I have long wanted to research both sides of my family tree but hadn’t yet found the time. So during my trip to Utah to this once-in-a-lifetime event, aka MoTab starring David Archuleta, I decided that I would try and jump-start my journey into the past. Little did I know that researching my family tree would bear such a bounty of joy, fun and friendship come concert time.
So “we” visited the Family History Center so that I could learn how to begin the process. I say “we” because my two friends, omgdavid and Lorna were happy to go but let’s just say that they didn’t share the same interest.
As luck would have it, the Center had a huge TV that was showing MoTab Christmas show re-runs. As you might guess, they were easily entertained while a nice man named Jim directed me to a computer and said, “I need a name and approximate year of birth and if you got a state that would be great!” Before I knew it, we went from my Granny (one of the greatest women to ever live) to her grandfather in less time than it takes David Archuleta to hunker-down during “My Hands”!
David fan family tree takes root.
Next thing you know, I’d found my great-great grandparents — John (a blacksmith from Germany), his wife Emma and their children Mary, Joseph, John, Charles, Leopold* and Willie — back in 1880. When we got to their records, my time-traveler guide Jim said, “This is where it gets tricky as we have to go to the German records!”
As tempted as I was to catch the red eye to Germany with Jim, I let him know that my friends were being patient but that we had to leave to attend the MoTab Christmas show starring David Archuleta!
Jim said with an excited expression, “You got tickets!?” At this point omgdavid and Lorna had joined me and we all said “YES!” Jim had indicated that he had wanted to go but didn’t get tickets. Lorna, omgdavid and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement. You see, due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up having one extra ticket. We decided to find a special person to give this ticket to once we arrived in Utah. We had two conditions: 1. That the person wasn’t attending any other MoTab concert; and 2. That they loved David’s music. Thrilled to find someone who fulfilled both conditions, we offered Jim our extra ticket.
Jim was reluctant to go without his wife (who happened to be standing there). Her face brightened as she told us, “My sister is in line right now trying to get tickets to see David and she vowed to stand in line every night trying to get tickets. You see she just loves David and would do anything to see him sing with the Choir.” Perfect, we thought! Jim’s wife placed a call to her sister, Jane, and we were advised that Jane was on her way…pronto!
Of course I had never met Jane and many, many people turned the corner that were a demographic match but the minute she turned the corner I said to Jim, “Is that Jane?” and he said, “How did you know?” Simply put, it was the look of anticipation that someone has when they know they are going to see David perform … yup, I had seen that same look on many different faces, many times before.
We were introduced to Jane and we asked if she would like our ticket and she said she would love to go! She later admitted that she left her husband in the stand-by line and as she rushed to meet us had moments of guilt that she would take one ticket and that her husband wouldn’t get a ticket. But she met us and held the ticket and said, “What the heck, he didn’t want to go as bad as I did … besides he only cares about my happiness and this makes me very happy!”
Turns out that Jane is a pianist for the LDS church and has loved David since Idol. Jane stood in line with us and was a real trooper. We finally got to our seats, which were fantastic. We helped Jane figure out the picture function on her cell phone and she called her daughter who turned out to be quite jealous! Without a doubt, Jane was beyond excited and a true fan girl. She was so happy to be there and she thoroughly enjoyed each time that David was on the stage. We actually thought we heard some squees!
As we waited for the show to begin, we took the time to meet some of our other concert neighbours. Sitting close to us were two sisters and one of them brought her five kids to the show. One sister played an instrument for the MoTab Orchestra but couldn’t play in the show due to doctor’s orders regarding her pregnancy. She did say, “Oh isn’t David cute,” (translation: nice, cute, young etc. etc. etc.). Her sister stated that her top three singers are Céline Dion, Josh Groban and Michael Bublé (in that order). She also stated that no one makes her feel music like Céline Dion. I’ll cut to the chase: I think Utah’s entire inventory of Kleenex was used by these two sisters during David’s “Silent Night.”
There was another lady sitting by Lorna who, every time David appeared on the stage, would begin to sob. Every. Single. Time. Not teary eyed, not tears trickling down her face … gut-wrenching gale-force sobbing.
