Viva Las Lexington Festival
Lexington is a long way from Las Vegas, but the winner of this year’s Viva Las Lexington festival, April 23-26, will be Vegas-bound.
The Elvis Presley event, formerly NC Tribute to the King, debuts a new name this year with a revamped, high-stakes competition. The youth competition is back, and events extend to four days.
Approximately 20 up-and-coming Elvis tribute artists will sing, dance and steal hearts for the opportunity to represent North Carolina in July at the Viva! Tribute Festival at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where Presley performed record-breaking residencies.
In addition to the competitions, five professional Elvis tribute artists headline three concerts. The Friday night concert, titled ’56 and Beyond, recreates Presley’s 1956 show at the Lexington YMCA and then chronicles his musical evolution through the mid-1970s.
When Presley performed in Lexington, he was a lesser-known replacement for an ailing Eddy Arnold, who was originally scheduled to perform. The concert sold out and cemented Lexington’s connection to The King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
“I love to go to cities where Elvis performed,” says Travis Powell. Powell, a native of Shelby, North Carolina, is a professional Elvis tribute artist and the producer of Viva Las Lexington. “The shows have a different feel when you know Elvis performed there.”
Saturday night’s concert, Vegas Nights, brings the glitz and glamour of Presley’s Vegas years. And on Sunday at 1 p.m., The King’s Gospel Celebration promises a soul-stirring rendition of Presley’s gospel roots, the music he called his first love.
Competition shows take place Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. with the final round Sunday at 3 p.m. Youth contestants take the stage Friday at 2 p.m. for the Little E Contest.
Thursday events are exclusive to attendees who purchase an all-access pass. Activities include a press conference and photo opportunities with concert headliners, and a welcome party featuring competitor karaoke.
All performances take place at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center on Main Street. The location makes it easy for attendees to stroll, shop and dine throughout the pedestrian-friendly uptown area.
“Lexington has always been a huge supporter of Elvis, and we want to honor that loyalty and build on it as we grow this event,” Powell says.
For event tickets and info: https://powellproductionsllc.com/viva-las-lexington or (901) 496-6463. For lodging options and more Lexington area info: https://www.visitlexingtonnc.com.