For centuries they lay hidden in clay jars in remote cliff-side caves near the Dead Sea, but now you and your family can see the Dead Sea Scrolls in 10 US cities, including at The Leonardo in Salt Lake City right now through April 2014.  And even if you can't go in person, you'll find amazing ways to be involved from wherever you are at the website (TheLeonardo.org) with podcasts of lectures, book clubs, and picture books.In this audio interview, Bryton Sampson, communications specialist at The Leonardo, takes us on a quick tour of the possibilities and what you'll experience at the exhibit. From a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall of the Temple Mount to everyday objects and sections of the actual Dead Sea Scrolls, you'll find plenty to pique your interest.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

For centuries they lay hidden in clay jars in remote cliff-side caves near the Dead Sea, but now you and your family can see the Dead Sea Scrolls in 10 US cities, including at The Leonardo in Salt Lake City right now through April 2014.  And even if you can't go in person, you'll find amazing ways to be involved from wherever you are at the website (<a href="http://www.theleonardo.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheLeonardo.org</a>) with podcasts of lectures, book clubs, and picture books.<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-deadseascrolls.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview</a>, Bryton Sampson, communications specialist at The Leonardo, takes us on a quick tour of the possibilities and what you'll experience at the exhibit. From a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall of the Temple Mount to everyday objects and sections of the actual Dead Sea Scrolls, you'll find plenty to pique your interest.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

How You Can Get Involved With the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Leonardo in SLC

What was temple worship like in Old and New Testament times?  What ancient symbolism might be enlightening to us as we  worship in our Latter-day temples?  The 2013 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium taking place this Saturday on the BYU Provo campus addresses these and many other aspects of "The Mountain of the Lord" in ancient times.  And if you can't attend in person, the book containing nearly all of the presentations has just been published.In this audio interview, Dr. Jeffrey Chadwick of the BYU Jerusalem Center and the department of Religious Education at BYU shares the history and purpose of the symposium, gives some passionate advice to Gospel Doctrine teachers everywhere,  and lays out a preview of his own presentation at the upcoming gathering -- "The Great Jerusalem Temple Prophecy."  The symposium begins at 9:00 am in the Joseph Smith building on the Provo campus and it's completely free.  Click Here for symposium details online.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

What was temple worship like in Old and New Testament times?  What ancient symbolism might be enlightening to us as we  worship in our Latter-day temples?  The 2013 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium taking place this Saturday on the BYU Provo campus addresses these and many other aspects of "The Mountain of the Lord" in ancient times.  And if you can't attend in person, the book containing nearly all of the presentations has just been published.<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-sperry2013.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview</a>, Dr. Jeffrey Chadwick of the BYU Jerusalem Center and the department of Religious Education at BYU shares the history and purpose of the symposium, gives some passionate advice to Gospel Doctrine teachers everywhere,  and lays out a preview of his own presentation at the upcoming gathering -- "The Great Jerusalem Temple Prophecy."  The symposium begins at 9:00 am in the Joseph Smith building on the Provo campus and it's completely free.  <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/symposia/sperry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click Here for symposium details online</a>.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Calling all Gospel Doctrine Teachers!

Kyle Woodruff

So here’s a question; if you could visit Israel and go to all the places you’ve read about and dreamed of experiencing, using every sense but sight--meaning you wouldn't see a thing--would you still want to go? Would it be worth it? Kyle Woodruff has been blind since birth, but on a recent tour of the Holy Land with a choir, he “saw” the land of Israel and the places Jesus walked and taught, in very different ways than everyone else in the group--and came up with some amazing and surprising insights. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull

So here’s a question; if you could visit Israel and go to all the places you’ve read about and dreamed of experiencing, using every sense but sight--meaning you wouldn't see a thing--would you still want to go? Would it be worth it? Kyle Woodruff has been blind since birth, but on a recent tour of the Holy Land with a choir, he “saw” the land of Israel and the places Jesus walked and taught, in very different ways than everyone else in the group--and came up with some amazing and surprising insights. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull

