Enya - Wild Child (Click her photo at right for web site)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Australia Interviews

I will post interviews here as they are available. Copy and paste the links in your browser window

Celtic Woman talks with Jason Morrison - October 18
http://www.2gb.com/index2.php?option=com_newsmanager&task=view&id=7246&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4cbccd5bd8d2039c%2C0

Celtic Woman talks on U2e Newstalk - October 18
http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/celtic-woman-return-to-sydney/20101019-16rwa.html

Video Diaries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya5_nm0tOjk
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/748e4f370cd95057be152caff4a4ac48/video/22814021

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Celtic Woman Releasing New CD

Hey everyone, Celtic Woman will be releasing a new CD called “Lullaby” which you can get through your local PBS telethons. Check your local PBS station to find out when it will be aired in your area. Help support these wonderful ladies and buy a copy for yourself and friends. This will make a wonderful Christmas present.

Copy and paste this link in your browser window for more information
http://www.celticwoman.com/

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Máiréad Nesbitt Nominated “Top Solo Performer In Concert” for Irish Music Award

First, I would like to congratulate Máiréad for her recent nomination as “Top Solo Performer in Concert” in the 2010 Irish Music Awards. This is a title that she deserves as we all know that she goes above the norm of any performer and always gives her fans the best.

It is almost upon us again. 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 we nominated her for “Top Solo Performer in Concert. These are only nominations, so nothing else needs to be done at this time.

I will post updates on Pixie Land
http://www.maireadnesbittpixieland.com/News.html

Friday, September 17, 2010

Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped

Every year Máiréad’s fans come together to help raise money for a worthy charity that she supports called Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped. There are a few weeks left so if you are interested, please go to this link to read more. Thank you

Copy and paste this in your browser
http://www.maireadnesbittpixieland.com/Oxfam-Ireland-Unwrapped.html

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Máiréad Nesbitt, an untouchable artist!!

There are many fiddle players today and some are better than others. Of course, there is Máiréad Nesbitt, but along with her are Cora Smyth, Nollaig Casey, Natalie MacMaster and Jessie Burns. In my opinion, these are the top fiddle players in the world. I have had the honor to see Máiréad perform 13 times so far and Natalie and Jessie perform once. Now I think the ultimate show would be to see all five together. What a dream. I do not care where, I would travel for that show. I mean, come on, the five best fiddle players in the world come together for a one night show. I AM THERE!!

Not taking anything thing away from the others, but Máiréad is my true favorite. Guess that is why I have seen her 13 times and still counting. Just her alone, I have traveled from Ohio to New York, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. I will do it again next year.

But what is it about her that keeps her fans coming back for more? I would say that it involves many different qualities that seem to excel her above others.

Ever hear about multi-tasking? That is Máiréad. She does not just get on stage and play the fiddle. Máiréad has mastered it to a point that no one else can touch. It is like some of say we cannot chew gum and walk at the same time. Máiréad not only plays such flawless music, she does it while dancing about the stage. Chewing gum and walking at the same time? She did that while “learning” to walk. Now look at what she can do. Many artists are judged by their ability to play notes that sound good to our ears. I have heard a few compare her to Charlie Daniels. Are you serious? It should be a crime to mention her name in the same sentence as him.

Would you rather listen to someone play the fiddle who loves what they are doing or someone who just goes through the motions? When a person has love in their heart and they love what they do, than it flows through their daily functions. Máiréad has said before that she speaks through her fiddle. It is her way of communicating or her way of singing. What she does is not a job or a task. She has passion and that is what makes her music so unique.

