The Cricket and Seagull Fireside Chat

It's been seven years since her last holiday album, and with Christmas Once Again Hilary Weeks blends the true meaning of the holiday with songs of family and fun. 

From a unique new counterpoint to Silent Night, to favorites like O Come All Ye Faithful and Do You Hear What I Hear, you'll find music just right for decorating the tree, wrapping presents, or simply sitting and contemplating the wonder of our Savior born as a child.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

When four unique and recognizable voices suddenly blend into something altogether new, One Clear Voice is at their musically satisfying best.  In sharing music from their sophomore release, the four women of One Clear Voice talk about that surprising blend, their own sense of mission, and what matters most in their lives.

On "Go Without Knowing," you'll hear tender moments like  "Gratitude," and "Children Will Listen," the joy of "Dance in the Rain,"  and "How You Live," and the fun of an a cappella "I Can See Clearly Now," showing the versatility of experienced performers who sound just as good live as they do in the studio, and who can bring it back to center and break your heart with the simplicity of "Jesus Wept."

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

For decades, people have been drawn to the inspiring music of Janice Kapp Perry and the sacred art of her brother Gary Kapp. Now, for the first time, the pair have combined their talents to present a stirring witness of the Savior through music and art with a book containing twenty-three full-color paintings and twenty-five original hymns and songs.

Janice and Gary talk about this tribute to the ancient people of the Book of Mormon, their own artistic beginnings, and a few of their spiritual experiences in the writing and painting of the works featured in "Another Witness—Music and Art that Testify of Christ."

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Once upon a time, two slightly frustrated neighbors began compiling all the useful food storage and food preparation info they could find into one place, which soon became the book they'd always wished for, but never found. Now in it's seventh printing, this eminently practical and helpful book has become many people's food storage "Bible."  

In "Emergency Food in a Nutshell," authors Lisa Harkness and Leslie Probert share the "why," the "how," and especially the "useful" and the "simple," about storing, cooking, and enjoying emergency food, and, perhaps best of all, the spiritual motivation and blessings for those who are willing to be prepared.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

When an established singer/songwriter puts out a new album of top-notch songs, it does tend to make a little splash. And in this case, the whole collection is about the little splashes of grace that ripple outward forever in our lives.

From the almost comical images of "Grace is Amazing" to "Leave it Like it Is," Cherie Call makes sure you get a full dose of the cheery and the teary, and rejoices in the comfort and the lessons to be found in the down-to-earth, every-day details of our lives.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Years in the making, the new print publication of "Santa Biblia," or the Holy Bible, by the LDS Church, now has an audio counterpart.

Omar Canals, the Executive Producer for the project and one of the readers, recounts the effort to capture the Spirit in the recordings, the differences between English and Spanish, and how these new audio recordings can bless members around the world.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

In her 17 years as Curator of Religious Art at BYU's Museum of Art, Dawn Pheysey has seen the Religious collection grow in amazing and often miraculous ways.

Join us for a walk-through and talk-through of "Types and Shadows" and learn how both in art and in life, everything testifies of Christ.  Also, follow the link on the Cricket and Seagull page to find images of the art and a viewable .pdf file of the beautiful exhibition booklet, and follow along with us. Also, at the end of the interview, a special musical feature, "Sacraments & Symbols."

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

While his academic credentials make him a well-qualified guide in the Near East, it's the scriptural connections he makes with the places and the people that bring the past to life for archeologist and anthropologist Kay Godfrey.

In this interview he describes some of his favorite sites and why he loves sharing them with tour groups, addresses the safety concerns some have, and tells why now, of all times, is the time to visit Israel and experience life as it was lived 2,000 years ago--the same way many of the present-day residents still live.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Even though she was a librarian, Janet Hovorka's first reaction to organizing the thousands of family history names and records she inherited, was to run and hide. It was only after she made an emotional connection through a piece of heirloom furniture that her mind and heart began to open up to the blessings of making these people part of her life.

And what blessings are those? Janet talks to seminars all over the country about how the information comes to you, once you begin, how putting your family history on the wall where you can see it can get you through tough times, and how you can let go of being overwhelmed and let the "One Thing" you can do present itself.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

The cello, according to many folks, is the instrument most like the human voice. Perhaps that's why this album of stand-out inspirational melodies captures both the ear and the heart.  And the engaging performance style of the artist may be one of the reasons he has one of hottest instrumental videos currently playing on YouTube. (in fact, we’ll attach a little extra audio feature about that at the end of the interview...)

