By LeAnna Hamblin
Eclipse 6 has spent the last 15 years celebrating Christmas with the people of Utah in their traditional concert series at The Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City presented by FM 100.3. Proclaimed as their most favorite place to perform, the gentlemen of Eclipse 6 choose to bring the spirit of Christmas to their fans through their extreme and long-time love of a capella music. From the first, well-tuned chord of “What Christmas Means to Me,” my heart was instantly cheered, growing three times its normal size with Christmas spirit.
This tightly knit group has been performing together for 19 years, since their college days at Utah State University. After losing two original members, Kevin Jones, Paul Hansen, Shayne Taylor, and Dan Kartchner welcomed James Case and Jake Despain to complete their sound. Each of these talented men have unique roles in the group but work so closely and rely so deeply on one another, their sound is unified and natural, like one instrument playing all the intricate parts.
Kartchner and Despain showcase their beautiful voices as they cover most of the lead vocals for the group, while Hansen covers the high tenor harmonies and occasionally jumps to assist Jones with driving the beat for the group. Taylor and Case round out the group with their soulful low harmonies. While their roles in the group are clearly defined, it is apparent that all six gentlemen are there to support and help each other shine onstage. In the number “This Year,” Jones is featured as a soloist, allowing him to showcase his beautiful tenor voice. And during the classic “White Christmas,” Case’s rich bass is the perfect pairing with Hansen’s clear tenor voice, both sharing the lead.
Their love for God, Christmas, community, and family is apparent as they share stories that tell why particular songs are so meaningful to them, especially during this time of year. “Humble and Kind,” although not a traditional Christmas song, reflects how Eclipse 6 wants their fans to ponder on the meaning of Christmas. “Lullaby” is a particularly emotional song about how a parent can profess his love to his child. Written about how Joseph may have felt about the baby Jesus, this song is applicable to all parents, whether biological or not, and the unique love that is felt. Despain recounts the story of singing this very song to his newborn son when he brought him home from the hospital on Christmas eve the year he was born.
Eclipse 6 is masterful at engaging their audience, making all feel like they are the most important person in the audience. At one point, Kartchner dedicated “All I Want for Christmas” to a certain couple who was exuding love for each other. Jones is the hype man of the group, working the stage and getting the audience excited and clapping along to several songs, including “Celebration,” an audience favorite. Despain likes to keep his groupmates on their toes by improvising transitions and sharing unscripted stories. The improvisation is refreshing and entertaining as the gentlemen banter back and forth between songs.
Much of what makes Christmas so special is the memories one has from this time of year. Eclipse 6 loves to share their memories and bring memories back to those in the audience. “Christmas as a Child” is about all the wonderful things any child would love to experience during this time of year and how we can keep the magic alive even as adults.
There were moments that the audience was able to ponder what they were feeling in their hearts. “Do You Have the Room” is one number that allows for this type of moment and brought tears to my eyes. I was especially touched at the simple rendition of “What Child is This” as the group came together without microphones or special light effects, performing this song with the reverence it deserves.
Eclipse 6 is a class act that anyone would be privileged to see. These men are kind and gracious to their fans, signing autographs and greeting each one like a long-time friend. Audiences will leave the concert feeling happier and more joyful. The FM 100.3 Eclipse 6 Christmas Concert Series is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit whether you’re out with a special someone or taking the whole family.
FM 100.3 presents Eclipse 6 Christmas Concert Series at The Grand Theatre.
The Grand Theatre, 1575 S State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
December 12-14, 16, 7:00 PM, Matinee December 14, 1:30 PM
Tickets: $7-$29
Contact: 801-957-3322 http://grandtheatrecompany.com/
Eclipse 6 Contact: 801-243-6024 mail@eclipse6.com
The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
Eclipse 6 Facebook Page
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