ELVIS WEEK, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee 2019

Thousands of fans gather for the Candlelight Vigil in remembrance of the death of ELVIS PRESLEY at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. In the years since his death, fans from around the world gather each year at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee in the days surrounding the anniversary of his death for the annual event known as Elvis Week. (Photos by Karen Pulfer Focht ©)

FOR SOME OF THE PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF THE KING BY MEMPHIS PHOTOJOURNALIST KAREN PULFER FOCHT SEE LINKS BELOW-

http://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/elvisweek2018

http://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/tag/Pricilla+Presley

http://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/2015/1/10/elvis-turns-80

https://www.thenational.ae/world/the-americas/elvis-presley-candlelight-vigil-at-graceland-in-pictures-1.620177

https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/presleys-1st-record-my-happiness-auctions-s401000

https://en.tempo.co/photo/54473/elvis-fans-mark-40th-anniversary-of-his-death#foto-6

The 31st Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal, Canada.

Industry professionals got intimate concerts and opportunities to connect with artists at the 31st Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal, Canada. Artists showcased their music all around the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel.

Conference attendees and folk friends around the world were invited to join a live-streaming a performance of “Give Peace a Chance” from their own beds on February 16th at 9:30 am ET.

“In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a bed-in at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montréal, Canada where they penned and recorded the iconic pacifist song “Give Peace a Chance.” 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of this historic moment in music history, and our conference is taking place in the same hotel!” Folk Alliance International~

This weekend 78-year-old singer -songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, who had a string of hits in the 60’s and 70’s was honored at the event. She is a peace activist and a very private person who seldom leaves her farm in Hawaii. She recently released a biography.

In what was a folkies paradise, thousands of folk music fans came together to hear music legends in the historic Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. While it was frigid outside, the warmth inside between old friends was palpable. I was sitting next to Tom Paxton as he whooped it up and gave a thumbs up to Livingston Taylor after he performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow. As soon as the set was over, Paxton approached the stage and the two embraced.  Both artists have been able to maintain longstanding careers in the folk industry. 

The reporter I was working with and I looked for every opportunity to slip into the space where Livingston Taylor was giving his delightful performances. His warm and inviting style was very engaging; his vocals soothing and his guitar playing joyful. But what made Livingston special to me was his performance charisma. Frequently interrupting himself, as to never let a teaching moment pass, he's filled wisdom and humor and eager to share both with his audience. This says a lot, when you think that more than 1,000 singers, songwriters and musicians from around the world were competing for the attention of industry professionals. 

There is just something about Livingston that speaks heart to heart.

~~Young artist connected to industry professionals and each other, while showcasing their own music.

Story by award winning reporter Mike Sangiacomo, Cleveland Plain Dealer. https://www.cleveland.com/arts/2019/02/folk-alliance-conference-unites-musicians-from-around-the-world.html

Next years event will be in New Orleans.

VIDEO OF LIVINGSTON TAYLOR SINGING SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ABOVE WITH APPROVAL OF TOM PAXTON AT THE END.

Bobby Rush: The Entertainer

http://memphismagazine.com/features/bobby-rush-entertainer/

A blues legend’s confessions carry decades of wisdom.

Jon Sparks and I partnered to put together this package together about Bobby Rush. Bobby is reflecting on his days on the Chitlin CIrcut, black history, civil rights, the music business and what he has learned from his friends over the years.

More at:

http://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/bobbyrushwinsgrammy

Folk Alliance International 2018

Each year musicians gather from around the world to showcase their music, network, learn and further their profession. The International Folk Alliance 2018 was held in Kansas City, Missouri. in 2019 it will be held in Montreal.

The mission of the FAI is to "nurture, engage and empower the international folk music community, through education, advocacy and performance."

For full story click link:

http://www.cleveland.com/music/index.ssf/2018/02/folk_alliance_1.html

Memphis Ukulele Flash Mob Entertains Runners 2017 St. Jude Marathon

The Memphis Ukulele Flash Mob entertains runners during the 2017 St Jude Marathon in Memphis, Tennessee Dec. 2nd. The event raised over $11,000,000 in the fight against childhood cancer.