Whether he's riffing over Celtic percussion or soloing over the China Philharmonic Orchestra, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson explores the full range of the instrument with tender arrangements of "Lead Kindly Light" and "Gabriel's Oboe," and exciting cinematic versions of "Come, Come Ye Saints" and "Praise to the Man." In between you'll hear a delightful Ukulele/Cello duet on "Simple Gifts" and other imaginative takes on these musical favorites.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

With over 73 weeks on Billboard's best-selling New Age music charts, Paul Cardall's previous CD is going to have to slide over a bit to make room for this new release—"Sacred Piano," a 15-year retrospective of his most intimate and spiritual recordings.

While he was at Primary Children's Medical Center earlier this week for a periodic "tune up" required of patients on the heart transplant waiting list, we met and talked about Paul's philosophy for instrumental music, the inspiration behind some of the hymn arrangements and the 3 new pieces included, and what keeps him hopeful and happy in the face of challenges.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Every year the new EFY album is kept under wraps and only released to Especially for Youth participants--until the end of the summer that is. That time is now and album co-producer Peter Breinholt introduces us to the songs and the artists who celebrate this year's theme from 1 Timothy 4:12.

You'll find insights into the creative process, songwriting and song choosing, and even a few last minute changes in the studio which came together to make this new CD a collection of established artists and new-comers.

That's this week on The Cri cket and Seagull...

From the mining towns of Yorkshire, England to Hole-in-the-Rock in Southeastern Utah, author Gerald Lund weaves the tale of David Draper together with real-life pioneer heroes like Jens Nielsen and Silas Smith to tell the little-known story of an amazing group of Western settlers called to do the impossible.

In this wide-ranging interview, author Lund talks about on-site research, developing believable characters, and even the gift of insomnia—all part of the process of writing his 800-plus page new work of historical fiction.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

It seems wherever you look for advice, you'll find that exercise is the prescription for just about every ill, from diabetes to heart disease to depression to (ironically) fatigue.

Luckily, exercise bikes, dumbbells, and spandex suits are not needed in these 31 exercises to help keep our spirits in shape. I Hate It When Exercise Is the Answer is filled with funny, easy-to-relate-to stories that also come with lessons, such as: how "unsightly socklines" can help us keep it real, why you can't say yes when your heart says no, and how regrets from the past can actually be pointing to something liberating. In her lighthearted and conversational style, author Emily Watts offers ideas to improve our spiritual and emotional fitness.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Can you fill in the blanks? LDS Singer/songwriter Cherie Call looks and sounds like she was born holding a guitar, so it's surprising she didn't even learn to play it until ____. Her best-known song was written about a ride on an ____, and one of her personal favorites was inspired by her husband's discovery that, among other things, Heavenly Father is really good at being a ____ _____.

You can find all of that and more in this interview with the delightful Cherie Call. With this album she inaugurates the new "Most Requested" series from Deseret Book, plus she grabs a guitar and gives us an exclusive in-studio preview of two new songs from her upcoming CD "Grace," slated for a Fall release. It's all great musical and storytelling fun.

That's this week on the Cricket and Seagull...

Online and satellite radio are coming of age as people around the globe are figuring out how to listen and discovering what’s available.

Now Mormon Channel makes its debut as the new radio service from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this edition Program Manager Rob Boshard talks about the beginnings of the new station, how content is developed, how the church station is different from commercial radio, and the various ways you can listen—both now, and in the future.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

I'm sure I can't be only one who has ever wished for just one day in the City of Enoch, or in any of the other short-lived Zion societies we find in the scriptures, but if Zion is really a state of the heart, of a relationship, or even of a society, then I can "dwell in Zion" anytime and anywhere I am ready to open my heart and let it in.

In his ground-breaking new 5-book series, "The Three Pillars of Zion," Larry Barkdull walks us through years of study and personal searching, resulting in one of the most definitive and useful books ever wr itten on the subject.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Have you ever heard the "Bullet-Proof Washington" story? Known about the spiritual epiphany of young John Adams? If not, you're not alone -- they're omitted from nearly all school texts today even though they once were common knowledge.

If you've missed out on those stories, like I had, if you've wondered where the idea of "separation of church and state" came from, or wondered what the writers of the Declaration of Independence really meant when they speak of "the God of Nature," then you'll enjoy this interview with lawyer and educator Grant Beckwith.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

The Mormon Miracle Pageant takes place on a temple hill chosen by prophecy, and the yearly gathering of thousands on those grounds was foreseen by a former temple president more than a decade before the presentation was conceived. It's an old-style pageant with touches of melodrama in the script and hints of Cecil B. de Mille in the music and mass movement, all performed by a cast of nearly a thousand which can completely fill the dramatic hillside stage.