So what makes her so different than others? Why have I chosen to support her by creating Pixie Land? Well, it is just the way her music has touched my soul and literally brought tears to my eyes because she has brought such peace within me. I love music and follow several artists, but no one has ever affected me like Máiréad. So creating Pixie Land is my way of saying thank you to Máiréad and to share with others what she has given to me. Máiréad is not only the best fiddle player, she is the greatest artist of all time. I mean that from the depth of my heart. When you believe in someone as much as I do for Máiréad and her music, than you want to tell the world!! In comes Pixie land!!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Celtic Woman Add Additional Date To Australia Tour

Celtic Woman are heading for Australia with such demand that an additional date was added to Melbourne. The Australian Girls Choir has also been added to several shows. Tickets are still available, so get them while they last.

http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1410479997

http://www.maireadnesbittpixieland.com/TOUR.html

Friday, September 10, 2010

Tour Coming To A Close

It is that time again when the United States tour is coming to a close. This Sunday is the last show before they head home for a short break. Than they head off to Australia for a six show tour. I hope everyone had a chance to catch a show this summer. Keep watching Pixie Land fansite for the 2011 tour dates. I will post them as they become available. I would also like to invite you to join Máiréad’s Fan Forum as we also keep up on dates as they become available. The link is at the right under Máiréad’s Sites.

Hope everyone likes the new look to my blog. I felt it needed a change.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Jimmy Hendrix Effect

This was taken in Bangor, Maine on July 28, 2010. When I saw this photo it immediately went on my desktop. Of course we know this is her finale when she is giving us her Jimmy Hendrix effect. We all remember it clearly.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dublin Irish Festival - August 2010

Last weekend was the Dublin Irish Festival. There were many great artists and exhibits. I took many pictures and videos and you can check them out at this link.

Copy and paste this link

http://www.maireadnesbittpixieland.com/Dublin-Irish-Festival.html

Monday, August 2, 2010

Philadelphia: Just Keeps Getting Better

It is always an experience riding a bus to a show because each time it is a little different. But I do wish Amtrak would come through Columbus because I would use it. I start off my weekend by heading to the station two hours early. After I am there I find out the bus broke down in Indiana and is now two hours behind. So my two hour wait now turned into four hours. I am beginning to have second thoughts about my student discounts on Greyhound. Is it really worth it?

When I arrive In Philadelphia, Mike is already waiting at my hotel for me. Time is very critical because we planned to head out and listen to the sound check. My lateness into the city did not help matters at all. When we do connect up, we quickly head towards the venue and was very pleased that we were not late. Everyone else is already there so we engage is some small talk as we wait to hear what the ladies will be singing at the sound check. I see no reason to cover the songs since Mike already did in his review, but I must say that it sounded beautiful to me.

After about an hour we head over to Olive Garden to meet up with Kelly and the others. I have Mike drop me off at the hotel because I have yet to clean up after the long bus ride. The Olive Garden is only a few blocks from the hotel so I tell him to go on over and I can walk over. I clean up and gather all my things that I need for the show because I did not plan to return to the hotel after dinner. I make it to the Olive Garden and all eyes are on me. I just had to make the joke that it seems like everyone is waiting on me today. They already placed their order and I quickly get mine in. Not real hungry so I order stuffed mushrooms and a salad.

As I am talking to Annie, I discover that she was the one I was talking with at my second show in Cleveland in the spring of 2009. This was also the very first time I met Máiréad. I knew she looked familiar but was not sure where I have seen her. At this time I knew nothing about the forums or any forums members. I talk to her for awhile and than listen to Kimberly (KAJ) as she tells me about some of the movies she has seen. I could tell that Kimberly was very excited about meeting Chloë. Very happy that she got her wish later that night.

It is now time to head off to the Mann Center. We arrive a little early so I head over to will call to get my ticket. Did not want to take the chance of our great postal service losing them so will call was the best option. The others head on into the theatre and I soon follow. This is my first time at the Mann Center and I notice that the pavilion is larger than Bethel Woods so if it rains the ladies will stay dry.

First thing I do is locate my seat. Not the best seat in the house but not bad either. I had a new shirt made and this one was bright yellow. Earlier when I was coming in, one of the staff members comments about my shirt. On the back is my favorite pic of Máiréad that she signed the week before in Bethel Woods (the one I have as my avatar and also use for Pixie Land). So I knew I would stand out. I talk to the couple next to me for a few minutes and than get up to find the others. My phone rings. Dave calls to see what is going on. I talk with him for a few minutes as I am searching for the others. Seems like we all got separated because I did run into other members and they were also searching. I give up and head back to my seat.

