Disclaimer: This blog is long..really long....and it's is completely about David. Stop reading now if you aren't prepared. :) I want to capture the magic and emotions of last night though so here goes!
I'm writing this blog the morning after. The morning after an unbelievable concert, an emotional announcement, and a sleepless night.
David has been a light in my life from the first time I saw his audition on American Idol. I knew instantly that this young man would take a piece of my heart and keep hold of it for years to come. He is certainly one of a kind. He is humble, genuine and kind. He is guided by his faith in God. He truly feels what he is singing, and has an uncanny ability to project the emotions he is feeling into the hearts of those watching. His musicality is in a category of it's own. Never before has an artist taken me on a journey like David. Being a fan of David is like being part of an international family. We are joined not just by a love of his music, but an admiration for his person. Sites like fansofdavid.com or archuletafanscence.com are daily stops for many fans like me, and although not all fans are active participants they bring fans together to read about and celebrate David.
David's magic comes when he is performing in front of a live audience. He hasn't always been completely comfortable in that place, but over the years it has been fun to watch him grow. Last night I turned to my friend multiple times to comment on how he seems to have found his place on stage. He seemed more relaxed then I had ever seen him before, and it was sure a joy to watch. I could tell from the first moments he stepped on stage that something was different about tonight. He had tweeted that he was " Feeling so excited, nervous, and happy for tonight's special performance here in Utah. Looking forward with a smile!" It was the first time I could remember hearing that he was feeling nervous, and it made me wonder what was in store for the night.
It had been a LONG time since I had gotten to hear David sing live. His performances in the last year have been few and far between, and many have been much to short. The MoTab performance was spectacular, but it left me wanting to hear more from David. It was the same with Stadium of Fire. When I heard he was doing a Christmas tour I was ecstatic because it meant I would get to see him perform a full set again! I quickly bought up tickets for the 8th row, and began the wait for the day to come.
I was fortunate to have some great friends and family accompany me to the concert. I was glad to be surrounded by people who understood and knew my admiration for David, and seem to still love me anyways. :) I was especially glad to have Jessica, who accompanied me to David's Concert VIP two years ago, because she knew what was in store.
As we drove to the venue I have to admit I was a little nervous, but mostly excited for the night to begin. Like I said it had been a while since I had seen David sing live, and I couldn't wait. The concert two years ago left me speechless, and I only hoped that this year would be the same. While we waited for the concert to begin we ate dinner at a a little delicious pizza place called Settebello's and then enjoyed hot chocolate at the Blue Lemon. When 7:30 came we quickly headed over to the venue.
It was so fun to feel the energy as we walked in. The whole place seemed to be a buzz with excitement. We made our way to our seats, and I loved hearing that we were at door B. So close to the stage! My friend Karli remarked that it was the closest she had ever been, and I was so happy to be able to provide her and others with the opportunity to experience David from up front! There was a large section of seats open to my left, and I turned to my friend and stated that it would be crazy if those seats were reserved for David's family. I bet you can only imagine my surprise as his siblings slowly made their way to their seats, right next to us while Jeff LeBlanc began his set. I wasn't completely sure it was them until Mama Lupe walked in!! It was unbelievable being able to enjoy the night sitting so close to those people who are so important in David's life.
Jeff LeBlanc was a fun opening act! We loved his style and quickly purchased his CD's during the break. But we knew the night was just beginning and couldn't wait for it to begin. David began the night singing Sleigh Ride, Melodies of Christmas and This Christmas! It was a treat to get to have David Osmond and Jenny Jordan Frogly, the original background vocalists, there to accompany David on Melodies of Christmas. My first thought was that this was the "special" David had been referring to in his tweet, but as the night progressed it just got better from there.
David then entered the pop section of the concert singing The Other Side of Down! I loved getting to see him perform this song live!! It is obvious that he loves it, and the banter after about how he confuses people with the title of the song was the best! Next came Wait, Zero Gravity and Crush! He didn't disappoint! The crowd jumped and sang along with Zero Gravity, and I have to say I think it was the highest energy part of the night.
