“We don’t take our bras off and throw them on the stage anymore.”

I checked into the Elvis tribute concert on a whim last year, and was taken to front row stage left. The white haired woman at my left looked up and exclaimed, “OH! You’re new!” “Hurry, go get a Joseph shirt and we can take selfies before the show!” Then she shared the rules. The curtains went up and my first Elvis show introduction thundered from the stage. (Also Sprach Zarathustra.)

In a classic jumpsuit, “Elvis” began his performance before he got to the stage. The rich voice, the moves, the hand motions, the energy and the immediate connection with the fans was infectious. It quickly became the concert experience where you’re not just listening to the music, you’ve somehow elevated and are in the music.

At the intermission after Act 1, my new friend told me to walk fast in front of the “old ladies” on the front row center section so I could be first to get my photo taken with Joseph. I got there, next thing I knew, Joseph came up on my left, reached his hand to get my right shoulder and pulled me in like I was his long lost sister and the shot was taken. He said, “Thanks for coming, I don’t think I’ve seen you before!” Surprised at how he knew I was new, I made it back to my seat and settled in for Act 2.

I could not get over the full on side body hug – it was real, and he meant what he said.

But it didn’t stop there. At the end of the show, he signed scarves, teddy bears, photos, etc. I watched him do this with a line of 10-12 people waiting. Every single person got a genuine hug. He listened to their personal stories and gave them all his full attention. It was obvious they had shared experiences through a bus trip to Branson, Graceland, or a cruise.

A few shows later, watching the scene repeat itself, seeing the reaction of the audience, I became convinced that Joseph Hall is an excellent performer, but also a genuine, caring, kind, patient, humble, down-to-earth man who loves his family, his extended fan family, and Elvis. He recently held a celebration of life for a beloved fan who had passed. Actually, he doesn’t have fans – he has families – everywhere he goes.

You are welcome to call me a groupie, but I’ve met people who have been following him for his entire career of 22 years. When asked about it, every person said, “We came to his first show and we’ve just never left.”

I hope you find the rarity of a man who is a rock star, loves his family, loves Elvis, and loves all who come to his shows. It comes down to relationships. He creates an environment for people to become friends and renew their friendships whenever together. And even when you are new, you are welcomed with open arms. Just don’t plan to throw your bra up on the stage!

Elvis tribute artist Joseph Hall and the Roustabouts Band will perform at the Crest Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday. Today’s guest columnist, Sandra Burton at Sandra Burton massage, has facilitated Great Bend’s first Elvis Shindig at Jack Kilby Square from 4-6 p.m. For more information about the programs, see the story on page A3 in today’s Great Bend Tribune.