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LDS Performers Help Welcome the Olympic Torch
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Braving cold temperatures and even colder
wind chill, artists from Utah performed in downtown Salt Lake City
last night for 40,000 people waiting for the arrival of the Olympic
torch. Artists to take the stage included Utah favorite Julie de
Azevedo.
"It's so exciting to perform in association with the Winter Games,"
said de Azevedo. "This has been one of the highlights of my career as
a performer."
Hosted by KSL-1160 radio duo Grant and Amanda and held on a stage at
the City-County building, the evening featured performances from de
Azevedo, Peter Breinholt, Northern Voices, Seven Nations, Jenny
Jordan and Gladys Knight. SLOC President Mitt Romney and Salt Lake
Mayor Rocky Anderson also made appearances.
Freezing temperatures couldn't keep the crowds away from the
festivities which ended in the arrival of the Olympic Torch carried
by former Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, Jazz all-star and
two-time Olympic gold medalist John Stockton and silver medal skier
Steve Mahre. That trio assisted Paralympian Chris Waddell to the
stage, where the five-time gold medalist lit the caldron.
"We have been talking about the Olympics for so long, and now they
are finally here," said de Azevedo. "History is being made where we
live, and it's thrilling to take part."
The weather was so cold that by the time de Azevedo was performing
her second song, she couldn't feel her fingers strumming her guitar.
"I had to look down to make sure that I was even hitting the strings
at all," she said, laughing.
Security surrounding the event was tight, as it will be with all
events surrounding the Games over the next three weeks. According to
de Azevedo, it was the first time she had ever gone through metal
detectors or been searched on her way to a gig.
"Each of the performers had escorts that stayed with us the entire
evening. The whole event was very well organized, and I felt safe,"
she said.
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Source:
Utah Performers Help Welcome the Olympic Torch
Excel Entertainment Press Release 8Feb02 A2
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