Mama Lupe and Claudia left right before Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and I found myself wondering if they were going to join David on stage. That didn't happen though and was saved for a later part of the night. David then talked about Child Fund and sang Climb Every Mountain. That combined with the video was enough to convince my friend Jessica and I to sponsor a child. Unbelievable how you can change a child's life for under a dollar a day! Another amazing thing about David. His focus is always on helping others, and he motivates those around him to do the same.
After the intermission the part of the concert I had been looking forward to most began. It has been over two years since the night David brought such a strong spirit to his Christmas concert, and I knew it would happen again. He started with Ave Maria, and after he was finished with that song explained why he felt it was such a powerful Christmas hymn. What an amazing person the mother Mary must have been. He then had fun with Pat a Pan, Fa la la la la and I Need a Silent Night.
In between Pat a Pan and Fa la la la la, David invited 4 kids and his Mom up on stage! Jonah, from the Make a Wish Foundation was there and it was so fun to get to see them interact in person! David is so sweet with little kids. They were so entertaining to watch while they danced around on stage. He also read to them his "My Kind of Christmas Poem," and I've included that below.
My kind of Christmas is a blessing so deep,
A time spent with family and friends we long to keep.My kind of Christmas is a memory to make,
A time to be remembered when we give more than we take.My kind of Christmas is a blessing tonight,
So many shining their forgotten inner light.My Kind of Christmas is a holy place to me,
A place in time and space right here, eternally.So my angels in the snow bless all you do,
Merry Christmas – My Kind of Christmas – to you.
The emotional part of the night began as David sang Silent Night. He has such power in his vocals and performance of songs of this nature, and I found myself getting a little teary eyed as he bore his testimony to us. I glanced over at his family while he was singing and happened to notice that they were wiping their eyes as well. At the end it seemed like we were invited to watch as they shared a special moment. David was reminded of how they used to sing the song as kids and it made him cry. He shared with us the reason for his tears, and I'm sure most hearts were touched.
David then finished up his set with First Noel, Riu Riu Chiu and Little Drummer Boy. David was so energetic playing those drums, and jumping around the stage! I knew something was up though when he sang that last song because I knew at previous shows that had been the encore. I stood and cheered with the crowd as we waited for the encore. I hoped, like the Christmas concert before, that he would be ending with O Holy Night. It left such a special spirit in the room. An unforgettable feeling.
You can imagine my shock, surprise and excitement when David came back on stage to say he had a special announcement to make. I racked my brain wondering what it could be, but his announcement was a complete surprise. David announced that he has chosen to serve a Full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If I hadn't been crying before I was sure crying now! I cried because I knew how much it means to him. I cried because he was so overwhelmed with the reaction of the audience. I cried because I glanced at his family and their eyes were all filled with tears. I cried because I knew it would probably be the last time I would get to hear him sing live for a long time. I cried because I got to be there to watch him make such a huge announcement. I got to be there to watch as he stood tall on that stage to proclaim that he will be a representative for the Lord. He has such a spirit with him. He explained with conviction his reasoning for the decision, and then went on to sing the most amazing rendition of O Holy Night. How he sang after such an emotional announcement is beyond me.
I didn't stop crying through he entire end of the show, dreampt about it all night long, and woke up with tears in my eyes. I had told myself I wouldn't cry at this concert, but that all went out the window as I watched the person I have grown to love over the years. David has changed so many lives because of his courage to share his talent with the world. I feel fortunate to be one of those people, and fortunate to be a part of the fan family he has created because of his willingness to take risks and follow the spirit. Although he will surely be missed while he is on his mission, I know that when he returns there will still be plenty of people ready and waiting to support him in whatever decision he makes next.
Pictures and videos will come later. I've got to get up and get ready for work now.
1 comment:
Very nice write up Lindsay... you made me feel as if there ... wish I was ... so glad that you were.
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