New Directions Of Blog

Since I became a fan of Celtic Woman I have found a new love for music. Before Celtic Woman I never listened to Irish music but now I realize how much I have missed. I know that I still have a lot to catch up with, but I am getting there. So I have decided to change the direction of my blog to cover Irish music. But the fact is there are many groups that may not be Irish decent but still very talented with Irish music and dance. So I will also include them as they are equally gifted. 

I already started to include some in the right margin and plan to add more. If you know of any, feel free to let me know.

If you have something you would like to share, let me know and I can place in in my blog for you.

Thank you

Dublin Irish Festival - 2011

The Dublin Irish Festival is an annual event held in Dublin, Ohio which is right outside of Columbus. This three day event is claimed to be the second largest Irish festival in the world. The music performers are local, national and even from Ireland. One can not only listen to music, but also take in world champion Irish dancing, Irish education on music and history and Irish food. This is my second year attending the DIF and I look forward for next year already. I will share with you some of the performers that I had the chance to see, but this is not the complete list that was actually there.  Also, I will share a few pictures here, but if you go to the link provided, you can see more pictures of each performance that I mention here. This year I did not get to watch many of the Irish Dancing like I did last year so I do not have many photos of that. There are also groups that I heard but not mentioned here. I listened to one guy play “Wipeout” on the fiddle. He really made it sound great.

See all photos

http://s895.photobucket.com/albums/ac156/maireadnesbittpixieland/2011%20Dublin%20Irish%20Festival/

The Ladies of Longford

I am going to start with this group because they are one that I went in knowing nothing about and came out as a fan. It consists of five women and they can play. I was really impressed the moment I started to hear them play. Though they all participated as backup singers to all the songs, three of them also had their own songs as a lead vocalist. The mother, who I believe has two daughters in the group played the acoustic guitar and sang, One daughter also played the congo drum and sang. The other daughter sang and played the bass guitar. I am not sure of the fiddle players name and the one on the site is not the one I saw here. This lady is blonde and she performed a song titled “Fiddlers Dispair.” She was magnificent on this song. After the show when I went to purchase a CD, I wanted the one with that song but was told it was not released yet. Well, I will be watching for it. The drummer who I believe is Molly, was also awesome. But the last song she came out and played the bass guitar and just blew me away. Needless to say, this group has my vote and I will make every effort to see them perform every time they come to my area. Please check out their sites.

http://www.hildadoyle.com/TheLadies.htm

http://www.myspace.com/ladiesoflongford

Tartan Terrors

I saw this group last year and was impressed and made sure to see them again this year. Their bagpipe player is a two time world champion player and I can see why. Very talented group with a sound that I think is unique. They are very interactive with the audience and have no problem speaking directly to a specific fan in the audience. They also are comical. They love to tell stories and joke with the fans around the world. It is all is good taste and the fans seemed to enjoy it.  But their sound is not what I call Irish rock but they do have a fast and upbeat sound to them. Another great point about Tartan Terrors is that a portion from all CD sales goes to breast cancer research. They mentioned last night that over $100,000 has already been donated.

http://www.tartanterrors.com/

Liz Carroll

I have heard of Liz many times but never sat down and listened to her music. In all the pictures I have seen of her see always looked so serious. Liz is the first Irish/American to be nominated for a Grammy which I thought was cool. Before every song she would share a story and tell us about the song. Liz was full of smiles and very interesting to hear her talk and play. She has a young gentleman travelling with her that does some tapping to specific songs. She told us that awhile back she was doing a show and saw this young boy off to the side dancing away to the music. He impressed her enough that today he is now dancing right alongside of her and has created his own style of dance and tap. Her music was beautiful and I think her warm personality added to her wonderful sound.

http://www.lizcarroll.com/fr_home.cfm

Moya Brennan

Another warm and talented artist. Moya has a voice that would awe any person who could hear. She did a version of “She Moved Through The Fair” that was so angelic. I admit that other than Moya, Orla Fallon is the only one I have heard sing this but the styles were on total different ends of the spectrum. Moya had a keyboard player that echoed a slow, inviting sound that just added that special touch to the song. So who do I think did a better version. I love Moya and Orla’s version because as I said, two distinct styles. Moya also did her own version of Dulaman. But Moya went into details about the song and the seaweed. It is about one who sells seaweed and one who buys it. The guy who buys the seaweed was in love with the daughter of the one who sold it. He wanted to buy her things but she and her father were not impressed with this. When you look at the photos, you will see a woman playing the guitar. This is Moya’s daughter. For those who remember her first cd and the baby on that CD are one and the same. Yes, this is her daughter today all grown up.

