Pigeon Forge's Tennessee Shindig welcomes "Young Elvis"

Tennessee Shindig in Pigeon Forge, a favorite of locals and tourists, has announced the opening of a brand-new show. The show has been extended to two hours and features 15 different performances. The most heralded performance of the new show is that of "Young Elvis" played by 17 year old Cody Slaughter.

Slaughter, who hails from Harrison, Ark., grew up listening to his dad's cassettes and fell in love with Elvis' music at a young age. He's been performing his songs since second grade - quiet successfully too.

He first began placing in competitions at age 12 and at age 15 he won the Branson Elvis Explosion 2006. The following year he also took home the People's Choice Award at Elvis Week in Graceland. Of course it's really no surprise since not only does he look like Elvis, he also has the voice to go with it.

Slaughter said that while he never dreamed he would be making a living as Elvis, it's certainly been a fun ride. That ride has even taken him to an appearance on MTV as a performer in My Super Sweet Sixteen- "Viva Las Vegas" in Columbus, Ohio.

It was that MTV show that eventually led him to Tennessee. While at the airport in route to the party, he met Jess Davis, the owner of Tennessee Shindig, and even though it wasn't for another year, Davis would eventually get back in touch, offering Slaughter a job.

Slaughter said that he loves performing as Elvis and hopes he can continue it as a long-term career.

"I'm going to do this as long as I'm able to. If it gets to the point that I'm burned out on it then I won't do it anymore, but as long as I can sing a little and look at least a little bit like Elvis, I'm going to keep it up. It's mainly about enjoying it, though. When it starts getting to where I dread going up there, I'll hang it up," he said.

Slaughter moved to Tennessee February 17th, and hasn't had a lot of time to see the area, but so far he likes Sevier County. He's taken in all the Ripley's attractions and walked around Gatlinburg, but there's still plenty more things he wants to do.

"Right now there are still a lot of things that need tightening up with the show, but once we got through rehearsing I'll have a lot more time on my hands to get out and do stuff," he said.
Tennessee Shindig's show celebrates Tennessee's musical history and includes dancing, humor, gospel, bluegrass, and songs from the decades as well as local legends like Elvis and Dolly Parton.
"Young Elvis" is new to the 2009 season. Some of the songs Slaughter performs during the show are "Heartbreak Hotel," "Trouble," "Rubberneckin,'" "A little less Conversation," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," and "Shake Rattle and Roll."

"It's a good show. When I came to visit before moving here and watched it, it was awesome. It's a very entertaining show - there's not a dull moment," said Slaughter.

The Grand Opening of the new show will be March 17 - 21, and each night Cody Slaughter will be making an appearance at the Elvis Museum at 3:30 p.m., then traveling by limo to the Wood Grill Buffet for dinner at 5:00 and ending up at the theater at 6:00 p.m. to sign autographs.

As part of the Grand Opening week, Tennessee Shindig is holding "Tennessee Days." As part of the event admission will be only $5 on the 17th - 19th and only $10 on the 20th and 21st for Tennessee residents with a valid driver's license.

All show times will be 7 p.m.

Information courtesy of Seymour Herald

7 Ways to Save on your Pigeon Forge Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!

Tennessee Shindig has All-New Format for Show

Tennessee Shindig Theater in Pigeon Forge Announces New Line-Up:

We have some exciting news to share with you. We've had a tremendous response to our Tennessee Shindig show, which started last April. By popular demand, we are re-expanding the show to two hours, adding more entertainers, and including more song styles than ever before.

On April 8th ,we re-opened as the Tennessee Shindig Theater with our brand new format! We've removed the tables and chairs and installed movie theater style seating for your comfort. We know that many of you have enjoyed our great food, so we have a fantastic new option for you. How about an all-you-can-eat Steak, Shrimp and Roast Beef dinner for only $6.95, drink included? We are proudly partnering with our neighbor, Great American Steak & Buffet, soon to be the largest buffet in America, to offer a combo option for our guests. We know flexibility is important on vacation so you can use the dinner voucher within 7 days from your purchase.

Get ready for a spectacular theatrical production at the Tennessee Shindig! Featuring an all new two-hour show with fifteen fabulous entertainers, Tennessee Shindig celebrates the Volunteer State's musical legacy, and much more! The first half showcases Tennessee's music, including classic and modern country, Elvis, Dolly, bluegrass, and Southern gospel, while the second half presents Song-sational, a jaw-dropping exhibition of the award-winning cast in the music of the decades. It's the most entertaining show the Smokies have ever seen!

Information courtesy of Tennessee Shindig