"Christmas Carols Being Sung By a Choir . . ."

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Note: The following post is somewhat on the "braggy" side of things. But consider the following: 1) James's parents are regular readers of this blog so I feel that it's totally acceptable to brag to them about their fine son so they can say, "That's my boy!" and 2) It's my blog and I'll brag if I want to. The end.

I always LOVE hearing James sing--in the car, in the shower, at church, around the house . . .I'm not picky about the whereabouts. His golden voice just makes my heart do gymnastics! And it's always especially thrilling to see him don his tuxedo (so handsome!) for an American Festival Chorus concert. The AFC Christmas concert was last night and today--what a fun way to kick off the holiday season!

I attended the concert Friday night, and the whole evening was amazing. The guest artist was Maureen McGovern and she was sensational. For anyone who doesn't know who she is, she's been on Broadway and TV and film and has had several hit songs (she sang that "Morning After" song from The Poseidon Adventure movie)and just has had a very distinguished career. One of the fun things about being in the AFC(apart from being directed and taught by Dr. Craig Jessop) has been the opportunity James has had to share the stage with some really awesome performers. During the last three years, James has been able to sing with Donny Osmond, Peter Cetera, Maureen McGovern . . .lots of people on my "cool" list! It's kind of a kick to claim that he's "sung with" these famous performers . . .even though they wouldn't know James from Adam if he walked up to them and bit them on the nose. (Disclaimer: James does not make it a habit to bite unsuspecting persons on the nose. His parents raised him to behave better than that.)

Anyway, the concert was amazing. The songs just gave me chills--especially "The First Nowell" and "What Child is This." Wow! And they had the USU Ballroom Dancers and The Westminster Bell Choir and a full orchestra--which was awesome! And Maureen McGovern was really good. No wonder she's famous! What a fantastic vocal range she has. Here's a closer picture of the choir and orchestra, before the concert started. (I didn't dare take a picture during the actual concert, since that's not allowed and I'm sort of a rule-keeper . . .AND I didn't want any burly bouncers to come and kick me out.)

Anyway, if you want to play "Where's James?" I'll give you a clue: He's the cute one in the black tuxedo.



(Okay, here's a perhaps more helpful clue: He's six rows up on the right, sitting next to a blonde woman, and he's looking up at me with smouldering eyes.) And if you still don't see him, try this one:



Lyman. James Lyman. (Double-oh-seven's got nothing on this guy!) Anyway, I really need to stop getting distracted by James in a tux and tell you more about the concert. It truly was beautiful in every way, and completely launched me into the Christmas spirit! Hooray for music and hooray for the American Festival Chorus Christmas concert! Well done, guys. The only problem with me attending these things is that I SO BADLY want to be up there singing right with them. Seriously, I want to sing with them so much my teeth are sweating. (Perhaps that's kind of a gross visual, but you get the point.) I had fully intended to audition this fall until my new church calling threw a wrench into the Wednesday night practice thing . . .oh well. I may not have made it anyway, but I'd regret never trying, so I'm totally going to try out someday when the timing is better!

So for now, I'll just be content being the wife of someone who's "sung with" Maureen McGovern. ;)