This was an outdoors show and those familiar with Ohio weather in October, it can change at the moment. It was a cool week with highs in the low 50’s with rain. The day of the show started with rain and I was praying that it would clear up by evening. And it did! I did my usual of getting there early so I could get a good seat which I found front center. The day before the show I shared information about this show on the Facebook pages of the local TV stations in hopes that locals would head on down to hear these women. The crowd rolled in slow which may have been the weather but it did not take long before it was full.
The stage sat next to the river with several levels of cement walls or seats for the audience to sit on. I could see why some brought their own chairs. As I mentioned, I was sitting front center because that is the best seat in the house and I planned to get lots of photos to share with everyone. Prior to the show, Hilda came out and talked to me. We chatted for a bit and she thanked me for coming out in this cold weather. I also got a great surprise. I love this song “Fiddlers Despair” and she said they were going to play it tonight for me. I was so happy. We chatted some more before she had to head back stage to get ready for the show – and a show it was!
Now I admit, I know what I hear and see, but I am not the best when it comes to putting it into written words. When I write reviews on more than one person, I never want to show favoritism toward one over the other, so what I did here is start on stage right and listed them as they were standing on stage.
Hilda Doyle (vocals, acoustic guitar)
The mother of two other members, she plays the acoustic guitar and is a lead vocalist on many songs. When guitar players are discussed, many visualize an electric guitar. But let me tell you, Hilda has that special spark on her acoustic guitar that would put many electric guitar players to shame. It is not hard to hear her sound within each song. She really puts herself into her songs. She moves about the stage as she connects with the other ladies and I think it exhibits great stage presence. 
Heather Doyle Fraser(vocals, percussion-including djembe, shaker, tambourine)
Fabulous Voice!! The first time I heard Heather sing I could just hear the power in her voice. I put Heather’s voice up there with Lisa Kelly and Hannah Waddington. You gotta hear her. I am also very impressed on how she plays her various instruments.Truly a gifted artist.
Elizabeth Blickenstaff (fiddle)
I love the fiddle. I admit that I was one of those who viewed the fiddle as a slow and boring instrument. That goes to show how ignorant I was for so many years. It was not until a few years ago when I started to listen to Irish performers, which includes the fiddle. I realized how unique this instrument is. Some of my favorite songs by Ladies of Longford involve Elizabeth’s great sound. Though I love all her songs, I cannot wait until the CD with “Fiddlers Despair” comes out. I recorded this song with my camera and was so upset when the sound was poor. Camcorder next time! I could see Elizabeth on stage with Máiréad Nesbitt, Cora Smyth, Liz Carroll and other great players as Elizabeth ranks right up there with them.
Stephanie Doyle (vocals, bass guitar)When it comes to electric guitars, I think the bass guitar really adds some of the most creative sounds to any song. I would love to hear Stephanie do a solo as I know she would rock the stage. Though Stephanie plays a bass, I can picture her playing along with Jimmy Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Van Morrison.
The Band
As a group and individually, these women are fabulous. I believe three areas excels any group above others. These are talent, interaction with fans and stage presence. Let me tell you, these ladies have it all. First, they are talented! I would support each of these women individually and as a group. As I said in my last review, they come out into the audience and interact with the fans. But they do not stop there. Even on stage they are all smiles and they look out into the audience and talk to us. Very cool! But their stage presence is something we do not see with many groups. They are not just standing up there playing an instrument as if they are in a studio. All four of these women enjoy what they are doing and it is easy to see that they put their heart into not only performing, but they make sure they give the fans 100%. I will repeat myself by saying that Hilda, Heather, Elizabeth and Stephanie are top ranked performers and the main event at any show!!!
In the first half, Hilda mentioned the song “Fiddlers Despair” and said they are playing it for a new fan and mentioned me. Now I knew before the show they were going to play it, but for her to mention it on stage made my heart skip a beat because that was so cool. I even heard someone behind me comment so he must have known the song too. But at the end, it was for everyone because the fans broke out in cheers and I heard many more positive comments. I just wish the sound was not messed up on the video I recorded. Trust me; I will get it next time.
At the end of this show, the seating area was full. Even on this cold night, fans came out to hear these ladies perform. Now I am going to tell you the truth. I was chilly when I got there and wished it was warmer. But, when they started to play, I became totally oblivious to the temperature. That chill was gone. I think I can speak for others when I say that the ladies gave us such a perfect and beautiful show, that the cold weather was no longer an issue.
I took many photos and some videos. I used my digital camera for both and when I got home I found out the sound on the videos was poor. After talking with a friend, I was told that internal microphones can pick up a humming sound from the stage lights. So this week I plan to go buy a camcorder and will make sure to get an external microphone. So I was upset that the sound for Fiddlers Despair and the others did not turn out. Man was I upset! But the next time I see them; I will take my camcorder and will have some great videos to share with you.
So why two reviews within a few weeks? Ladies of Longford has the talent that has placed them in my "favorite artists" group. There are a few artists I would love to go to Ireland to see perform, but I am blessed that I have one right here in Ohio that I will never get tired of hearing them perform.
Again, if you ever see Ladies of Longford performing in your area, go see them. I will even go a step further and recommend traveling to go see them. You will not regret it. In addition to this, each of these ladies also are members of other groups which I will share below, so make sure to watch for these names too.
Lone Raven: Hilda, Stephanie, Heather and Elizabeth
Vinegar Hill: Elizabeth
Grafton Street 5: Stephanie
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS SHOW
PHOTOS FROM DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL (AUGUST)
PRIOR REVIEW
Poor sound, but if you would like to hear a few videos, check them out
Fiddlers Despair
Heather Singing Slow Melody
