One of Goldstein's most recent tours took him to Haifa and Jerusalem, where "we brought Israeli, Arabic and American jazz vocalists together for a night of peace with music."

Music does not have politics, he says. In fact, there's a chance that he might perform for President-elect Barack Obama. "We're working through Senator Hatch's office on that. It would be a great opportunity."

Goldstein will also do several concerts in Utah, including "An Alpine Christmas" concerts the first weekend in December, where he will share the stage with Daniel Beck, April Meservy, One Clear Voice, Patrick Lehman, Todd McCabe and April Moriarty and others; proceeds go to benefit the arts departments at Timberline Middle School in Alpine. Goldstein will also be doing a First Night celebration at the Assembly Hall on New Year's Eve, among other appearances.

He's been getting good response from the CD, he says, "A lot of adults tell me they love it. A lot of people who are not members of the church tell me they love it."

And now, he says, a lot of people want the printed piano music. "Most people don't just sit down and play like I do; they have to have it written down. So, we're working on that. We hope to have it out by next spring."

Even though he once thought Primary songs needed more life, he has always loved the messages they offer to children, and he loves working for and with children.

"Children are so inspiring," he says. "Children and inspiration are synonymous. I believe that inspiration comes into the world with us. Part of why we are here is to share it. I think children still remember those feelings of heaven. Adults have to work harder to feel them."

And music, he says, is such a natural way to bond with and teach children. Music is their language, he says. "It reflects the spirituality that is in them."

If you go ...

What: An Alpine Christmas

Where: Timberline Middle School, Alpine

When: Dec. 5 and 6, 7 p.m.

How much: $10

Web: www.alpinechristmas.com or www.marvingoldstein.com

Also: Marvin Goldstein Fireside, Sunday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m., 7400 S. 4800 West, West Jordan; Monday Family Evening Christmas Concert, Monday, Dec. 8, 20 S. Main, Pleasant Grove.

E-mail: carma@desnews.com