Seeing the Holy Land through spiritual eyes, with Kyle Woodruff

Kayson Brown

Motivating and inspiring young people to do their best is always a good thing, but how to do it?  In the case of the members of the Lyceum Philharmonic Orchestra, director Kayson Brown seems to have found just the right formula for inspiring excellence. In this interview he talks about high expections, love, and an over-riding sense of purpose; traits which apply to much more than music, although we’ll be sure to hear lots of great music along the way. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Motivating and inspiring young people to do their best is always a good thing, but how to do it?  In the case of the members of the <a href="http://www.lyceumphilharmonic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lyceum Philharmonic Orchestra</a>, director Kayson Brown seems to have found just the right formula for inspiring excellence. In this interview he talks about high expections, love, and an over-riding sense of purpose; traits which apply to much more than music, although we’ll be sure to hear lots of great music along the way. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

"Hearts and Minds" with Kayson Brown

J. Kirk Richards

What if you wanted to paint the being you worship? You might worry that you don’t have the skill, but what about an even more basic consideration; is it right to even try? If you do try, then what kind of representation should you use?  Classical, realistic, or abstract?  You’ll find all these questions and a lot more to think about and see in this excerpt from J. Kirk Richards’ recent keynote address at the 2013 conference of The Association for Mormon Letters, titled, “Seek Ye the Face of Christ: Considerations in Depicting the Savior.” And, because it’s such a visual presentation, we’ve made this a video podcast.  Click here to view the presention. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

What if you wanted to paint the being you worship? You might worry that you don’t have the skill, but what about an even more basic consideration; is it right to even try? If you do try, then what kind of representation should you use?  Classical, realistic, or abstract?  You’ll find all these questions and a lot more to think about and see in this excerpt from <a href="http://www.jkirkrichards.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">J. Kirk Richards</a>’ recent keynote address at the 2013 conference of <a href="http://www.aml-online.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Association for Mormon Letters</a>, titled, “Seek Ye the Face of Christ: Considerations in Depicting the Savior.” And, because it’s such a visual presentation, we’ve made this a video podcast.  <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-jkirkrichards2013.m4v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to view the presention</a>. That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Seek Ye the Face of Christ - J. Kirk Richards

The word “banquet” conjures up the image of a feast; delicious food and lots of it, but for the past 22 years, students at BYU have hosted a Hunger Banquet – a banquet where the goodies are not doled out equally.  In fact, most of the attendees go away hungry, at least physically, but filled with a very tangible vision of the scope of global poverty. This event is truly “thinking globally while acting locally,” not only by raising awareness, but also by benefitting a local organization which helps international refugees in Northern Utah. Click Here to listen!  That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

The word “banquet” conjures up the image of a feast; delicious food and lots of it, but for the past 22 years, students at BYU have hosted a Hunger Banquet – a banquet where the goodies are not doled out equally.  In fact, most of the attendees go away hungry, at least physically, but filled with a very tangible vision of the scope of global poverty. This event is truly “thinking globally while acting locally,” not only by raising awareness, but also by benefitting a local organization which helps international refugees in Northern Utah. <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-hungerbanquet2013.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click Here to listen! </a> That’s this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

The 23rd Annual Hunger Banquet at BYU

Caleb Warnock

It’s the middle of winter here in North America – the time for snow and freezing temperatures, and the time when nothing grows in the garden.  At least that’s what most of us have come to think. But you might be surprised to know just how much you can grow all winter long.  In fact, the skills of winter gardening were common knowledge and even common practice up until just 50 or so years ago.This week we’ll talk to an expert on Winter Gardening – a man who manages to feed his entire family from his garden all winter long.  In this interview you’ll learn how a winter garden works, and you’ll also learn a simple secret to always having a garden no matter where you live. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

It’s the middle of winter here in North America – the time for snow and freezing temperatures, and the time when nothing grows in the garden.  At least that’s what most of us have come to think. But you might be surprised to know just how much you can grow all winter long.  In fact, the skills of winter gardening were common knowledge and even common practice up until just 50 or so years ago. This week we’ll talk to an expert on Winter Gardening – a man who manages to feed his entire family from his garden all winter long.  In this interview you’ll learn how a winter garden works, and you’ll also learn a simple secret to always having a garden no matter where you live. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Backyard Winter Gardening with Caleb Warnock

