist of the 1960s with 47 US chart hits during the 1960s alone, ranking 4th in that decade surpassed only by Elvis, the Beatles (who opened for her) and Ray Charles. She is best known for her massive hits "I'm Sorry" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree,” which has been a holiday standard for more than 50 years. Brenda is a member of the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY® Award. Her staggering worldwide record sales are in excess of 100 million.
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations, Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
On December 22, 1957, Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley both made their debut appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and they remained lifelong friends. Like Elvis, Brenda shot to fame becoming the top-charting solo female vocalist of the 1960s with 47 US chart hits during the 1960s alone, ranking 4th in that decade surpassed only by Elvis, the Beatles (who opened for her) and Ray Charles. She is best known for her massive hits "I'm Sorry" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree,” which has been a holiday standard for more than 50 years. Brenda is a member of the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY® Award. Her staggering worldwide record sales are in excess of 100 million.
T.G. SHEPPARD - Close friend of Elvis; Chart-topping recording artist with 21 #1 singles
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations; Judge for Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finals
T.G. Sheppard is ranked among the Top 100 country artists of all time, with twenty-one #1 hits to his credit including chart-toppers like "Last Cheaters Waltz,” "I Loved 'Em Everyone,” "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven" and "Party Time.” It was his close friend Elvis Presley that first gave T.G. the confidence to give up the record promotion business and pursue a career as a recording artist. As a token of their friendship, Elvis gave T.G. his first tour bus in 1976. T.G. hit the road full time and has never looked back! His reputation as a solid performer has made him one of the great legends in country music.
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations; Judge for Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finals
T.G. Sheppard is ranked among the Top 100 country artists of all time, with twenty-one #1 hits to his credit including chart-toppers like "Last Cheaters Waltz,” "I Loved 'Em Everyone,” "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven" and "Party Time.” It was his close friend Elvis Presley that first gave T.G. the confidence to give up the record promotion business and pursue a career as a recording artist. As a token of their friendship, Elvis gave T.G. his first tour bus in 1976. T.G. hit the road full time and has never looked back! His reputation as a solid performer has made him one of the great legends in country music.
WINK MARTINDALE - Legendary game show host, disc jockey and lifelong friend of Elvis
SANDY MARTINDALE - Elvis' girlfriend; Dancer in 'Viva Las Vegas' and other Elvis films
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations, Judges for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
Disc jockey and legendary game show (Tic Tac Dough, Debt, Gambit and more!) host Wink Martindale was in the studio the night Dewey Phillips played "That's All Right" on his Red, Hot & Blue show, and he hosted the TV show Teenage Dance Party, which featured his lifelong friend Elvis as a special guest. Wink has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and became one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. Wink’s better half, Sandy Martindale, dated Elvis for six years, leading to her dancing in Viva Las Vegas and several other Elvis movies. Sandy’s fashion line of Swarovski embellished ELVIS eyewear and watches are sold exclusively at Graceland and shop.graceland.com.
SANDY MARTINDALE - Elvis' girlfriend; Dancer in 'Viva Las Vegas' and other Elvis films
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations, Judges for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
Disc jockey and legendary game show (Tic Tac Dough, Debt, Gambit and more!) host Wink Martindale was in the studio the night Dewey Phillips played "That's All Right" on his Red, Hot & Blue show, and he hosted the TV show Teenage Dance Party, which featured his lifelong friend Elvis as a special guest. Wink has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and became one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. Wink’s better half, Sandy Martindale, dated Elvis for six years, leading to her dancing in Viva Las Vegas and several other Elvis movies. Sandy’s fashion line of Swarovski embellished ELVIS eyewear and watches are sold exclusively at Graceland and shop.graceland.com.
COLLIN RAYE - Country Music Icon and 10-time Male Vocalist of the Year nominee
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
The 10-time Male Vocalist of the Year nominee was recently named to the list of Billboard’s ‘Greatest Country Artists of All-Time.’ His hits include “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “My Kind of Girl,” “I Can Still Feel You,” "Little Rock,” “What the Heart Wants,” “That’s My Story,” “Little Red Rodeo,” “Someone You Used to Know,” “Anyone Else,” ‘Couldn’t Last a Moment,” “One Boy, One Girl,” “I Think About You,” “The Gift” (with Jim Brickman and Susan Ashton) and more. We’re honored to have him join us for Friday Conversations where he will perform and reveal his own unique Elvis connection.
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
The 10-time Male Vocalist of the Year nominee was recently named to the list of Billboard’s ‘Greatest Country Artists of All-Time.’ His hits include “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “My Kind of Girl,” “I Can Still Feel You,” "Little Rock,” “What the Heart Wants,” “That’s My Story,” “Little Red Rodeo,” “Someone You Used to Know,” “Anyone Else,” ‘Couldn’t Last a Moment,” “One Boy, One Girl,” “I Think About You,” “The Gift” (with Jim Brickman and Susan Ashton) and more. We’re honored to have him join us for Friday Conversations where he will perform and reveal his own unique Elvis connection.
