Tuesday, June 30, 2009

4th of July Tea Party

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Doug is listed as a both a speaker and musician for this celebration of our country.

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Answering the call when something is at stake

Don Osmond

Have you ever gotten the "call"? You know what I'm talking about. The phone rings with an unknown number, but curiosity gets the best of you and you answer it.

The voice on the other end says, "Hello, this is President Harold from the stake."

That's about the time your heart sinks to the bottom of your gut. Butterflies don't even begin to compare to the anxiety that engulfs your body. Autopilot kicks in, and you systematically go through every potential question he could ask.

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Summer Showcase: Nathan Osmond

Even though Nathan Osmond grew up taking tour buses and making TV appearances with his family singing group, "Osmond Second Generation," he says he feels honored to be counted among the semifinalists of the MormonTimes.com "Summer Showcase" music contest.

"I'm just one of many talented people in this mix," Osmond said. "There's a lot of talent in this church. I'm just honored to be numbered among the talent that's out there."

Osmond is pursuing a career in country music and just released his first album, "Feels Like Heaven."

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Osmond News!

Finally! The Osmond Brothers will perform in Layton on July 11. Here's a much-anticipated press release about the concert:

LAYTON, Utah—The Davis Arts Council is bringing the Osmond Brothers to the Ed Kenley Amphitheater on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. This concert is part of the Summer Nights with the Stars concert series at the DAC.

In 1962, the Osmond Brothers were seen by Andy Williams’ father singing in Disneyland, a gig they attained after being discovered by a talent scout. The boys auditioned for the Andy Williams’ show and eventually became regulars singing their barbershop quartet music.

In 1971, with help from their younger brother Donny, the Osmond’s acquired nine gold records – the most any other recording act has received in a single year, surpassing the Beatles and Elvis. To date, the brothers have sold more than 77 million records and have over 30 gold records. In 1992, the brothers bought and began performing at their own theater in Branson, Missouri. Now Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Jimmy are coming back to Utah and will perform at the Ed Kenley Amphitheater in Layton for one night only.

The Osmond Brothers join the line-up of stars for the Summer Concert Series at the Davis Arts Council. The brothers perform on Saturday, July 11. The amphitheater gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24 with discounts available for seniors and children.

For more information please call the Davis Arts Council at 801-546-8575 or visit http://www.davisarts.org

Source

Ogden Pioneer Days to feature Osmonds 2nd Generation

OGDEN — The Osmonds 2nd Generation and their parents, Alan and Suzanne, will appear as grand marshals at the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration parade on July 24.

The parade begins at 9 a.m.

The Osmonds 2nd Generation, known around the world for singing, dancing and harmonizing, will reinforce the theme of this year's celebration, "A Tradition, Make It Yours," by providing good, wholesome family entertainment, according to a news release from event organizers.

The family will participate in more than 50 events during the celebration, including:

July 18, 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting at Chidren's Treehouse Museum exhibit "How the West Was Fun."

July 18, 8 p.m.: Osmond family concert at Stewart Amphitheater. Tickets cost between $10 and $18; available at Smith's Tix.

July 19, 6:30 p.m.: Alan, Suzanne and David Osmond perform at a community interfaith fireside at the Ogden Tabernacle.

July 24, 9 a.m.: Osmond family serves as grand marshals during parade.

July 24, 7:30 p.m.: David Osmond and Osmonds 2nd Generation singing the national anthem at the rodeo.

For more information about the Ogden Pioneer Days 75th Anniversary Celebration, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.ogdenpioneerdays.com.

Donny Osmond recalls old friend

Their last conversation was about 18 months ago. Close friends throughout their iconic careers, Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond stayed in touch by telephone over the years.

"We met when we were about 13," Osmond recalled Friday, a few hours before taking the stage for the Donny & Marie Show at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
The teen idols bonded over an uncanny number of coincidences: Both were members of famous musical families before they reached their teen years. Both were from families with nine children. Both were the seventh child.

