I would like to share with everyone a review from Hubert who had the honor to see Celtic Woman in Little Rock.
I left home at 3:30 for the 100 mile trek to Little Rock to see Celtic Woman in concert. This was an hour earlier than last year as I hoped to avoid the traffic jam I encountered then when entering the underground parking garage next to the auditorium. I stopped at Sheridan to eat at the same Chinese restaurant that I did last year. With a full stomach I headed on to Little Rock. I also had the bright idea of approaching from another direction in hopes of avoiding the jam. Well, none of this worked out very well. I still encountered a long line heading into the parking area. But I was an hour earlier and this time there were officers directing traffic which made the whole process much smoother. I made it into the auditorium and took my front row seat an hour before start time. I was the only person across the front row at that time. Soon one of the main personalities from the statewide PBS network stopped and chatted with me. We talked about Celtic women past and present. I told her that I wanted to yell “Ray” when he walked up to his percussion platform. He is usually the first one to get to his station. I told her not to let anyone kick me out if I did this. She said it was okay. Soon two ladies sat down to my immediate left. They were both from out of town and one had driven further than I to get to the show. They said they had seen every Celtic Woman concert in Arkansas. The auditorium gradually filled up. Lastly, the two empty seats to my right were filled by a lady and her daughter in law both from Little Rock but originally from Wales. They had also seen the show multiple times. It was nice to converse with fellow fans. Then the lady from PBS walked onto stage to introduce the show. As she finished all the band members walked to their stations at the same time. I yelled “Ray” but at just that instant the lights went down and I did not get to see his response. The show was on. In life's experiences how often do you anticipate an event six months in advance and then the realization actually far exceeds all expectations? In my life only Celtic Woman meets that criteria. My sixth concert was definitely the best. It was the same show as last year but somehow outdid that one. The girls were in great form and exhibited an energy and enthusiasm that is remarkable considering that they are near the end of a long tour. The highlight of the show for me was Lisa Lambe performing Dulaman. She sang it as well as Lynn and Méav have in the past but added some unique touches. First, she gave a long introduction which was cute and funny. The audience laughed. She did not just sing the song. She was prancing around the stage and then she went into a spin like a figure skater. Máiréad does that when she plays “Coast of Galicia”. Now there are two spinners in the show. Then someone gave her a pair of spoons and she started playing them up against Ray's shoulder. After it was over she received a thunderous ovation. The girls added a new little twist to “Orinoco Flow” that was nice. When they sang “Danny Boy” there were several ooh's and aah's to be heard nearby. “At The Ceili” involved all the choir members as well as the girls and was highly entertaining. Chloë talked more than ever and really charged up the audience. She challenged everyone to yell louder and louder. The show reached a fever pitch and ended with a bang. My voice held out okay from all the yelling but I did have some slight bruising and swelling on my hands from the clapping. What a great show. You just have to see it for yourself. I wish to mention that I truly miss some great performers that left the show since last year. Vocalists Alex Sharpe and Lynn Hilary plus band members Nicky Bailey and Des Moore will be missed. Do you realize that in addition to the two Lisa's in the show there are also two Máiréad's? The lovely Máiréad Maguire is part of the choir. After the show those of us attending the Meet & Greet assembled at one side of the auditorium. Team member Dustin came out to direct us to a side room. We went inside and waited. Soon Máiréad and Lisa Lambe came out and took their seats. Dustin and another guy directed the M&G. I miss the lovely ladies from last year. Where is Rachel? I was in the middle of the line and chatted with others waiting our turns. I reached the table and got to shake hands with both girls and get some autographs. I spoke briefly with each one. Lisa has a background in dance and theatre which enriches her performance. She is at ease with the public one on one or performing on the stage. It was an honor to finally meet Máiréad after enjoying her work for several years. I asked her a question or two and made a few comments. I told her that I had an email friend named Rick Shears who was a big fan of hers and had a blog dedicated to her. Both her and Lisa lit up. They both knew Rick and Máiréad said to say “hi” to Rick from them. Then I had to move on. But I stayed until the end of the M&G. Finally, the girls were led out of the room and those of us still there gradually dispersed. And just to think that I get to do this all over again on Saturday night, May 14. Life doesn't get any better than this.
Hubert Boddie
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