I’m going to avoid the challenge of trying to describe the show … simply because you cannot describe the indescribable. As David has done time and time again, he was an expectation buster. You know what that is … you have such high expectations before going to see David perform and yet each and every time those expectations are blown away. The difference this time was that David did so on a magical stage during a magical season. His joy was so palpable … so infectious.
When the show had ended, we stood there for a bit in amazement trying to process what we just witnessed. We then gave our new friend Jane a big hug and told her that we couldn’t have wished for a better person to share the experience with us. We started to walk up the steps to leave the Center. As we got halfway up the steps, Jane met her friends. All 10 of her friends exclaimed in unison, “You got in the show!?!?! How did you get in???”
It was obvious that they knew she was determined to get in and they were happy that she was successful. As we approached they kept exclaiming, “How did you get in? How did you get in?” Soon we were at their row and we hugged Jane one more time and said goodbye. As we walked away we heard her sharing her story. In that moment I felt like one of Santa’s Elves hopping on his sleigh after giving a gift so special to someone who was so appreciative. Interestingly enough, the Santa is this story has an immaculate voice, beautiful golden green eyes and an aura that glows much brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
— KT
*I can’t tell you how jazzed I am to have a relative named Leopold!
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
{{{KT}}} AMAZING story! I absolutely loved it! So great to be able to share the gift of David with someone like Jane 🙂
So good to have met you, omgdavid and Lorna in Utah! And awesome about your ancestors, that is so cool to find out!
I am seriously LOVING the endless Motab recaps! We could recap until September when the DVD comes out and I’d be perfectly happy 😀 I just got back to school last night and told all my friends (who would listen, lol) all about it!
haha “friends who will listen” are keepers!!!
Great to have met you too. Were headed to Canada if David gets there!
KT – aka Mrs. Santa? Do some of us believe that “behind every great man is an even greater woman”?
I’m with abanana, I love these truly heartwarming MoTab accounts.
“the Santa is this story has an immaculate voice, beautiful golden green eyes and an aura that glows much brighter than Rudolph’s nose.” love this.
KT – Beautiful recap. So great to see you.
*Waves to omgdavid and Lorna*
KT, you are one aMAZing storyteller! If Michael York had needed an understudy, I’d have nominated YOU! 😆
What a sweet, heartwarming, funny, fun tale of the generosity, kindness and kookiness of David fans … love you guys!!! And this, “Before I knew it, we went from my Granny (one of the greatest women to ever live) to her grandfather in less time than it takes David Archuleta to hunker-down during “My Hands”! 😆
*waves to Lorna & omgdavid, wherever you are*
“KT, you are one aMAZing storyteller! If Michael York had needed an understudy, I’d have nominated YOU!” <–Yes .. this!
TOfan and Trish! Haha thanks but IF Mr. York needed an understudy and I was called to serve I would have canceled the entire segment and said we needed MORE David Archuleta! Of course, no offense Mr. York it’s that there is no beatin’ the Archuleta.
KT, I loved, loved, loved your story! What fun. If I could have gone to MOTAB, I would SO have been one of the sobbing women. I someday will actually get to SLC because my husband is really keen to do research on his family. So great that y’all could give a ticket to someone who truly appreciated it!
Thank you! Well then I will be sure not to tell you so you don’t have to tell your husband that there are research centers throughout the country. Another thing my time traveling friend taught me! I want to make sure nothing prevents you from getting to Utah if that is your goal!
KT !!!!!!!$$$ 😉
What a heartwarming wonderful story … You are an AMAZING recapper 🙂 thanks so much for sharing!! Always LOVE reading these recaps <3333 makes my day!!! :))
And I'm SOOO jazzed that your JAZZZED!! And you used the word jazzed!!! "Leopold" very cool indeed! 🙂
Love .. Hugs .. and *waves* to all !
Ahh: My friend Trish!!%$#&#^#(#*@@$$$$$$$$$$!!!:):)<3<3<3
I'm glad you enjoyed! Jazzed and Leopold just seemed to go together like bread and butter.
I can see the conversation now:
Emma: John I am pregnant!
John: Oh how wonderful! But Emma we have already have Mary, Joseph, John and Charles so let's be a little daring with this child and call him Leopold!
