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KURT’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Welcome
30 Years! 30 Years? Ah…….thirty years.
Much like a birthday for those of us struggling with less years in front of us than behind us, trying to come to grips with the fact that I have been doing my annual Christmas concert for 30 years is a bit daunting. However, once I step on the stage tonight and look out at all of you, some of you who have been here from the first concert, I will be thinking of nothing but wonderful memories.
First of all, without a stage full of amazing musicians, I would just be a lonely composer with a pile of sheet music. The musicians you will see tonight take my notes and musical arrangements and, with their inspired playing, take my songs to a new level. (I should probably pay them a little bit more for having to put up with my rehearsal shenanigans and last-minute music changes!)
Many of my memories of the last 30 years are with people many of you will never see. I am speaking of my manager Kevin Raleigh whose job it is to “play the heavy” in contract negotiations, to deflect the “bad stuff” from his sometimes sensitive artist, and to practice his brand of “music-chiatry.” Thanks as well to my tour managers who all blow me away with their hard work, long-suffering patience, and multi-tasking acumen; Jim “The General” Runge, Eric “Hagrid” Frankhouser, and Kris Hindale.
The technical side of a show like this takes consummate professionals who “know their stuff” and have to have ice in their veins as they load in and produce a show in less than 24 hours. Frog, Matt, Bob, Eric, et. al. your contributions do not go unnoticed.
Lastly, I wouldn’t have made it for three decades without all of you showing up in your Christmas finery (and incredibly “unique” Christmas sweaters) to cheer me on and contribute your collective Christmas spirit to each show. To my mom and dad, who have made the trek up to the “big city” from the very beginning, to middle-born Erika, who has shared her beautiful talent and grace from a very young age on my stage, and to my wonderful wife Petrina and daughter Ella who put up with me during the many long days and late nights when I have my “game face” on - I love each of you very much.
Now, let’s get this show going. The suspense of THIRTY YEARS is killing me!
Merry Christmas.
THE EXPERIENCE OF A NIGHTTIME
This holiday season, take a walk through Luminaria, winter’s biggest and brightest wonderland. Journey deep inside the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, and wade through a sea of lights unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.
Kurt Bestor is an Emmyaward-winning and Grammy-nominated composer who, for almost 40 years, has composed and arranged music in a myriad of styles and genres. His accomplishments include over 30 feature-length films, 18 popular albums, numerous national television themes, and a mix of live shows and commissioned works for choirs and orchestras.
As a gifted performer, Bestor has performed his popular
ABOUT KURT
to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easy-going manner and rapport with the audience, as well as his distinctive arrangements of Yuletide favorites. When not performing his own music, Kurt spends much of his time arranging music for a myriad of singers and instrumentalists including Kelly O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Jenny Oaks Baker, Megan Hilty, Andrea Bocelli, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Bestor has also performed internationally, conducting and performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and the Estonian National Orchestra, among others. He recently completed a commissioned composition (by AFCO’s Craig Jessop), which is a 5-movement work for choir, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and 2 pianos, titled “John F. Kennedy: Rise, Fall, and Immortality.” It was premiered at the ACDA Convention in Dallas to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination.
His latest album is a classical/jazz-flavored collection titled Kurt Bestor and the Collective “Outside the Lines” which has been released to rave reviews as well as an EP of some of his original Christmas carols.He has plans to compose and produce a new solo piano album in 2018.
Bestor makes his home in Salt Lake City with his wife Petrina and daughter Ella, where they spend much time hiking, skiing, and camping in the picturesque mountains surrounding his home.
