When James Taylor, five time Grammy Award-winner, walks out on stage at the Conference Center in front of what will no doubt be a packed house September 6-7, he will be representing all of the guest artists, singers and musicians who have participated in the Tanner Gift of Music for 30 years.  This series of concerts, held almost every other year for three decades, has accomplished what it set out to do – bring together segments of the community uniting them through the beauty of song.

With Taylor headlining the anniversary, tickets—all of them free—have become a prized commodity.  Because of high demand for tickets, they will be distributed through a random selection process.  Those interested may register on the Internet atlds.org/events through Monday, 5 August, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to register. Those without Internet access may register over the phone at 801-570-0080 (local) or at 1-866-537-8457 (toll-free). Tickets will be sent in the mail; an email will be sent to those not receiving them.

This concert and all those in the string of performances that have come since 1983 was the dream of two visionary community leaders:  President Gordon B. Hinckley, beloved former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his friend and neighbor Obert C. Tanner, philanthropist, philosopher and businessman.  Drawing experts around them from the Utah Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, they shaped a concert series that has been diverse, dramatic and engaging for a broad cross section of people.

With generous endowment by O.C. and Grace Tanner  and the good judgment of music and community leaders, the effort has thrived, providing so many with access to world-class classical and popular artists over the years.  It has been—and will continue to be—truly a gift of music!