Photo: The Shellster
Boy, O Boy, Boise!
Forgive me, but I must start this recap on a personal note for you to understand just how much David Archuleta’s Boise concert meant to me, and just how fantastic it was from every perspective.
My many adventures in life have been mired in a multitude of maladies, the worst of it coming in recent months. I am ailing, with lots of pain; and I will try to say no more about that, except it means I was limited to one concert for David’s Christmas tour, not exactly my usual agenda when David is nearby. I jumped for joy when I saw Boise on the tour schedule, knowing that I could be there somehow. And I was. So was David, in all his fineness. Blessed therapy.
Boise has been a little slow to adopt David. The city does not lie within that stretch of territory known in these parts as the “Mormon Corridor,” places where David has reconnected with his faithful fan base and is working hard to stretch his wings once again.
Boiseans love their country music and hard rock. I wasn’t sure how this tour offering would sell here, but I certainly underestimated the locals. A sellout! Every. Single. Seat. Not only that, some overheard pre-concert comments from the crowd waiting in the foyer let me know that more than a few people were there to hear David live for the first time. The merchandise table was busy, busy, busy. I’m so proud of you, Boise!
My husband and I made our way to the front row and were not surprised to see familiar fan faces sitting there too. Welcome to Boise! I love you all!
Nathan Pacheco opened the show as David’s guest. Other than “The Prayer,” I am not familiar with Nathan’s work. It is music of a different genre of course, but much there to appreciate. Nathan engaged the crowd quickly, organizing singalongs in a genial and lighthearted manner. He completed his set with “Little Drummer Boy” and David made his own entrance to join him before it was over.
I can never accurately recall David’s set lists. Just know that I do not miss a second of what is going on. From the very moment David began, he was a tireless troubadour of monumental proportions. As often as I have seen him in concert, I will never get over being amazed at this particular facet of his talent.
He sang, he soared. He swept us to places of tenderness, and then he raised us up to join him in unrestrained and heartfelt praising for all that Christmas means to him. David Archuleta lives inside these songs and invites us to visit him there. Like many of you, I go willingly.
I love how David is still real, with foibles just like the rest of us, which he does not hesitate to acknowledge, much to our amusement. One of these moments occurred when David brought guitarist Brady Bills to center stage. They both sat on stools and David introduced the song “Mary, Did You Know?” as Brady began to play a hauntingly beautiful introduction.
David was into it, listening and swaying to Brady’s music. David’s cue, and he began singing in that soft husky voice he can do, “Mary, Did You Know….? Pause. Longer Pause. He turned to the audience with the most astonished look on his face and simply announced, “I completely forgot the words!” He looked toward Brady (who was laughing) for some help, but Brady had a look that said, “Hey, Bud, I don’t know the words either. I’m just the guitar guy here.” Hilarious and charming at the same time. They started over. It was lovely, perfectly lovely.
During “Riu Riu Chiu,” my phone kept buzzing in my pocket. Concerned there was an emergency, I checked to see who was calling. It was Youngest Daughter in Las Vegas who had forgotten where I was. I simply turned the phone on and let her hear the music so she would remember, and then I disconnected when the song ended. I got a text from her later: “Sorry, but I sure called at the right time. I love how David sings that song. Thanks for letting me listen.”
Ha! I love to share.
Just a few quick impressions that are lingering, although there will be not end to the reminiscing for days to come:
“Melodies of Christmas.” It seemed to take on a new up tempo life. Lots of fun.
“Numb” was especially strong, impressive.
“The First Noel” WOW!
“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” How does he do that? Play it again, Sam.
“Pat a Pan” and…
Oops, I’m starting to make a list and I shouldn’t. It could go on forever. It was a glorious concert, top to bottom, side to side, in and out, over and under. I was there in person and now I’m searching for videos to relive what I can.
Two more personal side notes if you don’t mind: I was sitting in the front row, dead center. During “Melodies of Christmas,” David jauntily bounced to the center of the stage and stayed there. After a few seconds, we made eye contact, but he lingered. It was actually awkward until I suddenly realized he was trying to get me to smile. Once I did, he smiled back and moved on. Smile medicine for your pain, people. Better than a spoonful of sugar.
Second: My macho, jock-loving son who has reluctantly allowed me to prattle on about my ODD, and once (rather sarcastically) declared David to be his “surprise little brother,” brought his entire family to the show. This was no small feat, as he and his wife have nine children, ages 4-18.
Unfortunately, their oldest, the Lovely Emily, my frequent concert buddy, missed the event because she was out of town and her return flight was delayed. Still, it was a joyous surprise to see them all there, the surprise they intended it to be, decided on with a unanimous family vote.
They had come not only to listen to David, but to support me in something that gives me peace and pleasure. It was a loving gesture and now a cherished memory that couldn’t have come at a better time. Ahhh, Christmas! Sorry if I sound all serious and sentimental, but can you imagine what kind of an evening this was?
And then we got to the encore.
“The Prayer” was beautiful as expected; but David’s rendition of “O Holy Night” was so pure and perfect, it took my breath away. I have never heard it sung better. He was at the very center of the music and the message. I wept. I was not the only one.
“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” One of them sang in Boise. Happy Holidays, everyone!
–TaterZen
p.s.
Awesome article is awesome…. featuring the illustrious @roxfox01!!!!!!!:
p.p.s.
Shelley’s Boise videoooooos!!!!
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SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
TaterZen,what a great evening you must have had! Not only to see, hear, and feel David’s Christmas Spirit, but to have the blessed blessing of having part of your family there to share it with you!! I love it!! As usual, your recap has captured your time with David so well that I’m sure that I just heard you sniffle and wipe a tear away during OHN. I don’t think the meanest person on earth could go through that song and not be moved to be a more kind person. As the last note fades away, and David comes back from ‘his place’, and smiles that beautiful smile hearts are touched.
