The Gershwin Gala, a Tabernacle Legacy Campaign Fundraiser, happened on the evening of Nov. 20 to raise money for the Rexburg Tabernacle renovations and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin.

The two-hour concert included musical selections from Porgy and Bess, an old cartoon from 1932; the "Rhapsody in Blue" masterpiece; "Promenade" from 1937, a collection of Gershwin’s tunes as a tribute to him; and lastly, "An American in Paris."

Halfway through the program, they played a video about the history and legacy of the Tabernacle. In 1911, early citizens of Rexburg built the Tabernacle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a mix of archaeological styles from Europe. The video shared how the tabernacle has survived through the 1976 flood from the Teton Dam, after which, the city of Rexburg bought the tabernacle from the Church. The full video can be found on YouTube.

The goal of the Tabernacle Legacy Campaign is to provide the funds for much-needed renovations so that the Tabernacle can continue to serve as a cultural landmark and gathering place.

“We need donations,” said the MC. “We need everyone’s taber-nickles.”

The Tabernacle has long been the gathering place for the Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra.

“I’ve enjoyed (the Rexburg Tabernacle),” said Dan North, a musician in the orchestra playing French horn and the bass drum. “I’ve lived in the community for over 30 years and been a lot of wonderful memories and wonderful musical experiences there, and it’s a good community gathering place.”

The orchestra accompanied the visiting pianist, Dr. Claire Tueller Thueson as she played "Rhapsody in Blue." When she finished, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

This event also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s famous piece, "Rhapsody in Blue," written in 1924.

Towards the end of the night, the Madison High School Vocal Spectrum sang an arrangement called "Tribute to Gershwin." It is a combination of eight musical pieces from the 1920s and 1930s. North said this was his favorite piece to play during the concert.

Wyatt Ray came to see his friend play violin in the orchestra.

“I really like it. I think they’re playing very well,” said Ray when asked what he thought of the performance.

His favorite number was the "Promenade." This was a song Gershwin wrote while working with Fred Astaire, a famous dancer. In the performance at the Gala, the orchestra accompanied the clarinetist, Mark Seare, as they played the video Astaire produced about walking a dog to the tune of "Promenade."

The Tabernacle Legacy Campaign has a website for donations and information.

Featured Image: Gershwin Gala with guest conductor, Dr. Kevin Call, leading the Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra. Nov. 20, 2024. Photo credit: Caralyn Cleaver