Some Of My Autographed Pictures

Thought I would share some of my items that Máiréad has autographed for me. Of course I cannot show everything because I do have many items. If you look further down at another post you will see the "Fiddler Crossing" jacket that I am wearing. I also have that signed, she signed my Máiréad teddy bear that I got from Lisa Kelly's Fan Club store and other things. Before i go to a show I will save some photos that are my favorites and make copies to take to the show. These here are some of my favorites. But let's be honest, Máiréad cannot take a bad photo.


I just love this expression. This photo ranks up in my top five favorite photos.

The paper you see at the corner of this photo was my very first autograph from Máiréad.

The card you see with this photo is something I had made up at KINKOS. It has her website and forum address on it. The back side includes a few facts about her. When I talk to people I give them a card so they can learn more about her. And believe me, I love to share Máiréad and her music with everyone.

Photos From My Shows

Thought I would share photos from a few of my shows. I like to take my camera so I can get pictures of the other fans and the venues. The first photo was from my second show in Cleveland from 2009. Playhouse Square in Cleveland makes up several theatres in a small area. Last year I saw them at the Palace Theatre, which is the last one in the photo. This year I saw them at the State Theatre, which is the one at the front of the picture.

The next picture is from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. This is also from the Isle Of Hope tour and I was the only one at this show from Máiréad’s forum. I still had my Fiddler Crossing sign and was in the front row. There was no meet and greet at this show.

These two photos are from the Isle Of Hope show in Columbus, Ohio. The gentleman in the photo with me is Scott. Mike (Mr. Peabody) is the one snapping the photo. I love that jacket and had to show it off. What made it great was the Fiddler Crossing sign on it.


This was my second from last Isle Of Hope show in El Paso, Texas. From left to right is Glenn (Rotten Rebel), Scott (Moscapoet), Tony (ALCAN1), Mike (MrPeabody) and myself. Again, all of us just had to show off our jackets. My last show was Albuquerque, New Mexico the next day. Máiréad signed my jacket so now I have it put away. It is now priceless.

This is my first Songs from The Heart show in Roanoke, Virginia. I was there for the first three nights. The addition of Anthony was perfect. He comes out in the lobby after the show and I had the chance to get this photo. Not a bad picture for a camera phone.



So far I have a total of 11 shows. Seven are from the Isle Of Hope and four from Songs From the Heart. I was honored to talk to Máiréad at every meet and greet from last year. I cannot ask for anything better than that. And let me tell ya, she is so sweet and kind.

Wish I was able to attend more shows this spring, but I will make sure I go to some in the extended tour. Their music is too beautiful to wait.

Autograph Signing at Radio City on 3/13/09

A Show So Perfect - Cleveland

I envy Mike and all the shows he has attended. Unless I hit the lottery, I will never have that many shows under my belt. But I do my best to attend as many as I can. If I was able, I would attend every show of the tour. Celtic Woman have a special place in my heart and they are worth watching them perform one more time. This was my 11th. Celtic Woman show, the 4th. for Songs From The Heart.

I started my day with John (starman) as he picked me up when he came through Columbus on his way to Cleveland. It was a nice day for traveling and I know the ladies have to be glad that winter is behind them. But when we left Columbus it was warm. Not so in Cleveland. I grew up by the lake and it does get colder with the cold Canadian wind coming off it. Never thought of checking the weather because it was a lot cooler. We got to Cleveland about 3:30 and checked into the Wyndham, the same hotel the ladies were staying at. Though I did not see them, I would have respected their privacy if I did see them.

The venue was only a few hundred yards from the hotel so that was very convenient. Of course I always wear one of my special made Máiréad shirts. I plan to have a few new ones made for my next show.



One thing I like to do at every show is talk to others. I started with the couple next to me. He told me the first time they heard of Celtic Woman was when they were on Dancing With Stars. Most people I talk to say they found them on PBS, so this was the first with Dancing With Stars. He told me that they really love the Celtic Woman and that this was their first show. I went into explaining how much of a treat they are going to experience. The videos are great, but nothing beats a live performance.

I also make a point to look around and see how things look. The theatre was full. If there were any empty seats, I could not see any. This is what I like to see. I know my very first show in Columbus last spring was a sell out. While waiting in the lobby, I heard a few people get turned away who were inquiring about tickets. Ohio cannot get enough of Celtic Woman.

Though there were some faces I did not recognize, I did see many I knew. Between Máiréad’s forum and Celtic Woman Forum, we had the first five rows. With all of us, I knew we could not only let the girls know that we love them and our stronger numbers would help motivate the audience.

About that time the lights went down and of course, you know the rest. It is time for Máiréad to enter for her part on Níl Sé'n Lá and I hear something that I have not heard on the three previous shows. The audience breaks out in a large applause during the song.

