Listyn KC presents "Elvis Presley" - 70th Anniversary

Name: Listyn KC presents "Elvis Presley" - 70th Anniversary
Start: 2026-03-29T15:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-29T17:00:00-05:00
Location: The Listyning Room

Schedule

Sun Mar 29 2026 at 03:00 pm to 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

The Listyning Room | Prairie Village, KS

🎤 The King at 70! 🎤
Experience the earthquake that shook popular music in 1956. Join Listyn KC for a deep dive into Elvis Presley’s self-titled debut, featuring the raw energy of his early RCA and Sun Records sessions. We’ll explore the birth of the legend followed by playing an original pressing provided by our friends at the Marr Sound Archives.
This landmark release captures the exact moment rock and roll captured the mainstream imagination. Our introduction will trace Elvis’s transition from the local Memphis "hillbilly cat" to a national phenomenon, highlighting the transition from Sam Phillips' minimalist production to the more polished, yet still dangerous, sound of RCA’s Nashville studios. We’ll discuss the pivotal role of the "Blue Moon Boys"—guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black—whose slap-back echoes and stinging leads provided the frantic DNA for every rock band that followed.
By listening to the record from the explosive opening of "Blue Suede Shoes" to the haunting, ethereal "Blue Moon," you’ll hear the seamless fusion of country, R&B, and gospel that defined the genre’s first true masterpiece. This session offers a rare chance to hear the sheer physical power of Elvis’s early vocals without the later Vegas sheen, highlighting why these twelve tracks remain the blueprint for youth rebellion. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the King’s catalog, hearing this mono recording on a high-end system reveals the grit and spontaneity of a young artist rewriting the rules of the American songbook in real-time.
All of this great music will be played on The Listyning Room's world-class stereo system featuring Audio Note, Klipsch, and Cambridge Audio.
Kelsyn Rooks hosts Kansas City's favorite curated listening show, Listyn KC. Listen to curated selections of music and fun facts related to the featured album. Then enjoy the entire album played on our world-class stereo systems! Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Your $20 Donation for this event supports Center For Recorded Music 501(c)(3) and includes admission, complimentary snacks and beverages including soft drinks, flavored waters, and up to 3 complimentary adult beverages from a great selection of beer, wine, mixed drinks, and NA versions of your favorites.
There are 40 seats at The Listyning Room and seating is on a first-come first-seated basis and we expect a full house. Donate in advance to secure a spot. If any seats are left open, donations will be accepted at the door.
The Listyning Room is located inside the nbkc building - at 3510 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206 - on the north side of Ranch Mart. There is plenty of parking next to the building.