Branson has many unique and exciting things to do but, especially if you’re an Elvis fan, none of them rivals the excitement of the annual Branson Elvis® Festival. The festival will be held on the world famous “Branson Strip,” at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the home of Branson’s Legends in Concert show, April 13-15.
The highlight of the Festival is the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ which will be held on the Legends in Concert stage, Saturday, April 14 starting at 7:00 PM. The contestants will be judged on vocals, appearance and stage presence. The winner of the Branson contest receives a prize package and the opportunity to compete in the 2018 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. to be held August 9 -12 in Memphis, Tennessee as part of the 40th anniversary of Elvis Week and the opportunity to perform in the April 15 performance of the Branson Legends in Concert show.
Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton said that the Branson Contest will be hosted by “Dean Z,” who won the “2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Final.” in Memphis. She said that the quality of the 18 contestants is outstanding and that it’s going to be a great evening of entertainment. She also pointed out that the show is completely sold out so the only tickets available will be if someone cancels their reservation or doesn’t show up. The 2018 Branson Elvis Festival contestants are:
David Allen – Frisco, TX Russ Brittain – Ogden, IA
Ralph Carey – Lyndhurst, NJ Tyler Christopher – Ft Thomas, KY
Josh Davis – White Oak, TX Johnny Deans – Hillsboro, OH
“Cody ” – Cote Deonath – Oscala, FL Dusty“Delvis” Duling – Eureka Springs, AR
Daisuke Kirya -JAPAN Rory Moore – Bonne Terre, MO
Carl Poe – Lyons, IN Taylor Rodriguez – Lynchburg, VA
EJ Sharp – Claremore, OK Eddie Simpson – Boxholm, IA
Steve Sogura – Ravensdale, WA Mansour Spears – Austin, TX
Monty Tucker – Parma, MO GaryTussing – Clare, IA
In addition, to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ the Branson Elvis Festival includes several other exciting events including:
Friday, April 13 at 5 PM: Elvis Meet & Greet Dinner at Grand Country Buffett. [Note: This event is sold out, but will open again if there are cancellations. If interested in case of cancellations please call the box office at 417-339-3003.]
Friday, April 13 at 8 PM: Legends in Concert show
Friday, April 13 at 10:45 PM: Dean Z Show presents the winner of the national “2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Final,” for this one night only performance, as he presents a musical celebration, from the by gone era of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and rhythm and blues of the hit music that inspires and drives his love for performance.
Saturday, 14 – 9 AM – 4 PM: The Elvis Vendor Village will be open in Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater lobby. Vendors from across the country will be selling unique Elvis merchandise.
Saturday, April 14 – 11 AM: A new event, the Branson Elvis Festival Youth Tribute Artist Showcase (Ages 5-17) on the Legends in Concert stage. A $25 entry fee and registration is required. Call 417-339-3003 x 3015 to request more information on this event, or email [email protected].
Saturday, April 14 – 7 PM: The Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest [Note: This event is sold out, but will open again if there are cancellations. If interested in case of cancellations please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.]
Saturday, April 14: “After Party” at Branson’s Center Stage Grille.
Sunday, April 14, 11 AM Jerry Presley’s Gospel Revival, God and Country Theatre
Sunday, April 14 – 8 PM: Guest appearance of the 2018 Branson Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ winner during the 8 PM performance of Legends in Concert.
For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert show, The Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest,™ or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their web site www.BransonTourismCenter.com.