Cori Connors

There’s nothing like a hometown Christmas — a Christmas when you were together with family, when the high school choir set the mood for the season with their concerts, and when you saw and waved to your neighbors as they scurried among the downtown shops seeking treasures for their loved ones.A hometown Christmas is a bit harder to find these days — strip malls and canned holiday music which starts around Halloween have seen to that, but they still do happen.  In this case we’ll listen in on a few numbers from a hometown Christmas concert by Utah singer-songwriter Cori Connors, herself one of just two recipients of this year’s Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards for artistic contributions to the state and her community.  We’ll hear a Christmas story or two, a tribute to a real-life hometown hero, a song about the reason for the season, and finally, a sing-along “Silent Night” with all the people crammed into the Farmington Arts Center to celebrate the season.  I hope you’ll sing along.Here’s to a hometown Christmas — that's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

There’s nothing like a hometown Christmas — a Christmas when you were together with family, when the high school choir set the mood for the season with their concerts, and when you saw and waved to your neighbors as they scurried among the downtown shops seeking treasures for their loved ones.A hometown Christmas is a bit harder to find these days — strip malls and canned holiday music which starts around Halloween have seen to that, but they still do happen.  In this case we’ll listen in on a few numbers from a hometown Christmas concert by Utah singer-songwriter <a href="http://www.coriconnors.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cori Connors</a>, herself one of just two recipients of this year’s Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards for artistic contributions to the state and her community.  We’ll hear a Christmas story or two, a tribute to a real-life hometown hero, a song about the reason for the season, and finally, a sing-along “Silent Night” with all the people crammed into the Farmington Arts Center to celebrate the season.  I hope you’ll sing along.<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-hometownchristmas.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here’s to a hometown Christmas</a> — that's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

A Hometown Christmas with Cori Connors

The "Arab Spring” has swept across the Middle East this year, bringing new freedoms to people in a number of nations, but in Syria, the winter approaches and hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have fled the fighting by crossing into Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan – nearly half a million and growing in number – are finding life more difficult than ever. In one of the many refugee camps, you’ll find Jim and Karyn Anderson, two Utahns who have been serving as humanitarian workers for LDS Charities in Lebanon and now in Jordan, trying to bring relief and encouragement to the fathers and mothers who have made their way from Syria over the Jordanian border by night, often through gunfire with their children, seeking any kind of safe haven.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

The "Arab Spring” has swept across the Middle East this year, bringing new freedoms to people in a number of nations, but in Syria, the winter approaches and hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have fled the fighting by crossing into Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan – nearly half a million and growing in number – are finding life more difficult than ever. In one of the many refugee camps, you’ll find Jim and Karyn Anderson, two Utahns who have been serving as humanitarian workers for LDS Charities in Lebanon and now in Jordan, trying to bring relief and encouragement to the fathers and mothers who have made their way from Syria over the Jordanian border by night, often through gunfire with their children, seeking any kind of safe haven.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

Couple from LDS Charities serves Syrian refugees in Jordan

It used to be that if you wanted hear music, you had to make it yourself, or find someone else who could make it.  Nowadays we can carry thousands of the greatest recordings ever made right in our pocket.  That part has changed.  What hasn't changed is what music does to us; what it makes us feel and remember.Come do a little time-traveling and musical exploration with the hosts of Classical 89, BYU's music station, now streaming worldwide at Classical89.org.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

It used to be that if you wanted hear music, you had to make it yourself, or find someone else who could make it.  Nowadays we can carry thousands of the greatest recordings ever made right in our pocket.  That part has changed.  What hasn't changed is what music does to us; what it makes us feel and remember. Come do a little time-traveling and musical exploration with the hosts of Classical 89, BYU's music station, now streaming worldwide at <a href="http://www.classical89.org/streaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classical89.org</a>. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

Musical Journeys and Time Machines, with BYU's Classical 89 streaming world-wide

The Cricket and Seagull Fireside Chat is a Podcast bringing music and interviews to Latter-day Saints and their friends worldwide. Steven Kapp Perry features the unique voices of authors, artists, musicians, scholars, and fellow Saints. Pull up a chair and join us for The Cricket &amp; Seagull Fireside Chat!

