I had a very interesting time at the Conference Center this weekend. The Osmonds joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for a Pioneer Day celebration.
The last time I was in the Conference Center was to attend the viewing of Pres. Hinckley, which was obviously a very somber occasion. When the Osmonds came out, there were swirling spotlights, clapping, a little bit of country, and a little bit of Rock and Roll. Donny had to remind the audience that it was ok to get a little more rowdy–that we had permission. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who felt it a little odd that there was actually a rock concert in a “house of worship.”
The Osmonds added some spiritual songs, as well as some of their old classics. At one point, it seemed like a Christian concert, and I felt like I was watching the 700 Club, or some sort of Pentecostal church service. I know Pres Eyring was in the audience, and it just seemed really strange to see such a thing in the Conference Center.
The highlight of the evening was to hear the Osmonds sing a song by Kenny Rogers “Through the Years” which included old photos and video clips of all of them growing up. There was even a photo of the boys auditioning for Walt Disney–yes, the actual person–along with clips from the Andy Williams Show from the 1960’s. It was obvious that the song was quite touching to the Osmonds–some of them were quite choked up. At the conclusion of the song, the audience leaped up for a standing ovation.
It was a truly wonderful evening, and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced with the Tabernacle Choir. The Choir finished the night with “Come, Come, Ye Saints.” It’s one of my favorite songs, and the choir always does it so perfectly.
Did anyone else attend? What are your thoughts?
Mormon Heretic 
Yep – I was definitely there! 🙂 And it was definitely a rockin’ good time – complete with Jazz Hands. LOL
What an awesome audience! (Pres. Eyring was clapping right along with the best of ’em, too) What’s great about the Conference Center is that it was designed exactly for these kinds of experiences – in addition to the more solemn. I’m certain President Hinckley would have loved it. I’m very glad that you did, too!
Yes, I forgot to mention the choir did try to act a little like a “gospel” choir, but their imitation will never compare to the dancing black gospel choirs. Somehow, I think our choir members are a little too old and too conservative to really get into it.
I watched this on BYU TV and I would have to agree with you that the choir looked a bit stiff and out of their element. Maybe if Gladys Knight brought some of her people in and coached the Tabernacle Choir they’d get the gospel choir moves down smoothly.
However, it did look refreshing to see the choir not so somber and they sounded great!
I tried to watch but I kept waiting for the pioneer celebration. If I knew it was going to be an Osmond tribute night I would not have watched at all. Marie’s version of “How Great Thout Art” was ……well to be nice……… lacking.