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Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant
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Location: Blogs Live from Graceland |
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| Posted by: Susan Smiley-Height |
8/17/2007 7:38 AM |
The back-to-back concerts at the FedEx Forum were one powerful show. Elvis was in great form and he was joined on stage by his original band and orchestra members and daughter Lisa Marie Presley, who is with child.
Aug. 16 and 17
FedEx Forum, downtown Memphis
WOW! Elvis is in the building! We got back to the hotel at about 2:30 a.m. this morning. Since our roommate was sleeping, I couldn't fire up the computer to download videos (too loud), and besides, my head was fried for writing. So now it's daylight and I had to crawl out of bed so we could check out of our room that we all shared, as Lynne is headed home. The three of us will check back in -- to a different room -- later today.
The concerts were awesome, although we're a little disappointed that quite a few songs on the Midnight In Las Vegas second show were repeats of the first.
To open the first show, Elvis was fetched from Graceland, transported via helicopter to the forum and strode on stage in fine form, just like he did on so many other stages through his career. The audience went nuts. The media had been escorted to one wing of the stage, where we were looking up about nine feet to the stage platform -- and looking sideways at a flat Elvis arrival. Standing among the TV giant cameras, I was wishing I had just taken my paid seat for the full effect.
Anyway, after 20 minutes the other media folks left and I did take my seat to enjoy the show. And it was an awesome show. The original TCB band, Joe Guercio Orchestra, Sweet Inspirations, Stamps, Imperials and Jordannaires, and Millie Kirkham, all still sound incredible. Though there's lots of grey hair and wrinkles, the music is still vibrant and pierces you to the core.
Then add in Elvis' voice, in state-of-the-art sound, and throw his person up there via video, and it's one heck of a show.
There was some "good rockin' tonight!"
After intermission, Priscilla Presley walked down the center aisle greeting fans. She took the stage and then introduced members of her family sitting in a box section, including her son, Navarone, whom many (all?) of us have never seen. Good looking young man. Her parents were there, and sister, and some of her and Elvis' grandchildren. Then she introduced the opening number: "Ladies and gentlemen, here is Elvis Presley and Lisa Marie Presley performing together. 'In The Ghetto.' "
The video performance is powerful and contains images of babies and guns; Elvis in black and white and Lisa in muted color, with an edgy twist to the melody. It is being released soon and all proceeds will help start a Presley Place community in New Orleans for people who need help getting into decent housing.
Near the end of the song, the curtain rose to reveal Lisa -- stunning in a red flowing gown -- singing live. She also was stunningly pregnant!
LIsa has never been one to stand around and jaw during these events, but she was downright chatty this time. Although she clearly was nervous as a cat.
She and Priscilla both talked about how much Elvis loved his fans, and how they do as well. Say what? Lisa even said that: "I love you!"
The show continued with terrific performances by those on stage and Elvis' gorgeous, funny, sexy, invigorating image on screen. It was too soon over, ending with the "Wonder of You," and at the very last stanza, the words printed on screen, as if a letter were being sent to us fans, and then, it was signed, "EP."
Oh no, here come the tears...
The arena was emptied, then refilled for the second show. It, too, was excellent, with fewer cast members, but still a stage full of top-notch performers giving it their all. I think it was anti-climactic for us, though, as most songs were repeats. But - it was Elvis, big on stage, big in voice and big in our hearts, so who's complaining.
So now I'll post this, upload some clips and crash back into bed for a few more winks. There's still a whole lotta shakin' goin' on around here! |
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Comments (6)
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By Renae Sather on
8/17/2007 11:16 AM |
| Susan, thank you so much for your reports. It's been a very hot and busy week for you and all of us who are unable to be there are very appreciative of your insightful comments and descriptions. You truly are TCB for the rest of us. |
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By Renae Sather on
8/17/2007 11:18 AM |
| Susan, thank you so much for your reports. It's been a very hot and busy week for you and all of us who are unable to be there are very appreciative of your insightful comments and descriptions. You truly are TCB for the rest of us. |
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By susansmiley-height on
8/17/2007 7:20 PM |
| Hi Renae,<br>Thank you so much for reading. And there's so much I haven't even had time -- or remembered -- to tell about! We went to George Klein's memorial service at the University of Memphis yesterday, with about a dozen guest speakers, all of whom were close to Elvis, and I didn't even mention that! <br>Whew - it has been a whirlwind and we haven't even done everything on our list. <br>The crowds this year are just incredible. Never seen anything like this before!<br>Thanks again for checking the blog. Let me know if you're in Marion COunty.... Susan :-) |
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By missy larson on
8/19/2007 3:26 PM |
| we travel in a group of 52 a bus trip with our tribute artist bill chrastil.i can tell you we were all just amazed as we watched this show.this was just the best thing id ever seen.thanks to all of you for such a great time,and a show that can never be beat.thanks elvis for the great memories with many to com.noone will ever ever take your place. |
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By Betty McGinley on
7/13/2008 1:41 PM |
| It was a GREAT concert..enjoyed it all and was delighted to see Lisa was expecting.....want to hear and see more of her and her family.... |
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Re: Double concert recap: Lisa's dynamite with dad, and she's pregnant |
By Betty McGinley on
7/13/2008 1:48 PM |
| The concert was GREAT and being in the presences of all ELVIS FANS is awsome...you just can't imagine... |
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