I am amazed at all the tools we now have, there is no excuse to learn and progress in this life. Thank you so much for your time and efforts in putting this together for all of us to enjoy.

There is no excuse

I have been listening to these conversations for over a year now and each one is like a new gift at Christmas. I love the spirit these bring and for the musicians represented. Steven Kapp Perry is a gifted musician and orator himself and brings out life enriching insights.

Powerful and Insightful

The Cricket and Seagull Fireside Chat

Janice Kapp Perry

From "As Sisters in Zion" to "I Walk By Faith" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth (Army of Helaman)," Janice Kapp Perry has written for every age group in the church. Now, in her book "Songs From My Heart," she shares the insights and stories behind 100 of her best-known and best-loved compositions.Listen as Janice shares her music and her thoughts about these stories, songs and tests, and those too-rare moments of "spiritual dictation" when the music just seems to flow.All this and much more this week on the Cricket and Seagull...(Plus get a 40% discount on the book through April 2007 at JaniceKappPerry.com)

From "As Sisters in Zion" to "I Walk By Faith" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth (Army of Helaman)," Janice Kapp Perry has written for every age group in the church. Now, in her book "Songs From My Heart," she shares the insights and stories behind 100 of her best-known and best-loved compositions.Listen as Janice shares her music and her thoughts about these stories, songs and tests, and those too-rare moments of "spiritual dictation" when the music just seems to flow.All this and much more this week on the Cricket and Seagull...(Plus get a 40% discount on the book through April 2007 at <a href="http://JaniceKappPerry.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JaniceKappPerry.com</a>)

"Songs From My Heart - the Stories Behind the Songs" with Janice Kapp Perry

Utah State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Debakis was delighted with the soaring numbers of LDS Utahns who turned out for the Democratic Party's caucus meetings last Tuesday, and Craig Janis, head of outreach for the newly launched LDS Dems Caucus, talked about the increased interest in the organization just this week.With The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressing concern over a lack of political participation in the state and amid worries over the ways an increasingly one-party system of government in the state can be harmful to all citizens, Mormon or not, LDS Democrats were impressed to hear the following read over the pulpit in church meetings in a letter from the First Presidency of the Church in recent weeks:"Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties.  We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings."In addition, the LDS Church directed local congregations to cancel activities on March 13 and 15, allowing church members to attend their Democratic and Republican caucus meetings held those evenings, respectively. The result? Record participation.That's this week on the Cricket and Seagull.

Utah State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Debakis was delighted with the soaring numbers of LDS Utahns who turned out for the Democratic Party's caucus meetings last Tuesday, and Craig Janis, head of outreach for the newly launched LDS Dems Caucus, talked about the increased interest in the organization just this week.With The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressing concern over a lack of political participation in the state and amid worries over the ways an increasingly one-party system of government in the state can be harmful to all citizens, Mormon or not, <a href="http://www.ldsdems.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LDS Democrats</a> were impressed to hear the following read over the pulpit in church meetings in a <a href="https://secure.deseretnews.com/article/705377270/First-Presidency-letter-on-Utah-precinct-caucus-meetings.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">letter from the First Presidency of the Church</a> in recent weeks:"Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in the platforms of the various political parties.  We encourage members to attend their precinct caucus meetings."In addition, the LDS Church directed local congregations to cancel activities on March 13 and 15, allowing church members to attend their Democratic and Republican caucus meetings held those evenings, respectively. The result? Record participation.That's this week on the Cricket and Seagull.

