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Show [MONDAY. MARCH 26, 2001 UNIVERSITY JOURNAL ARTS PAC::.E 13 I SUU celebrates Founders' Day with music BY ASHLEY ADAMS JOURNAL ARTS EDITOR appreciated another opportunity to perform in southern Utah. "I'm very honored to be out here," he said. "This is one of my favorite parts of the country.· Grammy Award winner Gary Morris entertained the audience as the final performer of the evening . Although he often travels with a band or string quartet, Morris went solo for the night. He created an intimate atmosphere with fans by telling stories and taking requests. With no formal voice training. Morris was the first American to perform as Jean Valjean in Les Miseral:J1es from 1987 to 1991 . The full album recording earned him his grammy and highly popularized his song "Bring Him Home," which was also one of the requests taken. Morris also performed his original rendition of ' Wind Beneath My Wings· on request. The song was recognized as Song of the Year in 1984 by the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. Along with his diverse music career, Morris has also appeared in severa l television programs, as well as producing his own show, North American 'Sportsman , which aired for five years. After accomplishments in a career that has spanned nearly two decades, Morris spends much of his time at his ranch in southern Colorado, and he has the privilege of making his own performance choices. KNow I just hunt aad fish and perform where I want.· he said. However, reflecting back on his last visit · to SUU 12 years ago, he saicf, "It's hard to The diverse and renowned Gary Moms sang· leave home, but when I got the call to come his world-famous hffs by audience request. here, I said , 'Absolutely.'" a movie with Dolly Parton, and doing "a lot of song writing .' In addition to performing his well-known songs, Dean also sang several numbers that he referred. to with a smile as his "new hits.· Currently, he is planning to record a new album this summer. Dean said he Friday night's Founders· Day concert was one of entertainment and celebration for SUU and community members alike. The concert was hosted by The Coats, an a capella group from Seattle. The foursome opened the night with high energy 8(!_d excitement for audience memoers. The singers shared enthusiasm for the accomplishments of the men's basketball team , calling the team and coaches to the stage for recognition. The Coats also helped keep the concert flowing between the performances of Billy Dean and Gary Morris. Solo artist Dean set a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for those in attendance. Dean built his freeflowing performance on his ·melancholy and romantic sort of mood." Dean's soft. passionate and heartfelt style was evident. He played piano on two numbers and acoustic guitar on the rest. Several of his songs, such as "Loving You Is What I Do" and "A Real Man," are inspired by stories relating to his children or various family members, he said. Country singer Billy Dean pelformed his tans' Dean has spent most of the past two years acting, including favorites, as well as several new numbers. Give her the world. I • r-----------------------------~----~ One1 Get One Free : Lee Cream Cone : Or Get $1 Off a.Milkshake : Buy I ~. 9 IN. Main Cedar City 586-9651 ~ -1 Evan Vickers, R. Ph. ~: Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Sunday One coupon per item. Coupon must be presented . ·--~------ al ---~~~--~--~-~-~------~-· ..., Start with "Th~ Ring" from Castro & Co. Jewelers 00 Gemologists Us!. 19M Cedar City 586-2422 |