One woulld not immediately make the connection betwen renowned French painter Marc Chagall and the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. But on Sunday, August 21, at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, noted lecturer Vivian R. Jacobson and New York composer Seth Weinstein will present a unique program pairing the incomparable works of Chagall and the career of Memphis' beloved rock legend during "An Afternoon with Elvis and Chagall", beginning at 2 p.m. The event's co-presenter is Bornblum Judaic Studies of the University of Memphis. Media sponsor is Memphis Jewish Journal. The lecture is free with museum admission.

Upon a closer look, both Chagall and Presley came from humble beginnings. Both had mothers who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and both became 20th century icons. Both men tapped into that place inside us all that evokes a strong, emotional reaction while both left behind the greatest gifts in art and music. And inevitably, both remain cherished today.

Vivan Jacobson, who has lectured for art groups, museums, churches, synagogues, colleges and schools both in the United States and abroad, worked closely with Chagall on significant international projects during the last 11 years of his life. Originally from Chicago, Jacobson holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Roosevelt Uiversity with postgraduate work in the French language at Northeastern Illinois University. Her lifelong interest in art was nurtured through many visits to the Art Institute of Chicago. And, in 1974, Vivian and husband Ralph were hosts for a reception honoring Madame and Maitre Chagall on behalf of the Hadassah Medical Organization of Jerusalem, whose synagogue is home to the famous Twelve Tribes of Israel stained glass windows. Shortly after her meeting with Chagall, Jacobson was asked to become a founding member of the American Friends of Chagall's Biblical Message Museum, Nice, France. She served as secretary for six months and became the president of the association in 1978, a post she held until 1982.

A devoted fan of Elvis Presley, Jacobson is thrilled to present her lecture in The King of Rock and Roll's hometown. She conceived the lecture comparing the two 20th century icons after reading biographies on both and noting the commonalities surrounding their passion, creativity and accomplishments. According to Jacobson, Elvis and Chagall shared many of the same goals in pursuing their careers. "Elvis' background in gospel music and Chgall's choice of Biblical subject, together with the control they demonstrated over their art forms, resulted in a similar profound effect on viewers and listeners," she said.

The program at The Dixon will feature a multimedia approach incorporating slides as well as recorded and live music. Elvis' hit, "The Wonder of You", will resound as Chagall paintings are shown on the screen. In another segment, Chagall's Biblical paintings are accompanied by Elvis' "Amazing Grace". Guests also will marvel at the world premiere of New York composer Seth Weinstein's original piano music, commissioned especially for the occasion. Weinstein's unique blend of rock and roll with the klexmer, a musical form rooted in ancient Jewish culture, will join the worlds of Elvis and Chagall. Weinstein, who has a classical background and a degree from Harvard, toured with the national company of Fosse as a keyboardist and has work extensively in New York theatre. He also has composed five musical comedies since graduating college and a number of individual songs that have been performed at various cabarets.