Irish Music Fans

Well, it is over and what a show it was. I left early and picked up my friend Johnny for the trip to Little Rock. We stopped at the Chinese place in Sheridan and I ate a small meal. We arrived early and sat outside on some nice benches for the public. It was a beautiful day. Eventually we went in and I purchased a program and tee shirt. We went to the front row. I visited with the lady from state PBS and a character to my left that was still engaged in the battle between England and Ireland. "Lose it and get a life."

As the musicians went to their stations I pointed at Ray and yelled "Ray Fean." He said "hey there" and started to clap. The audience followed suit. I noticed the elaborate new set and my first though was "There is not enough space for them to do the flying sequence in Teir Abhaile Riu." And it turned out to be the case. I was delighted that Lisa did the spoon sequence during Dulaman. I loved Ray's solo on the Bodhran. At one point he pointed at me. That was cool. I enjoyed Tommy's flute solo. Máiréad and new choir member/dancer Craig Ashurst were magic as a pair. That alone was worth the price of admission. Early in the show Lisa locked eyes with me and waved. I smiled but as I waved back she had turned and was headed in another direction. Later in the show Chloë was giving one of her talks. As her gaze came towards me I blew her a kiss. She then blew one right back at me. How cool is that? The most unusual and entertaining part of the show for me was Teir Abhaile Riu. Even without the flying sequence it was fantastic. It stared out with Máiréad high up on the set and Andy sitting beside of her. Then these strange noises started to permeate the theatre. Everyone was looking around wandering where they were coming from. I kept saying "Is that Máiréad? No, it can't be her." Eventually Chloë and Lisa came down the aisles and one came up on each side of the stage. They continued what I can only describe as some Gaelic chant. One of the most unique things I have ever heard. That was not in the filming in Atlanta and took everyone by surprise. The energy of the show kept building and ended in a fever pitch as it always does.

I loved Susan's stage presence, her voice, her presentation, her beauty and certainly her ever present smile. If Lisa comes back next year I hope they retain a spot for her. She is special.

I was pleasantly surprised that Lisa and Máiréad showed up at the Meet and Greet. They were here last year also. So Máiréad signed the magazine and mouse pad I received. When I put the magazine down she said "I've been seeing some of these lately." Then I mentioned that you had been passing them out. Bubba just loved the mouse pad. He said that it was really cool. Both the girls were very nice and everyone adored them. Johnny was taking pics when I was at the table. After my turn I got out my little disposable camera and took several snapshots. I was all over the place trying to get different angles of the girls. So were several other people. We were all jockeying for position. It was quite amusing. I told one lady with PBS to move over for a few seconds so I could get a shot I wanted. I took about 15 shots and the camera holds 27.

Hubert

Watch my meet and greet videos
Watch my meet and greet videos

Friday, March 30, 2012

Irish Artists I Have Met

My list of great Irish performers who I have met is continuing to grow. I have had the great opportunity to get some photos with a few of them. These come from attending shows and our annual Dublin Irish Festival that brings in many top Irish artists.

You may check out some of my pictures here

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Celtic Woman Akron Review

My show in Akron is the last one for the tour and I think my most touching show. But as many know, our last show usually does hit us the hardest. Just as before, I am not going over every song but will highlight certain ones. I was in the second row just a bit right of center. Not a bad seat as I had a clear view of the complete stage. That is what counts.

I had three shows this spring and each one I was more impressed with Susan. This is my opinion on Susan. I do miss Lisa Kelly and I cannot wait for her to return, but I hope CW management offers Susan a contract to remain with the group. I would not want to see Susan leave. I think she is talented and a great addition to the talent of Celtic Woman. Each time I heard her perform “Follow On,” I loved it more each time. With her voice and her stage experience, I think Susan does a fabulous job performing the song.

I always tell fans that a live performance exceeds any DVD or TV performance. I just love the interaction and the way Lisa and Chloë start “Teidhir Abhaile Riu.” They are on the floor and interact with the audience as they perform but what is so comical is how they relate to each other as they sing. Susan comes out and she adds more to the story line. I do not want to spoil it for those who have not yet seen it, but you will love it. The song is great but the story line will make you laugh.

Máiréad never ceases to amaze me with her music and talent. Even though she performs the same songs during the tour, each time it is really different. You never know what she is going to do until she does it. As I have said many times, her creativity is unlimited.That is one thing that excels her above others. I wonder how many venue employees become fans of Celtic Woman after hearing them perform while they are at work. I do know that a few years ago I was talking with one of the ushers at a local venue and he told me that workers had to bid to work the night Celtic Woman performed at the venue. So that goes to show how popular they are with venue employees. What he told me was that everyone wanted to work when they come to town. How cool is that?

I love the song “Sailing” because it has a part for everyone involved in the group. This includes the vocalists and all the instrumentalists.

But now onto my meet and greet-

As I mentioned above, this was my last show for the tour. So I was really dead set on who I hoped to see at my last M&G. I wanted so badly for Máiréad and Susan. Many of us have our favorites but that in no way takes away from the talent of the others. Each of these ladies are talented in their own personal way. But I love to talk with Máiréad and share my plans with the site I operate about her. As for Susan, she was the only one I have yet to meet.

I did my usual of getting to the back of the line but I stayed with one couple because they did not have their camera and I offered to take a photo for them and email it to them. Everything started fine but than my camera started to act up. It is new so I am still learning it. Somehow I pushed a wrong button which was messing it up. I finally reset the default and it was fine after that. So I would have had a few more pics but at least I got some.

I got to Máiréad first and I did not take any pictures when I got to the ladies because I wanted to talk, not stand there taking pictures. I had some more material for Máiréad to sign from her pre-Celtic Woman days and one program she has never seen before. Not only do I love asking her to sign them, they are great conversation pieces – and we do talk about them.

We talked about a few other things and then I moved onto Susan. I talked with her for a few minutes and as usual, forgot some things I wanted to say. She is lovely and I enjoyed talking to her.

I waited a few minutes so I could get a photo with Máiréad and Susan. I am never sure how to put my arm around them so I put it around their shoulders. Well, two ladies with long hair, I know my arm pulled on their hair a bit as I rested it on their shoulder. I quickly fixed it.

Memories of shows and M&G will always be with me as nothing can take that away, but photos are nice to have because it adds that visual with my memories. I completed my shows this tour with all four women and I was so blessed that the ladies made this possible.

Thank you Máiréad, Lisa, Susan, Chloë and everyone for bring me such wonderful memories.