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Celtic Thunder
IF YOU GO
Event:
The Very Best of Celtic Thunder Tour
When:
Monday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield
Cost:
$70, $67, $52, and $32
For more info:
Call (413) 788-7033 or visit
www.citystage.symphonyhall.com
It's been eight years since Celtic Thunder landed on the American shores with musical celebration of Celtic heritage performing an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional to international hits, as well as some originals.
On Monday, April 6, the popular import will head to Springfield's Symphony Hall where they will perform their best-loved songs and fan favorites from their nine PBS television specials and numerous albums as part of their Very Best of Celtic Thunder Tour.
"I think this is going to be a very special show, especially for those fans who have been with us over the years. There is something for everyone in the show, every style of music. And, it's going to be quite nostalgic. We have Damien McGinty back with us, who was 14 when he performed at our first show. And we will be doing a tribute to George (Donaldson) who died last year," said Keith Harkin, one of the group's principal singers who has been with Celtic Thunder from the beginning.
Donaldson - who also joined Celtic Thunder in 2007 - died of a massive heart attack at his home on March 12, 2014 after leaving his mark on helping to create a show which celebrated both Irish and Scottish heritage.
Harkin, who has been performing since the age of four, turned a bit nostalgic himself about his time with Celtic Thunder.
"I was at a bar with my dad, who saw the ad for the Celtic Thunder auditions and encouraged me to try out. He paid for my taxi from the bar and here I am now eight years later," said Harkin, who at the time of the auditions had just returned to Derry from a recording session in London.
Among the top three reasons to attend the Very Best of Celtic Thunder tour are:
* The gang's all there - Celtic Thunder fans will find all their favorite singers in the lineup for this nostalgic Very Best of Celtic Thunder Tour featuring Damian McGinty from Glee, who will be back performing as a guest artist, alongside longtime members Colm Keegan, Ryan Kelly, Emmett O'Hanlon, Neil Byrne and Harkin.
* It's the best of the best - Backed by the Celtic Thunder Band, the group will deliver the best of their much-loved ensemble numbers with selections from their nine PBS television shows, including "Celtic Thunder The Show" " Voyage," "Heritage" and "Take Me Home." The "best" also includes their well-known use of dramatic effects of lighting and choreography, as well as a stage set resembling an ancient stone pathway suggestive of those referenced in Celtic lore.
* Plenty of song favorites - No Celtic Thunder show would be complete without a performance of their rousing anthems "Caledonia" and "Ireland's Call," which usually brings audiences to their feet, alongside a wide variety of solo hits such as McGinty's "Buachaille On Eirne," Kelly's "Ride On," Harkin's "The Mountains of Mourne," Byrne's "Noreen," and O'Hanlon's "Danny Boy," along with their contemporary hits "Desperado," "Brothers In Arms," "The Island" and "You Raise Me Up." The show will also highlight the group's fun side with fan favorites "Seven Drunken Nights," "A Place in the Choir," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Heartbreaker," "That's a Woman" and many more.
Hailed as Billboard magazine's "Top World Music Artist," Celtic Thunder is the brainchild of producer Sharon Browne. Since the group's inception in 2007, they have released 11 albums, toured the U.S. and Canada eight times, and Australia three times performing over 800 shows.