I still have an intense sense of euphoria after having seen 5 fantastic concerts in three and a half weeks, beginning with Celtic Woman Voices of Angels at my home venue and ending with Lisa's show in Peachtree City.
This was a month of firsts. I saw Lisa for the very first time after sooooo many years. I met many friends for the first time and made lots of new ones. For the first time, I met 5 of the people I've wanted to meet more badly than anything: Mairead Nesbitt and Celtic Woman.
It was also a month of second helpings, if you will. 2 fan gatherings (albeit on the same day), I got to see Rocktopia twice and meet Mairead Nesbitt both times after the show. I got to see Celtic Woman twice: once at my home venue, which was really special. I got to hug Tara McNeill twice. She really is one of the sweetest people on earth.
Celtic Woman Voices of Angels was absolutely wonderful. The harmony was gorgeous! The percussion was exhilarating. It had a little bit of everything. There were plenty of high-energy fun numbers, including Mo Ghile Mear (now my favrourite Celtic Woman opening number) and tons of deeply moving performances. I know there are long-time fans out there that feel the group just isn't the same without the original performers. I say they don't have to be. I have appreciated every iteration of that group. I think the current ladies are perfect just the way they are and I love them all. <3
Rocktopia was a pleasant surprise. I initially wasn't even planning to go. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it, I was already going to a lot of concerts in April, and it seemed like everything on earth was trying to get in the way of me going. But I was really impressed with the PBS special and I really wanted to meet Mairead. Thanks to Ron Foster for nudging me towards the right choice.
Mairead of course was thrilling and I was ecstatic she had such a significant role in the show. What was most surprising to me was how good the singers were. Ximena Borges has ridiculous range and command. Kimberly Nichole and Chloe Lowery had incredible power and heart. Chloe Lowery is adorable and really sweet and I'm glad I got to meet her after the shows.
Lisa's show was much like Voices of Angels in that it featured a wide spectrum of songs and styles. Flying to a show on my own was out of my comfort zone and I was worried that meeting so many new people at once was going to be overwhelming for me. But you all made it really easy for me to feel comfortable and fit in to your family. That was a rare experience for me. Thank you so much for that. I feel so lucky to know such a wonderful bunch of people.
Even though I regretfully couldn't make it to any of her solo shows on her spring tour, I'm so happy that in Peachtree City I got to enjoy my favourite singer in the world Chloë Agnew. I can tell people she's amazing, but there's no way anyone can understand how special she is until they've seen her perform. There's no one else like her. <3
The time leading up to #AngelsInApril was a stressful one and a relentless scramble. It was an ambitious schedule. There were a lot of things that got in the way and there were times it seems like everything was going to fall apart. But in the end, things worked out and I had the time of my life. Thank you to all our lovely ladies of Celtic Woman, past and present, for being the angels that you are.