30 YEARS AND 32 VERY SPECIAL GUESTS
After a few years of performing “A Kurt Bestor Christmas” with my all-star band and world-class orchestra, I came up with the idea to invite a very special musical guest to join me each. Here is a list of those with whom I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage:
Female Vocalists:
Grammy-award-winning singer Melissa Manchester, 80’s pop star Debbie Gibson, 2-time Oscar-award winner Jennifer Warnes, Celtic Woman singer Alex Sharpe, Youtube sensation Lexi Walker, Israeli singer Liel Kolet, “Countrypolitan” singer Anna Wilson, opera star Genevieve Christianson, and versatile studio singer Jenny Jordan Frogley, LA-based funk/soul singer Eyvonne Williams (aka Phyllis St. James), and Bestor’s Best Singer Search winner Erica Richardson
Male Vocalists:
The Voice Finalist Ryan Innes, Member of Yanni’s “Voices” Nathan Pacheco, Branson favorite George Dyer, Grammy-nominated
singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, Broadway star Dallyn Bayles, American-Idol finalist Jason Castro, Bestor’s Best Singer Search winner Danny Tarasevitch
Instrumentalists:
Grammy-nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker , smooth jazz sax sensation Richard Elliott , Celtic trio Yankee Clipper , Popular Utah Bell Choirs Wesley Bell Rings & Midway Swiss Bell Ringers , Family Celtic Group Kirkmount , Talented violin soloists Aaron Ashton & Charlie Bisharat , Much-sought-after LA session guitarist Grant Geissman
Choirs:
America’s got Talent finalists One Voice Children’s Choir , Utah Favorite The International Children’s Choir , the much-recorded Salt Lake Children’s Choir , Pro Musica, The Sterling Singers, Millennial Choir
Alex Sharpe
Ryan Innes
Genevieve Christianson
Jason Castro
Jonathan Butler
One Voice Children’s Choir
Jenny Oaks Baker
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JENNY OAKS BAKER
America’s
Violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker, is a Grammy Nominated, Billboard No. 1 recording artist, and performer. Whether her music is experienced live or through one of her many recordings, it is impossible to escape the magic of her artistry. Jenny began playing the violin at age four, and made her solo orchestral debut in 1983 when she was only eight years old. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and her Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Jenny Oaks Baker has released fifteen albums as a Shadow Mountain Artist, having sold over half a million copies since 1998. Her album “Wish Upon a Star: A Tribute to the Music of Walt Disney” earned a nomination at the 54th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Jenny’s albums consistently chart on Billboard, with her 2010 album “Then Sings My Soul” hitting the #1 spot on the Top Classical Albums chart two weeks in a row. Her next project, “Noël: Carols of Christmas Past” was produced and arranged by Emmy award winning composer Kurt Bestor and features former “Celtic Woman” star Alex Sharpe. Her latest CD, “Classic: The Rock Album” has also been met by critical acclaim and is yet another Billboard chart-topping album. In April 2016, Jenny’s album, “Awakening”, an album of soul-filling inspirational hymns and classics will be released.
Jenny Oaks Baker’s performance career is equally impressive. She has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Hall, the Library of Congress and as a guest soloist with the National Symphony, Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony, and the internationally acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She has also been featured in television
and radio broadcasts nationwide. Her “In Performance” BYUTV Special Silver Screen Serenade, features Jenny performing music from her album of the same name. Over the years Jenny has collaborated with such luminaries as Gladys Knight, Kurt Bestor, Alex Boye, Marvin Hamlisch, and the former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Jenny’s emotionally stirring music has been featured on the soundtracks of many films, including Helen Whitney’s 2007 PBS Documentary, “The Mormons”, TC Christensen’s films, “17 Miracles”and “The Cokeville Miracle” , and alongside music by “The Killers” in Mitch Davis’ new film, “Christmas Eve”. Additionally, Jenny made her acting debut as the violinist character, Mandy in “Christmas Eve”, a film starring James Roday, Jon Heder and Patrick Stewart.
Recently, Jenny teamed up with Director Danny Drysdale to launch The Jenny Oaks Baker YouTube Channel. The Channel features Jenny’s inspiring and entertaining music videos and enables more people throughout the world to experience the thrill of her music and performance. These videos have been enjoyed by over 5 million viewers and are partially made possible through Jenny’s Patreon.
With her extensive performing and recording careers in addition to her superlative education, Jenny is an esteemed expert and served as a judge for the 2007 Stradivarius International Violin Competition. In April 2008 Governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr. of Utah awarded her the Governor’s Mansion Artist Award for excellence in artistic expression.
For seven years, Jenny Oaks Baker performed as a first violinist in the National Symphony Orchestra before resigning in 2007 to devote more time to her young family. Jenny, her husband, and their four children reside in SLC, UT.
LEXI WALKER
At just 15 years old, Lexi Walker will capture your heart with her magical voice and delightful personality. She has been called ‘America’s Sweetheart’ and a ‘Vocal Sensation’ but whatever you call her, she is sure to entertain and inspire you.
