Family - it’s a word, thanks to advertisers, that has taken on a tired meaning at times with “family pack,” “family-sized,” and “familyfriendly” adorning packaging and advertising. Here in Utah, the locals greet each other with a hearty “Hello Brother Jessop” accompanied by a bone-crushing handshake as they stand in line at the local Sodalicious. And other than the yearly “suitable for family” Disney blockbuster (like “Frozen” - can we just Let it Go already?!), movies with the “family” or G-rated designation are sometimes the box office kiss of death. But tonight on the occasion of my 32nd year of A Kurt Bestor Christmas , “family” seems to be the first word that comes to mind.
It was my immediate family that first heard the strains of my carol arrangements which became an Airus Christmas , the album that started this concert adventure. Their continued love and support means the world to me. Then it was my close-knit musician “family” that helped me present the music on that album and others and who now perform it with me yearly here on stage. The production “family” - from management & tour support, audio and lighting crews to the PR & advertising folks and the hard-working stage crew - all have become my production “brothers and sisters” a indispensable “family” who pulls this production off year after year.
And finally, knowing that, with so many choices of holiday shows that are produced and are brought here to Utah, you’ve chosen to attend my show with your loved ones, I can officially add you all to my Yuletide “family.” (Now just don’t send me one of those Christmas family newsletters!)
I hope you enjoy the show tonight and I want to wish you all a joyous Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Kurt
(*The show tonight is dedicated to my father Rollie Bestor who passed away earlier this year.)
Kurt Bestor is an Emmyaward-winning and Grammynominated 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 Christmas shows for 30 years to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easygoing 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,
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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 2019.
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.
Unmatched Academic Results
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Holladay (801) 278-4797
4555 South 2300 East
Salt Lake (801) 487-4402
1325 South Main Street
Sandy (801) 572-1910
10685 South 1000 East
Lehi (801) 407-8777
3920 N. Traverse Mountain Blvd.
West Jordan (801) 565-1058
2247 West 8660 South
NATHAN PACHECO
Nathan Pacheco is a classically trained tenor who has a passion for reaching out and uplifting people through music. He has been featured globally in live performances, including touring the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Yanni; performing with Latin singing sensation Olga Tañon; touring England, Scotland, and Wales with Katherine Jenkins and the National Symphony Orchestra; performing for Prince Charles in conjunction with the British Forces Foundation and the USO; and performing with the San Diego and Miami Symphonies.
Introducing Nathan Pacheco and Christmas with Nathan Pacheco began airing on PBS in 2012. Nathan has also been featured prominently in broadcasts with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Katherine Jenkins, and Yanni. He has been featured on
multiple Yanni recordings, including the latest album Inspirato, where Nathan was featured alongside Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, and other opera stars.
Nathan’s debut album was released in 2012 by Disney Pearl, an affiliate of Disney Music Group. His second album, Nathan Pacheco II, was released on Valentine’s Day 2015. Nathan collaborated with David Archuleta in November 2015 to release “The Prayer,” which quickly climbed to #3 on the holiday charts on iTunes. And in 2016, David and Nathan performed together for a largely sold-out Christmas tour. Nathan produced and arranged his first sacred songs album, Higher, which was released in February 2017 and was ranked #1 on Billboard for best classical and classical/crossover album. His latest album release My Prayer was released earlier this year.
By Tim Baker
AUDIENCE INFORMATION
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
FM Assistive Listening Devices are available free of charge at each performance on a first-come, firstserved 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-in-arms 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 with 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.’ First-responders will help you exit the building.
Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Ken Magleby, Katie Steckler, Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design; Paula Bell, Karen Malan, Dan Miller, Paul Nicholas, Chad Saunders Advertising Representatives; Jessica Alder, Caleb Deane, Administrative Assistants.
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Percussion
Woodwinds
Violins
Violas
Celli
Contrabass
Flute/Picc/Alto
Oboe/English Horn
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
French Horns
Musician Contractor
MUSICIAN CREDITS
Carlitos del Puerto
Donald Barrett
Todd Sorenson
Daron Bradford
.Aaron Ashton, Woonkuo Soon, John Shin, Maria Dance Clayton, Jakob Hofer, Cymrie Van Drew
Candace Wagner, Rebecca Suetzle
Cassie Olson, Nicole Pinnell
Ben Henderson
Jeannine Goeckeritz
Justin Torres
Ray Smith
.Kenji Hood, Natalie Douglass
Meredith Campbell
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Special Thanks To: SPONSORS
Nate Wade Suburu
Minky Couture
FM 100
Utah Media Group
Hotel Monaco
MagicSpace Entertainment
ArtTix
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kevin Raleigh for Black Diamond Performance
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Eric Frankhouser
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Matt Endicott – Cornerstone
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
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
IN THE AIR AND ON THE GROUND.