"Our mothers were even born on the same day," said Osmond, "and our fathers were both extreme disciplinarians, although my father was not a Joe Jackson."

At 14, Jackson had his first No. 1, "Ben," in 1972. It was written for Osmond, but he was later told they couldn't reach him because he was touring.

That made 'em even. "One Bad Apple," The Osmond family's' No. 1 hit in 1971 (when Donny was 14) "was written for Michael."

The similarities continued. Donny and Marie had a TV show. So did Michael and Janet, briefly.

"Michael said he hated every second of it," said Osmond.

Jackson was living in Las Vegas when they last talked.

During that last conversation, Osmond remembers asking Jackson, "Where are you?

"I can't tell you," said Jackson.

"You can't tell me?" said Osmond, gently chiding his longtime friend.

"Please don't tell anyone," said Jackson.

"I rented a motor home and I'm down in Arizona. I just want to hide. I want to get away from people," said Jackson.

Osmond invited him to drive up to Utah. Jackson said, 'I'm going to take you up on that."

But that was it. "He shut it down after that," said Osmond. "He isolated himself after that. His life was in shambles," from financial setbacks and scandal.

Jackson, 50, died of cardiac arrest Thursday at home in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

"It's been a tough day," Osmond said Friday. It was audible in his voice. In a matter of days, three show business people he knew had died. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Jackson.

He recalled another telephone call, maybe three or four years ago. This one came from Stevie Wonder, who invited Osmond over to his recording studio.

When he got there, they chatted, and Wonder cut to the chase.

"What I really wanted you here for is to get closer to Michael because he really needs some help," Wonder told him.

Osmond did a cover of Wonder's 1976 No. 1 hit "I Wish" and took it to Jackson's Neverland Ranch to play it for him. That was the kind of friendship they had.

When Jackson's megahit "Thriller" came out in 1984, "I went to see him to see if he could help me get my career back on track.

"I asked him, 'How do I get back on the charts?"

"Change your image," said Jackson, "and your name."

SOURCE: Las Vegas Review

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Osmond family reacts to Michael Jackson's death

SOURCE: ABC 4 Utah

OREM, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Despite all his problems and pain, the self-proclaimed "King of Pop" is getting a lot of credit for his impact on the music world. Alan Osmond, a member of the Osmond family tells ABC 4 that Jackson's troubles won't diminish his legacy.

Osmond says his death is sudden, shocking and most of all sad, especially since Jackson was only 50 years old. "I admire Michael for the way he handled his life as far as an entertainer," says Osmond.

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Jimmy Osmond recalls friendship with Jackson

Deseret News

As they rose through the various stages of stardom in the '70s, the Osmonds and the Jacksons were often seen as competitors. But Provo native Jimmy Osmond says the two families were "always friendly."

"It's a huge loss for every one of us," he said regarding the Thursday death of Michael Jackson.

Osmond said his only regret is not keeping in contact with Jackson after the 2005 court trial in which Jackson was acquitted of various sex abuse allegations. "But I relish the days I did have an association with him."

ImageAfter their first introduction at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, the two families of singers — which showcased much the same dynamic then — vied for the hearts of music lovers everywhere. Osmond said "One Bad Apple," one of the greatest hits of his brother, Donny Osmond, was actually a tune that the Jackson family passed on. But Donny still grew to be good friends with Michael Jackson, sharing a stage with him at the fist American Music Awards created by Dick Clark in 1973.

Over the years, Jimmy Osmond, now 46, said his family kept in touch with Jackson, who occasionally offered them professional advice, but always respected them and their own track to fame.

"Michael reached a whole different level of celebrity," Jimmy Osmond said. "He did things that were so revolutionary and so on the edge. We've never gone there."

The youngest Osmond brother recalls playing soccer with the Jackson Five "in the halls of a hotel, while 5,000 girls were outside screaming in hysteria." He remembers going swimming at the Jackson home in California decades ago, and remembers the King of Pop as having a "huge heart."

"The entertainment business can be such a phony, fake business, but as a human being, he was wonderful," he said.