Emma: ummmm OK…I guess!
I also want to say I LOVE the leadin David/Motab picture you used for the story!!! Look at that HAPPY face !!! Yay!
The picture handiwork is ALL TOfan and yes she does mighty fine work!
Wowzers KT this is such a lovely story and you tell it sooo well (((you))). Love your humour!!! So glad that your extra tic was able to make someone’s wish come true!
What memories, and what blessings to know all of you>>> miss you guys.
Love the tree pic caption “David fan family tree takes root” aaaawww (((hugs)))
Thanks Ref! Pic Caption is all TOfan but it is perfect!
KT, Awesome recap! Can’t stop from smiling ……This is so wonderful! I love reading all of these great experiences. Makes me feel like I was there. Only I know it was way more awesome than I could ever imagine. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story! thanks! [hugs}
You are welcome!
KT!!!!!! been waiting for your recap. Thanks your story has brought me back to Utah & meeting all the wonderful DA fans from Canada (TOfan, refnaf, awestruck, sunshine, abanana), Kizzi, SB, SF & Trish… I love you all.
oops! how rude of me, hello everyone.
Hi my traveling friend!
VLOGGG!!!!!!! (I was hoping for one out in the snow! 🙂 )
(Confession: Was holding my breath thinking his cat was going to… well, you know! 😆 )
More info: Decided to do this video blog outside. Went snowboarding this week and it was awesome! Sorry I kept getting distracted by the cat. He’s a cool cat though. Also just went over the challenge last week of trying different foods.
Tags:
Snow snowboarding katsu cat food david archuleta ethnic nationality culture
“cat food” *snickers*
*waves hello to everyone I’ve met and haven’t met yet*
KT, great recap – “memories, like the corners of my mind….”
I just love visiting this site where everyone is always so positive. Now bring on that dang tour!!!! haha!
Hi other traveling friend. Yes the 3 Utahteers
Hello Daizdm, Abanana, Awestruck, Kizzi, TOfan, Trish, Bluebird19, Refnaf, MunkFOD, Omgdavid and Lorna! Thanks so much for your comments and I am so glad that you are enjoying the memories of our experience! I appreciate all your kind words!
KT. You are most welcome and thanks again for sharing! 😀 I don’t know people here very well, but I lurk every day and I love it! 😀
hey, Munk, you’re more than just a “hoverer”! 🙂
Amazing! 🙂
KT,
Loved your story! Similar scenarios took place many times over that weekend, but your story just made me feel so good & so happy for “Jane”. And I just happened to be listening to The Cat & The Mouse Carol as I read your story which made it sweeter.
Thank you for sharing. 😀
I was just wondering if the MOTAB Committee has considered having David as their guest performer again for a future Christmas concert…or has that ever been done? I know it’s such a great honor to be invited to perform with the MOTAB Choir for their world famous Christmas Concert and I imagine they already have a performer in mind for this year, but what about next year! I would LOVE to hear David sing some of the other songs from his CFTH with the Choir, like Pat-a-Pan, Ave Maria, O Holy Night, & for his Latino fans, Riu Riu Chiu! 😀
SF, I’m with you & abanana, I think he will be back some day! After watching JR’s press conference vids, I got the feeling they’d ask him every year if they could.
Maybe when he brings out his next Christmas album? 🙂
I so hope they’ll invite him to perform with them again, and maybe this time I’d be able to attend ! I listen to the Cat and The Mouse Carol almost everyday, it’d be cool if next year they re-released CFTH and add it as a bonus song (with a new cover too lol).
That’s a great idea, zami … and while they’re at it, they can take a new Christmas CD cover shot! 😆
KT, thank you for sharing your awesomeage story! I’m really lovin’ it!! Like MunkFOD, I don’t know many of you here very well, but I love this site and your great, great posts and comments.
I’m so glad you found your kind of perfect to give your extra ticket to. ❤
Tawna
{{{Tawna}}}
KT, you are recapper extraordinairre! Great story, loved every word!
“expectation buster”… you came up with words to describe him that haven’t already been said, that is not easy to do, lol!
Tofan, maybe he did too, that was about when he moved the camera, lol!
hahaha, just watched again… I think you’re right, emme!
