Flying footballs, a bright red wig, back flips off stage and upside down piano playing prove pianist, composer and entertainer Jon Schmidt knows how to capture an audience’s attention. 

“My dad is a real goof. I think I get it from him,” Schmidt said. 

On Nov. 18 and 19, the highly comedic and energetic Schmidt performed a holiday concert at the Rexburg Tabernacle. 

“The energy he performs with is awesome, electrifying,” said Darin Southam, a Ricks College alumnus and up-and-coming artist who opened for Schmidt by singing two Christmas songs and a song written by Schmidt. 

Schmidt played holiday classics including “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” and “Silent Night” in which he asked the audience to participate. He also played other pieces not meant for the season including “Tribute,” a song dedicated to his sister Rose-Anne who died of a heart attack in 1985, “First Run” and “Waterfall.”

Classified as a new age pianist, Schmidt communicates his style through classical and new age overtones combined with pop-style elements. 

It is Schmidt’s versatility and ability to arrange classical and rock ‘n’ roll pieces together that appeal to people of all ages. His piece, “Pachelbel Meets U2” combines the style of classical artist Johann Pachelbel with U2’s alternative modern rock. 

“Sometimes my songs pop out of nowhere. A lot of times it is a mistake that inspires me, and sometimes you just got to pray for help and it comes,” Schmidt said. 

Schmidt made it a goal to involve the audience through humor and personal interaction throughout his performance.

He even invited BYU-Idaho student and jazz band member Matthew Wood, a freshman from Penns Grove, N.J., on stage to accompany him for an improvisational jazz piece. 

“I thought it was the best thing to hit Rexburg since the last time he came,” said Jeremy Griggs, a BYU-Idaho alumnus from Sugar City. “I like his energy.”