Brad Birkedahl — Elvis Tribute Concert, Aug. 8, 7 p.m., Circuit Playhouse — I know what you’re thinking, and it rhymes with “Ugh, Elvis?” Brad, of course, is well-known around these parts as an authority on Memphis music of the rockabilly era and beyond. What he doesn’t do is impersonate Elvis. He interprets his catalog as any good rock and roller should. A few years back, I was lucky enough to be invited to a rehearsal for this now-annual concert. The band — complete with horn section and backup vocalists — was trying out some fresh arrangements. I appreciate that Brad assembles medleys of some of the more pedestrian hits, while fleshing out the big late-career Elvis numbers that are fun to singalong to. I especially like discovering “new” Elvis songs — that is, tunes that aren’t on heavy rotation during Elvis week. It was the first time I’d ever heard “Edge of Reality,” a most uncharacteristic foray into 60’s psychedelia. I hope it’s still in the repertoire because it’s just so weird, and Brad does a great job with it.
“The Phantom of the Opera” silent film with Wurlitzer accompaniment, Aug. 16, Orpheum — The theater’s antique Wurlitzer organ is all restored and tuned up. Improvising soundtracks to silent films is a specialty of Tony Thomas, one of Memphis’ best known experts on the instrument. I’m officially requesting at least a few callouts to the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, but who knows what’ll happen? This is the correct way silent films should be experienced.
Weird Elvis: The Rebirth of Graceland Too — Aug. 16-17 in Holly Springs — For many years, an eccentric Elvis fan named Paul MacLeod operated one of the strangest roadside attractions in the region: his house. It was filled with Elvis junk. Nobody went to see the items, ranging from old TV Guides to boxes of VHS cassettes to handmade posters. But people sure turned out to see Paul MacLeod. He gave tours 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here’s a story I did for NPR about MacLeod’s sudden death, a day after he shot a man in the doorway of his house. An equally eccentric (in the best way) Elvis fan has spent the past decade pouring her own money into making the house an attraction once more. I’ll be down there on Saturday the 17th for its grand reopening. John Beifuss has a great article about it in the CA this week.
“Death Drop at Hotel Le’George: Ain’t Murder a Drag,” Aug. 8-10 at the Evergreen Theatre — See post.
“Waitress” at Playhouse on the Square, Aug. 16-Sept. 15 — It’s just a cute show about a pie maker in a small-town diner. Sara Bareilles music and lyrics are the sweetest thing on the menu.