My Celtic Woman Detroit concert instead of beginning with a song began with a snag. I made the mistake of booking the first leg of my trip going to Detroit Metro with US Air. Never again! I arrived at Phoenix Sky harbor with a little less than an hour before the flight. I get to the Kiosk and the first one says I cannot check in with this Kiosk cause I have a bag. So I find another Kiosk that would. I try to check in and the screen says I need to see a gate agent because it seems I am a minute past there artificial cutoff of 42 minutes.
Delta/ Northwest and Southwest is 30 minutes. I ask if I can still go, the ticket agent say's and attempts to patronise me that it would take me too long to go through security and get to the gate. So she reschedules my flight for the next morning at 9AM. So I get home call up my brother and tell him not to pick me up at 1:30 AM when I was to originally arrive. The last couple of Years I have used US Air alway's something inconvenient happens. Last year US Air managed to lose my bag coming back from Dublin Ireland via Frankfurt Germany. The year before I had a $200.00 voucher I was unable to use. They alway's came up with some excuse why I could not use the voucher on this flight or this destination.
After talking to my brother, I call up Moscopoet and talk to him for a bit then my buddy Jeff from Portland. I go to sweep wake up off and on not wanting to miss my morning flight so 6 AM rolls around I get up. Repack what I needed to repack get out the door and drive down to my parking lot where my bus guy takes me to the Terminal. I get in and find the correct Kiosk and my flight is there, after I run my credit card. Amazing.
I get my bag checked and mosey on upstairs to security. Get through security and put my shoes back on and walk to the next wing where my airplane is waiting. Takes me all of ten minutes. Still plenty of time. I find the Starbucks get my small water and a Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raison cookie in the same bag and go sit down and play with my new Toshiba netbook while waiting for the gate agents to start the boarding process. I eventually get boarded and leave Phoenix Skyharbor. Oh the USAir pilot even takes off in the wrong direction and has to turn around cause he is heading towards Los Angelus and not Detroit.
Ok haha at least one more last Jab at US Air.
I arrived at Detroit Metro at 4 PM where my brother is waiting for me in the baggage claim area. Unbeknowest to him I'm standing behind my brother maybe 20ft when he puts his cell phone to his ear. I know he is calling me. :-) I answer my phone and Warren asked me "Where are You" I say "Oh I'm right behind you"
Warren turns around and laugh's we collect my bags after an extended delay from US Air's baggage claim area. I get home that is in Waterford Mich about 30 miles from Detroit Metro Airport where my mom has dinner waiting. Afterdinner I head over to a store and pick up Mairead's and Lynn's birthday present gifts. I'm not going to say what they are until I find out if they have opened them. Lets just say when I saw Mairead's I just could not resist.
I get back home find my brother back from his design class ask him where the chocolate flak sticks are located he says they are in the cold room underneath the stairwell in the basement. I gather all the stuff we are going to take to the Fox Theatre in Downtown Detroit on the next night. I place everything on the table downstairs. The next morning after I wake up I decide to take a short bike ride around the neighborhood. About 20 miles while its still sprinkling. I now know Celtic Woman is in the general vicinity. It is stormy.
Seems like the storms alway's follow CW. :-) I get finished with my bike ride a want to go run an errand and do some internet we don't have High speed internet at the house so I go to either Borders Books for their Wifi hookup or to Starbucks. At anyrate Warren comes along to Borders and I'm looking for that one last Unigue gift for Alex I wanted to give to her in Detroit. I Could not find what I was looking for so that is going to have to wait until Tempe Airizona. We get our internet stuff done. Its getting close to the time to head back home for dinner. Have dinner run downstairs to wrap my two presents. I had to use Christmas gift wrap since I did not have any birthday gift wrap paper. At least I did not use the paper that had the Santa. Claus's on it. :-)
We get out the door and start making our way to Detroit. The Fox Theatre has been around long before me. I remember hearing advertisements for the Fox on Television waaaaaaay back when my brother and I were little. How long ago was that. Well the dinosaurs were roaming
OK maybe not, The Fox theatre over the last few years has totally refurbished, this Fox theatre is very ornate. Their are Fox Theatre's in Atlanta and in St Louis. If you never have seen Celtic Woman in a Fox theatre this is a must. Its almost like going to Radio City in New York. :-)
We get inside and I'm looking for some of the forum people we met last year. Because this show is during the middle of the week and of course with the bad economy. John Edwards moved to Conneticutt I wondering if some of our other forum members have done the same as John. Warren and I get seated front row Center, well as near center as possible. The Stairway leading off the stage is at the very center. Warren and I are right next to it. This is going to be so cool. Oh we are so close that I can reach out touch the stage. This show like last years is up front a personal. The way I like it. :-) Eventually everyone gets seated the show does not start until everyone has made there way to where they are supposed to be. The lights dim......
Nil Se'n La:: I just love the opening sort of anuna style with the candles glowing. Love that extra touch when the girls blow out the candles too. :-) when they go into the main part of this song, Oh the girls are really close to edge of the stage. It does not take very long for the girls to recognise me. Maybe ten seconds for Chloe to spot me and about the same amount of time for the other girls.
Fields of Gold: This song is becoming one of my favorite Lisa songs If lisa does another CD this one has to be in it. Maybe the title of the next Lisa CD should be fields of Gold.
The Coast of Galicia: Next come's Mairead's Solo Fiddle. Since I'm the only forum member in the whole building it seems I'm the only one with the fidler crossing sign.
