Elvis

It was a slow Sunday afternoon when some friends called up to see if we wanted to go to our small towns first of the summer community concert in the park that night.  Friends and neighbors would be around and a little culture wouldn’t hurt so it was “why not”.  It turned out to be Elvis…..

Brad Boice from nearby Harmony, Minnesota (naturally) was the star attraction that night. I had never heard of him but my wife knew the family name having taught some of his cousins in high school.  The story goes the Brad and some friends went to an Elvis impersonator show in Stewartville, Minn. One of his friends was unimpressed by the two Elvis wannabes and encouraged Boice to get up and sing. The other two had jumpsuits, but Boice had his voice. “I ended up getting a better reaction,” Boice said.

Boice, saw it as an opportunity to get back into music. The Harmony, Minn., native had sung with hard rock band Gemini from 1979 to 1987. Gemini would throw in a little Elvis between songs by Ratt and Mötley Crüe. After he got married and had kids, it was harder to find time for music.

Boice has always loved music. He has sung with his church choir and played tuba with the Chatfield Brass Band.  These days, Boice concentrates on Elvis. He watches old concert footage to capture the King’s signature moves. He listens to old recordings, trying to emulate his voice.  Boice has won many Elvis contests and performed throughout the tri-state area.  He has even starred on several Caribbean Cruise ships.

All in all it was a fun evening listening to Elvis.  It wasn’t Los Vegas but I guess I got some “culture.”….:)