A New Start

    

 I kind of feel like Bilbo Baggins these days, I am about to embark on an adventure and looking at it with excitement and a little trepidation.  Life since my husband passed away has been hard. Not like desperately hard, but like a slow death every day. I knew I was suffering from depression, but frankly didn't really care. Other than going to my quilting group I had pretty much shut myself out of everything else. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, so I just sat home staring at my computer, a book or television. Nothing was getting done, the house was a wreck and I was gaining weight yet again. But something simple happened that started a chain of events that led to this adventure springing up into my hands.

     I have wanted to go to Ireland for a long time. I talked about my dreams with my husband and he said when the right time came, I should go. I also have followed the group Celtic Thunder for 10 years and did 2 cruises with them. It didn't look like one was in the offing, but then Emmet Cahill, who I would say is my favorite because I absolutely love his voice and he is a really nice guy, announced he was going to do a European Extravaganza for his fans. There were only so many spots, so it was going to be done with advance notice and whoever got their info in quickest would get one of the "golden tickets."  I was one of the lucky ones and had fun thinking about the places I would see. Besides some places in Ireland, the tour included a cruise down the Seine with stops in Honfleur and Rouen, a stop in Liverpool and a day in Wales. But then I started thinking, well, as long as I was over there, I should see if my friend who lives in England would like a visit - she did, so I added several days on to the end of my itinerary. Then I thought well ,I am only seeing a small portion of Ireland with Emmet, maybe I should go a week before and see some other places...well you can see where this is headed I am sure. So, I am now getting ready to embark on a 2 month odyssey through Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales and France! Oh, and did I mention I am going alone?  That doesn't really bother me, 50 years ago when I spent 4 months overseas, I did it on my own as well. Now I know I am a senior citizen, but I really feel quite confidant about it all. I have done all my own bookings and planned my own tours. I am hoping this gives me a kickstart back into life - I am sure it will!

Celtic Thunder Legacy - The tour!

                                      Celtic Thunder Legacy

Ryan, Damian, Neil, Emmet and Michael

When the tour was first announced, I have to admit I went back and forth about getting a ticket. I saw this same show last year when they did a short run of it and while I enjoyed it, I wasn't sure I wanted to take the time to do it again. I've been following Celtic Thunder since they first came onto the scene usually seeing two shows each tour. I decided to go one last time figuring it was time for me to move on.

For those of you who haven't been following the CT news, there have been quite a few changes in the line-up. Colm Keegan has taken a year off to finish his Master's Degree in Education at the University of Glasgow. He also married Laura Durrant, CT's cellist who took time off to finish her teaching degree as well, so there is no cello on this tour. Emmett O'Hanlon who came on for the Christmas tour 2014 and the short tour (2015) has gone on to an internship with an opera company in Chicago. The big news of course is that after 10 years on the road with Celtic Thunder, Keith Harkin has said adieu, gotten married and is currently on his own tour. Truthfully, Keith's leaving was one of the big reasons I was on the fence about this tour. Dave Bakey who played guitar for the past few tours has gone and Conal Early has taken his place. Other changes in the band are the return of Barry Kerr on pipes, whistles and guitar and Charlie Foley on bass. David Munro as musical director is onstage as well as a new keyboardist named Cian Sweeny. Rounding the band out is Declan O'Donoghue on drums.  Now, the good thing is Emmet Cahill has returned as has original member Damian McGinty - both are talented and fun guys and add to the show vocally. The new lad, who is taking Keith's place is Michael O'Dwyer and I admit I was very interested to see how he fit it and what his voice was like.

Michael O'Dwyer

I was truly happy they were playing in Albany, NY which is close by - for the first time in years I didn't have to travel and get a hotel, a big plus! I went up early for sound check which is always fun. For me its not so much about watching the process - having done so many shows myself, I am well aware of what is or isn't done. What I do love about it is that you can as many photos as you like and as an amateur photographer, this speaks to me.  We received a lanyard with a guest pass and an autographed program which was a bit different than I expected. While the guys signed the front, the inside of the program was all about the people behind the scene including the band.

Ryan Kelly

I must admit it was a little strange to see no scenery on the stage, I have gotten used to the larger sets they have used in past shows. This time the downstage area was simply set with a few speakers in the front and the band was set upstage. As I mentioned there was no cello this time and instead of the large harp Seana Davey usually uses, there was a small harp which  she played standing up. To be honest, I really felt the lack of the deep tones of the cello, everything sounded a bit bright and I really hope next tour Laura is back.