Join Manti, Utah, native and pageant President Doug Barton for behind-the-scenes information and the spiritual history of The Mormon Miracle pageant, which plays to over 90,000 viewers each June.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

In her 30 plus years at the LDS Church History Library, Christine Cox has had the chance to explore not only the most famous items in the collection, but also to learn about her own family's history and even to contribute some history of her own.

With the public open house for the new building coming up on June 12th and 13th, Christine describes the history of the Church's record-keeping, what you'll see when you visit, the wide variety of resources soon to be available to professional researcher and layman alike, and why history is about connecting with the people, not just the facts.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

While it's no secret that nearly every couple has some degree of difficulty and adjustment in their marriage relationship, the solutions to those challenges often seem elusive and out of reach.  Drawing on their expertise as a marriage counselor and as marriage workshop leaders, Gary and Joy Lundberg reveal what they call "fourteen secrets every spouse should know to keep marriage joyful, passionate, and fulfilling.

Covering everything from finances and parenting to communication and intimacy, the Lundbergs address the differing needs of men and women with sensitive, real istic, and easy-to-understand examples that can increase the likelihood of making any marriage a Love That Lasts.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

He started out on Banjo and has worked his way through all kinds of stringed instruments--including the bass he plays on tour with Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, but Ryan Tilby feels he's found a new kind of voice in the acoustic guitar.

On "Guitar Hymns," his new CD of reverent hymn solos, he combines arrangements begun as a missionary in Madrid, Spain, on a hand-made classical guitar (you can hear that guitar on this CD), with more recent interpretations. It's as simple and basic as can be--meaning no overdubs--just like Ryan Tilby walked into your home, sat down, and played a lit tle personal concert for you.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull..

Most parents agree that "Why?" is one of the first and most-asked questions by their children and while there are times when "Because the Lord said so" really is the reason, there is power when we can also supply a "Why."

From their years of teaching youth and young adults in the church, authors and EFY speakers John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat have compiled many of the most important answers for LDS youth 12-18 into one book.  With quotes from Church leaders, real-life stories, and colorful graphics, this is a book you can read even a bite-sized chunk at a time and still get great answers to the "Why" of dating, friends, media, commandments, fasting, etc.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

For most members of the LDS church, David Hyrum Smith, the youngest of Joseph and Emma Smith's children—born after Joseph's martyrdom—is an unknown. Given by nature to painting and poetry, he was in some ways the most unprepared of the Smith children for the eventual tug-of-war between various Mormon factions hoping to claim the Smith legacy in the years after the main body of the saints moved West.

In "The Fading Flower," his new work for the stage premiering this month, Latter-day Saint playwright Mahonri Stewart explores a fascinating part of the Smith family history during the time of David's courtship and Emma's struggles to protect and hold together her maturing family. Mahonri and actress Kathryn Laycock Little, who plays Emma Smith, talk about the play, the characters, and share excerpts recorded during rehearsal.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Does anything hurt more than seeing the child you love and have taught making choices you know will bring them spiritual pain? If your child has gone astray, perhaps there is some comfort in knowing you are not alone! In fact, you are in good company. Some of the best parents who have ever lived have struggled with wayward children.

Author Larry Barkdull talks about the unique conditions that affect latter-day parenting and shares the gospel tools that that infuse parents with spiritual power, and gives hope to all those whose loved ones have wandered.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Whether it's dinnertime, dealing with arguments, chores, having "the talk," or any other part of family life, every mother has discovered a few little secrets—ways of doing things that make everything a little smoother, more enjoyable, or even possible!

World-renowned family expert Linda Eyre is joined by her daughter Shawni Eyre Pothier, herself a mother of 5, to share those little bits of wisdom and know-how that can transform a moment, a day, even the life of a family. In "A Mother's Book of Secrets," readers will find these useful nuggets organized into bite-sized pieces under 5 main headings. Plus, there's even a way you can share your own "secrets" and add to the wisdom of the world of mothering.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Maria Covey Cole had always hoped to be a mother, even when she was earning degrees and teaching on the University level; so why, when this dream came true, did she find herself feeling bored, isolated, and unsatisfied?

With compassion born of experience, Maria shares her inspiring journey to finding contentment in one of the most challenging and rewarding roles on earth. From entrusting yourself to God's care to shunning comparison and finally allowing your very nature to be changed through the Grace of Christ, she assures mothers everywhere that it's okay to feel how you feel and that the journey to contentment is not one you have to travel alone.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

From the opening shout of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on "Saints Bound for Heaven" you can hear the millennial fervor and frontier optimism of 19th century America leaping right out of this marvelous collection of time-tested hymns, as well as the hopeful harmony of the spirituals which comforted a people waiting for deliverance— including the heartbreaking beautiful "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me," featuring soloist Alex Boyé.

