Evie Clair

Tag: lds

  • That They Might Have Joy

    That They Might Have Joy

    Evie Clair would like to share an intimate new album of sacred hymns, close to her heart, with simple original arrangements of beloved, classic Christian hymns and sacred songs that bring her joy. Her husband, Clancy says,

    “You couldn’t get an album that more closely resembles the experience of Evelyn sitting at the piano in her living room singing to you personally.”

    Evie Clair, now Evelyn Thomas and her husband, recently posted about the coming birth of their first baby. The gentleness of these 15 songs makes them feel like lullabies in honor of that announcement. They come directly from her heart and speak to the listener’s soul about the love she has for God and her relationship with Him. Other album themes include kindness, gratitude, the Savior, peace and families.

    The album title “That They Might Have Joy” comes from a beloved scripture passage, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25) embracing the idea that we exist to find true and lasting Joy no matter our circumstance. It was a belief her father held even through the difficulties of a painful death from cancer. She added a remastered version she sang the year he passed away of his favorite hymn “Be Still My Soul” ending with the lyrics, “through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.” He taught her to hold to the things that wouldn’t fade with passing trends, but to fill her life with things that bring eternal joy.

    Evelyn wanted to share these sacred lyrics and melodies of Jesus with others as a testimony of the joy she has found so that they, also, might have joy and internalize the true source of it.

    Special thanks from Evie to a few beloved people who contributed to this album including Kirra Abplanalp, Charles Mann, Bailey Jolley, Phoebe Morris, Christy Mann, Michael McLean and Pamalee Mann.

  • Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center

    Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center

    A grand opening

    This week, Evie joined Olympian Mykayla Skinner, Apostle Ulisses Soares, and influencer/entrepreneur Bella Weems Lambert in a press conference for the new Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints builds these centers to uplift, and unite communities. The event made a great impact on everyone there. Evie loved the experience, saying, “No matter who comes here, there will be something for them to love.” Sadly, it’s rare to feel so at home in today’s world. Places like this provide a chance for much needed connection.

    Connect with your roots

    “We spent time with young adults in Mesa to learn how to create a space that works for them,” said director Tanner Kay. Although the focus of the Center is the Temple, it’s purpose is to unite people. Visitors are immersed in the rich history of Mesa, and it’s Temple. Upon entry, cards are available with the names of individual pioneers, natives, and immigrants. As you explore the Center, interactive stations unfold the story of that individual. The rich, mixed culture of Arizona comes alive as visitors connect to their common heritage. Furthermore, the Center houses dozens of computers and trained volunteers to help people learn about their own genealogy.

    Connect with yourself

    Along with connecting people to their past, the Visitors’ Center helps people connect with their present. Evie’s favorite display is a large wall with the title, “I can be a LIGHT”. Dozens of phrases cover the wall, each one illuminating when touched. They suggest simple acts of service, such as “Love yourself,” “Bake for a neighbor,” or “Be a Peacemaker.” The Center also features several “meditation pods”, where people can relax and ponder.

    Connect with God

    Above all, this center is to bring people closer to God. As the name of the Church suggests, it is based in Christianity. However, anyone will find their relationship with their God strengthened by this experience. The Spirit is palpable in every room. The information presented is clear, and inspiring. The sense of love and acceptance can’t be faked. Because of that feeling, Evie recommends that everyone makes a visit to the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. You won’t regret it.

  • If Ye Love Me

    If Ye Love Me

    Evie and her mom, Hillary Abplanalp, composed this new single with vocals by Evie and her sister Kirra Abplanalp. Audio engineering by Nate Fenwick Smith and lyrics are from the scripture John 14:15. Enjoy and share.


  • Evie Clair at World’s Largest Family History Conference

    Evie Clair at World’s Largest Family History Conference

    Evie Clair was given a rare opportunity to perform and share stories of her ancestors at RootsTech, the largest family history conference in the world, on Saturday.

