Mutton chops and spangled white jumpsuits, along with more than a few utterances of “thank you, thank you very much,” will mark the return of The New England Elvis Festival to Manchester’s Radisson Hotel, at 700 Elm St., this weekend.
Set to run Friday through Sunday, Sept. 2-4, the festival, which pays tribute to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley, will feature several new events this year, including “Rock-A-Hula,” a late-night Hawaiian-themed event, and “Stories about Elvis” with Sonny West.
“We’re excited to be bringing one of Elvis’ friends and confidants to New Hampshire,” said Jason Sherry, director of the festival. “Sonny is quite a character.
He knew Elvis for 16 years and can talk for hours about Elvis’ life.”
Presley was born in Tupelo, Miss., on Jan. 8, 1935, and died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on Aug. 16, 1977. He is known for a string of hits, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Burning Love,” “All Shook Up” and “It’s Now or Never.”
West’s one-hour program, which takes place prior to Saturday night’s Las Vegas-style headline show, will feature storytelling and a question-and-answer session, all on the festival’s main stage in the Radisson’s armory.
Following his time on stage, West will be available to meet fans and sign autographs.
The new “Rock-A-Hula” event takes place after Saturday’s show. Festival organizers remind attendees to “wear their tropical outfits and costumes to coincide with the Hawaiian-themed entertainment and games.”
Many of the Elvis Tribute Artists in town for the festival will take the stage and perform some of the hits from Elvis’ legendary “Aloha from Hawaii” concert.
The main event for Saturday will be “From England to New England,” which will feature well-known British Elvis Tribute Artist Ben Portsmouth. He will be performing with the Change of Habit Tribute Band and doing a set from Presley’s later years. The show will open with New England native and veteran Elvis entertainer Robert Washington doing a set from Elvis’ 1968 “Comeback Special.”
In addition, the New England Festival brings together 20 of the world’s most seasoned Elvis Tribute Artists vying for the champion’s crown and more than $3,500 in prize money. Those taking part will perform 15-minute sets on both Friday and Saturday, with finalists performing once more on Sunday to determine the overall winner.
“This is the contest that the fans like best,” said talent director, Terry Collins, noting that performers who have played in Memphis and Las Vegas will be taking the stage. “The level of talent we’ve assembled will capture our fans’ hearts and give them memorable shows all weekend long.”
The Labor Day Weekend celebration also includes an Elvis Collectibles sale, an Elvis Gospel Music Contest, and After Hours events. Ticket packages for the entire weekend start at $65, with tickets to individual events starting at $15. For more information, log onto newenglandelvisfest.
The festival is produced by Sherry Management LLC, under license from Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. The New Hampshire Union Leader is a sponsor of the event.
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