http://www.moyabrennan.com/

Gaelic Storm

What can I say. This group rocks!! This is my second year hearing them perform. Gaelic Storm is the DIF main performer and they fill the tent to the maximum. It was a hot night and there is no sitting when you watch them unless you go way outside the tent. So you can imagine everyone shoved in like sardines on a hot and muggy night. But if you are inside, you will stand! I am not going to say a lot because if you love Irish music, than you know about Gaelic Storm. My daughter went to the festival this night because she has never heard of them and I wanted her to check them out. She left the tent before the last song so she could get us a spot in line to meet them after the show. When I got out there I noticed she already bought herself a CD. So I knew right there that she liked them. While in line I told her about last year when they asked me who was on my shirt (Máiréad Nesbitt). When we got up to them they asked me again. It was funny. I told them that I just was telling my daughter about last year. They had a laugh too and said,. “we are predictable.” I started up a chat with Steve and Jesse than moved down to Pete and Ryan and had problems getting my camera to work right. I got the picture finally. At the end I spoke to Patrick than moved on so others could have a turn. It looked like a long night for them. I believe this was the eleventh year at the DIF so I bet they will be back next year. They did mention they will be back in Columbus around St. Patrick’s day so if you have not seen them – you must!

 

http://www.gaelicstorm.com/welcome.html

 

 

Pixie Land Changes Coming Soon

It has been awhile since I posted a blog and thought it was due time. Máiréad and the other ladies are getting their much needed rest. Time goes fast before they are once again back on the road. I am taking this down time to make changes to Pixie Land and the Máiréad Nesbitt Fan Newsletter, Bow Echoes.

The month of October will bring many new things.

I get many wonderful compliments about Pixie Land but I can see some changes that would make it even better. I am currently rebuilding the whole site from the ground up. This means a new design. Currently the videos are listed by category. But the new site will have them listed by the year. This will provide everyone the ability to watch them in order from the beginning.

I try to include all her music, but some are not on YouTube. What I plan to use is a jukebox that will have the audio of her music that is not on YouTube. In addition to this I want to add iTunes so everyone can download her music from iTunes.

Her biography will include more information from her professional career. As in the past, no personal information will be in her biography. It will always remain on her professional career.

Bow Echoes is a newsletter that started in January of this year. But these few issues were more of an experimental issue so I can see how to really make this the best newsletter on Máiréad. This will include a new design and look to the newsletter. It will also go public. Up until now, fans had to sign up to receive Bow Echoes. But that will change. It will now be available for all to read. Fans may still sign up which will give them an advantage to have each issue come to their email box. This will give those one step ahead of seeing each issue.

Another change is the name. In October it will be called “Bluelights.” The reason for this change is to make it more familiar with her music. Bluelights is a track from Raining Up so what better connection.

A chat room has been added to Pixie Land and is open to everyone. You may sign up and use it to chat with other fans. Please remember that I am able to go in and view chat transcripts so please keep it on Máiréad and with respect to her and other fans. Scheduled chats will be listed soon.

When you visit Pixie Land, make sure to drop a comment in the guestbook. It is always great to hear what you have to say. 

Other new things will also come in October so please keep watching. I think you will be pleased. I cannot mention them at this time because they are not finalized.

Thank you for supporting Máiréad. She is a wonderful artist and a great asset to humanity. She overflows with compassion for others and shows humility in all she does.

Please continue your support…share her music with a friend today.

