Christmas Movies and more!

Ahhhh the Holidaze! They're here and recently I posed the question "What's your favorite Christmas movie?" on Facebook. The list of responses is a perfect holiday movie guide!

- Christmas Vacation: You can tell I have a fun bunch of facebook friends because this movie received the most mentions! If you explore this blog a bit you might see cousin Eddy in our studio.

- It's A Wonderful Life - a very close second to Vacation. A classic! As is the next movie on this list:

- White Christmas: BING!
- Miracle on 34th Street: Hear those bells?
- A Christmas Story: "You'll shoot your eye out"
- Rudolf: Love how that nose sounds when it's glowing!
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: at least your tree does not look like that! Or does it?
- A Christmas Carol (1984) Baaaaaahhhhhhhummmmbugggg!
- The Santa Clause: the old one and new one made the list!
- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: again both versions made this list. I personally love the classic version the best! Gotta love the Dr!
- Elf: Santa's here!!!! Yeah Santa's here!!!!
- Bad Santa
- Mixed Nuts: Funny one that I had forgot about until someone put it on the list! Will be netflixing soon!
- Jingle All The Way
- The Ref
- Christmas on Mars (for you Flaming Lips fans - like u Danny)
- The Christmas Gift: was this a Lifetime movie? (might have to pass on this one)
- Die Hard: Gotta Luv it!

I know we left some off of this list, but keep it going and I'll revise this list next year as we get into the Holidaze...

Speaking of - Graceland is all decked out for the holidays! The decorations will stay up through E's 76th birthday on 1/8/11 - So, come on down to Graceland and stop by the studio when you do!

Tupelo - A must visit when you're down south!

I have just returned from the 12th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival. And it was AWESOME! Really! Not just the festival itself, but the town, the people, the atmosphere. All of it, so clean and down to earth. Those are two things I like - Clean and Down To Earth. The last time I was in Tupelo was 2006 for the 50th anniversary of Elvis' big homecoming show. Things were on the move then, I could tell. Seeing it now - WOW. The downtown has grown. New hotels, offices, restaurants , parks. And yet it is all still so quaint and clean. I love a town that keeps it's scene clean. A big one that comes to mind is Nashville. But you can't get the small town feel in Nashville. However, you can't help but feel the small town love in Tupelo. Not just a love for Elvis (and they LOVE ELVIS in Tupelo) but a love for one another. That's what's so cool. People are glad to talk to you, glad you are there. They really want you to enjoy their town and all it has to offer. You can definitely see where Elvis' southern charm started when you're here. From a visit to Tupelo Hardware (where E got his first guitar) to a quick bite at The Fairpark Grill, everyone smiles, is attentive and wants you to enjoy yourself. You don't experience that many places these days, but you do in Tupelo.

Thanks Tupelo for the hospitality - I will be back soon!

Here are some links to help you plan your visit there: http://www.tupelo.net/

http://www.tupelomainstreet.com/

http://tupeloelvisfestival.com/

http://elvis.com/graceland/visiting/elvis_links.asp

OK, so I like to talk...

So, I keep thinking of things I'm going to post to my blog but as you can see, I have not updated in a while. My preferred communication is talking - one on one or on the radio, that's what I like to do best. So, forgive the lack of fresh content updated in a timely manner. That being said, here's some stuff you should know:

New Exhibit now open at Graceland: Elvis Presley - Fashion King
It's where Private Presley used to be here at Graceland and feature some of Elvis' personal wardrobe, bling and guns! Also, for the first time I noticed the archives department here at Graceland is making use of digital photo frames. Great way to showcase the thousands of photos in the archives. I bet we'll see more and more of these in use at Graceland.

Memphis In May Beale St Music Festival: The line up was just announced and it's GREAT time to visit Memphis. With the city as a back drop, you can't beat it. Get a group together and come on to Memphis!

Elvis Gibson Dove Guitar signed by Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley and her two oldest children, Benjamin and Riley Keough: This one of kind guitar will be auctioned off during the JDRF Promise Ball April 10th at The Peabody in downtown Memphis. Get more info HERE

The Elvis Cruise: It's already more than half way sold out SO if you've been thinking about it - DO IT! It's such an amazing event! For Elvis fans a must but even casual Elvis fans dig it too! And what happens on The Elvis Cruise stays there - so if you get a little crazy dancing on the high seas at 2:30 in the morning - it's all good! I won't tell...lol

Viva Elvis now open in Vegas: This show is getting all kinda buzz on the street. It's like Elvis is back in Las Vegas! Make the journey and enjoy the ride!

OK, that's it for now. Hopefully I will update more frequently but if not you can always catch me on the radio at Graceland! TCB & Memphis Luv - Argo

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

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!