D.J. FONTANA - Elvis Presley's drummer
EVENTS: TCB Session #1
D.J. Fontana was Elvis' drummer for 14 years and played on over 460 RCA cuts with Elvis. D.J. backed Elvis on The Milton Berle Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and the infamous ’68 Comeback Special, and he’s also featured on the big screen in Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole and G.I. Blues. In addition to Elvis, D.J. has played with some of the biggest names in music including Paul McCartney, Carl Perkins, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie McDowell, Ernest Tubb, Keith Richards, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ringo Starr, Porter Wagoner, Cheap Trick and many more. D.J. has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame AND Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
EVENTS: TCB Session #1
D.J. Fontana was Elvis' drummer for 14 years and played on over 460 RCA cuts with Elvis. D.J. backed Elvis on The Milton Berle Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and the infamous ’68 Comeback Special, and he’s also featured on the big screen in Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole and G.I. Blues. In addition to Elvis, D.J. has played with some of the biggest names in music including Paul McCartney, Carl Perkins, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie McDowell, Ernest Tubb, Keith Richards, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ringo Starr, Porter Wagoner, Cheap Trick and many more. D.J. has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame AND Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
DONNIE SUMNER - J.D. Sumner and the Stamps
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Elvis Gospel Live
Donnie Sumner spent nearly eight years by the side of his friend Elvis Presley - first as the lead vocalist and arranger of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps (as seen in Aloha From Hawaii and Elvis On Tour) and later as a constant houseguest, companion, back-up singer, arranger and associate musician. Donnie was responsible for all the Elvis vocal arrangements from 1973-1976, before departing to pursue full-time ministry. Donnie is a Dove Award and SESAC Award winning and GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter, with Elvis himself recording two of his country songs: “Mr. Song Man" and "I Miss You.”
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Elvis Gospel Live
Donnie Sumner spent nearly eight years by the side of his friend Elvis Presley - first as the lead vocalist and arranger of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps (as seen in Aloha From Hawaii and Elvis On Tour) and later as a constant houseguest, companion, back-up singer, arranger and associate musician. Donnie was responsible for all the Elvis vocal arrangements from 1973-1976, before departing to pursue full-time ministry. Donnie is a Dove Award and SESAC Award winning and GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter, with Elvis himself recording two of his country songs: “Mr. Song Man" and "I Miss You.”
NORBERT PUTNAM - Member of Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, featured on some of Elvis' best recordings
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Friday Conversations
Norbert Putnam was in the studio for some of Elvis' best recordings. Nicknamed "Putt" by Elvis, Norbert got his start at FAME Recording Studio as part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section before moving to Nashville and playing on hits by artists such as Elvis, Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt. Norbert went on to become Nashville’s top pop/rock producer, with credits that include Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Dan Fogelberg, Donovan, John Hiatt, The Flying Burrito Brothers and more, earning more than 24 Gold and Platinum albums, as well as 3 Dove and 3 GRAMMY® nominations. Norbert was instrumental in the wave of modernization of many Nashville recording studios, laying the groundwork for the city's growth and widening its appeal to artists of every genre.
EVENTS: TCB Session #2, Friday Conversations
Norbert Putnam was in the studio for some of Elvis' best recordings. Nicknamed "Putt" by Elvis, Norbert got his start at FAME Recording Studio as part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section before moving to Nashville and playing on hits by artists such as Elvis, Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt. Norbert went on to become Nashville’s top pop/rock producer, with credits that include Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Dan Fogelberg, Donovan, John Hiatt, The Flying Burrito Brothers and more, earning more than 24 Gold and Platinum albums, as well as 3 Dove and 3 GRAMMY® nominations. Norbert was instrumental in the wave of modernization of many Nashville recording studios, laying the groundwork for the city's growth and widening its appeal to artists of every genre.
ARMOND MORALES - The Imperials
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
Armond Morales is best-known as the bass vocalist (and founding member) for legendary vocal group, The Imperials. The group is well known to Elvis fans, thanks to the years they spent backing Elvis on tour and in Las Vegas (as seen in the 1970 documentary film Elvis: That’s the Way It Is). The Imperials have stayed in the forefront of Christian music for the last 5 decades, winning 4 GRAMMY® Awards and 17 Dove Awards. In 1998, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Armond continues to tour with The Imperials, and he maintains a busy schedule ministering throughout the country with his wife Bonnie.