Proud to support Eccles Theater.
Give Lake City
By Ryan Mack, Downtown Alliance
When enjoying the holiday magic in downtown Salt Lake City, generous Utahns are often prompted to help people who need shelter, a meal, warm clothing or health care. There are wonderful service providers in our community that reach out daily to those in need and are truly helping by providing shelter, healthcare, clothing and meals. This holiday season, we encourage you to join our service
providers and give back to those in need. Here are six ways to give direct support to effective service providers during the holiday season. You can give knowing that your gift will truly help those in need.
Home4change.org — Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation:
During the holiday season, you can double your donation when you give to Home 4 Change. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Miller Family Foundation, every dollar you donate here will be matched, dollar for dollar, until the $10 million dollar goal is reached.
Give at home4change.org
HOST (Homeless Outreach Service Team):
The Homeless Outreach Service Team, aka HOST, is a partnership with the SLCPD and homeless service providers to connect homeless individuals with social services and resources. 100% of donations go to the Pamela J. Atkinson foundation and are dispersed to local homeless services providers.
Give at slchost.org
OUT ON THE TOWN dining guide
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
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
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
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
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
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
BENIHANA 165 S. West Temple. Benihana serves exceptional steak, chicken, seafood and more grilled to perfection by theatrical chefs who prepare your meal on the hibachi grill. You can also enjoy fresh sushi to complement your teppan meal or as a meal in itself in the spacious sushi bar. Wine, beer, sake and cocktails are available as are specialty non-alcoholic beverages. Benihana is located within easy walking distance to the Eccles Theater and Capitol Theatre. L. D. S, DL, T, C, RA, CC 801-322-2421 | benihana.com
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. 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
SPENCER’S 255 South West Temple, SLC. Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and Best of State for Fine Dining, enjoy locally sourced Prime steaks and sustainable seafood dishes from Executive Chef Sebastian Lowrey. Seasonal cocktails, inspired desserts, and exceptional service complement your meal. L, D, S, T, LL, RA, CC, VS. 801-238-4748 | Reservations at Opentable.com
165 S., West Temple “Best of State” Downtown offers the finest, most authentic Mexican cuisine north of the border. Smokey, decadently tender chile verde, mouth-watering enchilada suizas, and nearly a dozen “Holy Moles” highlight a comprehensive menu. Try an awardwinning “Iguanarita”, or a glass of our Blue Iguana wine. Celebrating 21 years! L, D, S, LL, VS. 801-533-8900
MELLOW MUSHROOM 1080 E 2100 S in the heart of Sugar House is proud to serve delicious pizza, hoagies, calzones and salads. We also have gluten free and lacto-ovo vegetarian pizzas and salads! Fresh ingredients used to bring you the best stone-baked to order pizza in an electric, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. We feature several local breweries on draft and bottle beers totaling over 100 different beers, we also feature craft cocktails and wines. L, D, S, T, C, LL, RA,CC, VS
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
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
Candy Cane Corner:
The Candy Cane Corner provides a holiday shopping experience for families participating in services at the YWCA, the Road Home and VOA Youth Resource Center. Shoppers can pick out a variety of toys and clothes to give one another and stay warm during the cold winter months.
See their top 10 donation needs and give at candycanecornerslc.org
Giving Machine:
In the lobby of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, you’ll find two vending “giving” machines stocked with philanthropic opportunities. You can choose from local and global giving options that range from food and medicine to soccer balls, eye care and more.
Utah Food Bank:
Last year, the Utah Food Bank distributed 32.7 million meals. Organize your family and friends and hold your own food drive or donate at any Harmons grocery store. Cash donations allow the food bank to buy in bulk and provide more meals for more people.
Give at utahfoodbank. org
Volunteer:
Many Utah service providers rely heavily on volunteer work to operate their programs. Serve dinner or help with activities and programming. Learn more about service providers that accept volunteers at the HOST website.
We hope you enjoy the show! Follow us on social media @ downtownslc for more holiday tips.