Seana Davey

They began with Heartland minus the coats they used to wear which was a plus!  All seemed in fine form vocally and the mix was good. I sat in the 5th row stage right for the first half, then moved to an unused seat in the center in row 2.  There were a few times the sound overpowered the performance, but they were few and far between. One thing about attending one of the first nights in a show is that things like this are being worked on continually until everything is the best it can be. It did not detract from their performances at all.  I am not going to go into detail about every song they sang as I like to leave some surprises for those who haven't gone yet. They did of course include Life with You in honor of George Donaldson, an original member who has since passed away. I did notice that Michael's voice fit well with the others and was similar to Keith's. Emmet sang baritone on a lot of the songs as did Damian with some of his incredible bass notes added in.

Neil Byrne

Neil of course was up to his old tricks and absolutely hilarious during 7 Drunken Night. I always think he can't possibly ham it up any more than he already has, but I was SO wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed his Carolina Rua, which for me is the song he does best. It was interesting that they did not include his drum battle with Declan this tour, but Declan had fun all by himself and everyone loved it! I should also mention there were no solos with dancing by Nicole Hudson which I really missed. On the short Legacy tour last year, I saw Emmet O'Hanlon and Ryan Kelly do That's a Woman and was looking forward to seeing Emmet Cahill tackle it. Sadly it was not to be, nor was Heartbreaker, two of my favorite songs. Ryan did sing Desparado, a song he has really made his own as well as Streets of New York.
As always there were some fun bits like the aforementioned 7 Drunken Nights.

Nicole Hudson

Place in the Choir had the guys up to their usual antics and choreography.  Just watch what happens to poor Michael after the second chorus! You always have to be on your guard when the craic starts to fly! The funniest song of the night hands down goes to Damian as he recreates a Neil Sedaka tune with some new back-up singers. Emmet brought a rousing My Irish Molly with a few new photos in the background, dimples and sly looks flying and as always the longest note held in the business! In the four years he has been with Celtic Thunder, I have watched his already gifted voice grow into its own and I believe there wasn't a dry eye in the house with Danny Boy or Innisfree.
Damian's voice has also grown richer over the years and he has really learned to use his falsetto well.

So, that leaves us with Michael O'Dwyer. As I said earlier, I have been a huge fan of Keith's from the beginning and couldn't imagine the show without his beautiful tenor voice.

Damian McGinty

Barry Kerr

Let me tell you right now that as usual, Sharon Browne has worked her magic in hiring Michael and taking him under her wing. I first heard him as I came in for sound check working on Now We are Free. What a beautiful voice he has! I know some of Keith's fans are going to say no one can replace him, but it isn't about replacing him, its about the music and what it does to your spirit. While he was a bit nervous singing The Dutchman, (with Emmet Cahill on background vocals), he eased effortlessly into Now We are Free. It wasn't until I Wanna Know What Love Is that he showed his full potential. His voice absolutely soared with his amazing licks and I think he definitely won the crowd over.
Ireland's Call and the famous kilt twirls went over a treat with the audience out of their seats and dancing and their encore of Still Haven't Found what I'm Looking For  really left us all wishing that the concert would go on and on.

Emmet Cahill

After the show we went backstage for the VIP experience. Once again we received a program made for the event, but this time it was about the performers, and we also received a rubber bracelet.
  This year's idea was really fun. Ryan and Michael came in to play Mad-Libs with us in two teams. I was on Michael's  team and I think the funniest thing he said was when a noun was needed he yelled, "I have one - Cabbage!" and we all cracked up. Next was pictures with the guys and the opportunity to sign a special tour book.                        

with Neil

with David Munro

with Emmet before the show

with Michael and Ryan

 Am I glad I went????     You betcha I am! Don't miss it! Tickets available through www.celticthunder.com

Eat, Drink, Thunder

So, many of you are aware of my love for the show Celtic Thunder. Why? I think because the show lifts my spirits and gives me a measure of happiness. Who would think a group of young Irish men could cause so many people to hold them dear, but they do. If you think I am maybe a bit strange for posting pix of them on my cover of Facebook, trust me, there are people way way more "obsessed" than I am, but you know, all things considered, if these guys make their days happier, I say what's the harm? I think there is a preponderance of older widowed ladies who are made to feel young again by these guys. That they are gracious enough to sign autographs and pose for selfies with them, is just another reason why they are loved. Think about this though - they are my Yankees, my Jets, my Nicks, my golf obsession, get the picture? We think nothing of people who follow these sports, can name all the team members and their stats and miss family time because they are planted in front of the TV getting a "fix". Am I right? You know I am!