I think this must be a first. At anyrate Mairead see's my sign and smiles. Of course Mairead fiddles up a storm. Hmmmmm it is still raining outside. :-)
Galway Bay: Chloe comes out and introduces herself and talks a bit about the next song and how Ireland is one of the most buetiful countries. With me of course she is preaching to the Choir
I wonder if Chloe and I are both just slightly biased. :-) I just love the lines "How the strangers came to teach us their way's, and scorned us for who we were."
Orinoco Flow; Since Roanoak I really like this new arrangement all four girls, Hmmm maybe Mairead should sing in the next version. :-)
My Lagan Love: Now its time for our favorite Lynn. I understand its a favorite of many well Lynn does not disappoint.
The New Ground/ Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears: When I hear this song I keep wondering if Annie Moore is a distant relation. My 5th Gen grandmother maiden name was Moore.
My Heart was Home again: Alex introduced this new number, I guess since Roanoak Alex has given up on trying her sourthern accent. Oh well she is now in Michigan, and people in here these parts have there own speech patterns. This song is probably one of my favorite Alex songs I just love the way she sings it. I just can't wait for an Awex CD
Granuaile's Dance: Here is another high energy Miaread number. Of course I have my fiddler crossing sign primed and ready.
Mairead seems to really wow the crowd in Detroit
Goodnight My Angel: OK here is my sweepy song. I'm reminded of this one while at powerscourt and the little one in is his mothers arms intently listening to this song. Oh he did not go to sleep. hehe.
Danny Boy: Have I yet mentioned how close I am to the stage. The girls are just simply towering over me and my brother. Of course the only thing you hear are their voices. I keep wondering if Mairead should sing in the next version. hmmmmmm
Mo Ghile Mear: I am still so glad they kept this one. Of course I mouth the words to this one. Chloe gives me a wink, and lisa give me a brief look. They know I'm here. I'm having a great time with this one.
INTERMISSION: Break time. I go find some people who have been to previous CW concerts and they sign my birthday cards for Lynn and Mairead. I met a few who had been to previous Detroit area concerts over the years. They were happy to sign their signatures
SECOND ACT::
The Call: Since I was at Powerscourt when I see the dresses and the build up in the music I still keep expecting the flame throwers. ahhhhh but we are indoors and I'm sure the local fire marshall would have kittens if they went this far. Anyways great sub for the Sky the Dawn and the Sun
Amazing Grace: One of the best reditions of this song I have ever heard. I still can't get enough of the lone bag pipe that starts out in the back of the theatre and gradually makes his way forward to the stage.
Dulaman: Lynn gave a short intro since this song is sung in Irish, She tells us that Its about a young girl trying to decide between two guys while at the same time comparing them with seaweed. the crowd just loves it when she calls Nicky and Ray her "Two pieces of seaweed".
You'll Be In My Heart: This is probably one of most favorite Alex songs. One time I even had a dream about it. That was last year though. ;odo
Songs from the Heart Walking the Night : Here we have an Alex and Lynn Duet. Yay!
I just love it. One of the main reasons I keep coming to different concerts across the country.
Songs from the Heart Give Me Your Hand) : And now a Lisa and Chloe Duet. finnish with Lynn and Alex. Another number quickly becoming one of my favorites.
The Moon's a Harsh Mistress: Lisa does a brief intro. Another great Lisa song. Just like the DVD. Of course if Lisa does another CD this one just has to be in it.
When you Believe: Chloe sure makes me believe.
This one reminds me of the time last year when I came too West Palm Beach, Chloe really belted this one out and Bowled over the Audience along with a few giggles from the crowd. This is the song I was listening too or I actually woke up to after I crashed on the couch when my local PBS station did a 2nd run of the powerscourt concert for their begathon on that same night. Lynn and Chloe where in Town.
At the Ceili: I guess a CW concert would not be a CW concert without At the Ceili. I always try to wartch and see what faces Alex and Lisa make when their are standing by the Piano guy.
Non C'e Piu: Like Amazing grace the girls excell at this one. What ever the words mean its a winner.
You Raise Me Up: Now its time for Mairead to do an introduction. Again another CW favorite you just never tire off. At least I never tire of, How many times have I heard this one. How many concerts have I been too.
Finale: What can I say. More of Mo Ghile Mear: Chloe askes everyone if they are all having fun. I'm the only one that Say's Nooooooooo. I get drowned out. :-)
ENCORE (Spanish Lady) : What would a CW show from Ireland be without Spannish Lady. The Detroit crowd is really wound up now.
After the end of the concert the venue folks have us seated towards the front of the orchistra section along the west wall. While the stage people continue dismantling the set. In a few minutes we are lined up and asked to comeback aways. They are going to have the M&G in the main autotorium. After a bit Clare comes out and announces that the two girls for this one would be Lisa and Mairead. Mairead was first and when I finally get up to talk to Mairead I have Warren deliever the Chocolate after I give Mairead her birthday card and present. I also give Mairead Lynn's card and gift as well. Mairead tries to hide the Chocolate from Lisa. I say to Lisa look what Mairead has. Lisa's eyes get really big. I think they like this chocolate. hehe. Warren gets his stuff signed and I'm talking to Lisa. As we leave Mairead kind of ducks around the crowd and say's Bye to me. ;odo Ah well. Could not have a better way to go.
So ends another Detroit Concert. The next morning its back to Phoenix, Via Delta.
