In 2000 he moved to Utah to pursue a career in gospel music. He also performs in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which is composed entirely of volunteers.

Wednesday evening, Boyé told the group of a couple hundred youth and their parents that he'd seen what was outside the church and it was not worth it.

"I am so grateful for membership in the church," he said. "... Don't ever leave the church."

The young people responded well to Boyé's message, laughing as he told funny stories about his life and took a light-hearted approach to his sermon.

Sarah Zitterkob said she enjoyed hearing Boyé and was excited about the concert in Norman. She is a Yukon native home for the summer after her first year at Brigham Young University. In Utah, she heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform for the first time.

"They're super powerful," she said of the performance. Zitterkob is not a new fan of the MTC, however. Growing up, when she was troubled she would put in a MTC CD and a peace and joy would fill her heart, she said.

"The Mormon Tabernacle Choir invites you to feel something different, and they bring a spirit of peace and joy," Zitterkob said.

For more information about the Norman performance, visit www.motabok.com or www.mormontabernaclechoir.org. Tickets are available through those Web sites or the OU Athletic Ticket Office at 325-2424.

Julianna Parker Jones 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com