At any rate, this weekend I motored up to Rutland, Vermont to see the Very Best of Show. I have never reviewed the show and experience here, and I do tend to look at it from a performer's eye having been on that side of the boards in days past, so if my review is not how you saw the show, just know its okay for people to have differing ways of looking at things and responding to them! Several people who won't get to see this show asked for this, so here it is.

I got there early just to orient myself and had a chance to have a quick chat with Keith

 and then a short while later, Damian came out and signed my "Thunderhead" shirt - it was the last signature I needed - actually a replacement signature as for some reason the first one he did back in June washed out even though it was a sharpie. Lastly I managed to say hi to Colm before he went out for a run

I decided to do more than I usually do and got the meet and greet and VIP passes. I have already been to a sound check, so I didn't feel that was necessary. The meet and greet was set for 6pm. It was in a rather small room which not everyone could fit into, so the overflow was in a room next to it. PBS did apologize for such a small place, but I felt bad for those in the other room who basically had to stand and try to see over each other. They did supply water, coffee and tea...and a cash bar! I don't think anyone bothered with that. At about 6:30 Ryan and Emmett were ushered into the room by David Munro, the musical director, and we were allowed 10-15 minutes to ask questions. Then we stood in a line to get an autograph (which I didn't bother with) and a photo with them. Gone are the days of appetizer types of food, a  good half hour or more with the guys and a chance to personally interact. For me, I wouldn't do it again unless I was a first timer. It was a lot of money for a very little bit of time. The one interesting tidbit that we learned was how Emmett, the first American born in  the group, managed to find his way into Celtic Thunder. Apparently, David Munro was looking at you tube videos and found one of a master class by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with Julliard student Emmett O'Hanlon. He called producer Sharon Browne and told her "we need to get this boy" - and they did! So for all you who think you tube uploads don't bring attention, I guess you would be wrong!

The theater was small by most standards, only sat a little over 800, but that meant my third row seat was really close as there was no orchestra pit. Gently the strains of  Heartland started and in they came with the now famous black slickers. I have to admit the pounding of the drums certainly stirred my heart as the guys entered the stage one by one.  I am not going to go every song they sang, but there were some I wanted to comment on. It was lovely to hear Damian singing with them again and those two years on Glee really made a difference in him vocally. He now has so much control of his instrument and sang with passion. His rendition of Buachaill on Eirne was beautiful. No longer was he the young lad just standing in place singing the song exactly as written, but a man giving his own interpretation of the song and doing it masterfully. Of course, we did get a "blast from the past" as he sang Breaking Up is Hard to Do, complete with leather jacket, skinny jeans and old fashioned mic. We all had a good time, and Damian, I love you, but dancing has never been your forte!

 Colm had everyone singing Black Velvet Band pub style and made us tear up with Katie, sung simply, as he sat on a stool. Ryan sang Ride On which I have to say for me, has been done to death!

The poor guy sang it for at least 4 tours and I was so glad when he got to sing something new in Mythology. But, since the fans picked the songs for this tour, I guess not everyone feels as I do - I would rather have heard Brothers in Arms or Desperado. Neil sang Noreen and had everyone enjoying his "duel with Declan O'Donaghue on drums and John O'Brian on the bodhran. 

I was really happy to hear Keith do Mountains of Mourne as it is one the songs that drew me to Celtic Thunder when I first saw them on PBS. Back then, his voice was lilting and almost pretty, now it has matured and it allows him to sing songs like Now We Are Free, which was something I almost wish I stood up and shouted Bravo! to - it was that good.

 Emmett belongs onstage at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, plain and simple.His voice is way too big and doesn't seem to mesh well with the others. It may have been the acoustics in such a small venue, and it wasn't too bad when all six were singing, but during That's a Woman, he effectively drowned Ryan out each time they were counter singing. I didn't like his Danny Boy. That just belongs to Emmet Cahill. It's funny how two people can have essentially the same range and be classically trained but have such a different sound depending on the timbre of their voice. Emmet Cahill sang it with almost a reverence and beauty and Emmett O'Hanlon had vocals that were just too "bright" for this song. I noticed on the cruise he had to hold his mike about 12" away when he sang with the others, maybe some sound board adjustments will help next tour.

