Coming to Memphis?

Holiday greetings from Memphis! As 2009 wraps up and we usher in 2010, we also usher in a year long celebration of Elvis Prelsey's life and career. January 8th, 2010 would have been Elvis' 75th Birthday and thousands are expected here in Memphis to kick-off the year long party! Official details about EVERYTHING ELVIS are HERE - There is also a special extra long podcast up there too! It covers all the Birthday details AND includes an exclusive review of Cirque Du Soles' VIVA ELVIS - officially opening in Vegas in Feb 2010. Download and enjoy when you have a moment.



So, you're coming to Memphis, TN. First thing you should know - Memphis is spread out. I recommend staying either downtown or at the EPE host hotel for Birthday events. There are free shuttles that run from Graceland, to Sun Studio, to Beale St every hour during the day. If you are planning to visit all 3 places, then this is a no-brainer. Dress warm. It's cold in Memphis this time of year and the Elvis Birthday Ceremony is held outside, on the front lawn of Graceland. Are you going to Tupelo? Elvis' birthplace is only 90 minutes from Memphis and should be included with a full blown Elvis, Memphis trip. There are shuttles and tour services to get you down there, or just drive. It's not a bad drive at all. Ah, where are you going to eat here in Memphis? You can explore this blog for lots of dining suggestions and links. Another name I want to throw in the hat is Pete & Sams - great food, reasonable prices. I was there over the holiday and ran into Mr. B - Bernard Lansky! It's been here in Memphis for years and the steaks are AWESOME! Yummy. Bring your own bottle of wine. They do not sell it there. Another dining suggestion - Gus's downtown. The best fried chicken you'll ever eat - really!



Finally, bring your camera and something to write with. The odds are really good that you will meet some new people while you're here. And you'll want to stay in touch, swap e-mails, etc. It really is like a big family for these BIG Elvis events in Memphis.



More on VIVA ELVIS soon! Come by the studio when you are in Memphis! We'd love to see you and spin you a tune! Memphis Luv - Argo

The Elvis Cruise 2009 - WOW

Having been blessed to be a part of all 3 Elvis Cruises, I can honestly say this one was the BEST! There are many reasons why this is so. First off - ELVIS and ELVIS FANS - It's like a big family. There are no strangers and meeting new people is what it's all about. Some of the most fascinating people I know, I met through Elvis. Now, organizing an event like this is no small task. That's where I have to give major kudos to SIXTHMAN and EPE. Working at Graceland everyday, I have dealings with EPE all the time and I know how passionate they are about Elvis and serving his fans. They brought the "Elvis Week" vibe onto a cruise ship. With AMAZING performances, forums, fashions shows, and on and on. There were so many things happening all throughout the day and night. Never a dull moment. And the Legendary performers: The TCB Band, The Sweets, Joe Guercio, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Andy Childs, Ronnie McDowell and family, The Imperials, The Dempsey's and all the ETA's. And of course our host and someone whom I have much respect for - Jerry Schilling!

SIXTHMAN - I LOVE YOU! I am blown away by this company, their culture, leadership and entire team. They "get it" and it's such a pleasure working with people who "get it". A key word when describing Sixthman is TEAM. They took all of the "ingredients" above and worked with EPE to execute this cruise flawlessly. After this cruise I can understand why someone would book another music themed cruise, just because Sixthman was doing it. It's what they do. And they are constantly improving the smallest details. The whole production (from getting on/off the ship, to seating, organizing, etc) was so fluid. It was that way backstage, onstage and in the audience. And I'm most certain that we've found some new Elvis fans on the Sixthman team. I can not express enough, how impressed I was with their behind the scenes performance.

Finally, I want to thank my wife, who on the first 2 cruises hardly saw me. But, because of the organization of this years cruise, we got to take in the shows, hang with some great people and enjoy Cozumel - TOGETHER! We had a blast and are so thankful to be a part of this Elvis family!

Best BBQ in Memphis

Recently on Facebook I asked "What's your favorite BBQ joint in Memphis". This blog post is dedicated to your answers and hopefully will help folks out who are coming to town HUNGRY! The easy answer to the questions is - it's ALL good. You would be hard pressed to find bad BBQ in Memphis. That being said here are the most popular spots ranked by my unofficial Facebook poll:

1) Marlowes - Right down EP blvd from Graceland is this Elvis fan favorite! The BBQ is award winning (Memphis In May Champs) and they have "pink limo" service. Yes, they will come pick you up in a pink limo for FREE (tip the driver, he's a good guy)!

2) Corky's - I remember when this place opened in the 80's and the lines went around the building night after night. Still one of the most popular BBQ joints in Memphis and all over the world. They ship BBQ everywhere! They are also featured on the Home Shopping Network from time to time!

3) Neely's Interstate BBQ - The Neely family has been cookin' up the Q for years in Memphis. The original location is still the best in my opinion. Not far from Graceland and right off the interstate. Check out the wall of fame and snap a pic with Mr Neely. And of course his son and his wife are featured on the Food Network.

4) Rendezvous - Has been on this blog before. Best DRY ribs you'll ever eat. Key work there is DRY. Stick with the sausage and cheese plate for starters and ribs around. I've never had anything else on the menu there. Oh, and the pitchers of beer flow great down in the alley!

5) Coletta's - An Italian place on a BBQ list??? YES, for one reason - THE BBQ PIZZA!!! Go there, sit in the Elvis Room and get it. If there's only a few of you, you'll have left-overs.

6) The BBQ Shop - A local favorite with some sweet, smokin' sauce. Located in midtown Memphis not far away from Overton Park (where Elvis played his first show). Bring home a bottle of their sauce too!

