Levitt Shell at Overton Park will be the venue for an exciting anniversary event that commemorates the performance by Elvis Presley that many historians now consider to be the first live rock ‘n’ roll concert. Also included will be a celebration of Memphis’ relationship with Liverpool, led by British musician and original Beatles drummer Pete Best. The event will be hosted by Elvis' close friend and SiriusXM Elvis Radio DJ George Klein.
After recording “That’s All Right” on July 5th, 1954 at Sun Studio in Memphis, Elvis made his professional live performance debut as the opening act for Slim Whitman at The Overton Park Shell on July 30, 1954. When Elvis took the stage, he stole the show and changed the world of live music forever. The impact of that night would even be felt in Liverpool, England by a group of young boys who would become known as The Beatles.
A unique exhibition coming soon to The Beatles Story in Liverpool will unite The Fab Four with the King of Rock 'n' Roll. 'Elvis and Us' opens to the public on September 28, 2011. It will feature rare artifacts from the Graceland archives on display in the UK for the first time. In addition, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is currently hosting “The Beatles Hidden Gallery” exhibition, just the second North American stop of the rediscovered photographs of The Fab Four, taken by award-winning photographer Paul Berriff. These two partnerships are just the beginning of many venues in Liverpool and Memphis becoming “Rock ‘n’ Soul Mates” in a joint initiative between the two cities.
The Levitt Shell event, on Tuesday, August 9, will help kickoff the Elvis Week 2011 celebration in Memphis. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online in advance for $15. Admission at the door will be $20.
All proceeds from this event will benefit Levitt Shell’s free concert season, presenting 50 free concerts every year!