SF – I bet you anything he’ll be back. Might not be for while, but I bet they’ll invite him back. No idea if that’s ever been done, but I just have a feeling it’ll happen.
KT…really enjoyed reading your story, always interesting researching your family tree too! Love the MoTab stories and really loved reading about finding a wonderful recipient for your extra ticket, how wonderful for Jane. Like abanana, I’m loving the endless MoTab recaps too, will never tire of them. Thanks for your great, heartwarming story.
“David fan family tree takes root”……..love that and love the tree, have a great love for big trees!
David blesses us with another vlog and in the snow yet! Pure sweetness, one of my favorite parts…when he talked about taking down the big icicle so it wouldn’t fall on any furry animals. 🙂
That was too much, peppertara! And “don’t be afraid to borrow snowboarding stuff you need”? *dies*
Just saw this comment on the vlog & had to share:
“I wonder if that cat knows that he’s DAVID ARCHULETA’S CAT!!!”
bahahahahaha
Hahahahahahaha that is the most amazing comment! 🙂
Ha, love the comment about the cat. I have a feeling David sings to the cats and they like it. 🙂
Speaking of singing (a little off topic) but I love this fan video by aleximenas. Would love to see David duet with Luis Fonsi, maybe on his upcoming Spanish album one day! They are both big fans of one another and Luis has such nice things to say about David. Boy….there is just something about Latino blood. 🙂
Well…looks like you may have to watch the video on Youtube.
wow, peppertara, would LoVE to hear David cover that song! (Luis is good, but tbh would rather hear D. do it alone! lol) And since he’s mentioned it a couple of times you just know he’s learned the whole dang thing and could probably melt the snow off those Utah mountains if he ever unleashed his version! 😆
Lol, was thinking the same thing, phew!
Thanks peppertara, what a great video. Love Fonsi’s words about David.
Here is a translation of Aqui Estoy Yo In case anyone is interested.
Here I am
I’m here to make you laugh again
trust me, leave your fears behind you and you’ll see
here I am with a kiss burning my lips
is for you, can change your life, let me in
I ask to the sun that a blue star
travel until to you and his light made you fall in love
Here I am, opening you my heart
filling your lack of love, closing the path to the pain
do not fear I will take care of you, just accept me
I am here to give you my strength and my breath
and help you to paint butterflies in the dark, will be real
I want to be the one who revive in you a new feeling
and teaches you to believe and surrender again without measured the hugs you give
I pray to God, a touch of inspiration
to say what you hope to hear from me
Here I am, opening you my heart
filling your lack of love, closing the path to the pain
do not fear I will take care of you, just accept me
Give me your wings, I will heal ’em
and in my hand I invite you to fly
Here I am
(here I am)
opening you my heart
(ay, my heart)
filling your lack of love
(your lack of love)
closing the path to the pain
(to the pain)
do not fear I will take care of you
(I will take care of you)
I will love you always
thanks, emme, I was wondering what the song was about! Soooo beautiful! *sniff*
emmegirl, thanks for posting the lyrics to the song, how beautiful is that. Always sounded lovely to me but reading the words…whoa.
TOfan, have to agree with you, would absolutely love to hear David sing the whole song. My, we know what he did with Contigo and also have to agree “And since he’s mentioned it a couple of times you just know he’s learned the whole dang thing and could probably melt the snow off those Utah mountains if he ever unleashed his version! :lol:”
So true!
Off-topic … here’s a fascinating blog about the future of the music industry (thanks, @rhiminee!):
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2010/12/31/phish-live-from-madison-square-garden/
Fave bit:
“They say rock & roll is dead. But that’s only if you’re listening to the radio, the critics, the prognosticators crunching data. But music isn’t data. Music is alive, it breathes, it’s something that gets inside and possesses you.”
Cool article about David at Fort Wayne on Nov. 20, 2010 – I must have missed seeing it… Interesting how the author compares David to John Mayer
”
David Archuleta punched his ticket to Hollywood by singing “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer, one of his chief influences. That performance was the first step of Archuleta’s journey as a contestant on the seventh season of American Idol — a journey that saw him emerge from the thousands of other hopefuls and ultimately finish as the show’s runner-up.”