I again start talking to the couple next to me and this is their first CW show. I soon realize that they have not seen SFTH DVD at all because she continues to talk about the castle. So I bring them up to date on their new releases and explain to them about Powerscourt. They ask me how many shows I have attended and I tell them that this is my 13 show. She goes, “you’re like a deadhead than?” Hey, it works for me. I have been called a groupie and deadhead many times. I enjoy following the ladies at their shows and would attend more if I could. Will never catch up with Scott and Mike, but I am very pleased with what I have and cherish each and every moment.

Before the show I informed those around me that I clap and stand a lot so be prepared. They did not mind and told me to have fun. That I intended to do. But what was great is at intermission I quickly moved down to front row two seats over from Mike. Now I had the best seat in the house.

Again, I am not going to go through every song, but will touch on a few. Each show Chloë seems to always bring a smile to me with some of the little things she does. When she finished “When You Believe,’ she did this little kick with her leg along with a cute giggle before she turned around to leave the stage. I do love the version of “My Heart Was Home Again’ with Lisa and Lynn, but I do not think I can ever hear this song again without seeing Alex performing it. Lisa and Lynn both have such beautiful voices and I love all their songs and have favorites with them. But this song will hold a special part in my heart with Alex.

I heard something on “You Raise Me Up’ from Lynn that I never heard before. She hit a high note that had such a beautiful sound to it. I know I would have caught this in the past because it did stand out and sounded so, so perfect.

I am so amazed with Máiréad. I still cannot figure out how she can move and dance while playing such flawless music. That is what excels her above all other musicians. If you are sitting center stage, watching her is like watching a tennis match because your head will continue to move left to right and back again. She never ceases to amaze me and how talented and diversified she really is. You just have to love her!

I was waiting for Orinoco Flow once again because the new harmony is so beautiful. It is a four part harmony where the first three are done individually by Lisa, Chloë than Lynn. The fourth part is all three. Now here is something that blew me away. Later that night at the M&G I spoke with Chloë about the change to Orinoco Flow. She told me that one day they were just messing around and did that. It was NOT planned at all. They liked it and decided to use it. I told her that we love it and to leave it in. So it goes to show that things happen that were not even planned. Great work ladies.

The M&G was large tonight and we did our usual of hanging out to the end. We wait patiently to hear who we get and as Máiréad and Chloë’s names are mentioned, the crowd went wild. Seriously though, we would love all four because each one is special and unique in their own way. We were happy for Kimberly because now she gets to see Chloë and we were also hoping for Máiréad. I am just a few people behind Kimberly and she was very eager to get up to the table. When she makes it, we stand out of the way so she can have her time to talk to Chloë. It was so nice.

After a few minutes the line starts to move again but we give Kimberly her time with Chloë. When I get to the table I move past Chloë and head over to Máiréad. I tried to make sure I did not forget anything this time. We chat about a few things and I ask her about the crystal fiddle I gave her in the spring. Never saw her in the spring so did not have a chance to follow up. She loved it. She has it at home in a glass case. I try to find things that I think she will like and I am pleased that she likes it. We again talk about Pixie Land and I give her some Máiréad cards and Pixie Land cards for her and the girls. I’ll tell you, it is hard to pull away from her because she makes me feel so relaxed when I talk to her. And I can tell she is very sincere in all she says.

I move back over to Chloë and her beautiful eyes just look up at me as we start talking. This is where I mention Orinoco Flow and learn of the new harmony. I chat with her for a few minutes and again, she makes it hard to pull away. But I know it is time to move on and I shake their hands once again and tell them I will see them in Albuquerque.

I was so worked up after this M&G because I felt that it went so beautifully. Many fans got their dream and for myself, this may have been my second favorite M&G. Of course, my first was in Columbus last year as I had my first M&G with Máiréad. That one will always hold a special part in my heart.

