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