Going through song by song seems repetitious, but I will mention my favorites. I have said it before and I will say it again, I have never heard anything so beautiful as Lisa‘s version of Fields Of Gold. She can turn water into wine as she puts her heart into this song. I become so mesmerized that I become totally oblivious to everything around me.

Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears is my favorite group song. This song has so much meaning behind it and one can truly feel the depths of this song through each word. I am pleased that they kept it for this tour and would like it to remain for future tours.

Many fans are split with Alex’s solos, but I still favor You’ll Be In My Heart. I have heard the version by Phil Collins and he has nothing on Alex. I admit that prior to Celtic Woman I listened to a lot of rock and some country. Celtic Woman has changed my preference for music, but it is the ladies, not the songs. Many of the songs performed by Celtic Woman touch my soul because of their voices. You’ll Be In My Heart is one example. Only Alex can sing this song with beauty like a rainbow.

I want to briefly touch on what I mentioned in the above paragraph. Since I became a Celtic Woman fan, I have checked out many of their songs by other performers. I have to admit that the other performers do not stand up to my standards. I hope I say this correctly so everyone understands, but the reason I love the Celtic Woman is because they can take underrated songs and turn them into a masterpiece, That is something no one else can do. If the Celtic Woman sing it, than I know before I even hear it that it will be perfect. Their voices are just that good.

Another example is When You Believe. Chloë performs this song with such a high quality that is flawless. One thing I love about Chloë’s voice is that it is soft and yet she has the ability to hit any note with perfection. She hits that high note like it is nothing to her. Mariah and Whitney, step back because Chloë Agnew does this like no other.

I fell for Lynn’s voice the very first time I heard it. When she sings My Lagan Love I just do not know how to explain how so beautiful she sounds. I have one word that I believe describes Lynn as she sings My Lagan Love and that is Angelic. She just blows me away with a sound of an angel singing from Heaven.

And now my lovely Máiréad. Can I really pick a favorite? Each of her songs has a special part that exhibits Máiréad’s exceptional talent with her fiddle and the way she speaks through it. I love the way she can make the bow burn as she hits notes with lightening speed, but I find a real love for her slow songs. When she opens with You Raise Me Up and throughout the song, I love to look at her eyes. I have found that Máiréad speaks not only with her fiddle, but also with her eyes. When she plays it is like she is carefully listening to each note and it shows through her eyes.

During the intermission the couple next to me got up and I just thought they were stretching their legs. Throughout the first session, I continued to hear them talking. Found that to be disrespectful. I got up and went over to talk to Mike and Thomas. I asked him if he counted the 13 spins. Of course, I knew he would not have missed them. When I sat back down I started to talk to the ladies seated behind me. They wanted to know where I got my shirt with Máiréad on it. I informed them that I have my shirts made by a local business. We than proceeded to talk about the girls. They did not know all the names so I explained who each was. Just as the second session was about to start a new couple came and sat down next to me. I briefly got to speak to the lady and she told me the other couple left. I found that to be odd. She told me that she is an Irish dancer and she was very vocal and active all through the second half. After the show I got to speak to her a little more and she said they switched with the other couple. Well, they got the better deal because the best seats are near the stage. I gave her one of my cards with Máiréad’s information and told her to check out her website and forum.

After the show I went to meet some more people. I introduced myself to Rich Ropes and his son. Spent time talking to a few others while waiting for the meet and greet. I thought this was an excellent show and thought each lady was very active with the fans. As always, many smiles and looks. Starman and I were in the 5th row, but I would not say we went unnoticed. We got some looks and many smiles. I think one reason we got some looks was because we were standing out. It did bother me that many fans in rows 2 - 4 stood very little. I do not mean that no one stood, because there were some, but it was clear enough that the ladies had clear view of us in the fifth row.

I love all five ladies and I cherish seeing each one. I was hoping for Máiréad because I wanted to see how she liked the crystal fiddle I gave her in Roanoke. I wanted Lynn to come out because she is the only one I have not seen. I still have IOH stuff for her to sign. Plus, I want to meet Lynn. She is so sweet and I just want to see her. But after Mike got down with his little show, I made it to Alex and Chloë. To very nice and lovely ladies. But as always, I forget what I want to say and end up talking about something else.

I really take it hard after the shows. My CW withdrawal sets in every time, but usually does not hit hard until the following morning. These ladies are five of the most talented and sweet people on this planet and their shows really touch the depth of my soul. It is hard to end something so beautiful. I will attend a few of the extended tour shows, at any cost.

2010 IMA Nominations

It is time to nominate Máiréad for the 2010 Irish Music Association award again. I plan to push hard on this just like last year. But Máiréad cannot be nominated for "Top Fiddle" this year because the rules state that winners cannot be nominated in the same category. That stinks. So since I believe that Máiréad is Top Fiddle, I will not nominate anyone for that category. I would be fooling myself to think anyone else is as good as Máiréad. But I did nominate her for "Top Performeer in Concert."