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
Armond Morales is best-known as the bass vocalist (and founding member) for legendary vocal group, The Imperials. The group is well known to Elvis fans, thanks to the years they spent backing Elvis on tour and in Las Vegas (as seen in the 1970 documentary film Elvis: That’s the Way It Is). The Imperials have stayed in the forefront of Christian music for the last 5 decades, winning 4 GRAMMY® Awards and 17 Dove Awards. In 1998, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Armond continues to tour with The Imperials, and he maintains a busy schedule ministering throughout the country with his wife Bonnie.
JOANNE CASH - Legendary Gospel Artist
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations
Joanne Cash, the younger sister of Johnny Cash, first met Elvis when he opened for her famous brother. Much to Johnny's dismay, she skipped his performance to hang backstage with Elvis. Joanne Cash has 30+ albums to her credit, as well as the 2013 docufilm, Joanne Cash: I Do Believe and her acclaimed autobiography, My Fears Are Gone. The singer-songwriter's earliest Cash family memories include singing spirituals in the cotton fields and laying on the living room floor listening to country and gospel - scenes that would eventually be played out in the box office smash, I Walk the Line. Joanne continues to perform around the world, and sings every Sunday at Nashville Cowboy Church, which she founded in 1990 with her husband, Dr. Harry Yates.
EVENTS: Saturday Conversations
Joanne Cash, the younger sister of Johnny Cash, first met Elvis when he opened for her famous brother. Much to Johnny's dismay, she skipped his performance to hang backstage with Elvis. Joanne Cash has 30+ albums to her credit, as well as the 2013 docufilm, Joanne Cash: I Do Believe and her acclaimed autobiography, My Fears Are Gone. The singer-songwriter's earliest Cash family memories include singing spirituals in the cotton fields and laying on the living room floor listening to country and gospel - scenes that would eventually be played out in the box office smash, I Walk the Line. Joanne continues to perform around the world, and sings every Sunday at Nashville Cowboy Church, which she founded in 1990 with her husband, Dr. Harry Yates.
MARY SARAH - One of Country Music’s hot new artists; Placed 5th on Season 10 of NBC’s The Voice
EVENTS: Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
In 2014, Mary Sarah stormed the Country Music world with her national debut album, Bridges, featuring duets with some of country music’s biggest names including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Neal Sedaka, the late Ray Price and more. In 2016, she stepped into the spotlight on Season 10 of NBC’s The Voice, competing on Blake Shelton’s team and landing in 5th place. She was invited back for Season 11 as Co-Host of the Kohl’s Green Room backstage segments.
EVENTS: Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
In 2014, Mary Sarah stormed the Country Music world with her national debut album, Bridges, featuring duets with some of country music’s biggest names including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Neal Sedaka, the late Ray Price and more. In 2016, she stepped into the spotlight on Season 10 of NBC’s The Voice, competing on Blake Shelton’s team and landing in 5th place. She was invited back for Season 11 as Co-Host of the Kohl’s Green Room backstage segments.
BRIAN OXLEY - American Music Preservationist who recently purchased Col. Tom Parker's home/office.
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
Brian Oxley has been making headlines following his recent purchase of the contents of the Madison, TN home and office of Elvis Presley’s legendary manager, Col. Tom Parker. Set to be demolished, the home has instead been carefully dismantled and preserved. Oxley will bring artifacts from Col. Parker’s house for a fascinating show and tell, and he’ll discuss his plans for re-constructing the house for a new generation of Elvis fans to experience. Oxley also purchased and restored Johnny Cash's Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, TN - now home to The Storytellers Museum - and the Hendersonville, TN of Johnny's parents, Ray & Carrie Cash - lovingly known as “The Mama Cash House.”
EVENTS: Friday Conversations
Brian Oxley has been making headlines following his recent purchase of the contents of the Madison, TN home and office of Elvis Presley’s legendary manager, Col. Tom Parker. Set to be demolished, the home has instead been carefully dismantled and preserved. Oxley will bring artifacts from Col. Parker’s house for a fascinating show and tell, and he’ll discuss his plans for re-constructing the house for a new generation of Elvis fans to experience. Oxley also purchased and restored Johnny Cash's Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, TN - now home to The Storytellers Museum - and the Hendersonville, TN of Johnny's parents, Ray & Carrie Cash - lovingly known as “The Mama Cash House.”
GINA KELTNER - Senior Talent Manager, Grand Ole Opry
EVENTS: Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
Gina Keltner has been with the Grand Ole Opry for 17 years. The world’s longest-running live radio show features a dynamic lineup of new stars, superstars and legends of country music in each presentation. As Senior Talent Manager, Keltner books all featured artists on up to 7 weekly shows. Prior to working at the Opry, Keltner worked for Dick Clark Productions on TNN's Prime Time Country. A Missouri native and lifelong Elvis fan, she is a graduate of Missouri State University and a member of the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and The Recording Academy. For the past 3 years, she has been named by Nashville Business Journal as a “Women in Music City” honoree. Most of her spare time is happily devoted to her 7-year-old daughter.
