Lexington’s third annual NC Tribute to The King will take over the Barbecue Capital for three days of Everything Elvis in April.
From April 26-28, there will be daily performances by five nationally known Elvis tribute artists, along with more than a dozen up-and-coming performers competing for a spot in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest during Elvis Week in Memphis this August.
The King and Lexington have a history. Elvis Presley played a sold-out show in 1956 just as his career was lifting higher, and the town couldn’t help falling in love with The King, says tourism director Morgan Brinkle, who organizes the celebration.
“He actually performed at our YMCA and stayed in uptown Lexington, so we do have roots with Elvis here,” Brinkle said. “It’s really fun to bring that back to life each year. Elvis is still very much alive, and he comes in all forms and ages.”
Early festivities begin Thursday evening, April 25, with a Lexington-style barbecue luau dinner for all-access pass holders. Themed after the Elvis movie “Blue Hawaii,” the event allows fans to meet and greet the headliners before they transform into Elvises for the weekend.
On Friday, April 26, it’s a little less conversation and a little more action, beginning with the first round of competition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center.
Friday evening is the first of three shows featuring all five Elvis headliners — Dwight Icenhower, Taylor Rodriguez, Travis Powell, Nick Perkins and Jordan Poole. Combined they have won more than a dozen national titles, while Icenhower is a five-time world champion Elvis tribute artist.
Friday’s show is themed “The King’s #1 Hits” and takes place at 7 p.m. at the civic center.
Saturday, April 27, includes the second round of the Lexington competition at 11 a.m. at the civic center, followed by headliners performing a “Remembering the King” show at 7 p.m. that takes fans on a journey with Elvis through the decades.
“In between the daytime competitions and evening shows, guests have plenty of time to wander uptown Lexington and visit some of our barbecue restaurants and wineries,” Brinkle said. “We have a ton of fans returning. They say we’re always on their minds, and they enjoy coming to our event.”
On Sunday, April 28, the audience will experience “The King’s Gospel Celebration” at 1 p.m., followed by the final round of NC’s only sanctioned Elvis tribute competition.
In addition to advancing to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, the adult contest winner receives $2,000. A king will also be crowned in the 16-and-younger competition.
Jill Doss-Raines is The Dispatch trending topics and personality profiles senior reporter and is always looking for tips about businesses and entertainment events, secret and new menu items and interesting people in Davidson County. Contact me at jill.doss-raines@the-dispatch.com.
