On Saturday afternoon and evening, 9 July 2016, famed LDS music artists Marie Osmond, David Archuleta, Alex Boyé, The Nashville Tribute Band, accompanied by the 60-member Nampa Interfaith Choir, joined hearts and voices for two non-denominational concerts celebrating Jesus Christ. More than 17,000 people attended the two “Redeemer” concerts held in Nampa, Idaho. Christian Outreach Multimedia Events at the Ford Idaho Center, Indoor Arena hosted the concert, and although admission was free, those attending were asked to bring food donations for the Idaho Food banks. According to 580KIDO.com, Idaho’s Talk Station, more than 20,000 pounds of food were collected. Kevin Miller from 580 KIDO was the emcee for the event which was organized, publicized, and promoted by multiple Christian faiths across the Treasure Valley.
Speaking about the event, Marie Osmond commented, “I am truly honored to be in Nampa again to inspire, through music, all Christian faiths to feel the love and joy that comes from following Jesus Christ. I extend my appreciation to Neal Moore and his lovely wife for their tireless efforts at the Nazarene Care House in helping us not only feed our spirits through music but in organizing the food drive to feed our friends, neighbors, and family who are in need.” Leiann Snyder, a Care House volunteer, further stated, “It was heartwarming to see so many faiths coming together unified in their love for Jesus Christ. I have learned much from this experience, and have a passion for seeing people from all walks of life coming together for the common good.”
The Nashville Tribute Band released “Redeemer,” an album which tells the story of the life and mission of Jesus Christ, in 2014. The band produced the album with the hopes of sharing their message of faith in the Savior with like-minded believers. One of the founders of the band, Jason Deere, told Deseret News, “We had to give everything we had on this because of the subject matter. I knew this would be an opportunity for people who are not members of our church to see our level of commitment and passion toward our understanding of the Atonement and this person who changed everything for us. We put 100 percent in it.”
On 10 July 2016, the ShelleyFOD YouTube channel posted a video of David Archuleta, Marie Osmond, and Alex Boyé performing a song that Archuleta recorded for the album called “When the Son of Man Comes Again.” Marie shared her testimony before the song. She said, “I know I never could’ve gotten through some of the things that I’ve gotten through in my life without my Savior, Jesus Christ. And I know you feel that way too.”
After each show, thousands of attendees stood in long lines waiting for an opportunity to meet and have a picture taken with each of the performers. The performers themselves also posted about the awesome experience on social media. Alex Boyé posted on his Instagram account, “Yesterday was nothing short of amazing. Performing two epic shows to an audience of many different denominations with a group of the most amazing singers all singing in unity for one cause. To promote unity through the power of music about the Redeemer! It doesn’t get much better than that.”