     Article on Family Search

    With Keynote speakers like Olympic Ice Skater, Scott Hamilton and Latin musician, Natalia LaFourcade from the Disney movie Coco, RootsTech goes all out every year to give high priority to Family History.  They make it relevant and fun for the whole family to jump into the past and research their ancestors. This year, for their main stage finale with over 10,000 in attendance and hundreds of thousands watching a live stream on lds.org, they featured Evie Clair. She shared music about families that is special to her and told of Swiss ancestors that she was able to learn more about through a RootsTech personal family history specialist.

    While back stage for the rehearsal and the show day, Evie was able to meet and mingle with President Dallin H. Oaks of the first presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his family, Elder Rendlund of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles as well as Scott Hamilton, Hank Smith and the incredible people she performed with including her good friend Sara Arkell, The Piano Gal, Alex Melecio, Kenya Clark, Rodrigo Benecourt and Masa Fukuda – director of the One Voice Children’s Choir and host Jason Hewlett. Natalia LaFourcade would have been there as well, but had to leave the conference early for an opportunity that came up to sing at the Oscars.

    Evie’s family and friends came to watch her perform in the final main stage segment of the conference and were so touched by her songs and the deep meanings they held for the family. Evie sang To Where You Are made popular by Josh Groban and I’m not sure a dry eye could be found in the 13,000 seat room. One audience member said, “Somehow she conveys emotion so powerfully. It’s not the polish or power, just her ability to reach into your soul.”

    Evie then spoke about her own Swiss ancestry and the incredible origin of her last name. She sang a song called Army of Angels written by her cousin McKenna Morris who is currently serving a mission in Russia. She then spoke of music and her ancestors and the origins of her musical talents. The final number was How Can a Moment Last Forever from the recent Beauty and the Beast movie. She sang with Alex and Kenya an arrangement by Masa Fukuda for the perfect finale.

    Every detail of the conference was handled with such professionalism and Evie was so grateful to be part of it. They used a clip from America’s Got Talent to introduce her and in the exchange with NBC for licensing on that video, they were so impressed with RootsTech for going through all the correct channels to acquire legal rights to use the clip. They were impressed with an organization that would obey the rules so perfectly when so many others seemingly break copyright laws without thought or consequence.

    RootTech 2018 was a success! We know our children had a wonderful time at the Family Discovery Day and we plan to return next year.

  • Evie Clair Collaborates to Light the World

    Evie Clair Collaborates to Light the World

    After the America’s Got Talent finale, Evie Clair has been traveling the country performing and sharing her story in person. Today she returns as a YouTuber in collaboration with non profits, composers and other talented musicians to join in the movement to #LightTheWorld with service, love and the peace of the Christmas season. Learn more about #LightTheWorld

    Evie released two videos on her YouTube channel today which are the first performances she has been able to release since before her first appearance on NBC’s most watched show, America’s Got Talent.

    For Here in My Arms, she collaborated with young vocalist, Rosevelt Rawls and with Cinematic Pop composer Rob Gardner who in his spare time writes sacred oratorios such as Lamb of God, orchestrated by the world famous London Symphony Orchestra. Here in My Arms has emphasis on the divine calling of motherhood and the special ways Mary, the mother of Christ, was able to give Jesus the gift of lifelong service as His mother.

    Here in My Arms sheet music is available here.

    For Light the World, composer Sara Baril and her son Benson caught Evie’s attention with an original song they released that captures the heart of the #LightTheWorld in 25 ways over 25 days initiative to teach, serve and love as Jesus Christ.  Sara and Benson traveled from their home in Canada to record and film Light the World and bring message to life in collaboration with Step UP Schools, Mormon.org and the Salvation Army, they put their words to action as they participated in service projects including preparing food boxes and hygiene kits for families in need and reading to and playing with the students.

    Light the World sheet music available here.

    Both videos were produced in collaboration with Mormon.org and with Production by Stephen Moyer, Thomas Manning and James Adams.