Now I wait for my next show in Albuquerque. I will be there both nights and looking forward to it. I am trying to use my creative side and “make’ something special for Máiréad that I know she will love.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Recent Concert Photos


Saratoga (SPAC) July 26, 2010


Bangor, Maine July 28, 2010


Monday, July 26, 2010

Bethel Woods - July 24, 2010

After a very interesting ride in, Dave picked me up at the station and as always, I find it very interesting to meet other forum members. We chat for a bit as we head off to my hotel. It was three hours before check in and just wanted to see if I could check in early. Was informed they are getting the rooms together and to come back in 30 minutes. Kelly (Scuilly) and her husband Christopher come down stairs and we have another great first time meeting. We decide to get something small to eat so we head next door to what may be the only diner in this small town.

I love salads so thought I would get a taco salad and that would hold me over until our tail gate party at Bethel Woods. A few minutes later we get our meals and sitting before me was the biggest salad I have seen. There goes my small snack. It was very good but could not eat it all. Chris had a burger and fries and that even filled his plate. The prices were reasonable and the portions were not small here. Was not hard to leave full. Goes to show that these country restaurants still believe in providing a hefty meal for a great price. After the show we all met up again and eat at the only diner in town. Everyone’s plate had the hungry man’s portion.

We head back to the hotel so I can check in and clean up for the show. Sitting in the lobby waiting for Scott and Mike to arrive, we go through our photos for the night’s show and I show everyone the small porcelain boxes I got for Máiréad and Kelly shows us these cute little animals she got for each of the girls. I know the girls get swamped with gifts over a tour and I know I am guilty as one of those who takes part in overloading Máiréad with gifts. No good with graphics or poems, so I try to search for a gift that she may like. For myself, it is just my way to say thank you for all she has given her fans.

Dave saves the best for last. He pulls out his beautiful and thoughtful project that he has been working on the last several months. As many know, he has taken all the reviews from the spring shows and combined them into a book to give to each lady. This is what I mean by providing such a thoughtful gift. Not only did he put a lot of time into each book, each one looked professionally done. I know the ladies would love their gift.

After Mike and Scott arrive and we chat a bit, we head off to the venue about 3:00 to try and catch any interviews conducted with Thunder 102 and hope to spend some time going through the grounds that held the biggest and most notable music event in the history of America. We take our cameras and head on in. After snapping a few pictures, we head out back in hopes of hearing a sound check. This was just a small treat of what we are about to experience in a few hours. Some was a little hard to hear because the venue was also playing music through their patio speakers, but we managed to hear some beautiful music going on down there.

We have some idle chat and watch the carts move about and soon see a cart pull up with two women sitting backwards on the cart. I quickly notice blonde hair up in a ponytail and as they stand up I see Máiréad and Lynn move on inside with expressions on their face of enjoyment. Later that night Lynn even mentioned that she was born in the wrong time.

No one is hungry after we each tried to eat small for lunch, but we all know how that turned out. So we purchase a ticket and move on to the museum. Let me tell you, well worth the money paid for admission. Such a great volume of information by audio, video and so many tangible items from the 60’s. I stood there just gazing at the 45’s (that is a small record with one track on each side, for those who may not know what it is). I was only nine years old in 1969 but I grew up listening to many of these artists and was deeply amazed with how much was in this museum.

As I move about I did notice that the choir was also in there. I am standing in the bus watching a video and after I leave someone asked me if I knew who was standing right behind me. Oh yea, I knew. That is why my heart was racing.

About time for the show so we head back to the cars and drop off our cameras and collect our things for the M&G. Dave and I each had two seats for this show. Of course, he had second row center and of my two, the best one was section three about seven rows back just a bit to the left of center. Not bad and had great view of the ladies. Kelly had a seat right next to me so we quickly get involved with a couple next to us. This was their first show in two years and they just got the SFTH DVD, so they knew nothing of this show. They did not even know about Alex. Well, we quickly got them up to date and prepared them for a show of their life. Kelly ran over and got a “Fiddler Crossing” sign from Mike to give to them. They were just in heaven with the sign.