CELTIC WOMAN CONCERT, MAY 14, 2011 BOSSIER CITY, LA

I would like to share the second show review from Hubert, Enjoy -

I left home about 3:30 for the nearly 120 mile drive to Bossier City.  It was a clear cool afternoon which is very nice for mid May in this part of the world.  I was returning to the venue where I first saw Celtic Woman live in 2008.  So a lot of thoughts and emotions were stirring around in my mind.  I was returning to a familiar place.  There was very little traffic until I entered the outskirts of the city.  I stopped at a fast food restaurant and got a couple of sandwiches to take to my motel room.  I stopped at the same motel as three years ago.  After I unloaded and got settled I noticed that it was nearly 6:00 P.M.  Since I wanted to leave for the arena just before 7:00, I only had an hour left.  So I ate my sandwiches and changed for the concert.  I departed about 6:50 for the CenturyTel Center which was five and one half miles away.  I drove down to the parkway and turned left along the Red River.  I thought of the severe flooding which plagues Louisiana at the present time but not at this location.  The Red River was well within its banks.  It actually looked inviting with parks along the banks and freshly cut grass.  When I arrived at the arena there were already a lot of cars parked out front.  Although this facility lacks the intimacy of some venues I love the many acres of free parking and the easy access in and out of the parking area.  I went inside and brought along the program that I had purchased at the concert on Wednesday night.  There were a lot of people inside but most were at concession stands or at tables buying Celtic Woman merchandise.  I went on to the front row and sat right in front of the piano where Brian Connor is stationed and Ray Fean's percussion platform is just behind that.  There were already a few people sitting on the first three rows.  Soon I was chatting with with several.  “Where are you from?  How many concerts have you been to?”  The usual dialogue.  I met way too many people.  I cannot remember names when thrust into a situation like that.  I should have had a note pad with me.  A man sat to my immediate left that had not seen the girls live before but had seen the concert from Powerscourt on PBS in recent months.  He was very excited.  Him and some others saw my program and asked where they could purchase one.  I told them that I had brought it with me but to go back to the lobby and they could find a table selling them.  Several times I was tapped on the shoulder and nice people on row two introduced themselves to me and we chatted.  Then a very tall man wearing a Celtic Woman T-shirt arrived and sat to my immediate right.  He was carrying a tote bag which I later discovered was full of goodies.  He recognized several people and vice versa.  So he was tied up in conversation for a long time until he finally got a break and then I spoke with him.  He is Roy Kindred from Houston who travels all over America to see the girls in concert and even attended one in Canada last summer.  We had a nice chat and I soon discovered that his bag was full of Celtic Woman buttons.  When he started handing them out he became even more popular, somewhat of a Celtic Woman Santa Claus.  I received four of them.  What a nice man.  I met a lady named Sandy that is involved with the operation of the Méav Ni Mhaolchatha Forum.  Then the public address announcer said “your concert will begin in five minutes.”  After that I was turned around talking to someone on the second row.  When I turned back to the front there was Ray at his station.  Instinctively I pointed at him and yelled “Ray Fean!”  He laughed and waved back.  Then the first three rows on my side of the center aisle became very loud.  I could almost read Ray's mind:  “There's a rowdy bunch.”  The show was fantastic as usual from “Nil Sen La” to “Spanish Lady.”  Everyone in our section was yelling and clapping.  During the first song Lisa Kelly was on our side of the stage and smiled at Roy and he waved at her.  If I went into all the details about individual songs this review would be ten pages long.  But a few details are warranted.  I told people who had not seen Lisa Lambe before to be prepared for a real treat, especially her rendition of “Dulaman.”  Of course, she blew it out of the park.  Chloe's talent and passion always impress me. Her rendition of “Galway Bay” makes me misty eyed.  But she was also funny.  She talked of them visiting the casinos in the area and the luck of the Irish not applying at all.  She said they were so happy to be in Louisiana using her best Scarlett O'Hara accent.  I love to hear Lisa Kelly sing “Fields of Gold” and “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.” The ensemble pieces I mentioned in the last review were great of course.  I never cease to be amazed at Máiréad’s talent and energy.  Words cannot describe it.  If “Coast of Galicia” doesn't get you going, then nothing will.  After I returned to my seat during the intermission, I was chatting with someone and then looked up.  There was Ray at his station again.  I pointed at him and yelled “Ray Fean!”  He pumped his fist and then motioned to the audience to start making noise.  I think “The Call” is the perfect start to the second act.  It gets everyone pumped up and in the mood to cheer again.  After another great concert it was time for the Meet & Greet.  Dustin led a long line of people to a conference room off of the lobby.  There were at least 50 people at this M & G.  This is by far the largest group I have ever seen.  I was in the middle of the line.  Then Chloe and Máiréad came into the room.  So I got to see Máiréad twice in succession.  As I approached the table she looked at me quizzically and I said “I met you Wednesday night.”  Then she said “yes, I met you before.”  This time I asked her where all of her energy came from.  She replied “I don't know.”  After hesitating she then said “from the audience.”  Since there is another “Máiréad” in the show I asked her how common that name is in Ireland.  She said it was quite common.  Then Chloë interjected “Máiréad is Irish for Margaret.”  So then I realized that it was a common name.  I chatted briefly with both girls.  I told Chloë that she was the coolest cat in the house.  Dustin was standing by the table and said “thanks.”  I said “no, not you, Chloë.”  Then Chloë said “Dustin is pretty cool also.”  It was great fun but the line was so long that I could not linger.  I left the table and spoke briefly with Roy who was near the back of the line taking pictures.  He said they would be posted on the Celtic Woman Forum.  I thanked him again for the buttons and said that I would probably see him again down the road.