Utah's LDS Dems credit 1st Presidency letter for record-breaking caucus turnout

She's been writing music for decades, but never loses her enthusiasm for writing for children. Ever wonder what her favorite song is from her catalog? How she combines research and relaxing to create?In this audio interview about her new album "As a Child of God," Janice Kapp Perry talks about writing for kids, the song that came in a day, balancing life and writing, and answers questions from Facebook fans.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

She's been writing music for decades, but never loses her enthusiasm for writing for children. Ever wonder what her favorite song is from her catalog? How she combines research and relaxing to create?<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-jkpasachild.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview</a> about her new album "As a Child of God," Janice Kapp Perry talks about writing for kids, the song that came in a day, balancing life and writing, and answers questions from Facebook fans.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

'As a Child of God,' new music for children from Janice Kapp Perry

Calee Reed

When Calee Reed lets go with her big, hearty, infectious laugh, you can't help but laugh along.  And when she sings of joy or of holding on through heartbreak, it's hard not to feel that you know exactly what she means.  I guess that's the beauty of "The Waiting Place," the new album of songs that marks Reed's recording debut.With imaginative pairings of familiar hymns and lots of originals, Calee Reed hits the mark nearly every time.  Her runaway success of a music video (which you can see here) shows a gift for finding the divine in the mundane and the everyday; the perspective that suddenly snaps everything trivial into it's proper proportion when something really important is suddenly at stake.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.Playlist:  Give My Heart Your Peace Better Than a Hallelujah Called to Serve Closer to You Time for Love Trust in God The Waiting Place Where Can I Turn for Peace?/Be Still, My Soul She Put the Music in Me Come, Thou Fount/I Am a Child of God

When Calee Reed lets go with her big, hearty, infectious laugh, you can't help but laugh along.  And when she sings of joy or of holding on through heartbreak, it's hard not to feel that you know exactly what she means.  I guess that's the beauty of "The Waiting Place," the new album of songs that marks Reed's recording debut. With imaginative pairings of familiar hymns and lots of originals, Calee Reed hits the mark nearly every time.  Her runaway success of a music video (which you can <a href="http://www.caleereed.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">see here</a>) shows a gift for finding the divine in the mundane and the everyday; the perspective that suddenly snaps everything trivial into it's proper proportion when something really important is suddenly at stake. That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull. Playlist: <ol> <li>Give My Heart Your Peace</li> <li>Better Than a Hallelujah</li> <li>Called to Serve</li> <li>Closer to You</li> <li>Time for Love</li> <li>Trust in God</li> <li>The Waiting Place</li> <li>Where Can I Turn for Peace?/Be Still, My Soul</li> <li>She Put the Music in Me</li> <li>Come, Thou Fount/I Am a Child of God</li></ol>

'The Waiting Place,' new music from Calee Reed

Paul Cardall

After living for more than three decades with a congenital heart defect, award-winning LDS pianist Paul Cardall received a miracle. His life was saved by a last-minute heart transplant. In New Life, Paul’s newfound gratitude and humility for life pours through his fingers into inspiring new compositions perfect for meditation, contemplation, or even casual listening.In this audio interview Paul remembers waking up after the transplant and beginning to write again for New Life, which reached number one on the Billboard New Age charts.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

After living for more than three decades with a congenital heart defect, award-winning LDS pianist Paul Cardall received a miracle. His life was saved by a last-minute heart transplant. In New Life, Paul’s newfound gratitude and humility for life pours through his fingers into inspiring new compositions perfect for meditation, contemplation, or even casual <a href="http://listening.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listening.In</a> this audio interview Paul remembers waking up after the transplant and beginning to write again for New Life, which reached number one on the Billboard New Age charts.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

"New Life," by Paul Cardall reaches #1 on Billboard chart

What would you do if you were the only Latter-day Saint you knew in your entire country and the only way to attend sacrament meeting was to get over, around, or through a massive wall meant to keep you and your people out?  And how would you make peace with your situation and learn to forgive?Sahar Qumsiyeh, a Palestinian from the West Bank town of Bethlehem, found unorthodox ways to attend her meetings for 12 years until a job at a UN agency allowed her to pass through the checkpoints freely.  As Relief Society President in the Jerusalem District, she shares the same responsibilities as her counterparts throughout the world, but with an added challenge of a wall which prevents many of those in her care from ever meeting.  Through it all, she has learned to trust the inspiration and peace of the Holy Ghost, giving her the peace Jesus promised; a peace not of this world.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull—be sure and Click Here to listen.