As a SONY recording artist, her explosive young career has included performances
with Kristen Chenoweth, The Piano Guys, and Lindsey Stirling. She has opened shows
CHRISTMAS
WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR
Featuring Orlando Villazon
Sun. Dec. 25, 7PM
Ring in the season with one of the world’s leading tenors, Orlando Villazon, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Orchestra at Temple Square.
One Voice Children’s Choir is comprised of 150 children ages 4-18. Since its inception in 2002, over 500 children have had the opportunity to participate in the choir. One Voice provides children opportunities to cultivate an appreciation for music and share the talents they develop with a global community. Our goal is to provide entertainment, community service
and engagement, and to empower our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow as they deliver uplifting messages to change the world for the better.
Over the past 10 years One Voice Children’s Choir has received many awards including the John Lennon International Music Award and Best of State Award for Best Children’s Performing Group. In 2014 our music video with Alex Boyé was named YouTube’s Top Cover for the year. We continue to produce music videos and you can find them at www. youtube.com/OneVoiceChildren.
DALLYN VAIL BAYLES
DallynVail Bayles is honored to be joining Kurt in another A Kurt Bestor Christmas performance. Bayles performed in the Broadway touring company of The Phantom of the Opera, understudying and performing the roles of the Phantom and Raoul. He played Enjolras on the Broadway tour of Les Misérables, and was part of the show’s China premiere engagement starring
Colm Wilkinson. In New York City, Bayles performed with Stephen Schwartz and Norm Lewis in the industry reading of Children of Eden, playing the role of Adam. He has also performed leading roles in several regional theaters across the country, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and locally in Utah. On film, Bayles portrays Hyrum Smith in Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration and Emma Smith: My Story. As a concert soloist, Bayles has performed in Carnegie Hall, and with distinguished performers and musicians such as Frank Wildhorn, Matthew Morrison, Sierra Boggess, Hayley Westenra, Rebecca Luker, the Utah Symphony and (of course) Kurt Bestor. He has soloed several times with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, including at the 85th birthday celebration of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, the 2017 RootsTech Conference, the Deer Valley Music Festival, and on the Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. Bayles has recorded three solo albums, and has songs featured in the films 17 Miracles and Ephraim’s Rescue. Bayles completed his MFA in Musical Theatre at The Boston Conservatory, and received his BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was recently honored to receive the 2017 Utah Governor’s Mansion Performing Artist Award. www.dallynvailbayles.com
Publisher: Mills Publishing, Inc.; President: Dan Miller; Office Administrator: Cynthia Bell Snow; Art Director/Production Manager: Jackie Medina; Graphic Designers: Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer; Advertising Representatives: Paula Bell, Karen Malen, Dan Miller, Paul Nicholas; Office Assistant: Jessica Snow; Administrative Assistant: KellieAnn Halvorsen; Printing: Hudson Printing
A Kurt Bestor Christmas is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, 801.467.9419. www.millspub.com Inquiries concerning advertising should be directed to Mills Publishing, Inc. Copyright 2017.
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
FM Assistive Listening Devices are available f ree of charge at each performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Hearing aid compatible T-Loops are also available. Ask at Coat Check for details.
WHEELCHAIR SEATING
Ample wheelchair seating is available. Please inform Ticket Office representative when making your reservation that you require a wheelchair space or to request curbside assistance.
LATECOMERS
In consideration of patrons already seated, reserved seating will be accessible until curtain, after which alternate seating might be used. During some productions, late seating may not occur until an intermission. When traveling to performances, please allow ample time for traffic delays, road construction and parking.
YOUNG POLICY
As a courtesy to other audience members, please ensure that children at performances are not disruptive during the show. Babes-inarms are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless specifically indicated.
QUIET PLEASE
As a courtesy to performers on stage and to other audience members, please turn off cell
phones, pagers, or any other noisemaking device. Also, please refrain from permitting concession items such as candy wrappers and water bottles to become noisy during the performance.
CLEANLINESS
Thank you for placing all refuse in waste receptacles as you exit the theater.
COPYRIGHT ADHERENCE
Unless otherwise stated and in compliance w ith copyright laws, it is strictly prohibited to take any photographs or any audio or video recordings of the performance.
NEED EXTRA LEG ROOM?
Let us know when making reservations, we can help.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency, please remain seated and wait for instructions. Emergency exits are located on both sides of the house. Please identify the exit closest to your location. (Eccles-only) Patrons in wheelchairs should wheel to the closest elevator to the north or south where red signs read ‘Area of Rescue Assistance.’ Firstresponders will help you exit the building.
