May 17, 2008 at the Greek - Part 3: The CW Experience

[07-sara]

Great review so far.  Glad you enjoyed THK and can't wait to read more.

[zankoku]

I was stationed in Riverside in 1970 and drove to the beach practically every weekend.Have driven the LA freeways a lot also. My key is if I am heading to SF by way of LA, I hit the area around noon. Traffic is actually lighter then or around o dark 30. On weekends I found that leaving around 4AM was helpful also. 

Better yet from Phoenix to SF, I prefer going by way of the Mohave Desert. and thru Bakersfield. <g> LA Freeways are worse than SF.

You won't find me running around LA much. Give wide open spaces.

Jim

[Shywolf(Craig)]

It is more populated and growin in the state. Down here just get worse regardless an bus an rail system still not good and not far enough in the SFV & SCV. 405 is a parking alot during the week as 101 and others except on weekends depending on the time Just behind as usual cause of alot of stuff I can't express on here

[Moscapoet]

Thanks Willow! Yes THK are a great way to start and get the crowd involved early. I wasn't sure I'd like them when I first of the idea but seeing them three times sold me. You sure can't sit on your hands after they fire you up. Well, most of us here can't anyway. 

[kathleen]

I am enjoying this. I just did the beer mug swish when I read about the Wild Rover song!

Bob Hope Airport.....that made me smile....

[Dwight]

yep that is what they call the Burbank Airport nowdays  Bob Hope Airport. When I first got their I kept seeing these signs Bob Hope Airport so I thought did they put in another airport nearby! The ticket stubs and Luggage all say BUR for burbank. To me it will always be Burbank Airport.

I am enjoying this. I just did the beer mug swish when I read about the Wild Rover song!

Bob Hope Airport.....that made me smile....

[Jeanine]

Great so far!  *anxiously awaiting the next part*

[willow-jeeves]

Part 3:  The Celtic Woman Experience

My neighbor and I were chatting , when Ray, Nicky, Des, Eugene, John and Feargal all quietly came on stage and got ready to play.  I knew we had a really cool audience when people started clapping and cheering for them (and it wasn’t just the CW Forum folk, although we definitely added some volume).  Then we could see Mairead’s silhouette, and there were more cheers, as Celtic Woman came on stage.  Then “The Sky, The Dawn, The Sun” started.

As I have time to think about the concert, I realized that after a year, it was DEFINITELY worth the wait. 

WARNING: UNBRIDLED SENTIMENTALISM ALERT!!

As the music swelled over us on this beautiful night, I had a feeling of rightness; like this was the concert I was supposed to be at.  There were closer venues to my house, but when the concert dates were announced, I really wanted to be at this one. 

I think one of the things that I love about CW concerts is the cohesiveness.  I was mesmerized.  I didn’t want to miss a moment of the interplay between songs, and this amazing group of people who were part of the spell being cast over me.

I had never seen Lynn or Alex perform - both were incredible.  Alex did a wonderful job with the "Lisa" songs.  She stayed true to the tone of the songs, yet made them her own.  I don’t know if there was a moment during the Blessing when our eyes met, hers full of compassion, and mine full of tears, but it was…magical.  I think one reason that Alex fits so well with CW is that she sings beautifully with all her heart, and sings with conviction.     

Lynn got me with "Danny Boy".  Her voice is so gentle and pure, it was like the notes just floated effortlessly out of her, yet there was power behind those ethereal notes that floated out into our hearts.  She can be soulful one moment, and then get this little grin on her face, in songs like “Orinoco Flow”,  that lets you know she’s having a great time.

Orlagh is like watching sheer joy…I remember seeing this two years ago when she sang “Shooting Star”.  She has seen many of her dreams come true, and from the moment she stepped on stage, singing “Siuil a Run”, or playing her harp, it’s like she was giving those gifts to us.  After watching the behind the scenes video about her harp, her love of playing is evident, and never ceases to amaze me.  I love the combination of Orlagh on harp and Lynn singing “Scarborough Fair.”

Through it all was Mairead, and from the first moment it seemed like fire was coming out of her bow.  Her interaction with the other folks on stage and with the audience was so…well, just amazingly cool.  One moment she and her fiddle are flying across the stage, and the next, she’s playing a melody so tender it would break your heart.  You know that the flights she takes you on are daring, but you are in good hands (or should I say, feet!)

Chloe’s voice soars, from her powerful performance of “The Prayer” to “Nella Fantasia”, which was incredible.  She and Des perform that so awesomely, and yet she shows her kindness to everyone, from blowing a kiss to Des at the end of the song, to her bows and thank yous.  When her voice gently takes us “Over the Rainbow”, it calls the others into the journey with her.

When these wonderful people’s voices are joined together, it makes my spirit soar, and challenges me to start thinking about more than just surviving the day, but actually living.  They remind me that there are still dreams to be dreamed, people to love, and hope for the future.  For that I am sincerely grateful.

[mishawakafan]

Great review.  Your words really conveyed your emotions.  Many of us have been there, felt that.  Glad you had the opportunity at that particular show (wish I was there) and could share it with us all.
                                                                                         Phil

[Shywolf(Craig)]

Mary,

You right on the center of the target of that show saying how you felt and I agree.   I , Jim M, Dwight, Rich and sons felt the same way. Mairead just exploded and kept firing even where I was sitting the people were smiling and energized. Yes Lynn and Alex put thier ingridents on the songs that make sweet, special with keeping the quality and freshness .
 Chole and Des on Nella Fantasia who got a ovation too just specail. And Orlagh on harp on Scarborough fair added that good texture. Orinoco Flow, Spanish Lady, At the Ceili doing the shaking and dance moves and the choir  moving too.

It is always a special journey, the energy and relaxation with Celtic Woman

[Kelli]

Mary, you chose the most perfect words to describe your experience.  It was beautiful to read your posts; thank you!

[cool2it]

Thank You, Mary!!!  I am always amazed at how the great reviewers can make me fell like I am there with them. This show was one I really wanted to attend but when checking on seats available I decided against it. Long travel LOTS of money to not be able to interact with the show.  I'm glad you took me along with YOU, Mary--- Thanks again!!!

[OldFatGuy]

May 17 was a date I'll remember forever.  I'll post something when I'm up to it.

[willow-jeeves]

May 17 was a date I'll remember forever.  I'll post something when I'm up to it.

I'm glad the day was memorable and special for you, Rich.  It was a golden, memorable day for me too, cuz.  Thank you Rich, Chris and Eric for not screaming in terror as I drove you through the streets of L.A.  Most importantly, thanks for being incredibly kind, and for the laughter and friendship you showed me throughout the day. 

Richard, just soak in the memories, and hopefully they will be one source of help as you deal with your medical treatments.       

I think it was Emily Dickensen who said, "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches on the soul".  (and while I love that quote, there's lots of room for a great comeback!    )

Love,

~Jeeves (thank you to Eric for kindly providing the nickname!    )

[cool2it]

Take your time , Rich!!! But you have no idea how much I am looking forward to YOUR take of May 17th.  I know it'll be great.  Hope you're feeling as well as you can be with all this you have going on.   Take care.