Elvis is in the buildings

Blue suede shoe and other Elvis ornaments from the MIM museum shop

After spotting these charming blue suede shoe ornaments in the museum shop of the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, I decided to go in search of other Elvis fare for those of you who hold Elvis near and dear.

Elvis bust inside a Las Vegas casino housing an Elvis theme theater

The Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix recently added a permanent exhibit titled “Elvis Presley: Three Decades of the King” to its Artist Gallery, a section of the museum meant to “celebrate music’s most influential artists.” The exhibit includes “a rich selection of musical instruments, clothing, personal items, and other significant artifacts from the illustrious career of Elvis.”

Official Elvis Store inside a Las Vegas casino

On Dec. 4, 1956, rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins were gathered together by Sam Phillips, dubbed by many “the father of rock ‘n’ roll,” at Sun Records in Memphis for what’s considered one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.

Fun with Elvis fashion from the Elvis Store on the Las Vegas strip

The musical “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that legendary night to life with an “irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits,” including several by Presley. Think “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog” and more.

More Elvis goodies from the museum shop at the Musical Instrument Museum

It’s being performed June 5-10 as part of the 2011/12 “Broadway Season” at ASU Gammage in Tempe. The touring cast features 20-year-old Cody Slaughter,  described as a “true Southern boy from Harrison, Arkansas.” Elvis Presley Enterprises named him  “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2011” and his performance as “The King” marks Slaughter’s theatrical debut. 

Small sampling of items at the House of Broadcasting in Scottsdale

Elvis Presley Enterprises, which operates the Graceland mansion in Memphis, reported just today that they are adding several events and exhibits as part of the 2012 commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Presley’s death.

Elvis license plate spotted at the House of Broadcasting in Scottsdale

For a local taste of Elvis, head to the House of Broadcasting in Old Town Scottsdale, which has a large armoire full of Elvis memorabelia from beer steins and license plates to dolls and diner fare. It seems Elvis is in all sorts of buildings these days.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to explore offerings for children at Graceland in Memphis

Coming up: Ode to pen pals