Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped is a program to help supply needed items to those in poverty so they may have a better life. What makes this program better than others is that it provides them with the resources to move forward and have a future. This is accomplished by providing them with drinking water, seeds to plant vegetables and fruits, a cow for milk and chickens for eggs. The gifts are developed locally so that in turn helps the local economy.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Ladies of Longford - Brynes Irish Pub (Columbus)
Last night I went to a local Irish pub in Columbus called Brynes Irish Pub to see the Ladies of Longford perform for my second time. I do not drink any more so my only purpose to come to the Pub was to see these ladies perform again. The first time I got the chance to see them, or even hear of them, was at the Dublin Irish Festival (DIF) in August. I planned to get there early enough to get a seat near the front which was about an hour before the show would start. When I arrived the front seats were already taken because this night was also a Buckeye’s game as some were there to see both. So I just located a stool and sat off to the edge of the stage but still a great view.
The Ladies of Longford are five women with great talent. They are led by Hilda Doyle (vocals, acoustic guitar) who is also the mother of two more members, Stephanie Doyle (vocals, bass guitar) and Heather Doyle Fraser ( vocals, percussion-including djembe, shaker, tambourine). Two more members are Elizabeth Blickenstaff (fiddle) and Molly Pauken (drums, bass guitar), though Molly was not at this show.
I believe one great quality about any artist is how they interact with fans. I noticed all four women moving around the audience talking with fans which I thought was cool. Before the show I had a chance to talk to Elizabeth briefly and then got to meet Hilda who I have communicated via emails before this show and shared my photos from the DIF. We talked more about the group and Lone Raven, who a few of these ladies has also worked with. Hilda introduced me to her husband, Francis Doyle, and he was also a very polite person.
Since I am a new fan I am still learning all their songs. Some I recognize and some are new to me. Let me say that Ladies of Longford plays Irish/Gaelic music but also does many tracks that are not Irish. So in my opinion, if you love listening to any type of music, you will love Ladies of Longford.
I will be honest, I did not hear a single song that I did not like. They performed The Devil Went Down To Georgia and added a nice twist to it and the audience loved it! I was watching Elizabeth on the fiddle and her fingers were moving like lightening. On top of that, I did not hear her miss a note. They did another song where she also had a very fast pace on the fiddle and again – perfect. Believe me, she can play!!
Now Hilda, Heather and Stephanie all had songs where they sang lead vocals. Each has their own sound and though this was only my second time to hear them play, I could hear an audio now and know which one is singing. That is how unique the voices are for each of them. Hilda also plays the acoustic guitar and anyone can tell she puts her heart into it. She had some of those strings just vibrating away. Stephanie plays the bass guitar and I admit that I have not seen many women play the bass but Stephanie has my vote for being totally awesome. Heather held center position on stage as she would sing and play her many instruments. But watching her play the djembe drum was a show in itself. She would give it her all with a big smile on her face. They sang this one slow melody toward the end that was so beautiful. The guy sitting next to me took out his lighter and had it lit like many have done at concerts in the past.
Brynes does not have a dance floor but some did not let that stop them. It was cool to see some couples get up and dance to their songs. Elizabeth did this one song and I noticed MANY people from the other room come over because she is just that good. I was sitting next to a doorway and I heard some comment on how great she is on the fiddle. After the first break I found a seat so I had a view of all the doorways. Many times I would again see people from the other room come over to hear certain songs. Seriously, when the audience is that receptive that they dance, lite their lighters and come from another room because the songs caught their attention, then these ladies are doing something right,.
I love Irish music and think the fiddle and bag pipes have a sound that stands above all other instruments. But the Bodhran and the djembe drums can bring the quality of a song up several notches when played with passion such as Heather can do. During break I had a chance to talk with Hilda some more as I purchased four of their CD’s. I already bought one at the DIF so I only needed the other four. They even autographed one of them for me. Now I have the complete collection. Hilda went to do something so I talked to Heather for a few minutes. She was also so kind. I asked her how they came up with the name Ladies of Longford and she told me her grandfather was an immigrant from Longford County in Ireland. After the last set I went up and thanked Hilda and her husband for a great show. I do regret that I did not get a chance to meet Stephanie so I will make sure to say “Hi” to her the next time I see them perform.
So what are my personal thoughts? These ladies are very talented, Point said!! Now I am not sure how far they travel, but I think they are all form central Ohio. But they have the sound that would make them an international group. I will see them again and I recommend that if you ever see the Ladies of Longford on any entertainment list, GO SEE THEM. I promise that you will love them!!
If you would like to read what I mentioned when they performed at the DIF, scroll down my blog to the Dublin Irish festival dated August 7, 2011. You may also see the pictures from that show at Dublin Irish Festival
Here are a few links to samples from their web site so you can hear them.
Please check out their web site and sign up for their newsletter so you will know when they come to your area.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Celtic Woman "Believe"
Máiréad Nesbitt. Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Chloë Agnew just completed recording their next DVD titled “Believe” at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. For those who were able to take part of this recording, I know you will always remember it.
Believe will be their 2012 tour with tickets going on sale later this year. Make sure to check with your local PBS station for their fundraiser schedule if you want to obtain a meet and greet pass. Most start around Thanksgiving, but do not wait until the last minute because meet and greet passes go fast.
I have posted a few pictures and reviews of the recording on Pixie Land, so check it out.
Celtic Woman Believe Review
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