No. 1 Billboard artist with ties to eastern Idaho performing Christmas concert in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS – Nathan Pacheco is returning to eastern Idaho this month for a concert in Idaho Falls.

The 44-year-old classical crossover artist is bringing his Higher Christmas 2024 Tour to the Colonial Theater on Dec. 21. In a conversation with EastIdahoNews.com, Pacheco describes it as a “hybrid show” that will include performances of Christmas classics, along with other fan favorites.

It will also include a live performance of his new single, “Mary, Did You Know?” which came out last week.

“You guys will be some of the first people to hear me perform it live. I’m really excited about that,” Pacheco says.

Pacheco made his debut as a professional artist in 2012 with his self-titled debut album, which includes fan favorite “Nessun Dorma.” Since then, he’s toured the world alongside artists like Yanni, Katherine Jenkins, and Placido Domingo. In 2017, his album “Higher” reached the No. 1 spot on three Billboard charts.

His latest album, “Beloved,” is a collection of 22 songs written as a musical in audio form. Pacheco hopes it will eventually be turned into a film or stage musical.

Earlier this year, Pacheco performed for Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during his 100th birthday celebration at the conference center in Salt Lake City.

Pacheco is a member of the church and says it was “a huge honor” to be part of that.

“He was so kind and generous to those around him, to those of us that performed. He went out of his way to recognize us, to make us feel so appreciated. I was very touched,” Pacheco says.

This will be Pacheco’s second concert at the downtown Idaho Falls venue. He performed at the Colonial last year and has also performed at Idaho State University in Pocatello.

He’s excited to come back to Idaho Falls.

“Idaho Falls is such a charming little area. I’ve become more acquainted with it over the last couple years and I love the downtown area … especially with the lights during the Christmas season,” he says.

RELATED | Artist with ties to eastern Idaho performing in Pocatello this weekend

The Washington, D.C., native has ties to eastern Idaho. Pacheco’s mother- and father-in-law, Bill and Lisa McKinney, have lived in Rigby for the last 17 years.

Originally from Alabama, Bill says a friend he met at Brigham Young University years ago moved to Mud Lake after working in Alabama for years. Bill frequently went hunting and fishing with him in Idaho and the McKinneys eventually decided to make the Gem State their permanent home.

Bill and his wife are now enjoying retirement. Their daughter, Katie, is Pacheco’s wife. She’s never lived in eastern Idaho but often comes to visit while her husband is on tour.

Bill recalls how Katie and Nathan first met.

“She lived in Arlington, Virginia, and was running a cosmetology school. She went to a New Year’s party for a bunch of young single adults and Nathan just happened to be there. Nathan had never really dated and Katie was driven professionally. He walked into her life and she looked at me and said, ‘This one’s different,'” says Bill. “It’s been a match made in heaven.”

Bill says the COVID-19 pandemic proved nearly fatal to Pacheco’s career. Touring wasn’t allowed, but Pacheco somehow fought his way through it and survived.

Bill is proud of the couple for sticking together during such a turbulent time and he speaks highly of his son-in-law’s accomplishments.

“There is an immense will there,” Bill says of Pacheco’s drive. “He could’ve done theater or Broadway — he’s had several opportunities to do that — but he decided if he was ever going to make music work for him, it was going to have to be on his terms.”

The McKinneys are planning to attend Pacheco’s concert in Idaho Falls.

In a recent interview, Pacheco pointed to marriage and faith as two foundational things that contribute to his success. He feels blessed to share his talents with fans and is appreciative of the reception he received in Idaho Falls last year.

He promises to give those who attend “the best show I’ve given in my entire life.”

“I’m excited to have fun with them as I share some of my favorite songs that bring me so much joy. Hopefully, it brings them a lot of joy as well and I hope it helps usher in the Christmas spirit,” says Pacheco.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. To learn more or buy tickets, click here.

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH PACHECO IN THE VIDEO ABOVE.