What would you do if you were the only Latter-day Saint you knew in your entire country and the only way to attend sacrament meeting was to get over, around, or through a massive wall meant to keep you and your people out?  And how would you make peace with your situation and learn to forgive?Sahar Qumsiyeh, a Palestinian from the West Bank town of Bethlehem, found unorthodox ways to attend her meetings for 12 years until a job at a UN agency allowed her to pass through the checkpoints freely.  As Relief Society President in the Jerusalem District, she shares the same responsibilities as her counterparts throughout the world, but with an added challenge of a wall which prevents many of those in her care from ever meeting.  Through it all, she has learned to trust the inspiration and peace of the Holy Ghost, giving her the peace Jesus promised; a peace not of this world.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull—be sure and <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-saharqumsiyeh.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to listen.

'Peace I give unto you," a Palestinian Relief Society President shares her story

Eric Samuelsen

Recently retired BYU theater professor Eric Samuelsen has always connected spirituality with art, but he finds that connection in a lot of places where most people wouldn't think to look—like a ballgame or a rap song, or even zombie movies.In this audio interview Samuelsen talks about his background in the arts and shares some eye-opening ideas about what expressions of the human soul can mean to someone with the gospel in their lives and the willingness to take a second look.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Recently retired BYU theater professor <a href="http://mormoniconoclast.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eric Samuelsen</a> has always connected spirituality with art, but he finds that connection in a lot of places where most people wouldn't think to look—like a ballgame or a rap song, or even zombie <a href="http://movies.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">movies.In</a> this audio interview Samuelsen talks about his background in the arts and shares some eye-opening ideas about what expressions of the human soul can mean to someone with the gospel in their lives and the willingness to take a second look.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Eric Samuelsen: Finding Spirituality in Unexpected Places

"Next year in Jerusalem!" The Jews have said it for centuries. For all who love the scriptures, visiting the Holy Land fills your heart and mind with feelings and images which rush back every time you open those sacred pages. And some of the most moving memories come from singing the hymns at the very places they speak of; the little town of Bethlehem, a green hill far away, and not-so-far-far away on Judea's plains. To lift your voice in "He Is Risen!" at the Garden Tomb, to sing "I Stand All Amazed" among the ancient olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane; these truly are sacred moments. In this audio interview, renowned choral director Brady Allred invites experienced choral singers to combine voices and form a choir for a 10-day tour of Israel, including exchange performances with the Kolot Hasadeh Choir at the Harduf kibbutz, and at the acoustically gorgeous Scottish Church in Jerusalem with one of Shimon Levtov's accomplished choirs.Along with the choral events, our experienced guides will make sure we still explore all of the important historical and religious sites which can make a visit to the Holy Land a life-changing spiritual experience in 2013 — "Next year in Jerusalem!" Click Here for dates and details, including a full day-by-day itinerary.  If you’d like to join us, please act quickly, the tour has already begun to fill.

"Next year in Jerusalem!" The Jews have said it for centuries. For all who love the scriptures, visiting the Holy Land fills your heart and mind with feelings and images which rush back every time you open those sacred pages. And some of the most moving memories come from singing the hymns at the very places they speak of; the little town of Bethlehem, a green hill far away, and not-so-far-far away on Judea's plains. To lift your voice in "He Is Risen!" at the Garden Tomb, to sing "I Stand All Amazed" among the ancient olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane; these truly are sacred moments. <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-bradyallredisrael.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview,</a> renowned choral director Brady Allred invites experienced choral singers to combine voices and form a choir for a 10-day tour of Israel, including exchange performances with the Kolot Hasadeh Choir at the Harduf kibbutz, and at the acoustically gorgeous Scottish Church in Jerusalem with one of Shimon Levtov's accomplished choirs.Along with the choral events, our experienced guides will make sure we still explore all of the important historical and religious sites which can make a visit to the Holy Land a life-changing spiritual experience in 2013 — "Next year in Jerusalem!" <a href="http://www.morrismurdock.com/tours/tour_detail.cfm?ID=494&amp;Grouping=Holy&amp;page=tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click Here for dates and details</a>, including a full day-by-day itinerary.  If you’d like to join us, please act quickly, the tour has already begun to fill.