Sharing highlights from a pipe-and-drums "Amazing Grace" to the new signature tune in their repertoire, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," Tabernacle Choir Music Director Dr. Mack Wilberg, talks about what defines a folk hymn, choosing these particular pieces, and why they resonate with us still today.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

In a world which isn't even sure anymore how to define words like "marriage" and "family," here come the Scripture Scouts celebrating the biggest, most basic concepts in the entire universe with songs both sweet and silly.

Scripture Scout writers Roger and Melanie Hoffman, Marvin Payne, and Steven Kapp Perry (plus Boo the Dog) share stories and songs from this new sing-along CD, which takes 29 songs from the "Family Proclamation" edition of the Scripture Scouts series and creates a joyful musical journey through our Father's plan of happiness with the most important people in the world -- our families!

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Hammie Orr's little St. Johns cabin. The widow Walker's house built from freighters' materials. The Ahlstrom & Russell cabins now married together. The Johnsons with their amazing two-story Rush Valley cabin. Archie Gardner and his mill.  Why were these structures, which would have been destroyed if they hadn't become part of Gardner Village, preserved? What stories need to be told?

Nancy Hanson, Rob Honey, Sam Payne, Tammy Robinson and Clive Romney have been talking with the Ghosts of Gardner Village and have created a production of enchanting musical tales from the stories they've been told. Clive and Tammy talk about the new CD, upcoming live performances, and why and how you should consider turning your own family history into art.

And yes, at the veeerry end, we’ll even include an actual ghost story or two.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

You don't serve in the Relief Society General Presidency and interact with women around the world without learning a thing or two about their role in the church and in the world.  You don't become CEO and President of Deseret Book without learning a thing or two about leadership.  And you don't write over a half-dozen best-selling books unless you know how take what you've learned and put it into words in a way that sticks with people.

Sheri Dew is a remarkable person even aside from the honors and service listed above.  In this interview she uses quotes from her new book, "Saying It Like It Is," as a springboard to discuss women, priesthood, inspiration, and how the Saints can make a difference in the world.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

If you're sick and tired enough of being trapped and strapped, if the desire to break out of financial bondage is strong enough, it can be done—more quickly than you'd think and without using a budget or sending Mom out to work.  But be warned, this book is not for the faint of heart.  It's the bracing slap-in-the-face print equivalent of a financial boot-camp.

After she and her husband paid off business debts of over $60,000 in just three years and then did the same with their home mortgage over the next three, author and professional-grade spendthrift Cheryl Carson has the experience, the know-how, and a book full of practical advice to really help you make it happen.  You'll be amazed, you'll think she's crazy, and then—if you've got enough humility— you'll might find yourself rethinking words like "needs" and "wants."

Listen as Cheryl describes four ways the adversary uses debt to bind and discourage us, then shares a brief overview of her "Six Steps to Debt-Free Living."

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Writing and producing music for youth is always a challenge, but especially when you're creating material to work in settings as varied as chapels and outdoor activities.

Producers Barry Gibbons and Jim Funk talk about creating this project in support of the 2009 theme for LDS Young Men and Young Women, and the serendipitous inclusion of a few lines of lyric even before "Virtue" was added to the Young Women's values statement.

That's this week, on The Cricket and Seagull...

The sacrament prayers have to be delivered word-perfect, but the person giving the prayer gets as many chances as he needs to get it right. And if he messes it up again the next week, he gets to try again. When the prayer is finally delivered correctly, the effort is counted as perfect, no matter how many tries it took to get there.

From a wealth of experience as an LDS bishop and mission president, well-known author and speaker Brad Wilcox shares hopeful insights into the continuous nature of Christ's atonement, why repentance is a process more than an event, why we are in danger of losing a generation who give up rather than grasp the idea of "incremental worthiness," and how the atonement can do so much more than just bring us back to God, but actually changes our natures.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Condensing any lifetime into a one-hour documentary is a daunting task, but it can be even more difficult when you're also trying to find space for 20 or so songs to represent the life work of one of the LDS Church's best-loved and most prolific composers.

The documentary premieres Monday, February 16, 2009, at 8 PM Mountain Time. Producers Clinton Baxter and Greg Anderson talk about choosing the material, doing the interviews, the surprising things they learned along the way, and, in particular, the subject herself, Janice Kapp Perry.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Elder and Sister Brewster, the current directors of The Historic Mormon Trail Center, and the sister missionaries who serve here, will tell you that it's not the busy season right now, but winter at Winter Quarters in present-day Omaha, NE, and the sites just across the river in Kanesville, IA, have enough history and stories to warm any mid-winter heart.

