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Craig Helmuth, left, of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association,
and artist Lucia Randle unveil the poster she designed for the 14th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival at the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau on Friday.
The 2012 Elvis Presley Festival poster was unveiled during a ceremony at the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau on Friday. Artist Lucia Randle said the work was inspired by a John Lennon quote "Before Elvis, there was nothing." She said her intent was to highlight the showmanship side of Elvis.
At the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau on Friday, it was announced that Nettleton's Paul Thorn will headline the concert at the Fairpark Stage on June 1. Thorn is traveling the country to support his latest album, "Pimps and Preachers."
Country artist Jordyn Mallory from Okolona will open for Thorn, and she was on hand with about 70 other people at the CVB to sing "Happy Birthday" to Elvis two days shy of his 77th birthday.
David Nail's hits include "Let it Rain" and "I'm About to Come Alive," and he'll open the June 2 Fairpark concert.
The June 2 headliner will be Little Big Town. The country quartet is known for its Top 10 hit, "Little White Church." The band's most recent album, "The Reason Why," went to No. 5 on the Billboard Country Music Chart.
In addition, a trio of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners will perform at the Lyric Theatre.
Bill Cherry will take the stage with D.J. Fontana and Sonny Burgess and the Pacers on May 31. Brandon Bennett will perform on June 1, and Cody Slaughter will channel Elvis on June 2.
The festival also will feature preliminary rounds of the 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition at the Lyric.
Beginning Jan. 17 at 9 a.m., a combo package of tickets to all Lyric Theatre events will go on sale for $125 at the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association office.
Combo tickets for both nights of Fairpark shows will be available at Ticketmaster outlets for $24, plus fees.
To learn more, call (662) 841-6598, or visit tupelomain street.com.
scott.morris@journalinc.com