Osmond Brothers to host family reunion with rare Utah concert

When Merrill, Jay and Jimmy Osmond return from tours in Branson, Mo., the Pacific Rim and, most recently, England, the singers like to come to Utah to take a break and relax with friends and family.

That explains why the Osmond Brothers, the state's most famous musicians, don't often perform in Utah: There's a lot of family to visit.

But the brothers will be able to perform and be with family during a rare Utah concert that's billed as something of a family reunion, with the Osmond 2nd Generation opening the show.

"This is the show for you if you like teeth," said Nathan Osmond, a country singer who also performs with his brothers in Osmond 2nd Generation.

You couldn't fault the Osmond Brothers for taking a breather after returning from England, where the trio performed to scores of thousands of people during a "50 shows in 60 days" tour.

But instead of fatigue, Merrill Osmond said the English tour "energized" the brothers, and they're eager to show off the precision, fun and singing excellence they perfected across the Pond. "We want to do the same show we did in Europe," Jimmy said.

Merrill added: "This is going to be something special."

With many of the extended Osmond family slated to attend and appear onstage, the family is uniting to raise funds for the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund, a nonprofit founded in late 2010 to promote hearing educational services in honor of the matriarch of the performing Osmond family.

Another reason for the group's energy is the brothers' new album, "Can't Get There Without You," released in April and featuring Jimmy, Merrill and Jay with guests Donny, Marie, Wayne, Alan and Jimmy's daughter, Sophia Osmond. "It was exciting for Merrill on this last tour because of new music," Jimmy said.

Yet another reason for the singers' excitement is the chance to team up with Osmond 2nd Generation, older brother Alan's sons, who used to live in Branson and opened for the Brothers twice a day during their time in Missouri.

Nathan said he hadn't performed onstage with the Osmond Brothers since 1997, when he was 18. At least five of the eight brothers will perform at the West Jordan concert. Getting everyone together is "like rounding up cats," he said.

Nathan Osmond is also slated to perform solo at the Eagle Country Fest on June 23 at the Gallivan Center and with the Choral Arts Society of Utah at Abravanel Hall the weekend of July 13. The entire concert will be filled with what the family has learned in more than 50 years of singing around the world.

"My father told me, it's show business, so give them a show," Nathan said.

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Just like an Osmonds family reunion

The Osmond Brothers perform with the Osmond 2nd Generation

When • Saturday, June 16, at 8 p.m.

Where • West Jordan Arena, 8125 S. 220 West, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $10 to $20 at SmithsTix