Hubert Boddie

CELTIC WOMAN CONCERT, MAY 11, 2011, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

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

Meeting Orla Fallon in Columbus

The night before the Orla show in Columbus I received a phone call from John M. asking if I wanted to go to the Orla show. Well, I just had to accept his offer and I am very pleased that I did. This was the first time I saw Orla perform live and is the first time I saw her perform outside of Celtic Woman.

I arrive at the theatre a few minutes before John, Barbeaver and her sister Sandy. We stand out front for a bit before moving inside since the weather was turning a little wet. We find out seats down front. Sitting in the front row I knew I would have a great view of Orla and the show. The stage was eye level and about two feet in front of me. I chat with John, Barb and Sandy while waiting for the show to start.

The moment has come and the opening band, Tin Cup Gyps, performs a few tracks and then the moment I have been waiting for. Right in front of me walks out Orla from the left side of the stage. Seriously, I think my heart missed a few beats. I have seen her on the videos many times but this is my first time to see her live. She walks out and immediately starts to talk to us. John, who has attended several shows, gets a wonderful look as she says “Hi” to him as she mentions those familiar faces. Then she looks at me and notices my CW shirt and of course I made sure to wear one with Orla in it (which I was the only one with a CW shirt). I also receive such a wonderful smile and she says “Hi” to me. My heart missed a few more beats. Here I am at Orla’s show and she has never seen me before and I get a “Hi” from her right away.

I am not going to go through all her songs but many I have heard and some are new to me. She sang a Cat Stevens tune that I must say was perfect (as are all the others). I wanted to hear her sing it again. I just sat and was so amazed at how beautiful her voice is live. Before each song she would say a lovely story behind the song and I think it really helped us relate to the song as she would sing.

During the intermission I give a quick call to Mike to comment how Orla has blown me away. Mike mentions the song list on the stage floor and said something about getting it and to tell Orla that he put me up to it. I was not sure about this so I had to ask Mike if he was serious. So after the show was over I did get the song list as it probably would have ended in the trash anyway. More on this later.

The band was exceptional as I have really grown to love Irish instrumental music. I love the harp (which Orla has named Harry Harp after Harry’s Game), fiddle and the pipes. There were no pipes but of course we know there was a harp and three fiddle players. The main fiddle player is Amberly. I watched her play and noticed that she also plays her music though her facial expressions. Near the end of the show she came up front and while playing started to do some Irish dancing that included a spin. She moved back to her spot before once again moving up with some more Irish dancing and did two spins. Yes, while playing and I did not hear her miss a beat. Thumbs up to Amberly.

After the show we wait while the theatre clears out and shortly after Orla appears for the M&G. I quickly notice how informal and relaxed the M&G is. Orla stands down by the stage and I take my time so I can be near the end. While waiting I get John since he has the camera and we walk toward the lobby so I can get a photo with Amberly, the fiddle player. She was so kind and sweet as I talked to her. She told me that she never heard of CW before she started to tour with Orla. I have to comment on how talented she is and that I enjoyed listening to her play. At the end I am not sure how many pics I had taken with her because John, Barb and Sandy were snapping the pics. I was not sure which camera to look at. I say my goodbyes and tell her that I will be at future shows.

We head back to the stage as the line is almost gone. I get at the end and I finally have my turn. I shake Orla’s hand as we talk. Just like I did with the other ladies, my words came out differently than my thoughts. Orla asked me if I am from Columbus and I think I rambled on some long line of where I am from. I also notice that I have been shaking her hand for about 30 seconds. She was so kind as she just went with the flow. After I realized the long handshake I release her hand. It is very comfortable to talk with these ladies but sometimes I still get nervous and that I will do something stupid – and I usually do.

John snaps a few photos and then Orla and I move over to the stage edge so she can sign my pictures of her. Then I pull out the song list and make the comment about Mike and she has a big laugh. You will see it with the pics below. Well, the time comes that I hate as it is time to go. Orla gives me a hug and I say my final goodbyes as she heads backstage.