  He is amiable like the others, has great stage presence and fits well with their overall "messing about" during some songs, but when he sang Recuerde Me, he was in his wheelhouse! Here, he could sing with abandon and fill all the spaces and it was amazing. 

Of course George Donaldson was greatly missed and the guys did a lovely tribute of his song Life with You along with a funny anecdote by Neil about his less than stellar dancing abilities. White roses were raised by many at the end of the song.

One cannot go to a Celtic Thunder show without appreciating the fun songs they do, and the other night was no exception. I have to say Neil has the most impeccable sense of comedic timing. His drunken man in Seven Drunken Nights had everyone roaring with laughter! It was nice to see a little change-up with Emmett starting the song and Keith ending. About mid song things got a little crazy - every year they seem to ramp up the clowning  on this song and at one point Ryan was pretty much writhing on the ground in front of Neil's shoes while Damian was trying to close his body over them - he fell and Emmett starting kicking his kneecap and maybe just hit it a touch to strong and Damian let out a facial yowl! He moved his leg to try to keep it from getting hit again but was having a heck of a time holding his pose as they all had frozen when the audience started laughing. Emmet bent down and pretended to wipe the sweat off Damian's brow and then they all lost it - Celtic Thunder  at its best! They also got into it during Place in the Choir. Damian was singing the bass part and they all went and sat down on the edge of the riser. He went back to join them and  they wouldn't let him in - lots of shoving ensued until finally Emmet fell off the riser. Ryan fell backwards and came up laughing so hard he could barely sing. These are the moments many of us wait for. 
 Finally the show was over and we waited by the stage to be picked up for the VIP experience.

 There weren't a lot of us waiting, so it was pretty intimate. I am sitting in the front row for this one. Instead of us asking them questions, they turned  the tables and asked us trivia questions about themselves. If you knew the answer  you got a drink cozy with Celtic Thunder on it. There were some I didn't have a clue about and one in particular where I thought, oh my gosh Linda, you spend entirely too much time on the internet! I won twice, so I gave my second one to the gal next to me - then things just started getting funny when a lady started mugging in the doorway just as Keith was reading his question -I started laughing out loud and others joined me and for just a split second Keith looked a little annoyed  that we were laughing at him - then he turned around and realized why. As with the meet and greet, it was only 10-15 minutes long and then there was a photo op. You also received a rubber band bracelet and a signed program, so that was nice. David Munro had us sign a large banner - I have  no idea what they plan to do with it though. Would I do it again? No, an awful lot of money for a very short experience. That being said, I do see other celebs charge 3-4 times what Celtic Thunder charges, so in that respect, you could call it a deal. I think maybe because I have been fortunate to meet them so many times, its just not important enough to me. I don't need more autographs, and I won't die if I don't get a photo with them. They still are pretty good to the die hard fans who wait by their bus till late at night to stop for an autograph or photo. If I were to pick a place to spend my money, I think it would be for the sound check. Although you don't get to speak with them or have a photo op, its usually 30-45 minutes long and you can take as many pictures as you like - just my humble opinion. Here is a little video of the VIP experience:

https://youtu.be/OOYHnC0BZE8

It's funny, as good a time as I had, I think my thunderhead days may be drawing to a close. Will I see thee next show? I don't  know..probably, but nothing extra. I think the reason I got so deeply invested was that I was pretty much house bound due to my knee problems and now that I am up and running, I find I have less and less time to spend on Facebook, the Celtic Thunder groups and the internet in general. I am so grateful they were there during that time - it surely gave my life a lift and brought a smile to my face. I truly hope they can "keep on rolling" a few more years. The average life span of a group is ten years and they are already at around eight with several changes in the lineup. I think Sharon Browne, the producer has an incredible eye for not only talent but eye candy too, which has served her well! I hope all the "lads" will be able to continue their respective careers afterwards and for a long time to come.

When I got home, I found Keith had finally announced his engagement to Kelsey Nichols. It was nice to hear he had found his special someone and I wish them all the blessings life has to offer!