Historic Rock and Roll Landmark Endangered

Elvis Presley's first live venue, The Raoul Wallenberg Shell in Memphis, Tennessee needs $500,000.00 for code improvements or site may face demolition by city.

Memphis, TN July 15, 2004 -- Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Alex Chilton and many others made their first public appearances on the stage of the Raoul Wallenberg Shell in Memphis, Tennessee.

The "Shell" is an outdoor amphitheatre built during the great depression as part of President Roosevelt's "Public Works Projects". The Shell has since made immeasurable contributions to the American public through the advancement of arts and entertainment.

This is the spot where Rock and Roll music was heard live for the first time. It was from here that modern music spread like wild fire across the globe. The Shell has since been very proactive in promoting local music in Memphis and helping develop other arts related endeavors for free to the public.

The Shell has not received any funds for improvements or upkeep since 1976. A recent engineers report ordered by the city indicated that it would take $500,000 to bring the aging facility up to code. By comparison the same report stated that it would only cost $50,000 to tear it down.

A non-profit foundation exists for the preservation of the Shell. The S.O.S. foundation has been seeking public involvement in the "Save Our Shell" movement but lack of funding and professional management has rendered their effort largely ineffective.

As the wrecking ball draws nigh the S.O.S group embarks on a last ditch effort to save this important national landmark.

For more information search the web using the key words "Wallenberg Shell" or "Overton Park Shell". See also the official Shell website: www.overtonparkshell.com or an article located here: http://www.ravengoth.com/Misc.htm

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