Now my final thoughts. I have always wanted to see Orla perform since she has left Celtic Woman but never made it happen. She has been gone a few years and I now see that I wasted two years. Thank you John for inviting me to this show as it is one that I will always treasure and remember. Thank you Orla for giving me such a wonderful and meaningful show. I loved listening to her sing on the videos with Celtic Woman but as the saying goes, it is not until we see them live that we see the true artist. I left that show wanting more and I am now hooked as a dedicated Orla fan.

Again, thank you Orla

Amberly and myself

Photos signed by Orla

Celtic Woman Spring Shows - How I Miss Them

One does not realize how much they miss something until they go without. The spring tour is about over and it has been a long road for me. This is the first time I was not able to attend any shows and that was hard on me. At the start I was planning to attend a few shows but in the end that was not possible. I usually do not read show reviews because I like to be surprised. But now I did not read them because it was too depressing. I really missed watching these wonderful ladies perform and it really ached as I would hear others talk about their shows.

The one I really missed was to see Máiréad move back and forth across the stage as she would give us a perfect performance. Even after a show I look so forward to talking to her at a meet and greet. Máiréad is such a pleasant person to talk with and she shows such kindness for each fan.

I already have tickets for two shows on their Christmas tour. Of course these shows will not be with meet and greets since the Christmas shows are with different symphony orchestras around the country, but they are a must see. I also know that Máiréad loves to play with symphony orchestras so this will be a show within itself. So far there has been no word about the ladies traveling solo before the Christmas tour starts, but if they do than I plan to get some of those shows in too.

Now I just sit and wait for the fall to get here. I will sit impatiently tapping my fingers as I wait for my shows to arrive.

Máiréad Nesbitt and Celtic Woman On The Today Show

St. Patrick's Day performance on the Today Show

It is always a pleasure to watch Máiréad perform. Over the years of her professional career she has done so much from classical to rock. She also finds a way to adjust to any stage or theatre. Watch some of her videos before Celtic Woman and you will find small stages where she looks confined to a small area. But did that affect her performance? Never did for a moment.

Máiréad continues to bring is such flawless music. But it is a little different than what we use to see. Many say she is a show within a show and there is some truth to that. Hearing her play alongside of these angelic voices of Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly and Lisa Lambe, they sound like someone you would hear as you enter the gates of heaven. These ladies have taken perfection to a new level that even Angels love to hear them perform.

Watching you perform on the Today Show is just a taste of what you give us in each city throughout your tour.

Thank you ladies for sharing your wonderful gift with us.

Fall 2011

Make sure to watch Máiréad’s web site and Pixie Land for the news that will blow your mind. From November 28 to December 22, Celtic Woman will be performing with a symphony to share some beautiful Christmas songs with us. We cannot pass up an opportunity to see these ladies perform with the symphony. Stay tuned!!

St. Patrick's Day Photos

I have seen many photos of Máiréad on and off stage, but this one ranks up near the top as my favorite.

She looks so cute!

ROCK & ROLL

Celtic Woman Rocks The Stage Everytime!!

It seems like some people do not recognize quality when it is right in front of them. For the past six years, Celtic Woman has provided fans with exceptional music and performances on stage that surpass any other performer. But it appears that for some reason there are those that go to a show and has no respect for the wonderful ladies or the fans around them. There are three different groups of people who attend these shows. The first are those who are energized and express their love for these ladies and their music that it is impossible to sit quietly through a show. The second group are those who admire their music and show support by attending local shows and enjoy a show, though they sit quietly (or until the first group gets them going). The last group is very small and it contains those who attend for reasons unknown to me. It is like they are there just to show disrespect to these ladies. Well, all I have to say that if I see anyone disrespect any of these ladies, you have no respect coming from me.

For those who want to play on their cell phones or talk through a show – make sure you are not near me. I have no problem speaking up for these ladies. Not sure why you are there if you have no interests to hear them. Did your parents fail to teach you respect or were you too stupid to learn? Goes to show you will never have a meaningful or lasting friendship with anyone because no one wants to be around adults who act like children. GROW UP!!

For myself, I am part of the first group. Before a show I am so energized that I have excitement flowing through me. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to hear the introduction over the speakers. But while I am waiting I enjoy talking to those around me. I ask if this is their first show and fill them in on what to expect. When I watch a DVD I tend to sing along and still bounce along with their music. But at a show I am so energized that I warn those around me that I stand, clap and cheer A LOT!! I also let them know that they are welcome to do the same. The majority tell me that it is fine (even if it was not fine I would still do it). I have noticed after a few songs many do join in with the clapping and standing. I admit that I have banged into some with my continuous movement and I apologize, but I keep on rolling.