Come Sing With Us in Israel!

Summer is a busy season in Nauvoo, Illinois, especially if you are in charge of letting everyone know about the various events and shows happening every day.In this audio interview, Elder Verl Doman talks about the work he and his wife, Sister Sue Doman, do every day as public affairs missionaries in Nauvoo, and how the church reaches out in friendship to Latter-day Saints and other people alike in the area.  Also discussed, is why the growth of the church in Nauvoo puts the LDS Church is a position similar to the 1840's when the influx of saints began to affect the balance in government and politics in the area.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Summer is a busy season in Nauvoo, Illinois, especially if you are in charge of letting everyone know about the various events and shows happening every <a href="http://day.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">day.In</a> this audio interview, Elder Verl Doman talks about the work he and his wife, Sister Sue Doman, do every day as public affairs missionaries in Nauvoo, and how the church reaches out in friendship to Latter-day Saints and other people alike in the area.  Also discussed, is why the growth of the church in Nauvoo puts the LDS Church is a position similar to the 1840's when the influx of saints began to affect the balance in government and politics in the area.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Making friends and spreading the word in Nauvoo, Illinois

Clive Romney

For decades Clive Romney has been a solid session player, writer, producer, recording engineer, arranger and performer on the Utah music scene, but it wasn't until a change of heart in his 50's that he found what he describes as his true calling in life.In this audio interview Clive tells both personal and universal stories that show the richness a connection with our ancestors can add to our lives.  And, like most good guys in westerns, you can always pick out Clive in a crowd; he's the one wearing the white hat.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

For decades <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-cliveromney2012.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clive Romney</a> has been a solid session player, writer, producer, recording engineer, arranger and performer on the Utah music scene, but it wasn't until a change of heart in his 50's that he found what he describes as his true calling in <a href="http://life.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">life.In</a> this audio interview Clive tells both personal and universal stories that show the richness a connection with our ancestors can add to our lives.  And, like most good guys in westerns, you can always pick out Clive in a crowd; he's the one wearing the white hat.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Clive Romney: Committing our Ancestors' Lives to Art

The popular all-mom trio, Mercy River, is back with a mix of well-known inspirational music and originals that reflect their own life experiences.In this audio interview Soni, Brooke, and Whitney talk about the usefulness of onstage humiliation, the good things about surrendering and letting go, plus introduce the LDS market to some of the best contemporary Christian songwriting from recent years.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull, be sure and take a listen!Playlist:Beautiful LifeBetter Than A HallelujahIt Might Be HopeWith Him We CanChange In the MakingLove Never FailsLet GoBlessingsBeautiful For MeSurrenderJust Like A Father Would

The popular all-mom trio, Mercy River, is back with a mix of well-known inspirational music and originals that reflect their own life <a href="http://experiences.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">experiences.In</a> this audio interview Soni, Brooke, and Whitney talk about the usefulness of onstage humiliation, the good things about surrendering and letting go, plus introduce the LDS market to some of the best contemporary Christian songwriting from recent years.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull, be sure and take a listen!Playlist:Beautiful LifeBetter Than A HallelujahIt Might Be HopeWith Him We CanChange In the MakingLove Never FailsLet GoBlessingsBeautiful For MeSurrenderJust Like A Father Would

'Higher,' the new album from Mercy River

Marvin Goldstein

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...

