ELVIS' INNER CIRCLE

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 A Weekend With The King Anniversary Celebration

April 2003 (Newstream) -- "A Weekend with the King" - An Anniversary Celebration will undoubtedly be a one of the largest events, outside of Memphis, in the world of Elvis Tribute Artists in Palm Springs, CA on May 8-11, 2003. The Elvis Tribute Artist contestants will be coming to Palm Springs to compete from as far away as Lebanon, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and from throughout the United States.

Elvis had many ties to Palm Springs, in fact he and Priscilla Presley had two residences here the most famous of which is the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway where they spent their honeymoon after returning from their wedding in Las Vegas. Their flight was courtesy of Frank Sinatra's private plane after Colonel Tom Parker (Elvis' Manager) requested its use. Elvis' star is also prominently engraved on Palm Canyon Drive on the Palm Springs "Walk of Stars".

Elvis' inner circle of friends and members of the "Memphis Mafia" will judge "A Weekend with the King" contestants. Events throughout the weekend will include a VIP Buffet and live tribute artist kick-off at the Spa Resort Casino with special guests Charlie Hodge (sang harmony and gave Elvis his scarves and water), Sonny West (Elvis' friend and bodyguard), Joe Esposito (bodyguard and road manager), Jerry Schilling (bodyguard), Estelle Brown (of the Sweet Inspirations), Patti Parry (Elvis' "little sister" and hairdresser), Al Dvorin (Elvis has left the building), and Ed Bonja (Elvis' Official Photographer).

"We've been ecstatic about the number of competitors who will be performing and the level of talent already registered for "A Weekend with the King". To date we have signed up dozens of contestants and have been told by Elvis insiders that these are among the top Elvis Tribute Artists in the world," said Linda Fort, VP/General Manager, Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

In keeping with the celebration of the life of the "King", memorabilia vendors and live entertainment will be a part of the festivities at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Elvis Tribute Artist contests will be held May 9-10 with the finals on May 11 all to be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Tickets for the contests are $20 for general admission and $35 for reserved seating. Elvis Tribute Artists will represent all eras of the "King's" career from the early Elvis era (1955-1968) on Friday, May 9 to the jumpsuit era (1969-1977) on Saturday, May 10 with prizes in each category for 1st -$2,500, 2nd-$1,500.00, and 3rd $1,000.00.

The Spa Resort Casino is the title sponsor for "A Weekend with the King" and is also sponsored by KESQ News Channel 3, KDES 104.7, and produced by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

For tickets, times of events, and hotel packages, call the Palm Springs Official Visitors Centers; Main: 2781 N. Palm Canyon Dr. (760) 778-8418, 800/347-7746 or Uptown: 777 N. Palm Canyon Dr., #101, 760-327-2828 www.palm-springs.org.