By Tiffany Bird
Unlike other award shows such as the Grammy”s, there were no signs of immodesty as the stars of the LDS music community walked down the red carpet Friday night for the Pearl Awards in Salt Lake City.
Dressed up with beauty, elegance and stunning personalities the theater stadium of Cottonwood High School filled up with fans that support their favorite musician or group such as Enoch Train, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Janice Kapp Perry, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and many more.
The person who went home with the most awards of the night was Jessie Clark Funk who won four glass trophies for best inspirational song, inspirational album, female recording artist of the year and new artist of the year.
“I really like what they (the Pearl Awards) are doing,” Funk said. “We have this thing for growing and expanding artists.”
Although there is the usual tension of competition at most award shows, the Pearl Awards had the atmosphere of friendship and support from all the musicians and groups.
“We”re not in competition with the other nominees,” said Clive Romney of Enoch Train. “We are all the same and we all deserve awards. We are honored that they are honoring us.”
Enoch Train was another big hit of the night. They took home two of the four awards nominated for.
“We are guilty of doing a lot of music,” Romney said. “We were stepping into the dark, didn”t know how well it (the band) would go. We had no style in mind, just doing hymns in a way never done before.”
In the category of group recording artist of the year, Enoch Train was up against tough competition, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Although all were deserving of the award, the Tabernacle Choir received the award with much gratitude for the president of the choir, Mac Christensen, and President Gordon B. Hinckley for their service and support.
Overall, one of the greatest awards given that night was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir director, Craig Jessop, given to Robert Cundick, the only living emeritus organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
“Well, if you live long enough, you find the soul surviving trees and award it longevity,” Cundick said. “But it is a privilege to be associated with the music in Utah.”
Cundick spent part of his musical career at BYU teaching in the music department.
“At BYU is some of the happiest and most learning times,” Cundick said. “I am blessed with wonderful performances and any association with the ”Y”.”
Although retired from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Cundick is still active with his passion for music and the organ. He is doing several music compositions and enjoying musical activities. Cundick is also helping to start an organ department at the University of Utah that is similar to the one at BYU.
BYU choirs were nominated for two awards in sacred song for “Goin” Home” by the Men”s Chorus and sacred album for “The Road Home” by the Choirs of BYU.
Scott Christopher, who is in movies such as “The RM” and “The Best Two Years”, hosted the 2004 Pearl Awards. He showered the audience with his humor and jokes.
Along with Christopher, other famous LDS screen stars who presented awards include Carmen Rasmusen from “American Idol,” Michael Birkeland and Jeff Birk of “The Home Teachers” and Kam Heskin and Orlando Seale from “Pride and Prejudice.”
The 2004 Pearl Awards by the Faith Centered Music Association presented 31 awards in categories such as excellence in recorded song, excellence in recorded album and excellence in artistry.
The 2004 Pearl Awards will be broadcast on ABC channel 4 July 11.
