The Journey To Memphis
By: Lois Ann Marler
Mid-Missouri Elvis Tribute Artist Rich Vickers recently performed in the ULTIMATE ELVIS
TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST search in Branson, Mo., at the world-famous Legends
Theatre on 76 Blvd., along with Bransons Elvis Toni Roi, and the new Legends Elvis
Dean Zea, along with 23 contestants vying for a spot to compete in the finals in Memphis in
August. Vickers qualified in March 2007 in Arnold, Mo., for this historic
Graceland-sponsored competition, earning the title of first preliminary winner. Vickers
wowed the audience with, I Cant Help Falling in Love with You, accompanied by the
Expense Account Show Band, the official Elvis Tribute Artist Band. Early last month
Vickers headlined for the contest in front of 1000 excited spectators at the Stoneridge
Amphitheatre in Camdenton, Mo. Along with performing at these Ultimate Elvis Tribute
preliminaries, Vickers has a full slate of concerts scheduled with his own TLC Show Band
and singers throughout the end of the summer and is scheduled to perform for more public
school assemblies this fall.
The semi-finals for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute contest is scheduled for August 12th in
Memphis with the finals on August 17th. For more information, check out www.elvis.com or
go to Vickers' website at www.rvickerseta.com