By Jennifer Mustoe
A few years ago, as my son was on his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I was missing him so much, he sent me some CDs for Christmas. They contained songs from The Lower Lights. Listening to the music my son was listening to made me miss him a little less. And this amazing band, a combo of bluegrass and country and wonderfulness, kept me listening after my son returned home.
I got a chance to talk to band member Paul Jacobsen, who incidentally was on his way to rehearsal for their upcoming concert gig.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, The Lower Lights are going to perform in Salt Lake City, and this is it, folks. They aren’t traveling all over Utah, so come to Salt Lake and see them live–they have five shows scheduled at Kingsbury Hall.
At any given time, we should see 20-22 people onstage. As Jacobsen explained to me, The Lower Lights was never built to be a band, just a recording project. But it blossomed and here they are. They have lots of guitars and other instruments, so they always have plenty. Not all performers come to every concert or gig. TLL always have plenty of musicians and singers. Frankly, the interchangeability of this seems not just inspired, but lots of fun. As a performer myself, I like things to be changed up a bit, so having a variety of band members performing sounds super fun. Jacobsen himself sings, as well as plays acoustic guitar and is a piano dabbler. When I told him I was going to write “piano dabbler”, he said the other piano player would like that.
Nine years ago, in a 250-seat theater, The Lower Lights began performing. And though many think they are a “Mormon” band, they are not at all. Yes, they perform many of that church’s hymns in their own style. But this is music that all can enjoy. They have some, what he called musical Jedi’s, who will make the true musical perfectionists “uncross their arms”. They do quiet songs, upbeat songs, lots of hand-clappin’, boot-stompin’, toe-tappin’ tunes, and some spiritual and tender pieces. There’s something for everyone.
When asked how old he thinks would be appropriate as far as kiddos go, he said that really, any child who loves music and isn’t completely wiggly will love the concert, though it is a good two hours. But as he said, there are several members in the band who strongly suggest you get up and dance, so any kiddos who like to dance are going to love this show.
We discussed how in the landscape of Christmas concert offerings–there is a gaping hole. There are many, many symphonic and/or choral offerings. But The Lower Lights brings Christmas in a very unique, delightful, and family-friendly way. If you like Christmas music, they are an amazing concert. Great instrumentals, great voices, lots of fun, energy, and sweetness.
I will be attending their Monday night show and will have a review up after that. But for now, please go to their website, give them a listen on one of their formats–Apple Music, YouTube, and here, and get your tickets for one of the concerts next week.
University of Utah presents The Lower Lights Christmas Concert
December 3-4, 6-8, 2018 7:00 PM
Kingsbury Hall, 1395 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Tickets start at $15, U of U students $5 (purchase at box office w/ U ID), Children under 2 free (tickets still required, call box office to reserve), *Ticket prices subject to change
Contact: 801-581-7100
The Lower Lights Facebook Page
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