Changing Blog

I have decided to redo this blog and change many things. After that, I will be promoting it to bring in Mairead fans

Changed FB Group Name

I changed the name of the face book group I have for Mairead. It is now called PIXIE LAND because I feel it fits her better.

Next month is my last show for this spring. It is not known if they will return in the fall, but I really hope they do. I do not want to wait a whole year to see them again. That is way too long.

IMA Presentation

I have been working with Bob Reeder, IMA Director, hoping to arrange the presentation of Mairead's award in St. Louis on March 30. It would be nice to see this happen. The Celtic Woman will also receive their award on this date. These ladies earned these awards and it would be great to know they have been presented to them.

Working on my FB group for Mairead. I think it will be a lot better than the way I have it now. My goal is to create a fan site for her. It will be much more in depth than the FB group, so I want her to say it is alright first. I respect Mairead and think that is fair.

Songs From The Heart tour has begun.

I had the opportunity to see the first three shows in Roanoke. I must say that they were the best I have seen so far. These wonderful ladies just blew me away with their beautiful voices. Máiréad, as always was electrifying. I cannot get over how great she is on stage and in person. When I listen to her all my worries go away. This is my review that I wrote on her forum.

My writing skills are not the best, but thought I would just write a short version of my experience in Roanoke. I always know how I feel, but not the best in expressing it in words.

I had the great honor to sit before these wonderful ladies once again. That almost never happened if it was not for the kind heart of a friend and forum member. Thank again Mike. You made another dream come true. I am just going to touch on the show and the after show.

I now have ten shows under my belt. Each one is as exciting as the other. I sit there on the edge of my seat scanning the stage and looking at how it was designed. I already knew we would not open with Mairead and The Sky and The Dawn and The Sun. That is one of my favorites and I believe it is a perfect choice to open a show. Mairead will always have her majestic beauty in my mind of those times when she would open and appear as a silhouette in the rising cloud. My first night I am sitting next to Jason and we are just waiting impatiently (like anyone could have patience for this) for the lights to go down and Mairead to enter with The Call. Of course, now we know that The Call was not the opening song. But I do like the way they opened it. The Sky and The Dawn and The Sun opens slowly as Mairead’s image moves across the stage in the dark. Same tonight. The ladies enter with candles and I could see their images move across the stage with grace and beauty. They continued to keep that image. Different song, but still just as beautiful.

Each show had something to offer. No two shows will be the same. It does not take long for the ladies to see us sitting down in the front. One thing that I love about these talented artists are the way they interact with the fans. Not many performers do that and that is just one of the several reasons they excel above others.

Anyone can tell that Lynn is a perfect choice for the Celtic Woman. Thank you David! She is very shy but she is getting better. Last year Lynn would look out into the audience, but mostly in the distance. Very little eye contact for those in the front row. I already noticed at the first three shows that Lynn is better with those in the front row. Just wish I could get her at a M&G.

Alex is one of those that I just fell for her voice and show performance immediately. Her new song, “My Heart was Home Again,” is so beautiful. Another perfect addition to the Celtic woman.

Chloe has grown so much over the last few years. I just love to watch her on stage. She is so perky and think it is so cute to watch her jump and skip about the stage. Her voice is so soft yet very powerful. I enjoy watching her sing. She hits the high note in “When You Believe,” perfectly. Just like Lisa on “The Voice,” Chloe takes her stand and gives it her all. I love it!

Lisa, oh Lisa. So many perfect solos. Her two new additions of “The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress” and “Fields Of Gold” are just, well, it is Lisa and I do not really know how to explain how beautiful her voice is.

I admit that I do not know a lot about Irish music. I also do not know a lot of Irish performers. But so far I have seen eight exceptionally talented women from Ireland that possess talent with a heart of love and compassion. When I talk to others about the Celtic Woman, one of the things that I mention is that they are down to earth ladies.

But I am a Mairead fan and I do not mean to undercut the other four fabulous ladies because I believe in my heart that all five are a critical part of this group and each one is just as important as the next.

Mairead just makes me MELT!!! I love instrumental music but never listened to a fiddle player much. In walks Mairead. She is just so interactive and watching her play “Coast Of Galicia” and “Granuaile’s Dance while at the same time giving us fans her unlimited expressions of smiles and eye contacts. I would sit and watch her move back and forth across the edge of the stage making sure she acknowledges each and every fan. Very pleased with the decision to play both of these songs in this tour.

“Mo Ghile Mear” is another of my favorites. I like the changes they made. Mairead of course does her part still, but I like the addition of everyone else being included. This is a true finale. Everyone throughout the show is given their own part in the finale. Great addition. I Love It.

