Press/Songs/Links

A Hunka-Hunka of Good Time: Graceland San Diego Elvis Tribute Band

Nikol Purvis
Published August 02, 2010 by:
Nikol Purvis

Graceland, a San Diego based Elvis tribute band is unlike any other tribute band seen before. This eclectic mix of personality, coupled with great musical talent and showmanship will
leave an audience member with a newfound addiction. Composed up of a well-rounded mix of men, Graceland San Diego proves why they were picked as one of the top five bands in San Diego to go see.

Graceland recently played the Twilight concert series at Balboa Park in San Diego, opening with "I Got a Woman," shaking things up right away. "TNT," better known as Elvis, shaked, rattled and rolled with every rhythm of the guitar played by Gary Mayer. TNT's moves and banter resembled the late King himself without getting lost in this iconic role. "It is a real honor to sing Elvis," TNT said midway through the July 28 performance, explaining his respect for the King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley.

Graceland consists of five members, TNT (Elvis), Aaron Magers (Keyboards), Don Lafave (Drums), Gary Meyer (Lead guitar), and Virgil Johnson (bass). TNT has won first place at Dick's Last Resort's Elvis competition three years in a row, proving why he is the King. His talent, mixed with good looks, signature moves and improv throughout the performance proved why he is a great Elvis.Graceland performs at various venues throughout San Diego County, with an upcoming event at Stanley Park on August 15 from 5-7 pm. This is a free to the public event and will have you

quickly on your feet shaking your "blue suede shoes." This is a band to see in San Diego, and proved why it was voted one of the top five bands in San Diego.

The Twilight performance, which attracted over 3500 people, an outdoor venue where all the musicians volunteer their talent is a great venue for any musician or group. Graceland's July 28 performance was no exception. With songs like, "Polk Salad Annie," and "My Way," and "Suspicious Minds," the exceptional talent of the entire band shined through.

TNT, the "2010" Elvis plays up to the audience by adding words to the songs that leave the crowd laughing and at one point of the July 28 performance, he even did an old school dance move. TNT, which a very good-looking man, cracked jokes throughout the July 28 venue while continuing to entertain the large crowd, keeping them on their feet throughout the hour-long performance. After the show, many of the fans, young and old, lined up to get their photo taken with "Elvis," and TNT was happy to oblige each one.
Published by Nikol Purvis


4/13/11   We really wanted to plan something special for my Mom's 65th birthday party and Graceland absolutely blew our family and guests away with their sounds and skills! We could not have asked for a more friendly, professional and enjoyable experience. The band played and sang their hearts out and we could tell they enjoyed themselves just as much as we did. We didn't want the music and dancing to end! I would recommend Graceland for any type of event and would gladly hire them again given the opportunity!
Adrienne Smith. Chula Vista, Ca
6/28/11     The show tonight at the organ pavilion was fabulous and when I closed my eyes, it was Elvis' voice better than I have ever heard. Thanks for the great show.
Patty Weingart.
6/30/11     We go to the summer concerts all over San Diego county. We believe you are the best of all the shows. We certainly agree that you are the best musicians to have worked Graceland. Although all the musicians are excellent, we particularly enjoyed the keyboard and bass together. We would like to see you do a "Concert On The Green" in El Cajon on a summer Friday night. Too late for this year, but how do we get you out here next year? Sincerely,

Ross and Diane Bartlett

Wow! Graceland performed at our parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary with close to 100 people in attendance.  Praise for Graceland's program and performance was unanimous!  Thanks Graceland for making our parent's celebration an event to remember!  Tammie Chrysler. El Cajon, Ca.

6/22/11     It was evident that Village Walk at Eastlake shoppers thoroughly enjoyed Graceland's performance at this year's Summer Sundays concert program and we're looking forward to inviting your group back for next year's event.

Annette Sorensen
Links

Check out some of our music samples HERE!

We are on MySpace at  http://www.myspace.com/gracelandsd

We are also on facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/GracelandAnElvisPresleyTribute?v=wall&ref=sgm



8/14/11     My sincere appreciation to Graceland for agreeing to perform at a pool side birthday party on a very HOT July 3rd, 2011. Not only did Graceland perform, they entertained and kept the party hopping and covered decades of music and was a crowd pleaser for everyone aged 8 months to 60 years old as the party was the birthday party for a 4 year old. I am the nanny for the 4 year old and he and I have been dancing to all types of music since he was big enough to stand, but the music and movement of Elvis is our favorite. My little guy imitates the Elvis lip, the hip, the lunge, and the leg movement and oh, does he know the song lyrics! So, when he heard the music of Graceland at the San Diego rock & roll marathon in June he shouted "NANNY! Look, Elvis!" He hit the grass dancing and wanted to hire Graceland on the spot to perform at his 4th birthday party. He was sure he had discovered "the real Elvis" as he was intrigued with TNT's Elvis moves and vocals. I approached the band's manager to seek information on hiring "Elvis" without the band as I was sure the entire band would not be willing to perform at a 4 year old birthday party(outdoors on the July 4th weekend at that!) but was told that Graceland was a band and they were a team that performed together but that the band would come and perform at the party (and did so for an extremely affordable rate). Graceland is a full band with an excellent sound system, great musicians and high end stage presence and each member of the band is an entertainer on their own. The band came to the house early enough to be completely set up and ready to go before the first guest appeared and the band played for three hours and seemed to have a great time themselves even on one of the hottest days in July. I would recommend Graceland for any celebration, concert, or festival as they play to the crowd and obviously love what they do. Thank you for making my little guy's dream come true, to have "the real Elvis" come to his home and perform at his birthday party. My favorite memory of the party was when an 8 and a 10 year old party attendee asked TNT for his autograph and after the party came to me and said "we got Elvis' autograph. Can't wait to show our friends that we met Elvis"!

Aprille Chaffin
6/30/11     Dear Graceland, thank you for such a nice performance at "Twilight In The Park". Though I am a member of the park's concert committee I am writing this as a private individual to personally thank you for autographing a paper bag for a mother and son, who are both "special needs" people. We bring the son to our shows on a regular basis. He helps us with setting up and distributing our concert calendars. He and his mom enjoy dancing. She's been an Elvis fan all her life and was so excited to be at your show. Your kindness to them and your availability to take photos with our audience, and not being in a rush to leave the pavilion endeared you to many people. You really are gracious. I'm sure we'll have you back for more Twilight concerts. Kindest thanks for an outstanding show,

Doris Jaffe