I once remember an interview from Madonna where she said she went backstage in tears because a fan in the front looked like he was not having fun. We need to understand that not only do we feed off these ladies, but they also feed off us. They watch our reactions and it also energizes them when they see we are having fun.

Chloë, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Máiréad, do not let those idiots bring you down. For that one idiot, there are 99 who love every moment of your perfect performance. We are your army and we will always be there for you. You have a large group of followers and we try to have someone at every show. Sitting down in the front rows is a blessing because we get to see those smiles as you know that we are there for you. It is us 99.9% that will stand by you and will never let you down. That other 0.1% are those who have no respect or morals towards people and most likely alone in this world.

Ladies, just keep doing what you are doing because we love you. Fans around the world flock for those tickets just to see you perform again and again and again. Thank you for such a wonderful gift.

We Love You!!

Celtic Woman on Daytime TV - February 18, 2011

The ladies shared these wonderful photos with us on Twitter and Facebook. Looks like they were having a blast.

Máiréad Nesbitt and a New Year

It is 2011 and we are in for many new surprises from Máiréad. With her talent and creativity, the sky is the limit for what she will have for us this year.

I will first share that Máiréad did not receive the IMA award this year for “Top Solo Performer in Concert.” I believe the reason for this was that many did not view her as a solo performer since she is part of Celtic Woman. No need to worry, this year we can place her back in the category of “Top Fiddler” and she will take the award home. But we already know that Máiréad is the best of the best.

The 2011 tour opens up in the states on February 4 in Florida. If you have not purchased tickets yet at a show near you, make sure you get them before they are all sold out. I have seen fans turned away because of sell out shows. Do not let that happen to you.

It has been announced that we are now permitted to take photos at meet and greets. So if you have a meet and greet pass, make sure to bring your camera with you. This does NOT mean we can take pictures during a show. This is not permitted, so please respect the policy.

Keep watching the Celtic Woman website for any updates and television appearances. With a new tour upon us, I expect to see some TV appearances.

Make sure to check out the new look to Pixie Land. You can find everything on Máiréad’s career including videos and photos. You can view the site at www.maireadnesbittpixieland.com If you have not signed up for Bow Echoes yet, sign up today. This is a newsletter all about Máiréad and is a project between Pixie Land and Máiréad’s Forum. Send you name and email address to bowechoes@yahoo.com to sign up.

Enjoy the new year and hope to see you at a show this year.

Vote For Máiréad in the IMA

Máiréad Nesbitt Nominated “Top Solo Performer in Concert” For Irish Music Award

I would like to congratulate Máiréad for her nomination in “Top Solo Performer in Concert,” Lynn and Lisa in "Best Female Vocalist" and Celtic Woman in “Top Traditional Performance Show” in the 2010 Irish Music Awards.

Máiréad has been nominated for the 2010 Irish Music Award “Top Solo Performer in Concert.” Last year she won “Top Fiddle” but a winner may not be nominated for the same category two years in a row. So this year fans nominated her for “Top Solo Performer in Concert.

VOTE NOW

This is one award where you, the fans, get to speak up and make your vote count.

How To Vote

All voting is done through the Irish Music Association Forum, so you must register on the forum to vote. There are two types of voting:

Free Members Voting - All Voting Ends On January 12, 2011

May only vote once per category

Log onto the Irish Music Association website
(Copy and paste link in your browser)
http://www.irishmusicawards.com/
In navigation menu, click Irish Music Association
Click the sign “Forum”
On the right side near the top, you will see where it says “register” Click that and follow instructions.
If you are already registered, go to next step
Under “Free Member” you will see a category “2010 Irish Music Awards Public Voting”
Open it and you will see all the categories
You may vote in each one by selecting the artist and click “submit’

Members Voting - All Voting Ends On January 12, 2011

You may vote with free members and again with paid members

Log onto the Irish Music Association website
(Copy and paste link in your browser)
http://www.irishmusicawards.com/
In navigation menu, click Irish Music Association
Click the sign “Forum”
Under “Paid Members Only” you will see a category “Paid Members Voting for 2010”
Open it and you will see all the categories
You may vote in each one by selecting the artist and click “submit’

How To Join

In navigation menu, click Irish Music Association
Click the sign “Join”
You have different levels of memberships, but you can join as a Patron for $15.00 and you will receive a free shirt or mug when you join.

Presentation:
When: January 26, 2011
Where: O’Malleys Pub in Weston, MO, USA.

All Voting Ends On January 12, 2011

Get your family and friends to vote