Elvis Week 2011

The United States of America has had 44 presidents but only one King.

By way of introduction lets get a few things out of the way first. I'm not Alyssa is probably the first thing I'd like to point out. I'm Jeremy, Alyssa's boyfriend, but you guys might know me better as "the boy". Secondly, this is my first exploration into the world of blogging other than following the girl's (Alyssa) blog. Thirdly, I am originally from Memphis, TN and I'm also a big Elvis fan and the combination of those two facts is all you need to know about my expertise and ability to write this very special edition of Ten Feet Off Beale.

August 16, 1977 the world lost Elvis Presley tragically. Now for those of you not from Memphis, this might not mean much, but around here it's a really big deal. Now you may have seen some things about Elvis Week in Memphis, but to really see what goes on down here you really need to visit. People from all over the world come to town to go to all sorts of events like Elvis Tribute Artist contests, showings of some of his famous movie appearances and concerts at a local theater and all culminating with the Candle Light Vigil at Graceland on the night of August 15th every year. People line up outside of Graceland and stand in line for the opportunity to walk along Elvis's grave site and remember him in their own, and often strange, way.

As a native Memphian and designated (unofficially) tour guide of Memphis, I had to take Alyssa out on the town to see what this week has to offer. We managed to make it downtown on Friday night for a Date Night/ Elvis Week Sightseeing Tour and managed to stumble upon some pretty interesting sights that Alyssa has already blogged about . We also had intentions of attending the Candle Light Vigil, but unfortunately the night got away from me at work and I called it an early night, but there's always next year! I think we still had a great time and think it was a good introduction to Elvis Week for the girl and I hope she enjoyed it.

Anyway, if any of you are Elvis fans or Elvis fanatics or really don't care about him one way or another, I strongly suggest a trip to Memphis sometime between August 10th and August 16th and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Without further delay, one of my personal favorite Elvis performances. Enjoy ya'll!!