"Popcorn Popping" with Marvin Goldstein

Whether you're finding an apartment for someone newly homeless, explaining to a foreign refugee what a flush toilet is, or connecting addicts with resources for recovery, the Inner City Project has something nearly anyone can do to fulfill Christ's call to serve "the least of these" right when it matters the most.Mike and Allene Ross—Elder and Sister Ross right now—are assistant directors for this innovative program which is changing the lives of both recipients and those who serve in downtown Salt Lake City.  In this audio interview they share amazing stories about this program which lets you serve for a number of hours each week while still living at home, sleeping in your own bed, and even before you retire.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

Whether you're finding an apartment for someone newly homeless, explaining to a foreign refugee what a flush toilet is, or connecting addicts with resources for recovery, the <a href="http://www.innercityproject.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inner City Project</a> has something nearly anyone can do to fulfill Christ's call to serve "the least of these" right when it matters the most.Mike and Allene Ross—Elder and Sister Ross right now—are assistant directors for this innovative program which is changing the lives of both recipients and those who serve in downtown Salt Lake City.  <a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-innercityproject.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview</a> they share amazing stories about this program which lets you serve for a number of hours each week while still living at home, sleeping in your own bed, and even before you retire.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull!

The Inner City Project--a chance to serve from home

Randal A. Wright

Most Latter-day Saints can answer the "Why are we here?" question from childhood, but it can be a bit trickier to find the answer to "Why am I here?" Institute instructor, author, and EFY and Education Week speaker Randal A. Wright worries about that, "Because," he says, the youth we are retaining in the church "are the ones who really know who they are," while we lose many of the others.In this interview Dr. Wright talks about Patriarchal Blessings, how the Lord reveals things to us over time, using both our strengths and our weaknesses as clues, and why we are never to old to ask the Lord, "What's next for me?"That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

Most Latter-day Saints can answer the "Why are we here?" question from childhood, but it can be a bit trickier to find the answer to "Why am I here?" Institute instructor, author, and EFY and Education Week speaker Randal A. Wright worries about that, "Because," he says, the youth we are retaining in the church "are the ones who really know who they are," while we lose many of the <a href="http://others.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">others.In</a> this interview Dr. Wright talks about Patriarchal Blessings, how the Lord reveals things to us over time, using both our strengths and our weaknesses as clues, and why we are never to old to ask the Lord, "What's next for me?"That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

"Achieving Your Life Mission" by Randal A. Wright

Rita R. Wright, Curator of Art and Artifacts at the Church History Museum walks us through the new exhibit featuring nearly 200 different works in a variety of genres.  Her enthusiasm for art and the gospel is infectious and you'll be glad for a guide who helps you see more deeply into these amazing paintings, sculptures, and yes, even a flannel board story.In this audio interview you'll hear what kind of support the Church gives to the arts, how learning to understand art an be helpful in understanding the scriptures, and I think you'll especially enjoy hearing Rita Wright get on her soapbox for a moment on the power of art and how it blesses our spirits.Click here to see a video version of this edition with photos of the exhibits.  And be sure to click here to visit the exhibit page itself and cast your vote for the Visitors Choice award.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

Rita R. Wright, Curator of Art and Artifacts at the Church History Museum walks us through the new exhibit featuring nearly 200 different works in a variety of genres.  Her enthusiasm for art and the gospel is infectious and you'll be glad for a guide who helps you see more deeply into these amazing paintings, sculptures, and yes, even a flannel board story.<a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/skperry/cs-ldsart2012.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this audio interview</a> you'll hear what kind of support the Church gives to the arts, how learning to understand art an be helpful in understanding the scriptures, and I think you'll especially enjoy hearing Rita Wright get on her soapbox for a moment on the power of art and how it blesses our spirits.Click here to see a video version of this edition with photos of the exhibits.  And be sure to<a href="https:/history.lds.org/event/9th-art-comp?lang=eng" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> click here to visit the exhibit page itself</a> and cast your vote for the Visitors Choice award.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

'Make Known His Wonderful Works' - 9th LDS International Art Competition

Mack Wilberg

Combining a world-famous choir and orchestra with the world-renowned King's Singers was both a joy and a challenge for Tabernacle Choir director Dr. Mack Wilberg.  Besides waving the baton and keeping everyone together, he also did the bulk of the beautiful arrangements on this new holiday release (also available on DVD).Dr. Wilberg shares his approach to arranging for the choir, points out a few musical highlights from this new production, and talks about the privilege of doing the work he does.That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull...

"Rejoice and Be Merry" with Mack Wilberg, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir,  and The King's Singers

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...

"Candlelight Christmas" at This Is The Place Heritage Park

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