Go to the article for more…
http://spacesquarterly.com/?p=930
awesome article, awestruck! Loved the video! & this:
“pop songs injected with substance and soul, the music sensibility that helped make him a star.”
And the last line of the article gave me chills! 🙂
uhhh! I actually missed the video – watching now… the lady singing along with Crush… the crowd!!! Holey Moley!
Love that article too awestruck. Yes, interesting how they compared him to J Mayer. I loved the video too, showed all sides of David, his incredible musical ability, his crowd connection, his heart (loved how they included David talking to elderly Dorothy), interaction with the fans, it was great. Good write up and loved the last lines of the article too!
Tofan, that was an interesting blog to read on the future of the music industry and how it’s changing. Yes and I think David will be part of that change for the better! Interesting too that there are a few on line radio shows now that want to play what they consider ‘good music’ and David is always on the playlist. 🙂
Very interesting articles!!! I missed the vid too, going in for a reread!!! bbl
Check out the must-see sidebar for the Skate for the Heart sneak peek vid of MKOP … gah, beautiful! … And they kept the cameras running for Joannie’s hop up onto the stage to hug David! *sniff*
I hope someone posts it on YouTube so I can share on FB etc. *cough*JR?*cough*
🙂 🙂 🙂
the clarity is amazing when you go to full screen… the close ups gah!
Just ‘cuz…
The Skate For The Heart Vid is gorgeous. My favorite singer along with one of the most amazing, beautiful skaters, sooo….lovely. Have watched that one on repeat…just love it and the hug at the end…perfect! You are right awestruck, watching full screen is wonderful! Looking forward to seeing it on TV.
Love the fabulous My Hands video too…always one of my favorites from the first album and to see David sing that in concert is a special treat. He creates magic with it.<3
KT – amazing story, thanks for sharing! “…UT, inventory of Kleenex…” am LOL at the same time feeling so touched. I too cannot help but get teary every time I listen to his SN @ MOTAB — I still don’t know what it is that makes me so
David Archuleta @ Skate for the Heart singing
My Kind of Perfect
This was originally posted at the mother ship
http://www.davidarchuleta.com/us/news/david-performs-my-kind-perfect-cold-eeze-skate-heart-video
You are the best, JR!!!! Now I can Facebook this gem all over the place! lol
And I think I’ll tweet it to a few Canadian media outlets who I know love Joannie! 🙂 🙂
So cool that Joannie tweeted a link to David’s site and said “courtesy of David” … 😉
You’re always welcome TOFan. After a minute or two of posting the vid, I added Joanne’s name to the title cos I figured that that may open the vid to her fans who can discover our David 🙂
One number am looking forward to is the Fix You interpretation of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto. I have always wondered if David would sing this Coldplay song someday
yes to promo! great ideas both of you!
So glad the Skate for the Heart vid includes the sweet hug that Joannie gave to David at the end…. it was so precious to see! They both did so well >
Wish Melinda worded this tweet a bit differently…. this sounds so ominous “There is nothing for David at this time. As I have said before as soon as we have something to announce we will. Thanks.” < This was her response to a question about David performing 😦
You’re right, Ref, she could’ve worded it differently … this is all I have to say on the subject: 😉
You can
Tell some fans that you will block them
Then pre-tend
You love each and every one
Only when it’s for ‘NSYNC
Are you at all convincing
Why even try
To hide it inside?
You say “nothing for D,” then tell us he’ll be fine
You know we have our doubts
Even when you smile, we don’t believe you
You’re not a very good tweeter
oh, oh, oh, oh
oh, oh, oh, oh
oh, oh, oh, oh
Not a very good tweeter
😆
OMG ! Is it a personal composition ? I was reading-singing it lol ! And ITA about Melinda and her communication skills !
lol, zami, yes, I couldn’t resist … Melinda might be great at her job (I sure hope she is) but she should refrain from having Twitter convos with fans, imho … unless she has some good news for us soon, that is … like touuuuuur!!!!!
bahhah …. Your rock…. lol,
She is def not a very good tweeter, and I agree…. she shouldn’t tweet fans, IMO
Lol, boy, you make it look easy, just off the top of your head like that! Feeling a little inadequate here, haha!