Jackson later accepted one of Osmond's brokering deals when his album "Bad" was released overseas in 1987. The move bolstered the relatively young broker's career, giving him even more opportunity than he believes he would have had without working with such a popular man or event.

"Because he took a shot with me in the past, and took a couple of my deals, he really blessed my personal life," Osmond said. "He opened up a whole world of credibility for me, not only being a performer but brokering other high-end deals for performers."

Osmond said he would often defend his showbiz friend when others would criticize various actions or habits lit up by the media. He always believed Jackson was "severely misunderstood."

"He is a good person," he said. "He was in a weird business where sometimes you've got to create something unique to get attention for a specific project. Michael was just who he was. He was a media magnet, and he knew how to do things that were fun for him but yet were so out of the ordinary that he created such a stir. But he had the talent to back it up."

Osmond, who just finished a long run of theatrical performances in England, said Jackson's career epitomized the "perfect combination" of being media-savvy, talented and having the ability to move and also to see a trend and go with it.

"He just had it all."

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Alan Osmond on the Death of Michael Jackson

I was shocked to hear that Michael Jackson passed away so quickly! We will miss him. My condolences go out to Michael and to his family!

The Osmond family got to know the Jackson Family as we grew up in the entertainment business at the same time. There were 5 brothers in the Jackson 5 and 5 brothers in the Osmond Brothers. Michael and Donny were the only two unchanged voices on the radio at the same time.

Dick Clark promoted both of our groups and tour dates. We would often pass each other on the road and in the airports. We¹d call each other on the phone and try to get together, but it was difficult. Michael and Donny phoned each other quite often and we older brothers got to know each other and even challenged each other to a basketball game. We decided to make it football so we stood a chance of winning! Ha!

Our music had a lot of harmonies, and we both even had 1 sister, Marie and Janet. (The Jacksons had other sisters, but they weren't touring at that time like Marie was with ours.)

The Teen Magazines detailed our lives so much that we would laugh about them and how similar our lives were with theirs.

Michael stood out as a great entertainer! A Master of dance and song, he commanded the stage. Michael was a perfectionist, hard working, creative master entertainer.

Even in visiting with friend, Elvis Presley, we had some conversations where we talked about Michael¹s talents.

My heart goes out to the Jackson Family because of the love that families have!

Michael was a kind and generous person and like Elvis, had very little privacy.

We are better people for having known him and his family.

Our prayers are with them.

We will see him again, someday!

Alan Osmond

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Donny on Facebook

In case you're not aware, Donny is on both Facebook and Twitter. If your on either or both social networks, be sure to add Donny as a friend or someone you follow. Here's his message from this morning:

Donny Osmond I finished another song last night for the D&M album. It's our first one together in about 31 years. I love the way it's turning out.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Keeping Up with David Osmond

Hey Everybody,

Wanted to update you on some cool stuff I have been doing. I just got back from Pittsburgh doing Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Pittsburgh CLO. It was so much fun, and had a blast working with the cast there. Here is a link from YouTube about it. So much talent there.



I also just got back from Boise, Idaho, doing a Summer Fun Fest where I judged a competition of vocalists, kind of like American Idol. It was fun, and same thing, very surprised by the talent there.

I have been busy working on my full-length album, and it is coming along great. Working with some producers out of L.A. & Nashville that have worked with some huge people.

My little girl Saffron is doing so well, and growing so much. She went to her first day of church yesterday, and her outfit was the best part! Valerie definitely loves being a mom, too. Even though there is lack of sleep, it all seems so worth it.

I am doing some cool charities coming up, and fairs locally here in Utah. Check out my Facebook page to keep up with everything I am doing. Life is good. Busy, but good... Can't wait for the USANA convention, and doing plans for the stage performance. I am actually going to record the reprise of the theme song. Hope all is well, and USANA forever!

Editor's Note: David will be performing a free concert with the Jets and American Idol contestant Jackie Tohn on July 3 in Provo, Utah. USANA is proud to be a sponsor of the event. Look for more information on this blog next week!