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YOUR HOME
New arrivals to enhance the beauty of your home.
Open 11 Hours A Day • 6 Days A Week Monday-Saturday 10am – 9pm • Closed Sundays Shop online at rcwilley.com.
is the presenting sponsor
Thank You to the Eccles Theater Legacy Donors:
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Delta Air Lines
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and City Creek Reserve, Inc.
Ken Gar Automotive Group
Robert H. and Katharine B. Gar
Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation
O.C. Tanner
Dell Loy and Lynnette Hansen
Call-Maggelet Foundation
Wells Fargo
McCarthey Family Foundation
Layton Construction
MUSICIANS
Guitar .................................................................. Michael Dowdle
Bass .................................................................. Carlitos del Puerto
Drums .....................................................................Eric Valentine
Percussion ............................................................... Todd Sorenson
Woodwinds .............................................................. Daron Bradford
Violins .................................................... A aron Ashton, Woonkuo Soon, Kristiana Henderson, Jasmine Campbell, Sara Staples, Brett McCallister
Violas Candace Wagner, Emily Brown
Celli ....................................................... Warren Mueller, Cassie Olson
Contrabass .................................................................. Matt Larson
Flute .................................................................... Jane Wadsworth
Oboe/English Horn ......................................................... Justin Torres
Clarinet/Bass ................................................................. R ay Smith
French Horns ............................................... Kenji Hood, Natalie Douglass
Musican Contractor .................................................. Meredith Campbell
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Special Thanks To: SPONSORS
Mountain America Credit Union
Fox13
FM 100
Utah Media Group
Hotel Monaco
MagicSpace Entertainment
ArtTix
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kevin Raleigh for Black Diamond Performance
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jim Runge
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Matt Endicott – Cornerstone Technologies
SOUND DESIGN / HOUSE ENGINEER
Bob Abeyta (w/ Eric Stoddard – Monitor mixer)
MERCHANDISING and PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Sara Monroe
KURT’S HAIR STYLIST
David Anthony Sargeant
FAZIOLI PIANO PROVIDED BY
Baldassin Performance Pianos
COVER PHOTO
Butch Adams Photography
SPENCER’S
255 South West Temple, SLC.
Whether it’s before or after the show or an evening dinner with friends and family—enjoy hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, locally-crafted beers, classically inspired cocktails and an award winning wine list. L,D,ST,C,LL,RA,CC,VS. 801-238-4748
THE NEW YORKER 60 West Market Street. SLC’s premier dining establishment. Modern American cuisine is featured in refined dishes and approachable comfort food. From classic to innovative, from contemporary seafood to Angus Beef steaks – the menu provides options for every taste. Served in a casually elegant setting with impeccable service. Private dining rooms for corporate and social events. Lunch & Dinner. No membership required. L, D, LL, AT, RR, CC, VS. 801.363.0166
SQUATTERS PUB BREWERY 147
West
Broadway SLC. Join us before and after the show for eclectic daily specials and traditional pub favorites such as bacon topped meatloaf, pizzas and a delicious array of burgers, all paired with our world-class beer and welcoming atmosphere. L, S, AT ,LL, D, CC, VS 801-363-2739
MARKET STREET GRILL DOWNTOWN 48 West Market Street. Unanimous favorites for seafood dining, providing exceptional service and award winning. The contemporary menu features the highest quality available. Select from an abundant offering of fresh seafood flown in daily, Angus Beef steaks, and a variety of non-seafood dishes. Open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch. B, L, D, C, AT, S, LL, CC, VS. 801.322.4668
MARTINE 22 East 100 South. Award winning ambience, located in a historic brownstone. Martine offers Salt Lake City a sophisticated dining experience kept simple. Locally sourced ingredients, pre-event $25 three course prix fixe. Extensive bar and wine service. martinecafe.com L, D, T, LL, RA, CC, VS. 801-363-9328
MARTINE 22 East 100 South. Exceptional ambience, located in a historic brownstone. Martine offers Salt Lake City a sophisticated dining experience kept simple. Conveniently located on First South around the corner from the Eccles Theater. Extensive bar and wine service. martinecafe.com L, D, T, LL, RA, CC, VS. 801-363-9328
OYSTER
