Hi, y’all! In this month’s blogpost, I promised to give you a little rundown/update about what’s been going on with our family as of late. With the change in our show schedule, our friends and fans have been asking lots of questions about our plans. Since we are only performing Christmas shows in Branson this year, a common query has been, “are you and Tom retiring?” Another question that we’ve been repeatedly asked is, “what are you going to do with all of your free time?” So, just to set the record straight, you probably should know that the terms “retirement” and “free time” have yet to make our vocabulary. In fact, I don’t think they even appear in our dictionary! Both Tom and I are worker bees – we love to work, and we have always thrived on using our creativity to try to make a difference in the world. I don’t see that ever changing. The methods might change with different circumstances, but never the madness!
With that in mind, here’s a glimpse into what The Bretts are currently doing with their lives.
Tom – Even though we are only doing Christmas shows this year, the awesome truth is, we still have Christmas shows this year! An abbreviated schedule does reduce the number of shows on stage, but that’s about all it reduces. The operation of a Branson show is still a year-round, daily venture. Tom goes to the theater every day and is involved in the marketing, management, show production, and all the elements required to make this year’s Christmas show better and more successful than ever. We do have fewer shows, but we are determined to make them count! Our goal is to be the Christmas show that everyone who comes to Branson must see, and we want them all to be happy they came! That is a year-round undertaking. Christmas will be here before we know it, so we are already working to make it the best ever.
In addition to that, Tom has recently partnered up with our business manager of more than 35 years, to create a small business consulting company that is designed to help small business owners beat the statistical odds and succeed in reaching their goals and dreams. This is currently in the development stages but has very exciting and wide reaching potential. This requires some travel and interesting hours, so honestly, Tom is busier than ever.
Andrea – I, too, am heavily involved with the show. I’m at the theater nearly every day, and when I’m not, I work from home on the financial side of things, and in the creative work. I get up early every morning and spend time writing music. I’m not sure where all of that music will land but it’s just something I have to keep doing because it’s what I love to do. Most people don’t know that I play the piano because I don’t typically do it in the show, but I’m just about finished with a new piano arrangement of “Silent Night” and am working on “I Wonder as I Wander,” as well, plus, I’m always working on original songs. Also, I’m pretty excited right now because I just started teaching two of my grandsons piano lessons. All I can say is, they make me smile! A lot! In addition, I’ve been working on the I Am a Veteran Project and another idea that has long been running around in my head that I will tell you all more about as it comes to fruition.
Since Tom and I are empty nesters now, we are taking this opportunity to resurrect some of the old duets we used to sing together when we first got married. We are practicing one or two every day and building up our repertoire again. We are enjoying singing together again, just the two of us. That is, after all, how this whole thing got started!
Briahna – If you haven’t heard by now, Briahna is expecting our fourth grandchild and we are thrilled that after three rambunctious boys, she is due on June 22nd to have a baby girl! This is so exciting for all of us. We can’t wait to see a pink little Perkins! Needless to say, Briahna has her hands full. Her boys, ages 7, 5, and almost 2, are involved in all the activities that kids their ages do, and Briahna is a patient and persevering chauffeur, cook, story-teller, Band-aid putter onner, and referee. For Briahna, being wife and mom is Job #1 and she’s really great at it. She also is very involved as the adult leader for the 12-18 year old girls at our church. They keep her hopping and she is a wonderful role model for them.
Brydon – Brydon is also working with The Bretts Christmas Show production, providing his energy, guidance and creativity, but his pressing focus right now is Prince Ivan. The guys have been to Nebraska and New Mexico this year with their live concerts and have others scheduled throughout the year, but lately, due to some very exciting developments on the horizon, they are hunkered down in full-time songwriting and production for a new album and a new live show. Brydon is also an artist development coach, working with students to help them improve their live stage performance. As many of you know, a few years ago, Brydon authored a book entitled The Artist Disciple. He is currently in the process of revising it to reach a much wider audience and to bring his full Artist-Disciple vision to the world.
Garon – Garon is studying Commercial Music at Brigham Young University. His focus is also on songwriting and production. He is one of the main engineers at BYU’s Studio Y and as such, spends hours behind a soundboard helping other students and performing groups create and capture their music. Garon is always writing his own amazing music, and currently is collaborating and co-writing with several other artists on their album projects. He is also lead producer and “brainfather” (I think I just made that word up,) of a new video series called Studio Y Sessions, which shines the spotlight on select BYU music students, of all musical genres, featuring them in an intimate studio setting. I was lucky enough to sit in on a couple of the sessions as they were being recorded, and it was awesome. Garon’s intent with Studio Y Sessions is to draw more attention to the depth, breadth, and quality of BYU’s music program, and to create unity among the diverse departments there. He’s working with a wonderful team of students and faculty to make that happen.
As a family we are still taking our show on the road. In January, we had a great time doing shows in Florida and Alabama. The Branson contingency piled into our big van, using every last seat, and made the two day drive to Orlando. Garon flew in from Utah to meet us. Between our show dates, we spent the week going to Disneyworld, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. As you can see from the photos below, something magical really does happen in the Magic Kingdom. From our first day to the last, we all grew ears! We had a great time, made some great memories, and hope to go back soon.
So, all is good on the Brett front. Lots of change, lots of growth, renewed vision for Christmas, and new vision for the future. We will keep you posted as we continue the journey. We so appreciate you all supporting us, encouraging us, and joining us along the ride! We’d love to hear where life is taking you, as well. Go ahead and post below something new that you are doing this year. May God bless you in whatever it is!
