Gary Morris delights holiday crowd

The formidable vocal talents of country music and Broadway star Gary Morris were on full display last Saturday, December 17, at Sisters High School. Making a special stop in Sisters on his national tour, Morris brought his celebrated Christmas concert to Sisters, donating his time for "A Starry Christmas Night with Gary Morris," with funds benefiting the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Morris commented on being in Sisters and helping the foundation.

"I'm all about communities that take care of themselves, and that's what this community is about. We're here to help the community raise money and take care of the schools," he said.

Jeri Fouts, of the Sisters Schools Foundation, added, "Gary is a loyal supporter of our schools and community and is very inspired by the art in the community, and we're very happy he's back."

After a brief introduction by former Sisters High School Principal Dennis Dempsey and Sisters High School seniors Elisabeth Kokesh Carhart and Brett Pray, a 15-minute video of the history of the Sisters Schools Foundation and Starry Nights Concerts warmed the crowd for the arrival of Morris.

An enthusiastic ovation greeted Morris as he took the stage. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Morris covered songs from "Les Miserables" and his huge hit "The Wind Beneath My Wings," which later also became a hit for Bette Midler.

After a 25-minute solo set, Morris gave way to pianist and vocalist Carl Herrgesell. Herrgesell has played with the likes of Kenny Loggins, Elton John, Michael McDonald and many others. Later, longtime collaborator of Morris, Jeff Rea, took the stage for a solo effort. After a couple of songs by Morris' son Matt, including an amazing version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," Morris was joined onstage with the rest of the performers for "Silent Night," before taking a brief intermission.

"What a great show," commented Cheryl White, of Sisters. "It is really great to see Gary performing with his son, and I just really love the pianist as well. And to have Matt come out and spend time at the school with the students was great."

The second half of the program found all four performers on stage and the spirit of the holidays in full bloom, highlighted by Matt Morris' rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Requests from the crowd were later taken and the audience participation only added to the festive atmosphere. Later, Morris was joined by the Sisters Middle School Choir for a medley of "Do You Hear What I Hear/Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."

Said Morris about the students, "That's the highlight of the show for me, I just love kids coming on stage. They rehearsed hard and were ready to go."

While the other performers in the group were able to spend a few days in Sisters, the ever-busy Morris arrived in Sisters the day of the show, and was leaving for New York City the following day. "Yeah, I go back to New York tomorrow," said Morris. "We're rehearsing a new show called "Soul Doctor' which opens Christmas Day in Miami."

Despite his busy schedule, Morris may come back to Sisters one day.

"Jeri and Dan (Fouts) are friends," he said. "It's my third time here, and if they called to do another one of these, I'd love to come back."