SOURCE

Donny & Marie Star Wars Finale

Rialto announces 2009-10 season - Osmond Brothers

The Rialto Square Theatre announces its 2009-10 season, including Broadway musicals, family entertainment and concerts by first-class musicians and bands.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. June 19.

Tickets may be purchased at the Rialto Box office located at 102 N. Chicago St., or by calling 815-726-6600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 9 a.m. and noon Saturdays.

On performance days, the box office remains open until the completion of intermission.

Visit www.rialtosquare.com.

Shows include Charlie Daniels Band, Roy Clark, RAIN -- A Tribute To The Beatles, Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Queensryche, Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet -- The Nutcracker, That's Amore -- Dean Martin & Friends, Kansas, Osmond Brothers Christmas Show, Cirque Dreams Illumination and It's A Wonderful Life -- Live Radio Broadcast through the end of 2009.

SOURCE

Miss America meets with Donny & Marie Osmond


Miss America Katie Stam, center, with Donny & Marie Osmond. (Miss America Organization Photo)

There are perks to being Miss America.

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam met with Donny & Marie this week backstage at the Flamingo Hotel, where the brother-and-sister duo perform.

Katie also signed autographs at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and met with Robin Leach before flying to West Virginia for the Miss West Virginia pageant.


SOURCE

Monday, June 15, 2009

The emergence of necessary luxuries

While preparing a talk for church a couple of weeks ago, a thought sneaked into my mind. The talk was on sacrifice, and I was trying to come up with items we purchase but don't really need to have. My hope was to help everyone consider living within their means -- a topic that frequently comes up during every general conference.

Enter my sneaky thought ...

Isn't it interesting how quickly we, as a society, will transition luxuries into necessities? The cellphone is a perfect example.

To read the rest of the article, visit:
Mormon Times

Monday, June 08, 2009

David at WAMS in Connecticut

'Speaking of singles wards...'

Speaking in church is never easy, and just about everyone has a fear of public speaking. If I'm not mistaken, glossophobia out ranks necrophobia (or the fear of dying). And as the joke goes... "When attending a funeral, a majority of the people would prefer to be in the casket rather than giving the eulogy."

Well, I spoke in church last Sunday.

Two weeks before my pulpit pontification, I was corned near the bishop's office by one of his counselors: "Brother Osmond, you've been on our radar for the past month, and we would still like you to give a talk in church."

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Sunday, June 07, 2009

Donny Osmond Supports Susan Boyle

Deadline Scotland

SEVENTIES crooner Donny Osmond is to help stressed out Scots star Susan Boyle – by making a get well call offering his support.

Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan has been staying at top London clinic The Priory after claims she threw a backstage tantrum when she lost out to Diversity in the Britain’s Got Talent final.

Friends and family say she is simply exhausted and just needs support and reassurance that she hasn’t let everybody down.

And now she’s set to get some words of wisdom from her childhood idol – after Los Angeles radio host Billy Bush organised the call from the Osmond.

Susan’s brother Gerry, 55, revealed: “One of the radio stations in Hollywood has organised for Donny Osmond to call Susan to wish her well and calm her down.

“Donny is a big fan of Susan and wants to reassure her that even though she did not win, she still has a career ahead of her and people still want to hear her sing.

“This will absolutely make her day.

“She was a lot younger when she loved the Osmonds, but everybody has a childhood hero and to get a telephone call from that person will just be phenomenal for her.

“His posters were all over her walls when she was younger.

“She would lock herself in her room and play the records over and over again singing along as loud as possible.

“It used to drive me mad when I would hear it start up for the hundredth time. But our mum would say ‘Leave her alone, it’s all she’s got’.

“It’s really something that he wants to get in touch and have a chat with her.”

And Gerry hinted that Donny might even be interested in performing with Susan or recording a duet with the shattered star.

He said: “If they did sing together, the Americans would go absolutely wild for it. The Osmonds are like American royalty and Susan is so popular over there.

“We really appreciate all the support she’s been getting from fans there – it’s like a real-life fairy tale for Susan.”