Charlottesville, VA review

Chloe told the audience to be as rowdy as possible. I took that as a personal invitation.

I was expecting the show to open with “Orinoco Flow,” and was shocked to see them come out on stage with candles. They sang a very cool, a cappella version of the first verse of “Nil S’en La” (that was very slow). Then they went into the real thing! I was so surprised that I was glued to my seat. The harmonies were beautiful. They also cut out the drum solo for more Mairead, and I’m not complaining about that.

Lisa Kelly sang “Fields of God” fabulously as it is a personal favorite of mine. I am convinced that they have lengthened the song, because she kept on singing even after I stopped mouthing the words. But again, not that I’m complaining.

Charlottesville is a small place, and it was nice to know that the girls had some connection to it. Chloe said that her best friend in the world studies at UVa, and I guess it made the show feel more intimate for me.

Mairead was absolutely wonderful. I was overjoyed when she begain to play “Granuaile’s Dance” because it is her favorite song of mine, and I prefer it to her “Songs from the Heart” tunes. She was prancing around more than usual, pretending like her violin was a guitar. I love it when she uses her bow to direct the audience. She pointed at members of the band with her bow, an was basically like, “You better be clapping about now.” It is hilarious to watch her. My mom has officially joined Team Mairead. When we left, she said, “She is like a fairy or something!”

Lisa Lambe is a fantastic addition to Celtic Woman. If you have any doubts, forget them. She fits with them so nicely, and she is so playful. It is so obvious how much she loves the stage. Each step she took, she hopped. Lisa was just enjoying life the whole time. She has a great sense of humor. She opened “My Lagan Love” with a really spooky poem that was very cool. My friends and I were like, “SHE-IS-AWESOME” when she finished singing it. She has a very beautiful voice (obviously), and even more beautiful presence.

I must say that prefer “My Heart Was Home Again” as a solo. Don’t get me wrong, Lisa&Lisa sounded fabulous together, but it was just a song that I think one person should sing. I also don’t like the new arrangement of “Goodnight My Angel.” It was too fast, and the speed/key removed the soft, angelic nature from the song. The biggest disappointment for me was “Danny Boy.” Lynn, Lisa, Chloe, and Alex moved me to tears in concert last year. But the addition of Mairead really threw me off. I couldn’t enjoy the harmonized phrases when all I could hear was violin. It didn’t make sense to fill the missing part in with violin to me.

“Orinoco Flow” also got some added bonuses to it. Each of the girls got to do some vocal runs while the chorus sang their famous lines. Lisa Lambe’s was reminiscent of “A Spaceman Came Traveling.” It brought a smile to my face. I took the opportunity to do arm waves.

The second act was brilliant. Lisa Kelly shines so bright in “The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress.” It certainly is in my top 5.

When Lisa Lambe came out again, I knew what she was about to sing. “This song is in the Irish language…” she said, “Dulaman is the Irish word for…” And before she ahd the chance to finish, I screamed, “SEAWEED!” “This one is for you then,” she said. It was so exciting for her to dedicate the song to me. I feel bad for stealing her thunder, but I love “Dulaman.” “Dulaman” will always be Lynn’s song for me, because I fell in love with her singing it. However, Lisa definitely made it her own. They aren’t even comparable. Her dance moves were so cute, and her love of performing was obvious.

“Walking the Night” is gorgeous. Lisa Lambe and Chloe sounded like angels descended from heaven. I got chills. The transition into “Give Me Your Hand” was also great. That song could bring a smile to anyone's face. When Lisa L comes back out at the end, it is like one happy family. The girls look like they’ve been together forever.

“When You Believe” left much to be desired, though Chloe’s “YEAH!” at the end was adorable.

As lastly—“At the Ceili.” I was really afraid that Chloe wasn’t going to make it there on time because the song started, Lisa finished her verses—and no Chloe. But, she ran in just in time. It was a little awkward for her to run in half-way through, but oh well. I enjoyed it with Chloe for the first time. They were all adorable, especially Lisa Lambe. I loved how she flirted with the choir members and pranced around the stage.

Mairead, Lisa, Chloe, and Lisa make a fantastic team. I can’t wait to see them again sometime soon.