This is going to sound a little like gloating because...well, because I'm gloating. Last night, I got to start my St. Patrick's weekend by attending the Celtic Thunder reunion in Baltimore.
This is the real Celtic Thunder, not the Enya-crossed-with Michael-Flatley cheesy-schlocky thing on PBS, the real group co-founded in the late 1970s by BAP's own Terence Winch and his brother Jesse. The sold-out show was presented by the Creative Alliance at the Patterson on Eastern Avenue, and it was wonderful. Great Irish music both new and old, amazing step-dancing, and Terence's poetry between songs, with an appropriately rowdy and appreciative audience clapping, tapping, and singing along.
If you haven't heard Celtic Thunder (the real Celtic Thunder, mind), then I feel sorry for you. You can buy their CDs online (but make sure you get the REAL Celtic Thunder CDs!) In the meantime, here's a sampling of last night's revelries, as they perform Terence Winch's "When New York Was Irish":
(Left to right, Jesse Winch on bouzouki, Dominick Murray on vocals and guitar, Linda Hickman on flute and vocals, Tony DeMarco on fiddle, and Terence Winch on button accordian)
There are faint rumors that this reunion might become an annual event. Here's hoping!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Or, as they say in the old country, Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona!
Comments
Dear L: It was a wonderful night for those of us in the band. The audience at the Patterson was brilliant & with us all the way, which always feels good. I'm especially glad you were on hand to report the event and write this piece. yrs, T
Laura,
Thank you very much for your account of our show on Friday night. It felt so good to be back with everyone again. And as I mentioned during the show, it was as comfortable as being in someone's living room for a house party. Thanks for your part in making it so.
Thank you for posting this. I enjoyed your insistence on the REAL Celtic Thunder. Those PBS dimwits couldn't even think of a name for themselves, and they are really dreadful.
I was so sorry to be unable to attend this event. I was at the first ever Celtic Thunder performance in 1977(?) and at countless others since. I've never known music that is more infectious and exhilarating. Fabulous tunes, fabulous songs, great spirit.
I envy you for being there, and appreciate your report.
It was an amazing show (sold-out, of course) by an amazing band. There is only one Celtic Thunder. Let the reunion continue! Long live Terry Winch and all things beautiful.
This is great. I'm one of their biggest fans (Linda's my sister). Seriously, I've loved Celtic Thunder's music for many years now and this video was a delight to see. I hope you'll post more videos from the concert and let me know when you do. Thanks again!
-Ann
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I left it
on when I
left the house
for the pleasure
of coming back
ten hours later to the greatness of Teddy Wilson "After You've Gone" on the piano in the corner of the bedroom as I enter in the dark
Dear L: It was a wonderful night for those of us in the band. The audience at the Patterson was brilliant & with us all the way, which always feels good. I'm especially glad you were on hand to report the event and write this piece. yrs, T
Posted by: Terence Winch | March 17, 2012 at 01:55 PM
As am I. I only wish I could have been there. Maybe next year!
Posted by: lally | March 17, 2012 at 02:14 PM
Laura,
Thank you very much for your account of our show on Friday night. It felt so good to be back with everyone again. And as I mentioned during the show, it was as comfortable as being in someone's living room for a house party. Thanks for your part in making it so.
Posted by: Dominick | March 18, 2012 at 10:12 AM
It was a pleasure and a delight! I hope you all get together again soon. Such fun!
Posted by: Laura Orem | March 18, 2012 at 10:37 AM
Wow! I wish I could have been there. Planning a NYC gig?Thanks for this review Laura.
Posted by: Stacey | March 18, 2012 at 12:55 PM
Thank you for posting this. I enjoyed your insistence on the REAL Celtic Thunder. Those PBS dimwits couldn't even think of a name for themselves, and they are really dreadful.
I was so sorry to be unable to attend this event. I was at the first ever Celtic Thunder performance in 1977(?) and at countless others since. I've never known music that is more infectious and exhilarating. Fabulous tunes, fabulous songs, great spirit.
I envy you for being there, and appreciate your report.
Posted by: Doug Lang | March 19, 2012 at 07:54 AM
It was an amazing show (sold-out, of course) by an amazing band. There is only one Celtic Thunder. Let the reunion continue! Long live Terry Winch and all things beautiful.
Posted by: Stephen Reichert | March 20, 2012 at 10:15 AM
This is great. I'm one of their biggest fans (Linda's my sister). Seriously, I've loved Celtic Thunder's music for many years now and this video was a delight to see. I hope you'll post more videos from the concert and let me know when you do. Thanks again!
-Ann
Posted by: Ann Ramsey | March 26, 2012 at 10:43 PM
I, too enjoyed Celtic Thunder's Concert on March 16, 2012 at The Patterson Creative Alliances. They put on one Awesome Concert.
Posted by: June | April 03, 2012 at 02:59 PM