Well, poetic-Elevator-girl, thought you might be pleased to know that one of David’s Z100 Elevator videos has gone from roughly 16000 to 20000 views since the NYEve appearance. Happy it is getting some notice, as I think it is his best! (but that NYE performance isn’t far behind!)
wow, emmegirl, up to 20,000 since NYE?!?!?! That news just made my day, thank you!!! “Elevator-girl” hahaha, nice, I’ll take it!!! 😆
… and to live up to that title…
(((hugs refnaf)))
(((hug))) back!!!
… in happier news, @kariontour (David’s latest tour mgr) tweeted to ask peeps:
“Hey all you Archies out there. I know a lot of you will go anywhere to see David but I am doing a survey to see where you all live. Just tweet me back with your name, city and state!”
(or city and province or country, as the case may be!) 🙂
So go plug your hometowns, guys! HERE.
KKK can we really hope he will come here????? That would shake me up big time, just sayin!!
Yes, definitely had to tweet about my city. TOfan, lol..ing at your song composition! Very good one, haha. Well, at least Kari tweeted something the other day a little less ‘ominous’ I think:
On Thursday 13th January 2011, @kariontour said:
(In reply to anyone)
@awwwrchuleta its time for everyone to regroup! But I love how you said archu-drought but just think its getting ready for new and better things to come!!!
Yes, new and better things to come…I’ll hold that thought. 🙂
emmegirl…love all the views for David’s Z100 Elevator and yes, his NYE appearance definitely created some good buzz!
Hey guys ❤
Sorry I haven't commented in a while – I've been so distracted with stuff. I've been reading everything you all have posted though 🙂
Yesterday I had my first ultrasound, so Pete and I saw the baby! Let me tell you right now; it wouldn't stay still for one second and wiggled around so much you'd think it wanted to get out of there. So I guess it really IS my child… ADHD is in the genes.
Anyways, I've played David's music to it and watched a ton of videos of David, so that David's spirit would go straight to the baby through the umbilical cord. I hope it's working!
Marla, SF, Tawna21, emmegirl, peppertara and jackryan4DA: Thanks so much for your comments and am glad you enjoyed sharing our experience.
TOfan, love your tweet song!
I hope everyone is having a great Saturday. I am getting ready to watch some football.
Catch you all later!
Have missed you, Embe! *hugs* “I’ve played David’s music to it and watched a ton of videos of David, so that David’s spirit would go straight to the baby through the umbilical cord. Now that’s a fan! lolol Better stock up on Totoros & Furbies for the crib! :)))
Not sure where this blogger got his info, but I think STR would make a great single! (My 2nd fave after Elevator… neck-and-neck with TOSOD and MKOP. 🙂 )
http://www.durianboy.com/2011/01/new-david-archuleta-single-stomping-the-rses/
Snarky’s created a ‘site single’ to try to promote DA
embe – your babe is surely gettin’ the right vibes…
thanks, awestruck, very fun!!! & Betsy posted this link to an amazing STR soundcheck … how did I miss this?!?!? (love the “Happy Birthday!” in the middle, lol)
From Being Latino’s Blog, “3 2 Watch in ’11”:
“David is a Honduran-American singer-songwriter who was featured on American Idol. He lost first place, but we’re pleased to know that coming in second doesn’t always mean you’re not a winner.
David has so far released three albums and is currently touring in support of his newest set, The Other Side of Down.
His boyish good looks and his mature vocals make him a standout amongst the other teen singers hailing from the American Idol scene. Although his albums haven’t reached the high hopes one expects from someone who is backed by American Idol, it doesn’t mean they are not great sets. Hopefully, David will find his niche and producers who can really make him a bona fide recording artist.”
Read rest HERE.
embe, keep it up, you are definitely on the right track with your little one. Hope you are feeling well.
tofan, thanks for that STR link! He was killing it from 2:10 on, and effortlessly, I might add. Did you see Ben’s grin after that run starting around 2:14.
I believe it was the soundcheck for this, my fav STR performance to date.
Love that one, emme! Dang, soooo wish I’d made the drive to that show!
New post/thread!
🙂