More Christmas Fun in Salt Lake

Last Monday, we attended the Nathan Pacheco concert down at Abravanel Hall. We first had some yummy curry/rice dishes at the City Creek Food court, before heading to the concert.

These are the SLC Light of the World Giving Venting machines.  The lines were too long to make a stop tonight (and too wet when we returned to Salt Lake on Friday night for another event.)

Waiting for the show to start.  Just walking into the hall reminded me of the great Voice Male concerts we have attended here as well as other great performances.  We are lucky to live near enough to Salt Lake to enjoy these types of events from time to time.

The story about this concert is that when I was creating my "Christmas list" for Gary this year, I thought that one concert that I would like to see is one by Nathan Pacheco.  I decided to google and see where he might be performing in 2025 so that I could suggest Gary plan a weekend trip to attend a concert, thinking maybe La Vegas or Denver.  The first one that popped up was his Salt Lake City concert on Dec. 23--so I promptly bought three tickets for us and LATER told Gary about "his" Christmas present for me.  (And actually going to Salt Lake was much cheaper that heading to Denver)

It was a good concert and I was so glad to be there.  The first half mostly centered on some of musical music that he is known for, plus he shared some songs he was written.  The second half was focused on Christmas music and all of the hymns/carols except for one centered on Jesus Christ.  (He sang "I am dreaming of a white Christmas" as the lone non-religious song.)  Near the end, he sang, "I Believe in Christ." which was amazing and so powerful.  The audience gave him a standing ovation.  It was perfect for his voice.  You can google him and the hymn title and hear him sing it yourself but it won't be as amazing as sitting in the audience and seeing him and hearing him in person.  If you ever have a chance to hear him in concert, do it!!

One carol he sang was "Come All You Unfaithful"--I loved it as well.  Here are the lyrics-

O come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable
Come, know you are not alone
O come, barren and waiting ones
Weary of praying, come
See what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you

O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
O come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you

He's the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
He's the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe

So come, though you have nothing
Come, He is the offering
Come, see what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you

Isn't that great!  Truly, God and His Son call to us constantly and unceasingly TO COME!

Then Friday night, the three of us headed down for one last performance of the 2024 Christmas season.  We saw Shrek the Musical at the Eccles Theatre.  It was fun.  I don't know how people can sing with such intensity for basically two hours almost straight.  It had funny lines like the show but also had its own flavor. the actors who played Shrek and the Donkey were especially good.

I have mentioned this before, but how blessed we are that people are willingly to work hard and develop their talents to share with us--whether singing, dancing, acting, or however!  They delight and move us in many different ways.  They add a richness to my life that I am grateful for (and I am so glad that I have a spouse who supports us in these things. Thanks, Gary.)