To stand in the cemetery today and see a temple rising where once only hopes and prayers for the future ascended, is to see those hopes fulfilled, and heavenly promises kept.  Today we’ll listen to Elder Hoyt Brewster talk about the faith of those who lived here for a season, and why the dedication of this particular temple was so touching to President Hinckley.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Part 2 of 2.

For years the original manuscript of "The History of Joseph Smith, Jr. by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith" was lost, but once it was recovered, Scot and Maurine Proctor, editors and publishers of Meridian Magazine, combed through the manuscript to restore Lucy's fascinating original narrative. With the addition of maps, nearly a hundred photographs, and painstaking endnotes, "The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother" has become the authoritative edition of this historical treasure.

This week we bring you Part 2 of a longer presentation Scot & Maurine Proctor gave in June of 2005 at "This Is The Place Heritage Park" at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah--including a fascinating Question & Answer Session.

You can read the serialization of The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, published on MeridianMagazine.com.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

For years the original manuscript of "The History of Joseph Smith, Jr. by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith" was lost, but once it was recovered, Scot and Maurine Proctor, editors and publishers of Meridian Magazine, combed through the manuscript to restore Lucy's fascinating original narrative. With the addition of maps, nearly a hundred photographs, and painstaking endnotes, "The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother" has become the authoritative edition of this historical treasure.

This week we bring you Part 1 of a longer presentation Scot & Maurine Proctor gave in June of 2005 at "This Is The Place Heritage Park" at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Watch for Part 2 next week, which includes a fascinating Question & Answer Session.)

You can read the serialization of The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, on MeridianMagazine.com.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

The angel Moroni said his name would be had for good and for ill throughout the world, but the publication of The Joseph Smith Papers can help insure that whatever the Prophet is known for can at least be historically accurate.

Patrick Dunshee, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the project, and Dr. Mark Ashurst-McGee, co-editor of this first volume, give an overview of this years-long project which may encompass 30 volumes by its end, discuss the content of this first book of the journals series, describe the day-to-day work of the editing, and the purpose behind the creation of the Church Historian's Press and The Joseph Smith Papers.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

The story this week isn't breaking news even though it's good news. In fact, old or new don't really apply--it's timeless. I hope you'll have a quiet moment to relax and listen to The Christmas Story read from the New Testament, interwoven with some of my favorite Christmas music.

Simple, short, and sweet.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

From the joyful opening strains of "The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee," to its more somber conclusion, this new release from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square commemorates the life and mission of Joseph Smith, called the prophet of the Restoration by Latter-day Saints everywhere.  The release date of December 23rd also marks the Prophet's birthday in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont.

For those not familiar with the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called “Mormons” or “Latter-day Saints,” the role of a Prophet is very important—like Moses to the Israelites, or Peter and Paul to the early Saints. The first of these, the one called by God to Restore the ancient church in the latter days, was Joseph Smith, Jr.

Besides the cover painting by David Lindsley, the CD booklet is beautifully illustrated inside with 9 full-color paintings by Jon McNaughton and includes a short history of the life and times of Joseph Smith.

Music Director and Arranger Dr. Mack Wilberg talks about the song choices and the arrangements in this album of LDS classic hymns such as "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," "An Angel From on High," and the title hymn, "Praise to the Man."  Also included are two children's songs, as well as the millennial hymn "Adam-ondi-Ahman," and of course "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

In nearly 5 decades of performing, pianist Marvin Goldstein has delighted audiences with his often whimsical interpretations of LDS Primary songs. Now with 'Popcorn Popping' he puts them all together into a collection that's fun without being silly--a musically smart and surprisingly sophisticated children's CD that may please adults best of all.

Together with acclaimed woodwind artist Daron Bradford, Marvin brings you 24 playful selections including 'Popcorn Popping,' 'Book of Mormon Stories,' 'Handcart Blues,' 'In the Leafy Treetops,' and a whole bunch more.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

For whatever reason, People Present always seem to remember Christmases Past with a certain nostalgia and longing. Are we reaching for a moment of childhood magic to relive? To connect with family and home in a way we rarely have time to anymore?

Whatever the reason, "Candlelight Christmas" at This Is The Place Heritage Park is a chance for everyone to step back into a simpler time and place and celebrate a pioneer Christmas by making crafts, learning a pioneer dance in the school house, hearing live carolers, riding a train to Brother Brigham's house for hot cider. There's something for everyone at Candlelight Christmas!

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...