The show started and Kelly and I did our best to keep those in our area clapping. Maybe it was meant for us to be spread out in this show. Gives us more chances to talk to new fans and share information with them.

Not sure why they took Lynn out of Goodnight My Angel but was still a beautiful song. Another of my true favorites.

Fields Of Gold is such a beautiful song when performed by Lisa. I may have been the only one who gave her a standing ovation, but she deserves it.

My Heart Was Home Again was performed by Lynn and Lisa. They really did a wonderful performance but I have to admit something. Two songs tonight brought tears to my eyes. This was one of them (the other was Amazing Grace). When I was listening, I watched Alex performing this. Though it was Lynn and Lisa on stage, I watched Alex on stage. My memories of Alex took control and I once again saw Alex on stage singing. It was so touching and emotional for me.

Now I am glad that I refused to read reviews until my first show this summer. I did not want to know how the changes were made without Alex and wanted to be surprised. I thought I could deal with it better. Anyway, I am glad I did that. I am sitting here listening to Orinoco Flow and all the sudden this four part harmony comes up. WOW, I just about lost it. On top of that, Kelly is next to me hitting me so I knew it blew her away too. I am not in no way minimizing any other part of tonight’s show, but this was the best part of the show. I wanted to hit replay and hear it again. Cannot wait for Philly. Seriously everyone, This change was totally Angels singing from above. Not reading reviews provided me with a surprise that I remembered all night.

During the intermission we discover that three seats are empty next to Dave so Kelly, Chris and I quickly take them over. Still did a lot of yelling and after I left the show I noticed my throat was a little sore from all the yelling that I was doing. Well worth it.

A few things really stood out in this show. Each girl seemed like they had this extra burst of energy and it blew me away. Lynn was fabulous on the stage. Seriously, she was so full of smiles tonight. Do not get me wrong, she is always full of smiles, but there was just something different tonight in her smiles. She already has such a beautiful smile, but I am not sure how to explain it. It is like the ghosts from Woodstock were once again on stage through these ladies.

I will admit that I was not sure how to react to tonight’s show. As it got closer I really started to miss Alex even more and even spoke to Dave about it. Alex will always be missed and I still got to see her perform tonight through the wonderful memories I have of her. It just goes to show that these ladies are so talented and each one has that special and unique gift that they will always keep us wanting more. That is just one of the qualities that makes us keep coming back for more.

Máiréad and Lynn, Máiréad and Lynn, Máiréad and Lynn. That is what I kept telling myself over and over. Than Rachel walks in and announces that Máiréad and Lynn will be at the M&G. YES! I have yet to meet Lynn and wanted so much to meet her. I pull out my items for the girls, including my IOH items to have Lynn sign. I make my way around to the table and start talking to Máiréad. I talk about Tinkerbell and than I talk to her about Pixie Land. I show her the little porcelain boxes that I got her. There are seven boxes with each letter of her first name. After I bought them I tried to paint the accents on the A and E, but it looked so tacky that I wiped it off. Not sure how long I was talking to her but I glance over at Lynn and she is waiting patiently for me. I again brought the line to a stop. Sorry everyone. As I move over they both comment about my Alex button. She will always be part of CW.

I get to Lynn and I think I took my stupid pills. Here I am finally getting a chance to talk to her and I waste it talking about how I have missed her at the M&G. What was wrong with me? I wanted to talk to her about her love for animals since I am also an animal activist. But did I? No, I did not. After we talked a bit she asked me where I was from and I told her Ohio. She was so sweet as she told me to be careful on the streets. Seriously, I think each of these ladies have been blessed with so much compassion for others.

I finally move on because I again was holding up the line. These ladies make us feel so welcome that time just never crosses our mind because we feel such comfort as we talk to them. But I still forget things.

Tonight’s show was full of energy and as we the fans continued to show our appreciation, it seemed like all four ladies just returned with even more love. Though there were many small changes, the impact on me was an overwhelming warmth on my soul. Truly a spectacular show!!

Philly, here I come.