7) Cozy Corner - Off the beaten path and not in the best part of town, this local favorite serves up the best, fall off the bone, ribs you'll ever eat. I suggest a lunch visit.

8) Leonard's - This one was not on the Facebook list but I had to include it because it was one of Elvis' hangouts and it's great BBQ and Lemon Ice Pie (I've blogged about it before)

9) Tops BBQ - Another local favorite for smokey BBQ. There used to be locations everywhere here in Memphis. It's a pick-up and take home kinda BBQ, although you can dine-in the cafe setting.

Others that made the list include: Scooters BBQ , Big Daddy's and Three Little Pigs. Like I said before, it's hard to find bad BBQ in Memphis. Let me know your take. Have you eaten at these places? What is missing from this list? And if you have not already noticed all the bbq joints are linked with a website or map so you can plan your BBQ outings while in Memphis!

I'm on a boat!

For those of you that are not familiar with the SNL skit "I'm on a boat" check it out HERE

Now, I was totally blown away the other day when I received this e-mail and photos of "Shellvis" the boat. Owned by Jack and Marie and docked in Brigantine, NJ the name "Shellvis" represents Maries' love of The King of Rock and Roll. See the pictures below and look close at the microphone cable - it spells out my name! Hence me being on a boat. Marie listens all the time and I am totally honored to be on her boat! Thanks Marie and I hope to make it up there sometime to cruise the bay.

I'll also be on a boat in less than a month on The Elvis Cruise. I am currently in the process of putting together all the music for the ship. Loading up over a dozen ipods with music for each bar, pool and showroom on the Carnival Inspiration. For those of you cruising with us - see you in Tampa in a few weeks!

I have found since I finally joined Facebook, I blog less. But, the blog is here to stay. I am going to start my "Off the beaten path" series again soon. Highlighting some Memphis and Mid-South places that you might want to check out when you visit! Memphis Luv Always - Argo :)

That Memphis Love!

To newcomers I describe Memphis as Funky with Soul. Those two words blend our rich cultural heritage with the sounds and feel of present day Memphis. Yes, Memphis has a certain sound and feel. You can vibe it on many of the legendary records cut here and when you're just walking down the street. Elvis Week this year was awesome (as it is every year). It bumps the Memphis vibe level up several notches. And the Memphis Love! You can feel it daily here at Graceland but during Elvis Week it's wild and free flowing. Not in a Woodstock/Hippie way, but a Memphis/Elvis way. Elvis connects people to other people. It's like a family with new members always being welcomed home. It's hard to put into words. Something more to experience first hand. Anyway, Elvis Week was truly wonderful and it was great meeting new people and seeing old friends! Now, I'm all excited about The Elvis Cruise! We're just 3 months out and it's going to be another incredible moment in time - AT SEA and in Cozumel, Mexico. There are still some cabins left, so grab a friend and set sail with us! You can go to http://theelviscruise.com for the details.

On my next post: Elvis Movie insight, Elvis back in Vegas, and the return of "Off the beaten path" - some of my Memphis secrets!

That Memphis Mojo is workin'

It's been a busy weekend in Memphis, TN. It all started Friday afternoon when Memphian Justin Timberlake opened his new golf course Mirimichi . For the golfers coming to Memphis - put this course on the list. It's a public course and the fees are reasonable. Good to see another famous Memphian putting something back into his home! Has Justin been to Graceland? Of course he has. And he's been known to slip in for a quick tour from time to time. You really never know who you will see at Graceland. An example of that happened Saturday when Kirsten Dunst popped into our studio. Big Jim snapped this pic and is still beaming!

Sunday morning started with the top 10 American Idols stopping by Graceland for a tour. I caught up with Chris Allen, Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds on the front lawn. They are all very respectful of Elvis and I think they got a good dose of Elvis IQ to further their fascination. Sunday afternoon we had guest DJ's Phil and April Margera in studio. They are BIG TIME Elvis fans and welcome back here anytime. I asked if Bam is an Elvis Fan: Phil and April said "He had no choice" growing up! lol And yes, he is. I plan to include some of these interview highlights on the upcoming Graceland Beat Podcast, so be on the lookout for it HERE. Oh, and check out the new SiriusXm app for your iPhone - now you can take us everywhere!

And now it's almost time for Elvis Week!

Keeping your cool in Memphis

So, it's nearly 100 degrees in Memphis today and I got to thinking about ways to keep cool! Here are the hot spots for keeping cool at Graceland (in no order): 1) The Ice Cream/Soda Shop in Graceland plaza - Enjoy a scoop while you gaze at Graceland and people watch. 2) The ICEE stand (right by our Elvis Radio studio) is a popular spot too. The line starts forming about 10am. 3) The heart-shaped pool at The Heartbreak Hotel - need I say more?

While in Memphis keeping your cool, I suggest these spots (again in no order): 1) Mud Island River Park - There's always a breeze coming off the river and you can get your feet wet on the river walk. 2) The Pink Palace Museum - Indoors and fun (especially if your traveling with kids). 3) Leonards BBQ - Since 1922 these guys have been keeping it cool in the hottest conditions (in the pit). Elvis used to eat at Leonards Drive In, and they have some great photos at their current location. Stay cool with the sweet tea and Lemon Ice Box Pie! 4) Oak Court Mall - it's a small mall in the middle of town. Perfect for a little shopping/lunch outing. 5) Tunica Casinos - Spend the day down south in one of these swanky casinos. Hollywood has some great Elvis memorabilia on display.

These are just a few ways to keep your cool in Memphis. And ,of course, just being in Memphis is cool... Even when it's this hot!