EVENTS: Judge for all Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest events
Gina Keltner has been with the Grand Ole Opry for 17 years. The world’s longest-running live radio show features a dynamic lineup of new stars, superstars and legends of country music in each presentation. As Senior Talent Manager, Keltner books all featured artists on up to 7 weekly shows. Prior to working at the Opry, Keltner worked for Dick Clark Productions on TNN's Prime Time Country. A Missouri native and lifelong Elvis fan, she is a graduate of Missouri State University and a member of the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music and The Recording Academy. For the past 3 years, she has been named by Nashville Business Journal as a “Women in Music City” honoree. Most of her spare time is happily devoted to her 7-year-old daughter.
JEFF LEWIS - Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, singer-songwriter, actor and emcee
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, TCB Session #2, Elvis Gospel Live and host of Late Night Parties
Jeff Lewis is a GRAMMY® nominated singer-songwriter, actor and emcee. Elvis fans will recognize Jeff as the host of the incredibly popular Elvis Week after parties at the world famous Hard Rock Café in Memphis. He also hosts the Jeff Lewis & Friends Music Festival - an annual event in Helen, GA that brings together some of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world. An Elvis Tribute Artist himself, Jeff has won the Last Chance Ultimate at the Hard Rock Café in Memphis and the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ at the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, WI. Jeff has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in Country music, including Buck Owens, John Anderson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Wynonna, Rodney Crowell, Ronnie McDowell, Garth Brooks and more.
EVENTS: TCB Session #1, TCB Session #2, Elvis Gospel Live and host of Late Night Parties
Jeff Lewis is a GRAMMY® nominated singer-songwriter, actor and emcee. Elvis fans will recognize Jeff as the host of the incredibly popular Elvis Week after parties at the world famous Hard Rock Café in Memphis. He also hosts the Jeff Lewis & Friends Music Festival - an annual event in Helen, GA that brings together some of the best Elvis Tribute Artists in the world. An Elvis Tribute Artist himself, Jeff has won the Last Chance Ultimate at the Hard Rock Café in Memphis and the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ at the Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, WI. Jeff has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in Country music, including Buck Owens, John Anderson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Wynonna, Rodney Crowell, Ronnie McDowell, Garth Brooks and more.
NATHAN BELT AND THE BUCKLES - Award-winning band fronted by Nathan Belt
EVENTS: Friday Night Late Night Party at GRAYS On Main
Nathan Belt and the Buckles have set Nashville abuzz with their high energy, retro rockin’ show that combines the perfect blend of rockabilly, Bakersfield country and modern music featuring stellar vocals and clever instrumentation. Their wide range of influences include Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and many others, but the show is all their own. They frequently headline at historic music venues like the World Famous Nashville Palace, Robert’s Western World and Blues City Cafe on Beale Street in Memphis. But for one night only, they’ll be at Grays On Main as part of Nashville Elvis Festival. Don’t miss it!
EVENTS: Friday Night Late Night Party at GRAYS On Main
Nathan Belt and the Buckles have set Nashville abuzz with their high energy, retro rockin’ show that combines the perfect blend of rockabilly, Bakersfield country and modern music featuring stellar vocals and clever instrumentation. Their wide range of influences include Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and many others, but the show is all their own. They frequently headline at historic music venues like the World Famous Nashville Palace, Robert’s Western World and Blues City Cafe on Beale Street in Memphis. But for one night only, they’ll be at Grays On Main as part of Nashville Elvis Festival. Don’t miss it!
EAS BAND - The official band for Graceland's 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition
EVENTS: TCB Sessions #1 & #2, Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, Friday & Saturday Main Events, Elvis Gospel Live
The EAS Band performs note-for-note duplication of Elvis' music and concerts. The official band for Graceland's 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, the EAS Band performs all over the world backing tribute artists, giving the feeling and excitement of being at an actual Elvis concert. The band also provides music for other tribute acts including the Blues Brothers, Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and more.
EVENTS: TCB Sessions #1 & #2, Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, Friday & Saturday Main Events, Elvis Gospel Live
The EAS Band performs note-for-note duplication of Elvis' music and concerts. The official band for Graceland's 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, the EAS Band performs all over the world backing tribute artists, giving the feeling and excitement of being at an actual Elvis concert. The band also provides music for other tribute acts including the Blues Brothers, Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and more.
NOTE: Due to a schedule conflict with the Oak Ridge Boys, Richard Sterban is no longer able to attend.
The following ETA's will compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest...
All ETA's will perform on both Friday AND Saturday, and all performances will be backed by the EAS BAND!
Michael Cullipher
Bruno Nesci
Ryan Pelton
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David Allen
Mark Anthony
David Hendrix
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Zach Peddie
Di Light
Jim Barone
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Cote Deonath
Doug Church
Richard Wolfe
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Tim E
Al Joslin
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All guests and performers subject to change.
