‘Elvis’ comes to Town Hall Elvis Presley exhibit at Town Hall is back, event with Durand and ‘Elvis’ is Jan. 8 Ashley Peterson - Thu, Dec, 31, 2009
Farragut Folklife Museum will host an event for rock ’n’ roll singer Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday party, “Celebrate! 75 Candles for Elvis,” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8 at Town Hall.
Julia Jones, Farragut Folklife Museum coordinator, said, “This event will sort of kick-off the Town’s 30th Anniversary events. Though unrelated [to Farragut], it’s a fun way to get everyone together. We hope to build interest for all the 30th anniversary events.”
“The Museum held a similar event to celebrate Elvis’ birthday several years ago and it was a huge hit,” Jones said.
“We’re expecting a large crowd of Elvis enthusiasts to join us again this year.”
A Farragut local, Lee Durand, has an extensive Elvis collection that he will be sharing with the Town again, Jones said.
“I want this to be fun and so I’m leaving a lot of the serious stuff behind. I’ve tried to keep the collection fun and whimsical, tongue-in-cheek,” Durand said.
He has an entire room in his home filled with Elvis memorabilia, collectables, commissioned art, photographs and various other Elvis items.
Why did Durand become an avid Elvis collector?
“Elvis and I are the same age. I was well aware of Elvis’ career while I was at West High School and The University of Tennessee. The reason I got started – I retired and was looking for a hobby. I entered and won ‘The World’s Greatest Elvis Fan Contest’ sponsored by Graceland and the Hasbro Toy Company fourteen years ago.”
Some of the items Durand will bring are: a life-size Elvis sculpture of Elvis sitting on a stool playing his guitar, a life-size commissioned completely-whimsical artistic sculpture, an Elvis locater statue, a collection of ceramic animals dressed like Elvis and a commissioned Elvis gargoyle by Oak Ridge artist Carolyn Hansen.
“I’ve made a lot of items and I have people across the country looking for items. I found a lot of items in memorabilia stores, art galleries and I’ve commissioned a lot also,” Durand said.
He’ll also bring his ElvisMobile, an Elvis-decorated scooter-like vehicle, back to Town Hall for the event.
Durand’s license plate on his car even reads, “ELFUSS.”
Elvis starred in 33 films, made history with his television appearances and specials and received great acclaim through his live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas, Nev.
He has sold more records than any other recording artist: more than one billion records worldwide.
Five years ago, the Museum hosted Elvis’ 70th birthday party and because of the event’s success they decided to bring it back for Farragut’s Elvis fans.
Elvis impersonator Chris Baratta and local band Offering will entertain attendees and tours of the Museum will be given continuously throughout the event.
The event also includes an Elvis movie playing in the board room, photos with Elvis and refreshments in the community room plus dancing in the rotunda.
The exhibit will remain up after Jan. 5 through early spring.
For more information about the event or the exhibit, call Jones at 865-966-7057.