I hope you get feeling stronger soon and wish you a beautiful Christmas season. ♥♥
This whole recap….just this!! Sigh…❤️❤️
TaterZen, thank you so much for your wonderful recap! An incredible evening for you for sure and how terrific that so many of your family were there! I can understand how meaningful it all was, on so many levels. David….never, ever disappoints, instead slays everyone (or sleighs) with bells on, if you like. “From the very moment David began, he was a tireless troubadour of monumental proportions.” Love that and he truly is.
Love reading your recaps and so glad that you were there in Boise and that you had some
“smile medicine for your pain”, yes….some of the best medicine. Hope you feel better more and more. Thanks so much for sharing and inviting us in to absorb some of your very special concert experience.
Love the videos! Every one so good. Grateful. OHN. Wow. Happy Holidays. 🙂
TaterZen, I love your recap! It’s the next best thing to being there. I hope and pray that you will feel better soon. I’m so glad you had this fabulous concert experience.
I saw that David had a cameo in James the Mormon’s video of “Joy to the World”. I’m hoping there will be a music video for “My Little Prayer”. Don’t forget that David is releasing “My Little Prayer” on December 8!
GrammyJ, Isn’t “My Little Prayer” already released? I’m confused, I guess, because the CD is selling at the shows. Is it that it isn’t released on iTunes, etc., and that’s what will happen on the 8th? Can you clear up a befuddled brain? 🙂
The video release maybe???
{((((((Tates}}}}}} Loved every word of your recap even though it seriously messed up my mascara, lol.
The image of David trying to get you to smile makes me smile, big time! Thank you for this! <333333
And if you have any tissues left after Taterzen’s recap, you’re gonna need ’em for this:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNsSdsth_J9/
So perfect, thank you! !
Aw Tater I always enjoy your recaps. Your perspective always describes very familiar experiences. And with family is the best ❤ I know how you feel about Boise. Logan is usually hopped over from Davis Co. to Idaho, but Merry Christmas to my little valley he is landing here for the 1st time (well since he was 11). I’m having those same responsible feelings and hope our little town and auditorium can deliver. Was getting nervous about ticket sales, driving hubby nuts with my talk of spreading posters everywhere, but before I knew it, we sold out. Thanks for mentioning his little brain cramp on MDYK, reminding us all he really is human. That’s why I keep on my ipod the live recording of Pat-a-Pan at Abravanel when they lost the sound of the band. I was there and loved how everyone cheered for him and started clapping to encourage him along as he paused then bravely continued in spurts, with a little giggle, then finished in all his realms of glory.
Your 1st row moment was awesome! I’ll be on the 2nd, but will have my smile ready just in case, but of course I’ll take my time hoping for a linger-longer 😉 And I hope you get feeling better! !
TaterZen,
Thank you for the beautiful recap! I’m so sorry for the pain you are going through. I think most of know what you mean by his music being therapeutic. I just read what someone wrote about Dame Judi Dench – “she is an embodiment of solace” and thought about David. His voice, interpretations, his message, his presence, at least what he shares with us are all uplifting and intoxicating.
I’m so glad that you got to go. I wish you good recovery!
TaterZen/Eileen, you are truly one of my favorite people I follow on Twitter, with your upbeat attitude and quick wit! And puns. I’m a sucker for puns. So sorry to hear you’re not feeling well — I’ll include you in my prayers!
This is a beautiful recap from a beautiful lady! ((((hug))))
Thanks so much for your insights and sharing with us
The pic of you and mr tater and the grandkids! What a sweet moment!
So happy David could make you smile!!
Love Amber’s comment (“Prepare yourself” ~Ike)…and not just ‘cuz we share a birthday. 😍
I loved your concert recap, Taterzen! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. How wonderful that you were able to see David from the front row while surrounded by the love of your family! I was able to see him in Indianapolis for the first time in 6 years, and it was truly magical and breathtaking. Each time I watch a video of David singing O Holy Night, I think that he can’t possibly sing it any better……and then he does! Sending well wishes your way that your health improves.
Loved reading this recap again, so much from the heart and inspiring! Something else inspiring, David’s “My Little Prayer”.
Just bought from Itunes and honestly, it couldn’t have been sung and arranged more sweetly, sincerely and more beautifully! So lovely to listen to.
Just beautiful
Love that he told the whole story of how it was written in his IG post…talk about following your dreams!
And it’s #1 on the Amazon hot new releases chart and this!
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BNv4ulshxP0/
Lots of lovely comments on the video, but this one might be my favourite:
“actual scarf goals”
I’m so happy that when I guessed there was going to be a music video for “My Little Prayer” that I was right! I’m hoping he keeps releasing his music as singles with a music video. I love his music video for “Numb” and “My Little Prayer” as they are beautifully done. It’s great that “My Little Prayer” is doing so well in the single getting purchased and the video gaining views.
I doubted your guess, Grammyj. I didn’t see how they could pull it together so quickly with everything going on. You were right, and it is a beautiful depiction for this tender song. I am happy that it is appealing to so many too!
I wanted to also say thanks to all of you for your kind comments on the recap, and especially for your well wishes. I have said it many times before, but it is still true–David’s fans are the best. The very best.
Taterzen, Lovely recap. Love the picture of the family and all your words about the concert and David. I also hope your aches and pains go away 🙂 I enjoyed visiting with you in St George again, hopefully we can do it again next fall 🙂