Anthony is also an asset to the group. First of all, I love the sound of the bagpipes. Walking down the center isle on Amazing Grace really added to the song. This gave Anthony his own entrance for the song and it let him stand out as a critical part of the song. Again, love it.

I was all built up for the M&G. My heart sank when I heard Mairaed would not be at the M&G. But I will not complain. Every M&G I have had has had Mairead. I have been blessed. I bought Mairead a crystal fiddle and was upset that I could not give it to her, but I knew that it would still make it to her.

But any of the lovely five is a blessing to me. Chloe is so sweet and I just love her. I did have the chance to meet her last fall. But I got a new one. Have yet to meet Lisa (and Lynn, come on down). I was very, very excited to meet Lisa. Lisa is always full of smiles and she is no different now. Don’t get me wrong, Chloe is also a model of beautiful smiles.

I finally get to the table and some lady just steps in my way and decides to fix the curtain around the table. Come on lady, at least say excuse me. When I start to talk to these wonderful ladies I am in awe, as always. I planned to ask them about an old song that is in my top five favorites, “The Soft Goodbye.” I learned that night that Chloe, Lisa and Lynn have also preformed that song. I did not know that. I hope it is on tape somewhere and does surface. Lynn is a perfect addition for the song.

I still get a little carried away on the autographs, but I think I plan to tone that down. I would like to spend more time talking with these great ladies.

Songs From The Heart is a beautiful show and those three nights will always be part of my life.

But the three days in Roanoke had so many great moments. I got to meet new friends, such as John, Thomas, Jim, Don, Scott (all 3) and Jason. But I also got to see some that I met last year such as Scott (MP), Mike, Scott and Cindy (and they are a perfect couple), Dwight, and Dave. Thank you for a great time.

I learned a lot this week. Jim, Don, Dave and myself spent some time at the mall and sat in the lobby many times talking about the forum and the ladies. I learned so much from them. Each morning I would go down and try to use the hotel’s very slow computers. I would see Dave and we would have some great conversations. Thank you Dave.

I did not want the last night to end. I was not ready to go back to the hotel because I knew that would be it. So I joined Scott, Mike and Jason at Fridays. We sat there until 1:30am. I sat there and listened to Scott and Mike’s stories and found them to be very interesting. The time came when we called it a night.

So what really is CW Withdrawal? Well, I think it needs to be labeled as a real term cuz It does exist. The Celtic Woman have such beautiful sounds and if someone listens to them and not smile and at the same time break at tear, well than something is wrong. They do it to me all the time. Prior to seeing my first show I just had an internal drive or hunger to see them live. Got that chance last year. When I left that first show, the CW Withdrawal hit me and it hit me hard. I was in tears. Why, because I just left a show of five of the most beautiful and talented women and I did not want it to end. I am serious when I say that for the next three days I was not able to bring myself back up.

As I continued to see shows, I still got it but I would talk myself into realizing that I will see them again.

But something happened in Roanoke. These three shows touched me more than ever before. Prior to the third show I was already feeling the effect of CW Withdrawal. I knew what was coming. I enjoyed the last show, but deep down I was already hurting cuz this was it. I new I would see them again in a month, but this time I could not bring myself out of it.

This time it hit me harder than it did after my first show and I do not know why. This is why I did not want to go back to the hotel. Going with Scott. Mike and Jason helped me deal with it. When they dropped me off I was really down.

What happened this week that changed everything and made me feel worse than before, was my love and respect for these ladies. I have been a big fan since the first time I saw them. I am not sure how to explain it, but Roanoke hit me and gave me a double dose of CW Withdrawal. To me, these three shows are the best I have seen and my eyes opened even wider and I really saw and heard how truly wonderful Mairead, Lisa, Chloe, Alex and Lynn really are. It may sound a little crazy, but not to me. The Celtic Woman are in my heart, the best and I want to listen to them forever. That is why I think it hit me really hard this time. I did not want it to end.

Now I will wait impatiently for Cleveland. I am not sure I can deal with that show ending. If they do not return in the fall, it will be a whole year to wait. OH NO!

Something that I really enjoy at each show is the choreography. I find as much enjoyment watching the ladies move about the stage as I do hearing them sing. For example, the way they circled around to the top of the steps on Orinoco Flow and took one step at a time as the descended to Ray and Nick’s part. Same as isle Of Hope and so many more. Even Lisa as she rotates around while singing Fields Of Gold. It is just some very beautiful work they put together to give us the best.

It has been awahile since my last post. I was not sure if I was going to continue my blog for Máiréad since I started a face book group for her. I will continue this blog provided I can bring more Máiréad fans on board. I did make some changes and hope it is for the better.