David Archuleta and the Spectacular Spectacular

I am amused by the fact that the online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a “spectacular” as being “something that is spectacular.”

The word is also related to “being a spectacle,” but that was totally my personal category over the weekend, of which I will say but a little. Be glad.

Semantics aside, just know that if you witness something spectacular done spectacularly, you are indeed at a spectacular. I saw it, and he did it, and I am beyond grateful I was there in person.

I would go to all of David’s concerts if I could, and I have gone to many; but I can no longer go without some help. Even then, it takes determination and courage. These days, I tend to buy “just in case” tickets and generally end up selling them. Not this time!

It was very last minute, but everything fell into place for the weekend: a willing husband had free time; our Chicago daughter and two of our granddaughters would be in Provo; fortuitous timing for a business appointment in Salt Lake City; a visit to a beloved aunt who just turned 103; dinner out with four of hubby’s five siblings and their spouses; and more, so much more. See? It was meant to be. A customized blessing. If I could jump, it would be for joy.

On to the show…

In order for me to manage walking, it was imperative for us to park as close as possible to the Marriott Center, so we went quite early to snag a spot. The lot was relatively empty, but we just stayed in the car, feet up, chatting, reading, relaxing… As I think about it now, we must have looked like a couple of confused senior citizens who had lost their way.

When the doors to the venue finally opened, we went in, made a gingerly descent down the stairs, found our seats and sat down. The first thing I noticed was David’s “Numb” video playing on the gigantic scoreboard display over the arena. People were paying attention; and if you have ever wondered if David would look good on the big screen, the answer is somewhere between an inadvertent squeal and a resounding “Yes!”

Any review of the concert would have to include the word “fun.” BYU’s performance groups were having a blast. They were talented, prepared, and BYU smiley. The 90-minute program had the right variety at the right pace.

I enjoyed Colbie Caillat, her down to earth personality, her appreciation for a new experience, and her music. A genuine artist sharing good stuff.

I know many of you watched the concerts by means of various Periscopes (bless those people!) and you continue to watch (repeatedly) any videos that pop up. I can’t add much description to what you have seen and heard.

Being there was definitely an upgraded experience, but it doesn’t take away the stunning effect felt by every fan, wherever they were watching, when David sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” And judging by what I saw at the concert, there are new fans who were equally stunned. How could anyone forget it?

My own reaction was utter speechlessness, a rare occurrence. I was not devoid of feeling, but I sure couldn’t describe it, not adequately anyway. How many times has David performed something and we tend to think, “Wow, he may have peaked with that one,” and then he just goes out and does it again?

One of my favorite things to do at a concert like this is to observe the audience, especially if David’s live performances seem to be new to some of them. He is always much more than they expect him to be. This concert was no different.

The man who sat behind us the first night knew about David, knew he was popular in Utah and wondered out loud if David was “always invited to these sorts of things.” When David finished slaying everyone there with the Elton John number, this guy had to be one of the first on his feet for the standing O. He was cheering and whistling and still talking about it during the final number.

A similar something happened the second night to a couple behind us who had come for Colbie Caillat, and only Colbie. I couldn’t tell if they even knew who David was, or if they had ever been near BYU before. I can only assume from their repeated expressions of “Wow! Wow!” after David sang that they know who he is now.

I just love it when these things happen. I feel like Mama Bear, knowing everyone is safe and everything is exactly how it should be.

I wanted to give some advice to the group of beautiful and chatty coeds sitting to our right on Friday night: Ladies, you can’t actually make David Archuleta love you. You can only stalk him and hope for the best.

Just one more personal post-concert goodie here: One of my Las Vegas daughters called me on Saturday to see how I was managing the travel and if I had enjoyed the concert. I promised to send her a link of David singing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” when I got home, and I did. She reported later to say that she had seen it (and loved it). She watched with her son, Eli, explaining to him that this was Grandma’s favorite singer. At age 3, Eli is the youngest of our eighteen grandchildren. He watched the video all the way through and then insisted on watching it again.

Eli had to give me his own report via Facetime:

“Grandma, I saw your boy singing and it was really good so I wanted to see it again and Mom let me. He had a big stage and those little stages on the side. I liked those little stages for him.”

This fan journey and the “little stages” of David’s career have been more interesting and rewarding than I ever imagined they would be. David Archuleta and his music simply make me happy. I can’t think of another way to say it. I wish him success in all facets of his life; he has certainly added goodness to mine.

~Tater/Zen

(Photos: Rebekah Baker Photography. More here.)

p.s.

Relive the magic with these videoooooooooooooos!
(big thanks to Muldur, Shelley, Shirley & Robert!)

Night 1

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Night 2

Love this POV!