NASHVILLE (AP) - Twenty-five Elvis impersonators from throughout the world are gathering in Nashville for the inaugural Nashville to Memphis Festival.

They will be performing Tuesday through Thursday in an unofficial prelude to ceremonies in Memphis Aug. 10-17 marking Presley's death on Aug. 16, 1977. Presley lived and died in Memphis, but recorded in Nashville and had several associates in the city.

Among those participating will be Robert Washington of Auburn, Maine; Travis Allen of Las Vegas and Mark Anthony of Australia, who all have won competitions for their Elvis tributes or are known for them.

The festival is billed as the first of its kind in Nashville. The venues include the Grand Ole Opry plaza and the Ryman Auditorium, a concert hall and former home of the Opry country music show.