The Elvis Show

The Elvis Show Comes to Bethel Highlands

Hudson, WI—Elvis fans and music lovers in the St. Croix Valley and beyond will have the opportunity to experience a unique tribute to the king of rock ‘n roll. On Friday, April 13 at 7:00 pm, The Elvis Show featuring Joe Sir and his Rockabilly Rebels Band is coming to the Bethel Lutheran Church-Highlands Campus in Hudson. The event is a fundraiser to raise money for an upgraded church bus.

One of the bus drivers and a Bethel parent, Dave Kreye says that the current bus needs to be replaced; it is used by the entire congregation for a variety of trips, community events and missions. Congregants are hard at work raising money to purchase a used bus in time for a youth mission trip to New Orleans this summer.

A local pastor at The Village Church in Baldwin, WI, Joe Sir’s performance captures the essence of Elvis—one of the most well-known and imitated performers of all time.  The Elvis Show is a tribute to the different periods of Elvis’ career and his memorable music. From the Elvis hits of the 50’s and the music of his movies to his Grammy-award winning gospel music and his record-breaking years in Las Vegas, Joe Sir and the band cover it all. 

Sir has been perfecting his rendition of Elvis for about twenty years, since he was a member of The Sir Brothers, a family band that performed around the Midwest. Playing Elvis by request grew so that it became the most popular part of their show. 

“We try to capture the sound and look of an Elvis concert and we make it very interactive with the audience,” says Sir.

“I love to see the faces light up when I sing a favorite song or make an Elvis move that gets everyone clapping.  It’s fun to see jaws drop when I tell the audience that I am a pastor, especially when I do a gospel song and everyone sings along with us. ”

Additional participants in The Elvis Show include:  Jerry Germain, bass; Samantha Sir (Joe’s daughter), keyboards; Phil Wallander, guitar; Tom Nirmaier, guitar; and Paul Ashwood, drums. Everyone sings back-up vocals; Sir’s wife Shannon and son Zach help with the sound and lights.

Drummer Paul Ashwood, known for his accomplishments as an actor/director at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, got his start playing drums with his mother who was a professional musician.  Ashwood says that what he likes best about doing the Elvis tribute is that the other musicians are fantastic, it’s a great production and he gets a chance to “rock out.”

There are no breaks in the show which includes 3-costume changes, a light show and audience participation.

“It’s a marathon going two hours without a break, but well worth it,” says Ashwood.

Along with The Rockabilly Rebels Band, Joe Sir’s authenticity is sure to give audience members a show to remember.

Tickets for the show are $20 for general admission seating. Tickets are available at the Bethel Lutheran Church office, 920 Third Street, Hudson, WI, 715.386.8821.  For more information, please contact Kris at 715.386.9533 or Vivian at 715.386.9960.